I’m widely regarded as one of the top stove-top popcorn makers in Geauga county. Using specially designed cookware paired with one specific burner on my gas stove, about a quart of coconut oil and then snap, pop, damn it’s good. Rarely am I disappointed by having more than 7 un-popped kernels. Sunday, I was rassling up a batch when I terrible thing happened.
My favorite burner knob, fell right off the stove! I hadn’t smashed it with a cast iron pan, nor did I catch it on a belt loop, nothing, it just fell off right in my hand. My snack was saved as I just twisted the little D shaped spindle for my buttery goodness. I resisted buying the genuine manufacturers replacement set for $71 and opted for the $7 version ordered on Amazon.
I had a work trip scheduled, so I told Vicki the new knob was en route and I’d fix when I got home. Getting ready to leave that day, I noticed that the void created on the stove front from no knob was a little filthy because couple years of grime and schmutz had collected there. I thought about wiping it down, but figured I’d clean it later.
Fast forward, 7 hours, 200 miles and two states away at the hotel bar having chicken wings and beer.
My phone buzzes.
I get a text from Vicki.
It’s a picture.
It’s a picture of a fire truck.
It’s a picture of a fire truck in front of our house.
I’m concerned. I call immediately.
Vicki says that she was just innocently cleaning the grime and schmutz off the stove and it started clicking trying light by itself. Fearing the house would blow up, she called the fire department. The firemen came and shut off the gas line advising that the whole control panel off the stove needs to be replaced. I’m confused and two days from coming home, I tell her to call John at Elmer’s appliance.
Two days later I’m greeted with a note on the counter “Stove is fine, just needs knob”.
I’m curious, I call immediately .
She explains. John said that when she sprayed about a quart of kitchen cleaner on the knob area, it short circuited the lighter thingamajig. He told her not to do that anymore. Service call was free of charge!