Fiberglass Insulation in a New Oven

November 12, 2007, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Jonathan

We just bought a new electric range/oven and were surprised to see that the fiberglass insulation in the back of the unit is not covered where the lightbulb enters the inside of the oven. Is this a hazard? I actually started to pull on the fiberglass, as it looked like packing material to keep the bulb from breaking in transit. Wasn't pleased when I realized what I was handling, and worried that our new stove might put the fiberglass in our cooking. 

Debra's Answer

This doesn't sound right to me. I'm not sure that the fiberglass would break down and get into the food if it isn't disturbed, but it sounds like a manufacturing defect or poor design. I would probably return the stove and get a different model.