PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Home & property emergencies oven won’t turn off • stove won’t turn off • range won’t turn off • cooktop won’t turn off • burner won’t turn off • gas stove won’t shut off • electric stove stuck on • oven stuck on • cooktop stuck on • can’t turn stove off • oven overheating • burner won’t go out • control knob stuck • stove control stuck • kitchen appliance won’t switch off • worried stove is unsafe • smell gas in kitchen • oven won’t stop heating

What to do if…
your oven or hob will not turn off and you’re worried it may be unsafe

Short answer

Shut off the heat source upstream: switch off the range/oven breaker at your electrical panel for electric, or shut off the gas supply valve for gas. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911 or your gas utility’s emergency number from a safe location.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t keep turning knobs/buttons repeatedly if something feels stuck, sparking, or unusually hot — isolate the supply instead.
  • Don’t pour water on anything smoking or burning (especially grease).
  • Don’t use light switches, doorbells, garage door openers, or anything that could spark if you suspect a gas leak.
  • Don’t try to take the stove apart or pull it out forcefully.
  • Don’t stay inside to “air it out” if you smell gas — leave first.

What to do now

  1. Move people and pets away from the kitchen and clear anything flammable away from the stove/oven area.
  2. If there are flames or an active fire:
    • If it’s safe, turn off the heat source.
    • For an oven fire: turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
    • If you can’t control it quickly/safely, leave the home and call 911.
  3. Figure out whether the appliance is gas or electric (or dual-fuel):
    • Gas: visible flame and/or you smell gas.
    • Electric: heating elements stay on/hot with no flame.
  4. If you smell gas or suspect a leak:
    • Leave the building immediately.
    • Do not touch electrical switches/devices on your way out.
    • From outside/a safe location, call 911 or your gas utility’s emergency number (follow local guidance).
    • Do not re-enter until responders/the utility say it’s safe.
  5. If it’s electric (and there’s no gas smell):
    • Turn the appliance controls to OFF.
    • Go to your breaker panel and switch off the breaker for the range/oven (if you’re unsure which, use the panel directory/labels).
    • If you believe there’s immediate danger (smoke/overheating/burning smell) and can’t safely identify the right breaker, leave and call 911.
  6. If it’s gas and a burner won’t go out (even if you’re not strongly smelling gas):
    • Turn the burner control(s) to OFF.
    • If the flame stays on or you hear gas, shut off the gas supply valve to the range (usually on the flexible supply line behind the range, if accessible without moving it dangerously).
    • If you smell gas at any point, follow Step 4.
  7. Once the supply is off, keep the stove/oven “out of service”:
    • Put a visible note on it: “Do not use — unsafe”.
    • Keep the area clear and don’t restore power/gas “just to test it.”
  8. Get the right help (same day if possible):
    • Gas appliance issue: contact your gas utility for safety concerns and/or a licensed plumber/appliance technician.
    • Electric issue: contact a licensed electrician or appliance technician.
    • If you rent, notify your landlord/property manager and tell them you shut off power/gas for safety.

What can wait

  • You do not need to troubleshoot, reset, or research model-specific fixes right now.
  • You do not need to decide whether to replace the appliance today — the priority is keeping it safely shut off and inspected.
  • You do not need to move the appliance while it’s hot or hard-wired.

Important reassurance

A stove or oven that won’t shut off feels alarming, but the immediate safety goal is simple: remove the fuel/electricity and reduce ignition risks. Once the breaker or gas valve is off and the area is clear, you’ve done the most important part.

Scope note

These are first steps only, meant to stabilise the situation. A qualified professional may need to inspect and test the appliance (and gas line if applicable) before it’s safe to use again.

Important note

This guide is general information for immediate safety steps, not professional advice. If you believe there is immediate danger (fire, heavy smoke, strong gas odor, symptoms of gas exposure), leave to safety and contact emergency services right away.

Additional Resources
Support us