The consumer watchdog is suing the Australian distributor of the high-tech Thermomix cooking appliances for allegedly failing to report a number of serious burns from its devices by the required deadline.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched Federal Court action against Thermomix in Australia (TIA).

ACCC acting chairwoman Delia Rickard said it was also alleged that the distributor misled customers about their consumer guarantee rights about the appliance.

The kitchen devices are marketed as high-end kitchen products at a cost of more than $2,000.

Ms Rickard said it was alleged the company engaged in misleading conduct regarding the safety of the TM31 model, and there was concern around "misleading statements about the nature of a recall on the model that really downplayed the seriousness of the incident".

"We have had 300 complaints about these. Choice also put together a mega-complaint where they had 87 incidents so it was disturbingly widespread," she said.

"The allegations against Thermomix are serious and they go to the heart of Australia's product safety protections," Choice spokeswoman Nicky Breen said.

The Thermomix TM31 was the subject of a product recall. ( Wikimedia Commons: Edseloh )

"They come more than 12 months after we presented the ACCC with Australia's first mass incident report on product safety and that details 87 Thermomix cases, 18 reported treatments from a doctor or a nurse.

"So there are serious, serious allegations and serious issues and we welcome today's announcement."

TM31 owners should look for 'green seal'

Ms Rickard said it was important for people who have the Thermomix model TM31 to make sure they have a "green seal" and follow proper safety instructions.

"Thermomix has issued very clear instructions about how to use it so that you won't get the kinds of spills, sprays that were caused before when the machine stopped working and people opened the lid," Ms Rickard said.

"But because it had been stirring so vigorously hot liquid, hot food jumped out and burned people."

In a statement, Thermomix in Australia said it had been aware of the ACCC investigation for some time.

"We ... have been cooperating fully with the ACCC and will continue to do so," the statement said.

"As the matter is subject to legal proceedings it wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."

Perth woman Danika Jones said she suffered severe burns to her chest, stomach and arms when the lid flew off her appliance and splattered her body with hot liquid last year.