Did you know about this button on your oven door and what it does?

How the locking mechanism actually works

The hinge system is simple but clever: when the latches are in the “locked” position, the door is held firmly in place for everyday use. Move them to “unlock,” and the hinge releases so you can remove the whole door.

Here’s the basic process most designs follow:

1. Open the oven door fully so it lies as flat as it can.
2. Locate the hinge latches or buttons on both sides near the top of the door.
3. Flip, slide, or press them into the unlock position (check both sides).
4. Partially close the door until you feel it stop, then lift gently upwards to remove it from the oven.
5. For reassembly, line the hinges back up in their slots, lower the door into place, then move the latches back to the locked position.

The exact motion can vary by brand, so your user manual is still the final authority – but the principle is almost always the same: unlock, lift off, clean, reattach, lock again.