A method and an apparatus for operating a gas-powered cooking device including an actuator for moving a closure disposed in the gas feed conduit of a burner to an open state and of igniting gas emitted from the burner by an ignition electrode to form a burner flame, the ignition electrode being connected to an ignition voltage for a predetermined first interval of time, a sensor thermo-conductively connected to the burner flame for generating a sensor voltage for maintaining the closure means in its open state if the sensor voltage attains a predetermined level and of initiating subsequent ignitions after a predetermined interval of time where the predetermined level is not attained within a predetermined further interval of time.