Recall of Frigidaire Minifridges Sold at Target Expands to About 964,000 Units Over Fire Risk
Curtis International expanded a recall of Frigidaire-branded minifridges to about 964,000 units after new reports of fires and property damage. Consumers who bought affected models — many at Target — should stop use and register for refunds immediately for safety.
- Recall total: ~964,000 Frigidaire minifridges now included in the expanded recall.
- Newly added model: EFMIS121 (serial numbers A2001–A2310), sold at Target from Jan 2020–Oct 2023 for about $30.
- Hazard: internal electrical parts can short and ignite the plastic housing, causing fires and burn risks.
- Consumer action: unplug, cut the power cord, mark unit “Recall,” and register for a refund at the recall registration site.
What changed: details of the expanded Frigidaire minifridge recall
Curtis International originally recalled about 634,000 Frigidaire minifridges last summer after reports of overheating, melting and fires. On Thursday the company expanded the recall by roughly 330,000 units — bringing the total to approximately 964,000 affected minifridges. The expansion specifically adds the EFMIS121 model with serial numbers A2001 through A2310. See the official notice at the CPSC recall page.
Why the minifridges are dangerous
According to the CPSC and company reports, the recalled units contain internal electrical components that can short circuit and ignite the plastic housing. That ignition can lead to fires and burn injuries. Curtis International reported at least six incidents of the newly added EFMIS121 catching fire; earlier recalled models (EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, EFMIS175) were linked to 26 incidents including overheating, melting or fires, with two smoke-inhalation injuries and reported property damage exceeding $700,000.
“Internal electrical parts can short and ignite the plastic housing,” the CPSC recall notice states, underscoring the potential for serious fire and burn hazards.
Which units to look for
The newly added model is the Curtis International 6-can minifridge model EFMIS121. Affected units were sold only at Target stores and Target.com between January 2020 and October 2023 for about $30. The small 6-can units have “Frigidaire” printed on the front and come in colors including red, black, pink and blue. Look for serial numbers A2001 to A2310. Earlier recalled models (EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, EFMIS175) were sold at multiple retailers including Walmart and Amazon; summary reporting is available via Parade and Fox Business reporting.
Consumer guidance and how to get a refund
The CPSC and Curtis International urge owners to take immediate action:
- Stop using the recalled minifridge immediately.
- Unplug the unit, then cut the power cord to prevent reuse.
- Label the unit by writing “Recall” on the front with a permanent marker so others know not to use it.
- Register for a refund and get instructions at the recall registration site. For questions, contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET) or email recall@curtiscs.com.
Safety highlight: If you suspect a unit has overheated or shows melt/damage, do not attempt repairs — register for the refund and follow CPSC guidance. Full recall instructions are available on the CPSC recall page.
Reports and costs tied to the recall
Curtis International and the CPSC have recorded multiple incidents tied to these small units. The earlier recall wave documented overheating and fires with two smoke inhalation injuries and reported property damage exceeding $700,000. For the EFMIS121 expansion, at least six fires were reported to the company; some incidents caused property damage. Investigations indicate electrical shorting inside cramped internals as the likely common factor.
Where the units were sold
The expanded recall’s EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com between January 2020 and October 2023. Earlier EFMIS models affected by the prior recall were sold at retailers including Walmart and Amazon. If you purchased a Frigidaire minifridge at Target during the stated window, check the model and serial number before use.
Investigative context: why this matters now
Minifridges are common in dorms, rentals and shared housing because of their low cost and convenience. The EFMIS121 was a low-price, high-volume seller (~$30), and investigators say compact design and low-cost construction may have contributed to the hazard: cramped electrical components and plastic housings increase the risk that an electrical fault will ignite the unit. Regulators are monitoring whether manufacturing or quality-control failures are responsible; the recall expansion suggests a broader issue.
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Key local concerns:
- Household safety and rentals: L.A.’s large renter and student populations commonly use minifridges. Tenants and landlords should check units in individual units and common areas; landlords must comply with habitability rules and remove recalled appliances.
- Fire response: Removing recalled units can reduce preventable emergency calls for the Los Angeles Fire Department.
- Disposal: Follow Los Angeles and Los Angeles County guidance for appliance and electronic disposal; consult city sanitation or the County Department of Public Works for recycling options.
- Retail and consumer protection: Target stores in L.A. sold the affected units; local consumer-protection agencies may field complaints as refunds are processed.
- Action for Angelenos: If you purchased a Frigidaire minifridge at a Los Angeles Target between Jan 2020 and Oct 2023, unplug it, mark it “Recall,” and register for a refund at the recall registration site. Contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 or recall@curtiscs.com.
Where to find more information
- CPSC recall page
- Fox Business reporting on the recall expansion
- Local reporting with safety steps
- Parade — consumer guidance and product images
- Recall registration and company contact — Curtis International toll-free 888-727-0198; recall@curtiscs.com
If you own a Frigidaire minifridge
Check the model and serial number now. If your unit matches the recalled models or serial range described above, stop using it immediately, unplug and cut the cord, write “Recall” on the front, and register for a refund at the recall registration site. For additional guidance, consult the CPSC recall page or contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 or recall@curtiscs.com.
