Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Expanded to Nearly 1 Million Units After New Fire Reports
Curtis International expanded a recall to about 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges, including Target‑sold model EFMIS121, after multiple fires and injuries. Consumers are urged to stop using affected units immediately and seek refunds due to serious fire hazards.
- Recall size: About 964,000 units recalled after adding model EFMIS121 (serials A2001–A2310) to prior actions — see the CPSC recall notice (2026 expansion).
- Hazard: Internal electrical short‑circuits can ignite plastic housings, causing fires, heavy smoke and burn risks — per the Curtis International recall page.
- Consumer action: Unplug and disable recalled units, label them “Recall,” and register for a refund at the refund portal.
Key information
The recall now covers about 964,000 Frigidaire‑brand minifridges after Curtis International added roughly 330,000 EFMIS121 units to an earlier recall of 634,000 units. For official details see the CPSC recall notice (2026 expansion).
The newly added model is EFMIS121 (serial numbers A2001 to A2310), sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. The CPSC and Curtis warn that internal electrical components can short‑circuit and ignite the plastic housing, creating a significant fire and burn hazard (Curtis International recall page).
What was recalled and where it was sold
Curtis International’s expansion adds EFMIS121 to models first recalled in July 2024: EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, and EFMIS175. Earlier recalls covered serial ranges A2001 through A2312 depending on model; the newest addition covers A2001–A2310. All recalled units have “Frigidaire” on the front and list model and serial number on the back label. See the original CPSC recall (2025) and the Curtis International recall page for model/serial verification.
Sales and retail details
The EFMIS121 six‑can minifridge was sold only at Target and Target.com between January 2020 and October 2023 for about $30. Earlier models were sold at additional retailers — including Walmart and Amazon — which is why the initial recall affected broader channels. Federal law bans sale of recalled consumer products; consumers who see these models for sale should report them to the CPSC.
Hazard details and reported incidents
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that internal electrical components can short and generate heat or sparks that ignite the surrounding plastic housing. When plastic burns it can produce heavy smoke and create burn hazards for people nearby.
There have been at least six new reports of fires involving model EFMIS121, adding to earlier incidents of smoking, sparking, melting, overheating and fires reported for other models.
Combined totals reach roughly 32 reported incidents, more than $700,000 in property damage and two smoke‑inhalation injuries (from the earlier recall). See the 2026 CPSC expansion notice and the 2025 CPSC recall summary for incident details.
What Curtis International and regulators say
Curtis International, the Canada‑based importer that distributed the Frigidaire‑brand minifridges, announced the expansion in January 2026 and is working with the CPSC. The company’s recall notice explains the fire risk and lists affected models and serial numbers; official info is available on the Curtis International recall page and the CPSC recall notice (2026 expansion).
What consumers should do now
Immediate steps:
- Stop using and unplug the recalled minifridge.
- Cut the power cord to prevent accidental use and write “Recall” on the front door with a permanent marker.
- Register for a refund at the recall website and follow local disposal rules.
- Contact Curtis International at 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or recall@curtiscs.com for questions.
Federal law prohibits selling recalled products. Consumers who find these models for sale should report them to the CPSC and follow the refund and disposal guidance on the recall portal.
Investigation questions and retailer responsibilities
The expansion prompts questions about why the risk spanned multiple models and why additional units were added more than a year after the first recall. Investigations should examine testing regimes, the location of electrical failures, and whether manufacturing or design variations exist across models.
Retailers that sold recalled minifridges — including Target (EFMIS121), and earlier sellers such as Walmart and Amazon — must stop sales, assist customer notifications and help ensure units are removed from circulation. The CPSC and Curtis International are responsible for outreach to purchasers, especially buyers of low‑cost items and gift recipients.
Implications for The World
Economic impact: The recall affects retailers and importers worldwide that sell small appliances or handle returns. Target faces refund and logistics costs in the U.S.; importers may see higher insurance, compliance and testing expenses.
Consumer safety and trust: Low‑cost appliance markets globally may see reduced trust and demand for stronger safety certifications. Regulators elsewhere may review testing standards for small appliances and electrical components that can short and ignite plastics (Curtis International recall page).
Political and regulatory consequences: Governments may use the case to justify stricter import checks, extended producer responsibility, or tighter electronic safety rules. Cross‑border agency cooperation on defects and recalls may accelerate.
Social and practical effects: Compact fridges are common in dorms, offices and secondary living spaces; the hazard highlights risks when small appliances are kept near flammable materials. Households, landlords and retailers should inspect units, check model/serial numbers and follow recall instructions (register for a refund).
Practical guidance
Buyers should check any compact fridge for “Frigidaire” on the front and compare the model and serial number on the back label to the recalled ranges. If a unit matches affected models: unplug it, cut the cord, label it “Recall,” register for a refund, and follow local disposal rules. For assistance contact Curtis International at 888‑727‑0198 or recall@curtiscs.com.
For more information
Official recall details and updates:
