Nearly 1 Million Frigidaire Minifridges Recalled After Reports of Fires; Target-Sold Units Included
Curtis International expanded a recall of Frigidaire minifridges to nearly 1 million units after reports that internal electrical components can short and ignite the plastic housing, creating fire and burn hazards; Target‑sold model EFMIS121 was added.
- Scope: The recall now covers about 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges after adding roughly 330,000 units to a prior recall.
- Affected model: Red Frigidaire 6‑can minifridge, model EFMIS121, serial numbers A2001–A2310, sold only at Target (Jan 2020–Oct 2023).
- Hazard: Internal electrical components can short and ignite the plastic housing, causing fires, burns and property damage.
- Consumer action: Unplug, cut the power cord, mark “Recall” on the unit, and register for a full refund at the recall site.
What products are affected and how to identify them
Identifying the recalled unit: The newly added item is the red Frigidaire 6‑can minifridge, model EFMIS121. Serial numbers included in the expansion run from A2001 to A2310. The minifridge is labeled with “Frigidaire” on the front and the model/serial on a label on the back of the unit. These EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively at Target stores and on Target’s website between January 2020 and October 2023 for about $30.
Background: the earlier recall and why it grew
Curtis International first recalled multiple Frigidaire minifridge models after reports of smoking, sparking and fires. The original recall covered models including EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175, sold through Walmart, Amazon and other retailers in several colors and sizes. The root cause cited by the company and federal regulators is electrical components that can short and ignite the plastic housing — a defect that can occur without warning.
Incidents and safety risk details
The expansion adds at least six additional reports of EFMIS121 units catching fire (property damage reported). The earlier recall documented at least 26 incidents across other models, including two smoke inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage. Federal regulators emphasize that even units that have not shown problems may still be dangerous.
“Even units that have not yet shown problems may present a risk because the underlying electrical defect can occur without warning.” — CPSC notice
What consumers should do now
If you own any Frigidaire minifridge, check the model and serial number on the back label. If it is model EFMIS121 with a serial number between A2001 and A2310, or one of the previously recalled models, stop using it immediately. The recommended steps:
- Unplug the appliance.
- Cut the power cord to prevent accidental use.
- Write “Recall” on the front with a permanent marker so others know not to plug it in.
- Register for a full refund at the recall registration site and follow local rules for disposal.
For questions or to report an incident, contact Curtis International at 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or email recall@curtiscs.com. To report safety problems to regulators, contact the CPSC at 800‑638‑2772 (TTY 800‑638‑8270) or file a report at SaferProducts.gov.
Why the recall matters: safety and enforcement
This recall highlights that even inexpensive appliances can pose serious hazards when electrical components fail near flammable plastics. Federal regulators monitor incident patterns and require manufacturers to act when a safety problem is identified. Selling recalled products is illegal under federal law, and retailers must remove affected stock.
Retailer and manufacturer response
Target sold the EFMIS121 units exclusively and is expected to comply with the recall notice and remove remaining stock. Curtis International maintains a recall information page confirming the expanded recall and providing steps for consumers to receive refunds. Retailers are legally required to stop sales of recalled products and help customers with remedy processes.
How to get a refund and report problems
To register for a full refund, go to the recall registration site. For help, call Curtis International at 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or email recall@curtiscs.com. To report a safety problem or file a complaint with federal regulators, contact the CPSC at 800‑638‑2772 or report online at SaferProducts.gov.
Implications for San Luis Obispo, California
Economic: Local consumers who purchased these low‑cost minifridges (about $30) will need refunds and replacements; Target stores near San Luis Obispo will field returns and customer inquiries.
Social and safety: Students, renters, landlords and property managers should check small refrigerators in dorms, apartments, RVs, garages and guest rooms. Shared housing raises the stakes if a unit ignites in a common space.
Civic response: Local consumer protection offices and elected officials may receive calls and could use community channels (Nextdoor, Facebook groups, campus notices) to inform residents quickly.
Sources and official notices
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (expanded recall)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission prior recall notice
- Curtis International recall information
- Recall registration and refund site
- Coverage on expansion and consumer guidance (Fox Business)
For help or to report a problem: Curtis International at 888‑727‑0198 or recall@curtiscs.com; CPSC at 800‑638‑2772 (TTY 800‑638‑8270) or SaferProducts.gov.
