Fix for potentially dangerous Swift cookers

The ACCC has advised caravan and motorhome owners with a Swift 500 series cooker in their RV that there is now a remedy for recalled models and they should immediately arrange a free inspection of their cooker and possible repair.

Inspection and repairs will be carried out free of charge by the manufacturer, under a remedy Swift has negotiated with the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC). The GTRC comprises representatives from Australian state, territory, and New Zealand gas regulators.

The ACCC is concerned about the risk of explosions and burns associated with 16 recalled models of the Swift 500 series cooker. About 11,000 cookers are affected, which were manufactured between 1 January 2019 and 31 May 2020 (inclusive).

“Unfortunately, three people have already suffered serious injuries and burns while using a defective Swift cooker. In one case a person suffered first degree burns to their stomach and legs. We don’t want to see any more injuries occur,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

The ACCC said consumers can check if their cooker has been recalled by visiting the Product Safety website. Affected consumers not already registered for the recall should contact Swift Appliance Group as soon as possible, so Swift can arrange an inspection and potential repair.

“In the meantime, consumers are advised not to use the front left burner of their cooker until they have been inspected and necessary repairs carried out. Remove the knob and store it out of reach,” Rickard said.

Most of the recalled Swift cookers were supplied new with the RV by retailers nationally and a small number were purchased separately by consumers and installed later.

The issue relates to part of the gas supply pipe to the Swift cookers potentially breaking or eroding, which can result in gas leaks and an ignition source causing an explosion or fire.

There are three factors that can cause the gas supply tube to fracture and leak gas: overtightening the nuts when connecting the gas supply tubes to the burner; the aluminium tubes rubbing on the reflector plate that sits behind the unit; and the vibration of the unit that is caused during transit.

The remedy process involves inspecting the tube that supplies gas to the front left burner to check that it's fitted correctly and shows no signs of wear. Damaged or ill-fitting burner tubes will then need to be replaced.

Related: Swift gas cooker safety alert