Energy Safe Victoria has launched legal action against Electrolux following reports of glass gas cooktops shattering—some causing injury. The investigation found the affected models may not have met Australian safety standards, and were supplied even after failing certification tests.
If consumers contact you about these cooktops, direct them to Electrolux on 1800 001 218. They’re offering free technician visits for replacements or full refunds.
Electrolux states it is cooperating with authorities and “takes safety very seriously.”
Under Victorian law, supplying non-compliant appliances or withholding safety information can result in fines up to $250,000 per offence.
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Waterline Enters Administration as Crown Imperial Shifts Distribution Strategy
UK kitchen& appliances distributor Waterline has officially entered administration, bringing weeks of speculation about the company’s future to a close. The business has now ceased trading, according to multiple staff members. At this time, the identity of the appointed administrator remains unconfirmed.
Despite Waterline’s closure, its sister company Crown Imperial continues to operate independently. Earlier this week, Crown Imperial announced it would no longer rely on Waterline as its exclusive distributor. Instead, the kitchen brand will now supply products directly to retailers, ensuring continuity of service and product availability.
Arçelik Secures €150 Million EBRD Loan to Accelerate Green Manufacturing in Turkey
Turkish home appliance giant Arçelik has announced a new €150 million ($173.9 million) financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aimed at advancing its environmentally sustainable manufacturing initiatives.
The funding will be split into two strategic components:
– €83 million will be allocated to Turkey’s first externally verified green loan in the manufacturing sector. This portion will support Arçelik’s comprehensive green investment program, including the transformation of production processes, modernization of facilities, and R&D efforts focused on developing eco-friendly appliances.
– €67 million will be used to upgrade key manufacturing sites—specifically, the refrigerator plant in Eskişehir and the cooking appliances facility in Bolu—enhancing energy efficiency and operational sustainability.
This latest investment builds on a previous €150 million EBRD loan that enabled Arçelik to produce quieter, more energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines, which have seen strong demand in international markets.
According to the company, these new initiatives are designed to help meet its 2030 climate goals and align with the broader objectives of the Paris Agreement
CDA Group Awarded Ethical Accreditation
CDA Group is now the UK’s first kitchen appliance brand to earn Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide, scoring an impressive 89 across key categories. This places CDA among the Top 200 Ethical Businesses, alongside names like Octopus Energy and Neal’s Yard Remedies
Kevin Hart Joins SharkNinja as Global Brand Ambassador, Teaming Up with David Beckham in New Campaign
SharkNinja, Inc.the $13.8 billion household appliance powerhouse, has named comedian and actor Kevin Hart as its newest global brand ambassador. Hart joins football legend David Beckham, expanding the brand’s star-powered lineup.
Xiaomi Expands Globally with Smart Mijia Home Appliances
Xiaomi has officially rolled out its Mijia home appliance lineup to international markets, bringing smart living to more households around the world. The collection includes a high-capacity refrigerator, a versatile washer-dryer, and a sleek line of air conditioners—all seamlessly integrated into Xiaomi’s intelligent ecosystem: Human x Car x Home. With centralized control via the Xiaomi Home app, users can manage their appliances effortlessly from anywhere.
🧊 Mijia Cross Door 502L Refrigerator: Smart Cooling for Modern Families
At the heart of the kitchen offering is the Mijia Cross Door 502L, a spacious 502-liter refrigerator designed for families who need flexible and efficient food storage. Key features include:
- Multi-zone temperature control for customized cooling
- iFresh zone with adjustable settings from -1°C to 5°C
- Super Cool & Super Freeze modes to meet diverse storage needs
- Ag⁺ freshness tech to combat odors and bacteria
- 90° door opening for wall-adjacent installation
- Smart alerts via the Xiaomi Home app if the door remains open for over two minutes
- Dual inverter system for quiet operation and energy savings
- Built-in Wi-Fi for remote temperature management
🧺 More Than Just Cooling: Washer-Dryer & Air Conditioning
The Mijia lineup also includes the Mijia Pro 9 kg front-loading washer-dryer, ideal for efficient laundry care, and a range of air conditioners designed to deliver comfort with smart control and energy efficiency.
With this international launch, Xiaomi continues to redefine smart living—making everyday tasks simpler, cleaner, and more connected.
Groupe Brandt Seeks Strategic Lifeline Amid Market Turbulence
The European home appliance sector is once again facing tough headwinds, and this time, the storm has reached one of France’s last-standing giants. Groupe Brandt, a century-old manufacturer and a key player in the French appliance landscape, has entered creditor protection in a bid to stabilize its finances and attract a strategic investor.
🏛️ Court-Approved Restructuring
On October 1, the Nanterre Economic Court granted Brandt’s request for protection, enabling the company to freeze its debts and continue operations while actively seeking a financial partner. Owned by Algeria’s Cevital Group since 2014, Brandt’s leadership views this move not as a retreat, but as a strategic reset—an opportunity to accelerate talks with potential investors.
Production at Brandt’s facilities in Orléans and Vendôme remains uninterrupted, and local distributor Elmax Store reports no immediate impact on its operations.
🧩 Who Might Step In?
Brandt’s portfolio includes not just its namesake brand, but also De Dietrich, Sauter, and Vedette—making it a valuable acquisition target. With 750 employees across France and a service hub near Paris, the company is far from marginal. CEO Daniele Degli Emili has already reached out to business partners, assuring them that several “serious and well-negotiated” investor options are on the table.
🌍 A Broader Industry Reckoning
Brandt’s situation reflects a deeper crisis among Europe’s traditional appliance manufacturers. Market consolidation is no longer a possibility—it’s a necessity. Chinese conglomerates have been steadily acquiring European brands: Hisense took over Gorenje in 2018, Haier absorbed Candy Hoover in 2019, and Midea snapped up Teka earlier this year. Midea even held talks with Electrolux in 2023, though no deal materialized.
📉 Electrolux and the Financial Squeeze
Even Electrolux, long considered a pillar of European manufacturing, has felt the strain. Despite returning to profitability in 2025 after a sweeping restructuring, the Swedish company reported a negative operating cash flow of $405 million in H1, pushing net debt to nearly $3 billion. Analysts now anticipate a capital injection of at least $1.79 billion via a share issue, and S&P Global Ratings has downgraded its credit score to BBB-, teetering just above speculative grade.
🚨 Industry Survival at Stake
The pressure from Asian—particularly Chinese—competitors is mounting. With only a handful of independent European manufacturers left, the industry’s future looks precarious. In a rare show of unity, several appliance makers have issued an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warning that the very survival of Europe’s home appliance sector is in jeopardy.
Whirlpool Under Pressure: Q2 Earnings Miss and Mounting Market Challenges
Whirlpool Corporation is navigating turbulent waters as it faces mounting financial and operational headwinds. The appliance giant’s Q2 2025 earnings fell short of analyst expectations, driven by continued weakness in North American demand and profit margins hovering near decade-long lows—despite aggressive cost-cutting measures.
The company’s strategic pivot toward innovation and premium product offerings has yet to counterbalance growing affordability concerns and broader cyclical risks. Rising debt levels and a strained balance sheet have further intensified investor caution, prompting a recent ‘sell’ rating from market analysts.
While Whirlpool remains committed to long-term transformation, the current economic climate poses significant hurdles. For industry watchers and stakeholders, the coming quarters will be critical in assessing whether the brand can regain momentum or if deeper structural shifts are needed.
Kärcher Pushes Boundaries with Smart Cleaning Tech
Kärcher is redefining home cleaning with a wave of robotics and smart appliances.
🪟 Window Robots: RCW 2 & RCW 4
Launching in late 2025, these glass-cleaning robots tackle bay windows and tricky corners.
– RCW 2: Oval design for smooth mobility
– RCW 4: Square shape with 4 sensors for precision corner cleaning
Both models use suction and dual safety cables for secure operation.
🧹 Floor Robots: Tailored for Every Task
– RVF 7: Vacuums and scrubs with rollers
– RVM 4: Uses pads for gentle cleaning
– RVC 3: Traditional vacuuming with auto-emptying
🚀 Stick Vacuums: Smarter, Lighter
– VCS 3 Nano Complete: Dirt sensor adjusts suction automatically
– 2026 Models: USB-C charging, digital modes, foldable design, full accessories
💧 FCV Series: 3-in-1 Power
The FCV 3 and FCV 4 combine vacuuming, washing, and drying with multiple cleaning modes—designed to simplify daily routines without sacrificing performance.
Kärcher’s innovation strategy, backed by influencer campaigns and digital activations, keeps it ahead in a fast-evolving market.
Xiaomi Expands Globally with Smart Mijia Appliances
Xiaomi is stepping boldly into the international home appliance market with the global rollout of its Mijia product line—featuring a smart refrigerator, washer-dryer, and air conditioner—all seamlessly integrated into its “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem. These devices are designed for centralized control via the Xiaomi Home app, offering users a unified smart living experience.
🧊 Mijia Cross Door 502L: Smart Cooling for Modern Kitchens
At the heart of Xiaomi’s kitchen offering is the Mijia Cross Door 502L refrigerator. With a generous 502-liter capacity and multiple independently adjustable temperature zones, it’s tailored for families needing flexible food storage. The iFresh zone allows precise temperature control between -1°C and 5°C, while Super Cool and Super Freeze functions adapt to varying storage needs.
Ag⁺ freshness technology helps neutralize odors and inhibit bacterial growth, and the 90-degree door design ensures easy access—even when placed near walls. Smart alerts via the Xiaomi Home app notify users if the door remains open for more than two minutes, helping prevent food spoilage. Dual inverter technology delivers quiet performance and energy efficiency, while built-in Wi-Fi enables remote temperature management.
🧺 More Smart Solutions: Washer-Dryer & Air Conditioning
The Mijia lineup also includes the Mijia Pro 9 kg front-loading washer-dryer and a series of air conditioners, all designed to integrate effortlessly into Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem. These additions reinforce the brand’s commitment to intelligent, connected living.
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