Frigidaire minifridge recall expanded to nearly 964,000 units after reports of fires; Target‑sold model added
Curtis International expanded a Frigidaire minifridge recall to about 964,000 units after reports that certain EFMIS121 models sold at Target caught fire; consumers are urged to stop using affected units and register for refunds immediately.
- Recall expanded: Curtis International and the CPSC recall announcement now covers ~964,000 Frigidaire minifridges.
- New model added: An additional ~330,000 EFMIS121 units (serials A2001–A2310), sold exclusively at Target, were included in the expansion.
- Immediate action: Owners should unplug, cut the power cord, mark the door “Recall,” and register for a refund at the recall website.
What happened — the expanded recall and why
The expansion follows an initial July 2024 recall that covered about 634,000 Frigidaire minifridges. Curtis International added roughly 330,000 units of model EFMIS121 after the CPSC recall announcement reported EFMIS121 minifridges catching fire.
Risk: The agency says internal electrical components can short‑circuit and ignite the plastic housing, presenting fire and burn hazards. There have been at least six reports of EFMIS121 units catching fire that caused property damage; prior models were tied to 26 incidents, two smoke‑inhalation injuries, and more than $700,000 in property damage.
Which products are affected
- Newly added: Model EFMIS121 — a compact 6‑can minifridge in red with “Frigidaire” on the front; serial numbers A2001 to A2310.
- Previously recalled models: EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 (included in July 2024 recall).
- Where sold: The EFMIS121 was sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30; earlier models were sold at multiple retailers including Walmart and Amazon.
What consumers should do now
The CPSC and Curtis International urge owners to take these steps immediately:
- Stop using the minifridge: Unplug it from the outlet.
- Prevent reuse: Cut the power cord and write “Recall” on the front door with a permanent marker to warn others.
- Register for refund: Go to the recall registration page to request a refund.
- Disposal: Dispose of the unit per local and state waste and recycling rules.
- Contact: Curtis International at 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com for help and next steps.
“Stop using the unit immediately, unplug it, cut the power cord, write ‘Recall’ on the front door, and register for a refund.”
Product details and where to check
The EFMIS121 is a compact 6‑can minifridge. Check the serial number label on the back of the unit — the expansion covers serials A2001–A2310. For exact model and serial verification, consult the CPSC recall announcement and Curtis International’s recall information at the manufacturer’s recall page.
Investigative context — why this matters
A low‑cost dorm‑style minifridge can still pose serious hazards. Repeated overheating and fires across different models point to a potential systemic issue with internal electrical parts. In tight spaces, a short circuit that ignites plastic can rapidly produce smoke, property loss, or injury. The CPSC’s expansion signals an ongoing public‑safety concern that requires immediate consumer action.
Implications for Redding, California
Local economic impact: Redding residents who use compact appliances in apartments, RVs, garages or rentals may face replacements and delays while refunds are processed.
Safety and housing: In hot climates like Redding’s, appliances working harder in warm garages or tight spaces may be more prone to overheating — landlords and property managers should inventory compact fridges and alert tenants.
Public services: Preventable appliance fires add strain to local fire departments. Redding and Shasta County fire officials may want to include recall messaging in community briefings and social media to reduce incidents.
Where to get more information
Official recall details and images are available from the CPSC recall announcement. To register for a refund or report an incident, visit the recall registration page. Curtis International’s recall notice and customer contact information are posted at the manufacturer’s recall information.
Sources and reporting
- CPSC recall announcement
- Curtis International recall information
- Recall registration (refunds)
- Fox13 Seattle coverage
- Fox Business coverage
- Parade coverage
If you believe your minifridge is affected, act now: unplug the unit, cut the power cord, mark the door “Recall,” and register for a refund at the recall registration page or contact Curtis International at 888‑727‑0198 or recall@curtiscs.com.
