Frigidaire minifridge recall expanded to nearly 964,000 units after reports of appliances catching fire
Curtis International has expanded a recall of Frigidaire-branded EFMIS121 minifridges — now about 964,000 units — after reports of appliances catching fire; owners are urged to immediately stop use, cut power cords and register online for refunds.
Key takeaways
- Product: Frigidaire-branded minifridges, model EFMIS121 (red units).
- Serial numbers: A2001 through A2310.
- Units affected: About 964,000 units after a January 2026 expansion added ~330,000 to the July 2024 recall of 634,000 units.
- Immediate action: Stop using affected units, unplug and cut the power cord, label the unit “Recall,” and register for a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
What was recalled and why
Curtis International Ltd., the Canada-based importer, expanded the recall in January 2026 to include roughly 330,000 additional Frigidaire-branded EFMIS121 minifridges, bringing the total recalled to about 964,000 units. The action is being overseen by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice.
“Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing,” creating a fire and burn hazard, the CPSC said. Curtis International reported at least six instances of the EFMIS121 catching fire, including property damage.
Background: earlier recall and reported incidents
In July 2024, Curtis International recalled four other Frigidaire minifridge models — EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 — that had been sold at Walmart and Amazon. That earlier recall documented 26 incidents of overheating, melting or fires, including two reports of smoke inhalation injuries and reported property damage exceeding $700,000.
The January 2026 expansion specifically targets the red EFMIS121 units sold at Target and reiterates the fire risk and instructions to owners to take immediate safety steps.
Where and when the recalled units were sold
The EFMIS121 red minifridges were sold exclusively at Target stores and online at Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023, priced at about $30. Because the units were sold primarily through a single retailer, customers can verify purchases via Target receipts or their Target purchase history.
What consumers should do now
The CPSC and Curtis International urge owners of recalled EFMIS121 minifridges to take the following steps immediately:
- Stop using the recalled unit at once.
- Unplug the minifridge and cut the power cord to prevent accidental use.
- Label the front of the unit with “Recall” using a permanent marker to warn others.
- Register for a refund and to receive detailed return instructions at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
- If instructed, dispose of the unit following local and state regulations to reduce environmental or safety hazards.
For direct assistance or refunds contact Curtis International Ltd. at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday), by email at recall@curtiscs.com, or online at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
Retailer and manufacturer accountability
Target is identified as the exclusive retailer for the recalled EFMIS121 units; the retailer has not been named as the source of the manufacturing defect. Curtis International — the importer that marketed Frigidaire-branded units — expanded the recall after additional incident reports. The CPSC posted full recall details, affected serial numbers (A2001–A2310) and consumer instructions on its recall page: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice.
Investigative notes and unanswered questions
The expansion raises broader questions about quality control and oversight for low-cost imported household appliances. The pattern of overheating and fires across multiple models previously sold through different channels suggests potential issues with component sourcing, testing and supplier traceability.
Investigators and consumer advocates will likely press for greater transparency on manufacturing practices, component sourcing and regulatory compliance going forward.
Implications for The World
Economic impact: Large-volume recalls can strain retail supply chains, reduce consumer confidence and impose costs for refunds, disposal and potential legal claims. Though these units were sold mainly in the U.S., the importer is Canada-based and Frigidaire is an internationally recognized brand.
Political and regulatory consequences: The recall may prompt policymakers and safety agencies abroad to re-evaluate import inspections, retailer responsibilities and product safety standards for small appliances.
Social and cultural effects: Buyers who rely on affordable compact appliances — students, first-time households, and low-income households — may face reduced access or shift to higher-priced, certified products. The recall spotlights the trade-off between cost and safety in everyday consumer goods.
Sources and further reading
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice: Curtis International Expands Recall of Frigidaire-brand Minifridges Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
- Fox Business reporting on recall expansion
- Local coverage on fire and burn hazards (Fox26 Houston)
- Parade’s summary of the recall and models
- Recall registration and return instructions
