Three years after voluntarily recalling its Westinghouse black tempered glass gas cooktops, Swedish appliance giant Electrolux is now facing prosecution from the cash strapped Victorian Government, despite the national consumer watchdog previously choosing not to pursue the matter when the problem was discovered following Electrolux’s recall action at the time.

The recall, initiated in August 2022, affected two models – WHG638BC and WHG958BC – which were sold in both Australia and New Zealand. The issue stemmed from a manufacturing defect that caused the glass surface of the cooktops to shatter when heated, posing a serious risk of injury.

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At the time, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) accepted Electrolux’s decision to recall the products and took no further action. However, Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), a state energy regulator, has since laid 40 charges against Electrolux Home Products Pty Ltd (EHP) under the Gas Safety Act 1997. These include allegations of negligently and recklessly supplying unsafe gas cooktops between May 2021 and July 2022, and failing to provide required documentation to regulators.

In a letter to major retailers—including Bing Lee, E&S Trading, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, and The Good Guys—Electrolux confirmed it intends to contest the charges in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. The case is scheduled to be heard on 17 November 2025.

Westinghouse 60cm three-burner cooktop

In a statement to ChannelNews, the company acknowledged the charges:

“In response to ESV’s recent media release, Electrolux Home Products Pty Ltd (EHP) acknowledges that it has been charged with allegedly supplying unsafe glass cooktops to major retailers between May 2021 and July 2022. The charges relate only to two black tempered glass Westinghouse cooktops.”

EHP also reiterated its commitment to customer safety:

“Any consumer who believes they purchased one of the recalled cooktops should contact Electrolux on 1800 001 218 to arrange a refund or have a service technician replace the product free of charge,” said Kurt Hegvold, VP Commercial Area ANZ.

“EHP will respond to the charges as required by the Court in due course. Any safety issue which is likely to affect our consumers or retail partners is taken very seriously by us.”

According to ESV, its investigation was prompted by reports of the glass cooktops shattering during normal use, with some incidents resulting in injuries caused by flying glass. The regulator alleges that Electrolux failed to conduct safety testing to Australian standards until June 2022—months after concerns had already been raised. Alarmingly, the company allegedly continued supplying the affected models even after the Australian Gas Association informed them that the cooktops had failed certification tests.

In Victoria, it is illegal to supply appliances that do not meet mandatory safety standards. Each charge of negligent or reckless supply carried a maximum penalty of over $40,000 at the time of the alleged offences. Failing to comply with a regulatory request for documents carried penalties of up to $200,000. As of May 2025, those maximum fines have increased to nearly $250,000 per offence.

Members of the public can report safety concerns or access gas and electricity safety information via the Energy Safe Victoria website.

Notably, the prosecution does not reference the original recall initiated by Electrolux in August 2022.