New Consumer Reports investigation finds nearly 400 reports of exploding glass oven doors in U.S.

New investigation by Consumer Reports finds nearly 400 reports of exploding glass oven doors in 15 months.

It’s something most of us have in our homes, a stove in the kitchen. Most stoves these days have a sleek, modern look that usually includes an oven with a glass door.

The glass doors may look great, but there are increasing safety concerns after hundreds of them have shattered for no apparent reason.

There have been cases of glass doors shattering in the past; however, it seems to be happening more often now.

According to an investigation by Consumer Reports, which focused on complaints filed with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, over a 15-month period, there were 386 cases of oven doors breaking, causing more than 40 injuries. In many cases, the oven wasn’t even on.

Many consumers say that when their oven’s glass doors exploded, it sounded like a bomb had gone off.

“No one thinks that they’re going to have a ticking time bomb in their kitchen in which glass will fly all over the place,” said Gabe Knight with Consumer Reports.

Based on their investigation, many cases where individuals filed complaints of the oven glass doors shattering, the oven wasn’t even on.

“Some were asleep in bed. They went downstairs. They touched the oven. It was cold to the touch, but there was glass all over the floor,” Knight said.

What manufacturers are doing

There have been similar complaints dating back more than a decade. And they’re not limited to a single manufacturer.

“Although Frigidaire is cited more than any other company, we’re seeing this issue across brands,” said Kenneth Sutton with Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports contacted the five manufacturers with the most complaints. LG said it’s aware of the problem, but “has not identified a basis at this time for additional action.”

The other four companies said their products meet third-party safety standards. Samsung is the only company to say it offers free repairs regardless of warranty status.

“We’re calling on these companies to work with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, dig into the incidents, and offer free repairs to consumers.”

There may be no obvious warning signs before the glass in the oven door is about to fail.

“There is nothing clear besides possibly if there’s a chip, a crack, or damage in the glass. And if that was to happen, I would contact the manufacturer immediately,” Sutton said.