Whirlpool Is Fined $11.5 Mln by US Agency Over Hazardous Cooktops

Appliance manufacturer Whirlpool has agreed to pay an $11.5 million civil fine to settle charges from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that it failed to promptly report a defect in its glass cooktops that could lead to burn and fire hazards. The settlement pertains to 17 models of electric radiant heat cooktops under Whirlpool's brands such as JennAir, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool. The CPSC stated that Whirlpool did not report the issue until it had received 157 reports, including instances of property damage, ignitions, and minor burns.