Curtis International Expands Frigidaire Minifridge Recall to Nearly 964,000 Units Over Fire and Burn Hazards
Curtis International expanded its recall to include 330,000 red EFMIS121 minifridges sold at Target, bringing the total recalled Frigidaire units to about 964,000 due to potential electrical short-circuits that can ignite the plastic housing.
- Recall expansion: 330,000 additional red EFMIS121 units (serial A2001–A2310) sold at Target — total recalled units now about 964,000. See the CPSC recall notice.
- Hazard: Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing, producing fire and burn risks and property damage.
- What to do: Stop using the unit, unplug and cut the power cord, mark the appliance “Recall,” and register for a full refund at the refund portal.
- Where sold: Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. Additional reporting: Fox Business.
What products are affected
The expanded recall covers Frigidaire minifridges with model number EFMIS121 and serial numbers A2001 through A2310. The recalled units are red and were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 to October 2023 for about $30. “Frigidaire” is printed on the front of every recalled appliance and the model and serial number appear on a label on the back. For full official details, see the CPSC recall notice.
Background: An earlier July 2024 recall covered 634,000 units across four models — EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 — sold at other retailers including Walmart and Amazon in red, black and blue finishes. The expansion adds the Target-exclusive EFMIS121 units, bringing the tally to roughly 964,000 recalled minifridges. Reporting on the expansion is available from Fox Business and consumer outlets such as Fox13 Seattle.
Hazard details and incident reports
Federal regulators and the company report that internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing, creating a mini fridge fire hazard with risks of burns and property damage. For the expanded EFMIS121 recall, Curtis International reports at least six fires involving property damage; no injuries from those EFMIS121 fires have been reported to date.
The initial 2024 recall covered 26 incidents of overheating, melting, or fires — including two smoke inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in reported property damage.
The pattern of overheating and melting indicates an electrical fault that can rapidly escalate into a destructive fire. Additional context and investigative reporting are available from Fox Business and Parade.
Investigative angle: how did nearly one million units reach consumers?
The scale of this recall raises questions about design, testing, and retail oversight. These low-cost units (about $30) entered the market widely — across national retailers and online — suggesting a systemic manufacturing or component-quality issue that survived initial checks and thousands of retail transactions.
Retail responsibility: The EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively at Target while earlier models appeared at other national sellers. Federal law bans the sale or rental of recalled products, but enforcement depends on store-level vigilance and prompt action by manufacturers and regulators. Consumers and local safety officials must now rely on the recall process to remove these units from homes.
What consumers should do now
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Curtis International urge owners to stop using the affected Frigidaire minifridges immediately.
Immediate steps:
- Stop using and unplug the unit.
- Cut the power cord to prevent reuse.
- Mark “Recall” on the front with a permanent marker.
- Register for a full refund at the company portal: www.recallrtr.com/minifridge, or contact Curtis International toll-free at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com.
- Dispose of the unit according to local and state rules to avoid environmental hazards.
Consumers can report incidents to the CPSC and view full recall details on the CPSC recall notice or at CPSC.gov. Federal regulators stress that the safest choice is to stop use and arrange a refund; continuing to use a recalled unit risks fire and injury.
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Economic impact: Paso Robles households often buy lower-cost appliances for guest rooms, rentals, or small businesses. Local retailers should check inventories and return unsold units. Homeowners or landlords who used recalled units for short-term rentals may face disposal and replacement costs; small businesses should inventory units and apply for refunds.
Political and regulatory consequences: The recall underscores the role of federal oversight in public safety. Local leaders and consumer advocates in Paso Robles can press retailers — including Target area stores — for clear compliance and customer support.
Safety effects: Mini fridge fires are particularly dangerous in older homes or rental units without modern suppression systems. Paso Robles residents should check storage spaces, guest rooms, and garages for recalled units and follow the CPSC steps immediately. Local fire departments and neighborhood groups can help notify vulnerable residents.
Legal note and reporting incidents
Federal law prohibits the sale or rental of recalled products. If you see recalled units for sale, report it to the CPSC or local consumer protection offices. For more information or to report incidents, visit CPSC.gov and SaferProducts.gov.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice: CPSC recall notice
- Curtis International refund portal: recallrtr.com/minifridge
- Reporting and context: Fox Business
- Local reporting: Fox13 Seattle
- Consumer coverage: Parade
