Curtis International Expands Frigidaire Minifridge Recall to Nearly 1 Million Units Over Fire Risk
Curtis International expanded a recall to about 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges after reports that internal electrical faults can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing, posing serious fire and burn hazards; owners are urged to stop use and seek refunds.
- Recall now totals ~964,000 units, adding roughly 330,000 EFMIS121 models sold only in red at Target.
- Danger: internal components can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing, causing fires and property damage.
- Immediate action: unplug the unit, cut the power cord, mark it “Recall” and register for a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
- Support: Curtis recall information is on the Curtis International recall page and the official CPSC notice.
What happened — the expanding recall and reported incidents
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that certain Frigidaire-brand minifridges have internal electrical components that can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing. The expanded recall now totals about 964,000 units after Curtis International added the model EFMIS121, following at least six reports of those units catching fire and causing property damage (no new injuries reported on the expansion).
The original recall announced in July 2024 covered about 634,000 units across models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175. That earlier action followed 26 reports of overheating, melting and fires, including two reports of smoke inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage.
Read the official safety notice on the CPSC recall page and details on the Curtis International recall page.
Which units are affected
All recalled units have “Frigidaire” printed on the front and a model and serial number on a label on the back. The newly added EFMIS121 units carry serial numbers A2001 through A2310 and were sold only in red at Target stores and Target.com between January 2020 and October 2023 for about $30.
The earlier recall covered models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175, sold through national retailers including Walmart and Amazon.
What Curtis International and authorities are telling consumers
Curtis International and the CPSC urge owners to stop using recalled Frigidaire minifridges immediately. Their guidance is clear:
- Unplug the unit and cut the power cord to prevent accidental power-up.
- Mark “Recall” on the front of the fridge with a permanent marker to avoid reuse.
- Register for a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
- Dispose of the unit according to local and state rules.
- Contact Curtis at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or email recall@curtiscs.com for assistance.
“Stop using recalled units immediately — unplug, cut the cord and register for a refund.”
See Curtis’ instructions on the Curtis International recall page and the full notice on the CPSC recall page.
Investigative questions and safety concerns
The recall expansion raises several pressing questions for manufacturers, regulators and retailers:
- Design and manufacturing: How did a low-cost appliance develop repeated electrical faults across multiple models?
- Component changes: Were there changes between model runs that increased the risk of short-circuiting?
- Retailer communication: How effectively did retailers and third-party sellers notify buyers of the initial recall?
Curtis maintains a recall information hub on its Curtis International recall page, and the CPSC has posted detailed recall information on the CPSC recall page. Media coverage includes reporting by Fox Business, Fox13 Seattle and Parade.
Practical steps for owners and local officials
For owners — especially in small towns and rural areas — the steps are simple and urgent:
- Stop using the minifridge now. Unplug it, cut the cord and mark it “Recall.”
- Check the label on the back for model and serial numbers; compare with the CPSC recall page if unsure.
- Register for a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge or call Curtis at 888-727-0198.
- Follow local disposal rules. Contact your town or county waste services for guidance.
Local officials: Consider public notices, social media alerts, and outreach via community centers, extension offices and feed stores to reach residents who might not see national news.
Why the local angle matters
These inexpensive minifridges often serve critical roles in rural life — workshops, campers, barns, hunting cabins and small retail shops. A $30 appliance that ignites can damage vehicles, buildings or stored goods and create long recovery times in areas with limited emergency resources.
Implications for the United States
Economic and household impact
Many buyers purchased these units for tight household budgets, students or small businesses. Replacing recalled units and repairing fire damage can be costly; earlier incidents have already led to over $700,000 in reported property damage.
Public safety and local services
Rural fire departments with limited staffing and equipment could see strain if appliance fires occur in outbuildings or remote locations. Local leaders should encourage residents to check models and register recalled units to reduce risk.
Retail and marketplace accountability
The newly added EFMIS121 model was sold exclusively at Target. Earlier models were sold through Walmart, Amazon and other retailers. Prompt retailer outreach and coordination with manufacturers and the CPSC are essential to notify buyers — especially those who purchased through third-party sellers.
Where to find more information and next steps
- CPSC recall page
- Curtis International recall information
- Refund registration and recall resources
- Media coverage: Fox Business, Fox13 Seattle, Parade.
If you own a Frigidaire minifridge: check the model and serial number now, unplug the unit, cut the cord, mark it “Recall” and register for a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge. For questions contact Curtis at 888-727-0198 or recall@curtiscs.com.
