Method and system for auto-calibrating an ignition process of a digital gas cooking appliance

A digital gas cooking appliance, comprising:

• a gas cooking element including an igniter;
• an electromechanical valve coupled with the gas cooking element to regulate a gas flow rate thereto;
• a flame detector configured to detect a flame of the gas cooking element;
• a user control configured to control an output level of the gas cooking element through movement of the user control within a range of positions;
• and
• a controller coupled to the igniter, the electromechanical valve, the flame detector, and the user control to control the electromechanical valve to regulate the output level of the gas cooking element in response to user input received through the user control,
• wherein the controller is configured to initiate a calibration process by performing a plurality of ignition sequences for the gas cooking element at a plurality of respective valve positions for the electromechanical valve, including, during each of the plurality of ignition sequences:
• setting the electromechanical valve to the respective valve position;
• and
• determining a respective ignition duration between a start of the respective ignition sequence when the igniter is active and the electromechanical valve is open, and detection of the flame of the gas cooking element by the flame detector.