Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Issued After Multiple Reports of Fires, Property Damage: CPSC

More than 300,000 minifridge units are included in a recall expansion after similar issues have led to multiple fires being reported.

Federal safety officials are urging consumers to immediately stop using certain Frigidaire minifridges, warning that faulty electrical components can shortcircuit and ignite the plastic casing, creating a fire and burn injury risk.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the Frigidaire Minifridge recall on January 15, following at least six reports of the devices catching on fire and causing property damage.

Minifridges are small refrigerators used to store food and drinks in places where a full-size device cannot fit, such as dorm rooms, bedrooms, offices and apartments.

While typically considered safe, minifridges can pose a fire hazard if electrical defects are present, raising the risk of property damage and burn injuries.

The CPSC indicates that the recall covers roughly 330,000 Frigidaire 6-can mini fridges manufactured in China and imported by Curtis International. The affected units are marked with model EFMIS121 and serial numbers ranging from A2001 to A2310.

The minifridges have “Frigidaire” printed on the front of the units, with the model and serial number listed on a label on the back. They were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and online between January 2020 and October 2023 for approximately $30.

The expanded recall comes about six months after a previous recall involving Frigidaire mini fridges with model numbers EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175, which were linked to similar electrical short circuits that caused smoking, burning and fires, resulting in two reported injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage.

Consumers are being advised to immediately stop using the recalled minifridges and follow the instructions at http://www.recallrtr.com/minifridge to request a refund.

The manufacturer is instructing customers to unplug the unit, cut the power cord, and write “Recall” on the front door before disposing of the fridge in accordance with local and state regulations.

For more information, Curtis International Ltd. can be contacted at 888-727-0198 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, via email at recall@curtiscs.com, or online at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.

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