Major appliance manufacturer Electrolux Home Products has been charged with 40 offences under the Gas Safety Act 1997 for allegedly supplying unsafe gas cooktops to major retailers in Victoria between May 2021 and July 2022.
Energy Safe Victoria has accused the company of negligently and recklessly supplying two gas cooktop models containing glass panels that could shatter dangerously on impact or during normal use and failing to provide information and documents to the regulator as required under legislation.
Energy Safe launched an investigation into the cooktops after receiving reports of glass hobs shattering, in some cases causing injuries from broken glass ejected from the hob.
The investigation revealed a series of consumer reports that indicated the glass panels may not have met Australian safety standards, which Electrolux did not test for until June 2022.
The company also reportedly continued to supply the affected models for several weeks after the Australian Gas Association – the body responsible for certifying the compliance of the gas cooktops – advised that they did not pass certification testing.
Electrolux voluntarily recalled the affected models – WHG638BC and WHG958BC – in August 2022.
In Victoria, it is illegal to supply appliances that do not meet safety standards or to fail to provide required information to regulators, due to the serious risk of injury to consumers.
At the time of offending, each charge carried a maximum penalty of more than $40,000 for negligent or reckless supply, and up to $200,000 for failing to comply with a request for documents under the Gas Safety Act 1997.
The maximum penalty for a negligent or reckless supply charge has since increased to almost $250,000 for offences committed after 21 May 2025.
Via the Energy Safe website, the public can make a report about safety issues or concerns and find more information about electricity and gas safety at home.
Electrolux is due to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 17 November 2025.
