At a Glance
- 330,000 Frigidaire six-can mini-fridges added to an earlier recall after reports of fires
- Total recall now covers 964,000 units sold at Target, Walmart, Amazon from 2020-2023
- Owners must cut the cord, mark the door, and send photos for a refund
- Why it matters: The electrical short can ignite plastic, risking house fires and burns
Canada-based Curtis International has expanded its recall of Frigidaire-branded mini-fridges after six additional reports of fires and property damage, bringing the total number of affected units to 964,000.
The latest action covers 330,000 six-can models sold exclusively at Target for about $30 between January 2020 and December 2023. The units carry model number EFMIS121.
Electrical Short Can Ignite Plastic
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notice, the fridges contain electrical components that can short circuit. The resulting heat can ignite the plastic housing, creating fire and burn hazards.
Curtis International has now logged six fire reports linked to these products. Property damage has been confirmed in each case.
Earlier Recall Covered 634,000 Units
Last year the company recalled 634,000 mini-fridges under model numbers:
- EFMIS129
- EFMIS137
- EFMIS149
- EFMIS175
Those units sold for $36-$40 at:
- Walmart
- Amazon
- Other national retailers
At that time regulators recorded:
- 26 incidents of overheating, melting, or fires
- Two smoke-inhalation injuries
How to Get a Refund
Owners must stop using the fridges immediately. The refund process requires three steps:
- Cut the power cord
- Write “recall” in permanent marker on the front door
- Email photos to Curtis International
Visit the company’s recall page for submission details.
Brand Licensing vs. Ownership
Curtis International holds licenses to manufacture and distribute select Frigidaire electronics and appliances. The larger Frigidaire brand is owned by Sweden’s Electrolux Group.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Action | Units | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2020-Dec 2023 | EFMIS121 sold at Target | 330,000 | 6 fires |
| Prior recall period | EFMIS129/137/149/175 sold | 634,000 | 26 incidents, 2 injuries |
What Owners Should Do Today
- Unplug the fridge right away
- Check the model number on the back or bottom
- Start the refund process at Curtis International’s website
- Do not donate or resell the unit
No injuries have been reported in connection with the newest recall.
