It is very common among people to leave the oven door open after cooking. Although it seems a harmless gesture, this practice can pose risks to safety and cause damage to kitchen furniture. Several brands of appliances advise by this habit and suggest safer alternatives.
What the experts say
Manufacturers’ nominations are direct. According to Marketeer, brands like Bosch recommend that the oven always cool with the door closed. According to the company, keeping the door open causes the heat to break free and can negatively affect the surrounding materials. This release of heat, although it seems soft, can gradually deteriorate the finishes of the kitchen, impairing both aesthetics and durability.
The high heat that comes out of the open oven directly reaches close cabinets and benches. Over time, this temperature can cause deformations, detach coatings or damage surfaces made of more sensitive materials such as laminated wood or MDF.
Paintings and wallpapers also suffer from repeated exposure to heat and moisture. Ink can crack or peel, while paper can release or stain, forcing frequent and expensive repair interventions, experts mentioned by the same source.
A risk for children and animals
Another danger is related to the safety of children and pets. An open oven door represents an immediate risk: the glass and the interior of the device remains hot for a long time after use and may cause burns at a time of distraction. The risk is higher in small or with a lot of movement, where accidental contact with the open door happens easily. according to the same source.
Does the open door really heat the kitchen?
Although it is usual to think that leaving the oven door open helps to warm the division, especially in the winter months, manufacturers clarify that the effect is reduced and only local. That is, the released heat is not enough to heat the kitchen effectively.
What you feel is just a punctual increase in temperature by the oven. However, this heat dissipates quickly, without warming the space consistently, explains the above source.
Humidity and Bolor: Hidden Risks
In addition to not warming, opening the oven door can increase moisture in the kitchen. This change in the environment favors the formation of condensation in windows and surfaces, and may also facilitate the appearance of mold.
These consequences are not always immediate, but over time affect air quality and space health, requiring greater attention in cleaning and maintenance.
Current ovens and heat management
Modern ovens are manufactured with heat retention systems that allow slow and safe cooling. Keeping the door closed is the most effective way to dissipate heat without damaging furniture or compromising safety.
Some models include internal ventilation systems that accelerate cooling safely without opening the door. In these cases, the oven itself generates the temperature until safe.
The importance of good maintenance
Another point not to forget is the frequent cleaning of the oven, the manufacturers mentioned, cited by. Accumulated fats and food remains make it difficult to dissipate heat and may affect the functioning of the device. To ensure performance and prolong life, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, both in use and maintenance.
Preventing is to protect
Avoiding leaving the oven door open after use is a simple habit that prevents various problems. Protects furniture, reduces risks for children and animals and retains the integrity of the equipment itself.
They are small daily gestures like this that make the difference in domestic security and durability of appliances. Prevention begins with details and remains good practices that avoid unexpected expenses and dangerous situations.
More about ovens
As a curiosity, be aware that in some countries, such as Germany, it is forbidden to use the oven as heating, being considered misuse of appliance and may cancel guarantees. In many modern furnace models, there is a door blocking function to prevent children from opening it during operation or in the cooling process.
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