Important Safety Warnings
- Never use abrasive pads, steel wool, or scouring powders on brass.
- Never place brass components in the dishwasher.
- Always make sure components are completely dry before reassembling.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Allow Burners to Cool Completely
Never attempt to clean a burner that has been recently used. Wait at least 30–45 minutes after cooking before touching any burner components. Brass retains heat longer than you might expect.
Remove Burner Caps & Rings
Carefully lift off the solid brass burner cap (the top dome-shaped piece) and the distributor ring beneath it. They sit loosely in place on the burner base and should lift off with minimal resistance. No tools are required.
Soak in Warm Soapy Water
Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of a pH-neutral dish soap. Submerge the burner caps and rings and allow them to soak for 10–15 minutes to loosen oils and carbonized food residue.
Gently Scrub the Gas Ports
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub around the individual gas ports (the small holes around the perimeter of the burner ring). Never use metal wires or toothpicks — these can widen the port holes and permanently damage your burner's air-to-gas ratio.
Treat Stubborn Stains
For burned-on residue, make a thin paste of baking soda and warm water. Apply to the stained area, let sit for 10 minutes, then gently work with the toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly.
Rinse & Dry Completely
Rinse all components under clean warm water to remove all soap residue. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth, then allow to air-dry for at least 30 minutes. Trapped moisture inside the burner assembly is the #1 cause of post-cleaning ignition clicking.
Wipe the Burner Base
While the components are drying, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe around the burner base on the cooktop surface. Do not pour water directly onto the cooktop. Wipe dry.
Reassemble & Test
Once all components are 100% dry, replace the distributor ring and burner cap. Turn the burner knob briefly to check for a clean blue flame with no yellow tipping. If the igniter clicks excessively without lighting, the burner or surrounding area may still be damp — wait another 30 minutes.
Understanding La Cornue Brass
La Cornue's signature solid brass burners are precision-cast components that represent one of the most recognizable design elements of the brand. Unlike standard burners found in conventional ranges, La Cornue brass burners develop a natural patina over time that actually enhances their character. However, this same softness of brass makes them susceptible to damage from the wrong cleaning methods.
The burner body, cap, and distributor ring all play a critical role in creating the precise, stable flame that La Cornue is known for. Understanding how these parts interact will help you maintain them correctly for decades of exceptional cooking performance.
Routine Daily Cleaning
For everyday maintenance, a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth after cooking (once cooled) is all that is required to prevent grease and food oil from carbonizing onto the brass surfaces. This 30-second habit will dramatically reduce the frequency you need to perform deep cleaning.
Signs You Need a Deep Clean
- Yellow or orange flame tips — indicates a clogged port affecting air-to-gas ratio
- Weak or uneven flame across the ring — one or more ports are blocked
- Visible carbonized residue building up on the cap surface
- Clicking ignition after touching the area (likely moisture in the electrode area)
What to Avoid
Ammonia-based cleaners: Ammonia can cause stress-corrosion cracking in brass alloys, especially under the heat cycles experienced in a working range. Absolutely forbidden.
Commercial oven spray cleaners: These are formulated for porcelain and iron surfaces, not brass. They will strip the finish aggressively and may leave corrosive residue in the gas ports.
Dishwashers: The combination of high-pressure hot water, harsh detergents, and steam inside a dishwasher will irreversibly discolor and pit the brass surface after even a single cycle.
Still Experiencing Issues?
Our factory-trained technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any La Cornue appliance.