A loud bang, and the sound of shattering glass coming from your kitchen.
We’ve been reporting on spontaneous exploding glass in range oven doors for over a decade.
Now, published reports indicate there have been more than 400 cases of shattered oven door glass recently.
Pittsburgh-area homeowners Bonnie and Jim Windsheimer experienced an explosion when the door glass on their Whirlpool range shattered into tiny pieces. The appliance was less than five months old and no injuries were reported.
According to Consumer Reports, nearly 400 people have contacted the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding shattered oven glass over a recent 15-month period. Reports of exploding oven glass date back more than a decade and involve five major appliance brands.
Bonnie had just stepped out of her kitchen when she heard the noise. She had been baking a pasta casserole for a sick neighbor when the door glass shattered into tiny pieces, covering the food and spilling onto the floor and storage area.
“I hear this literally like a bomb went off,” said Bonnie. “If you got hit even with one of those, it’s 350 degrees; you’re going to get burnt,” she said.
Her husband, Jim, arrived home shortly after to find glass shards scattered throughout the oven and floor. The couple felt lucky that no one was standing in the kitchen at the time of the explosion.
“My main concern is if this happens to other people or somebody could be injured or children or little pets,” said Jim.
After the incident, Jim contacted the store where he bought the range. The retailer directed him to Whirlpool, which connected him with an independent contractor to replace the glass free of charge.
However, the Windsheimers said they hope the CPSC issues a recall for appliance models with potentially faulty glass. “Will this happen again with a new appliance? And who else is this going to happen to in the meantime?” Bonnie Windsheimer said.
Consumer experts advise anyone who experiences exploding oven glass to file a complaint with the CPSC so the agency can investigate and track incidents. To report an unsafe consumer product to CPSC online, visit www.SaferProducts.gov, or call CPSC’s toll-free Hotline at (800) 638-2772.
A spokesperson for Whirlpool sent Channel 11 this statement:
“Whirlpool Corporation understands that glass breakage, while very rare, is concerning. All ovens from Whirlpool Corporation use glass that meets or exceeds the safety code requirements related to impact resistance. If anyone has questions or concerns about their Whirlpool Corporation appliances, they can reach out to us at 1-866-698-2538.
Shattered glass can occur due to various causes, including thermal shock, damage during shipping or installation, and accidental impacts to the glass.
Consumers should consult the Use and Care Guide for their specific brand and model for detailed information. “
Tips to Help Prevent Glass Breakage from Whirlpool:
- Check rack placement: Ensure oven racks are fully inserted and bakeware does not extend past the front edge of the rack before closing the door.
- Keep the door clear: Never set objects, dishes, or resting weight on the glass surface of an open oven door.
- Avoid impact: Be careful not to hit the interior or exterior glass surfaces with heavy bakeware, pots, or other objects.
- Cool before cleaning: Never wipe down or clean glass surfaces until the oven has completely cooled to avoid thermal shock.
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