Recall Expanded to Nearly 1 Million Frigidaire Minifridges After Multiple Fire Reports — Target Sold Units Affected
Curtis International has expanded a recall to about 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges, adding the Target‑sold EFMIS121 6‑can model after multiple fire reports; consumers should stop using affected units, unplug and register for a refund today online.
- Recall scope: Expanded total is about 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges following new fire reports — see Fox Business coverage.
- New model added: Curtis International’s EFMIS121 6‑can minifridge (serials A2001–A2310, red units with “Frigidaire” on the front) is newly recalled — see the CPSC recall notice.
- Where sold: EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com (U.S.) from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30 — see Parade update.
- What to do: Stop using recalled units, unplug and cut the power cord, label the unit “Recall,” dispose per local rules and register for a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
What the recall covers
Curtis International expanded its prior July 2024 action by adding roughly 330,000 Frigidaire model EFMIS121 units to the earlier recall of other models. That brings the combined total to about 964,000 minifridges (634,000 previously recalled plus the newly added 330,000).
The CPSC recall notice lists the EFMIS121 6-can minifridge with serial numbers A2001 through A2310. The units are red, bear the Frigidaire name on the front, and were sold only at Target stores and Target.com between January 2020 and October 2023 for about $30.
Safety hazards and reported incidents
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, affected minifridges contain internal electrical components that can short‑circuit and ignite the plastic housing, posing risks of fire and serious burns. Curtis International reported at least six separate EFMIS121 fires that caused property damage, prompting the expansion.
“The expanding recall follows multiple reports of the EFMIS121 units catching fire,” per the CPSC recall notice.
The July 2024 recall of models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 documented overheating, melting and fires across 26 incidents, including two smoke inhalation injuries and estimated property damage of more than $700,000.
Where and when the units were sold
The newly added EFMIS121 minifridge was sold exclusively through Target stores and Target.com in the U.S. from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. The earlier-recalled models had broader retail distribution (including Walmart and Amazon), prompting the wider initial 2024 recall.
For images and sale details see coverage from Parade and the CPSC recall notice.
Steps consumers should take now
- Stop using the recalled minifridge immediately.
- Unplug the unit and cut the power cord so it cannot be used.
- Label the unit: write “Recall” on the front door with a permanent marker.
- Dispose of the unit according to local and state electronic/appliance waste regulations.
- Register for a refund at the company’s recall site: www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
For more information contact Curtis International Ltd. at 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or email recall@curtiscs.com. The CPSC recall page provides official details and images.
Recall history and regulatory context
Curtis International initially recalled 634,000 Frigidaire minifridges in July 2024 after reports of overheating and fires. This expansion adds roughly 330,000 EFMIS121 units, bringing the total to approximately 964,000. The CPSC is the federal authority posting the formal notice and coordinating corrective actions.
Target’s role and retailer responsibility
The EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively through Target. Retailers are expected to remove recalled items from shelves and online listings and to notify customers when possible. Buyers should check receipts, order history or the unit itself for the Frigidaire name and model number, then follow recall instructions to register and dispose safely.
Investigative notes and unanswered questions
Journalists and consumer advocates may press for:
- A detailed timeline of when Curtis discovered defects and actions taken before/after July 2024.
- Information on quality‑control measures and possible supplier component failures.
- Geographic incident data to identify high‑risk lots or manufacturing dates.
- Estimates of how many units remain in consumers’ homes and retailer outreach efforts.
Implications for California
Economic: California likely faces a surge in refunds and returns due to its large number of Target stores and renter/student populations that commonly use inexpensive minifridges. Expect increased customer‑service workloads and disposal demands.
Political & social: The recall highlights consumer‑product safety oversight needs; local officials and agencies may face pressure to ensure recalled appliances are removed and disposed of correctly. Small appliance fires are taken seriously in communities with dense housing.
Practical steps for Californians: If you own a Frigidaire minifridge, check the model and serial. If it is EFMIS121 with serial A2001–A2310, unplug, cut the cord, label it “Recall,” and register for a refund. Confirm local disposal rules or contact local waste management or your fire department for guidance.
Sources and further reading
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice
- Fox Business coverage of the recall expansion
- Fox26 Houston reporting on the Target Frigidaire recall
- Parade update on the Frigidaire mini‑fridge recall
Contact for consumers
Curtis International Ltd. — phone: 888‑727‑0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri); email: recall@curtiscs.com. Register refunds and report units at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge. For official recall details see the CPSC recall notice and media reports linked above.
