It can cause burns, damage nearby furniture and even increase humidity in the kitchen.
Leaving the oven door open after cooking has become a habit in many households. The idea of taking advantage of the residual heat to warm up the kitchen or prevent moisture from accumulating inside seems logical, but experts say that this practice is not as harmless as it is assumed to be. In fact, it can pose a safety risk and affect the performance of the appliance.
Oven manufacturers and home safety experts warn that these appliances are designed to cool with the door closed. Most modern models have fans that expel heat and moisture in a controlled manner, so opening the door is not only unnecessary but can lead to long-term problems.
In addition, some manufacturers such as Bosch state in their user manuals that the door must remain closed after use. But the risks of this habit go beyond energy wastage. Leaving the oven open can cause burns, damage nearby furniture and even increase humidity in the kitchen. Here, experts explain why you should abandon this habit and what the consequences are.
The dangers of leaving the oven door open
- Risk of burns: the residual heat from the oven can reach high temperatures even after it has been turned off. Leaving the door open increases the risk of burns, especially for children and pets who may approach without being aware of the danger. A simple touch of the hot surface can cause serious injury.
- Increased risk of accidents: an open door in a busy kitchen becomes a dangerous obstacle. There is a greater risk of tripping, falling and hitting yourself when the oven is open, especially in confined spaces. Avoiding this helps to maintain a safer environment.
- Damage to furniture and walls: Heat leaking from the oven can damage nearby furniture, especially furniture with slatted fronts, which can peel or warp over time. Wall paint and wallpaper can also be affected by increased humidity and prolonged heat.
- Premature oven wear: ovens are designed to operate with the door closed. If it is left open after use, sudden temperature changes occur which can affect internal components such as the thermostat and heating elements. This can reduce the life of the appliance and lead to costly breakdowns.
- Higher energy consumption: opening the door after cooking means faster heat loss, forcing the oven to work harder to maintain its temperature when used again. This results in higher energy consumption and a reduction in the efficiency of the appliance.
Experts agree that keeping the oven door closed after use is the best option to avoid risks and extend the life of the oven . Moreover, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and maintaining a safe cooking environment can avoid unnecessary accidents in the household.
