Thermomix has been fined $4.6 million for knowingly selling kitchen appliances which had the potential to injure users, lying about the safety of its products, and refusing refunds.

The TM31 model was recalled in 2014 following 14 reported cases of users being burned by hot liquids due to a faulty seal.

Thermomix has admitted to four breaches of consumer laws and spokesperson Bianca Mazur has offered to give more than 9,000 customers a new and improved model to make up for the faulty version.

Sarah Agar from Consumer Group CHOICE says the company even made some customers sign unnecessary gag agreements to prevent negative comments about the product.

She tells Ross Greenwood Thermomix’s conduct was “appalling”.

While the penalty is “significant”, she says it’s also appropriate.

Thermomix is apologising for the disaster.

Listen to the full interview below