Minifridge door opens with melted ice inside and Target recall notice showing warning on counter

Frigidaire Recall Doubles After 6 Fires

At a Glance

  • Curtis International added 330,000 Frigidaire minifridges to an earlier recall, bringing the total to 964,000 units
  • The EFMIS121 model, sold only at Target, can short-circuit and ignite its plastic shell
  • Six fire incidents have already caused property damage
  • Why it matters: Owners must stop using the units immediately and follow a specific photo process to secure a refund

Curtis International has expanded its recall of Frigidaire-branded minifridges after six reports of fires and property damage. The company added 330,000 EFMIS121 units sold at Target to a 2023 recall that already covered 634,000 models sold through Walmart and Amazon.

Expanded Recall Covers Target-Only Model

The latest action targets the six-can EFMIS121 minifridge, priced at about $30. These units were manufactured between January 2020 and December 2023 and sold exclusively through Target stores and Target.com.

The recalled electrical components can short-circuit, igniting the plastic housing and creating fire and burn hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission posted the expanded notice, confirming the six reported fires linked to these products.

Earlier Recall Affected Four Other Models

Last year Curtis International recalled four other Frigidaire models:

  • EFMIS129
  • EFMIS137
  • EFMIS149
  • EFMIS175
Four Frigidaire mini fridges marked with red X symbols in a grid layout with warning signs and flames indicating recalled mod

Those 634,000 minifridges were sold by Walmart and Amazon for $36-$40 each. At that time the company received:

  • 26 reports of overheating, melting, or catching fire
  • 2 smoke-inhalation injuries

How Owners Can Get a Refund

Consumers who own any of the recalled units must:

  1. Stop using the minifridge immediately
  2. Cut the power cord
  3. Write “recall” in permanent marker on the front door
  4. Email photos of both steps to Curtis International through its recall portal

The company will then issue refunds.

Corporate Structure

Canada-based Curtis International holds licenses to manufacture and distribute various consumer electronics and appliances, including certain Frigidaire products. The larger Frigidaire brand belongs to Sweden’s Electrolux Group.

Key Takeaways

  • Total recalled units now reach 964,000 minifridges
  • Target, Walmart, and Amazon were the primary retailers
  • Owners must follow a specific photo process to obtain refunds

Author

  • My name is Daniel J. Whitman, and I’m a Los Angeles–based journalist specializing in weather, climate, and environmental news.

    Daniel J. Whitman reports on transportation, infrastructure, and urban development for News of Los Angeles. A former Daily Bruin reporter, he’s known for investigative stories that explain how transit and housing decisions shape daily life across LA neighborhoods.

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