Consumer champion Which? has warned that everyday cleaning tools could be increasing the risk of oven glass doors shattering. The organisation first investigated “exploding oven doors” in 2017 and, after calling for more reports, received more than 70 cases involving ovens and cookers from all major brands where glass doors shattered without warning. More similar reports from members have been received in 2026.
Scourers can scratch the glass
In its guide, Which? urges people to be careful what they use to clean their oven door, warning that the wrong tools could leave them without a door and glass all over the floor. The consumer champion explained: “When we surveyed Which? members, nearly two-thirds said they used some kind of scourer to clean their oven door. It's tempting to get tough when you've got stubborn cooking grime to banish, but it's not advisable.”
“Any kind of scourer can introduce tiny scratches in the surface of the glass that leave it vulnerable to shattering, a warning you'll probably find buried in your oven's instruction manual. It's better to use a soft sponge, and try to clear up spills soon after they happen so they don't need scrubbing.”
Avoid extra stress on the glass
At Christmas, when lots of dishes are going in and out of the oven, it is easy to use the oven door as a resting spot for trays. But this should be avoided, especially with hot dishes, as it can put extra stress on the glass. Slamming the door, nudging it shut with your foot, or letting it bang against metal shelves when rushing should also be avoided.
Which? explains: “If you're looking to buy a new oven, it's worth considering telescopic shelves that can be pulled right out without tipping, so it's easier to get dishes in and out of the oven.”
Materials expanding and contracting
Because materials heat up and cool down at different speeds, anything pressing against the oven door glass can weaken it over time. Which? further explains: “Different materials expand and contract at different rates in response to temperature changes. So anything touching the glass as it heats and cools can encourage weaknesses to develop.”
“Make sure the dish you're cooking isn't in contact with the glass door, clean off cooking grime from the glass and avoid hanging wet towels on the handle to dry.”
What to do if your oven door explodes
Which? says oven glass is usually replaced for free while under warranty, but most warranties only last one or two years, even though ovens can last over 10. You might still be able to get a refund, repair or replacement from the retailer, but if the oven is more than six months old you’ll probably need to prove the fault was there when you bought it.
If the worst happens, Which? has listed steps to take for the best results: take photos of the damage before clearing up and save the glass if possible; use the Which? faulty goods tool to generate a letter to send to the retailer; and stand your ground, as exploding oven doors are rare and it's hard to prove the cause, so persistence can pay off.
Appliance insurance
According to Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE), appliance insurance is also known as white goods cover or an extended warranty. It often covers repairs or a replacement if your appliance breaks down or is accidentally damaged. Appliance insurance can start from around £5 a month per appliance, though costs vary depending on factors such as the value and age of your items and your claims history.
Bigger appliances are typically repaired at home by an engineer, while smaller products may need to be sent off or taken in for inspection first. The insurer then decides whether to repair or replace the item, depending on which option is cheaper. You can insure one appliance or bundle several together, which is often cheaper.
MSE warns: “Most won't find paying for appliance insurance worth it. However, there are some situations where you definitely shouldn't take it out.” MSE says you do not need appliance insurance if you bought the appliance on a credit card, if you're renting a furnished property, if your appliance is under warranty, if the appliance is covered under your home or contents insurance, or for appliances less than six months old.
