Consumer Reports Issues Warning About Shattering Oven Doors: Are You Safe?

No one wants to be woken up in the middle of the night by a loud noise coming from the kitchen, or to get injured by exploding glass while cooking. Unfortunately, for some, this is exactly what happened when their oven's glass door shattered without warning. According to Consumer Reports, between January 2025 and March 2026, there were nearly 400 complaints of shattering oven doors with roughly 40 injuries reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This is why Consumer Reports is issuing a warning about the danger and urging the CPSC to investigate.

Oven glass typically shatters from unseen micro-cracks, which can be caused by various things, from constantly slamming the door shut to setting pans on top of the open door. With many of the above reports, the issue happened when the oven wasn't being used. The problem isn't limited to just one brand, either. Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung all had reports, across different models too. When Consumer Reports contacted the manufactures behind these appliance brands, many simply stated that they were aware of the issue. However, the product met regulations and there are no efforts in place to fix the problem.

Frigidaire was the brand with the most instances, accounting for nearly 70% of the complaints. That doesn't necessarily mean avoid its ovens completely – Consumer Reports named them the best electric range brand of 2026, after all. However, they should be bought with the understanding that the oven door could shatter. 

The lack of change in the manufacturing process leaves a scary situation for people who've bought ovens from these brands. Thankfully, it may not be as dangerous as it seems. Much of the glass in these ovens is tempered. This material goes through a specific process of high-temperature heating and cooling that makes it stronger and more heat-resistant compared to the type of glass to avoid putting in your oven at all costs — annealed glass. 

It also means that when it does break, it tends to do so in pieces and clumps with rounded edges, decreasing the dangers, though not completely eliminating it, as the reports suggest. The smallest fracture or imperfection can lead to it shattering and you may have no warning or specific action before the glass breaks to be aware of. While there is little chance of any sharp edges, the force of the explosion can cause injury or panic from the loud sound.

Since there is really no warning for when the glass may shatter — incidents occurred from within one year to over 10 years after the oven purchase — the best preventative measure is to inspect it regularly and carefully. If you notice a scratch, chip, or crack, it may be better to replace the glass sooner rather than later. Additionally, avoid harmful mistakes when cleaning a glass oven door, like using abrasive materials that will lead to scratches. If it does shatter, Consumer Reports suggests filing a report with the CPSC and contacting the manufacturer. It may also help to take pictures of the incident for your complaint.