Expanded Frigidaire minifridge recall at Target reaches nearly 1 million units after fire reports
Curtis International expanded a recall for nearly 1 million Frigidaire minifridges — adding about 330,000 EFMIS121 units sold at Target between January 2020 and October 2023 — after reports that internal electrical faults caused fires and burn hazards.
- Scope: The expansion increases the recall total to roughly 964,000 units by adding ~330,000 EFMIS121 minifridges (serials A2001–A2310).
- Hazard: Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing, causing fire, burn risk and property damage.
- Where bought: The added EFMIS121 units were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com.
- Action: Owners should stop using recalled units, unplug and disable them, mark them “Recall,” and register for a refund through the company portal.
What happened and how the recall grew
Background: In July 2024, Curtis International first recalled about 634,000 Frigidaire minifridges — models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 — after reports of overheating, melting and fires. Those models were sold at retailers including Walmart and Amazon.
Expansion: Curtis on Thursday added roughly 330,000 red, 6-can retro-style minifridges labeled Frigidaire (model EFMIS121, serial numbers A2001–A2310) sold only at Target stores and Target.com between January 2020 and October 2023, raising the total recalled units to about 964,000.
For the official government notice, see the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall notice. Additional reporting is available from Fox Business and Fox13 Seattle.
Reported incidents and hazards
According to Curtis and the CPSC, the minifridges have internal electrical components that can short-circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing. For the added EFMIS121 units, the agency tied at least six reports of units catching fire that caused property damage.
For the earlier-recalled models, Curtis and the CPSC recorded 26 incidents of overheating, melting or fire, including two smoke inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage.
Investigative detail: where the risk likely comes from
Company and regulator statements point to an electrical fault inside the units. When an internal component short-circuits it can produce heat or sparks sufficient to ignite the plastic shell. The risk increases if a unit runs continuously, sits on flammable surfaces, or is placed near clutter.
These small units are often used in bedrooms, dorms, offices and RVs—locations where a fire can spread quickly.
Which products to check
Check the label on the back of your minifridge. The expanded recall covers Frigidaire model EFMIS121 with serial numbers A2001–A2310. These units are red, retro-style, and display “Frigidaire” on the front. The original recall covered models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 in red, black and blue sold through other retailers.
Tip: If your unit matches any recalled model or serial range, stop using it immediately.
What Curtis International and the CPSC are telling consumers to do
Immediate steps: The company and the CPSC urge owners to stop using recalled minifridges. The agency recommends unplugging the unit, cutting the power cord so it cannot be used, and marking the front door with a permanent marker that the item is “Recall.”
Owners should register for a refund at the company’s recall portal. Consumers may also contact Curtis International toll-free at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or email recall@curtiscs.com. Follow local and state rules for appliance disposal.
Federal law prohibits reselling recalled products. The CPSC also asks consumers to report incidents or injuries at SaferProducts.gov.
Retail and manufacturer roles
Target, which sold the EFMIS121 units exclusively, is listed as the seller in the CPSC notice but did not issue a separate recall release. The initial July 2024 recall included models sold through multiple retailers including Walmart and Amazon. Curtis International, the Canada-based importer, is managing the recall process and the refund portal.
Implications for Fresno, California
Household risk & student housing: Fresno State and the city’s large renter and student populations mean these small fridges are common in dorms and studio apartments. Students, renters and property managers should check units now, stop using affected models and register for refunds.
Fire services: Fresno Fire Department and local prevention offices may see increased calls if units overheat. Residents should keep minifridges away from curtains, bedding and other flammables, and avoid leaving them running unattended overnight.
Resale & donations: Thrift shops, resale marketplaces and shelters in Fresno should not accept or sell recalled units. If a recalled unit is found, unplug it, label it “Recall” and register for a refund.
- Check the back of the minifridge for model and serial numbers.
- If it’s a recalled model (EFMIS121 with A2001–A2310, or EFMIS129/137/149/175), stop use and register for a refund at the company recall portal.
- Report incidents to the CPSC or SaferProducts.gov.
How to check and get a refund
- Find the model and serial number on the back of the unit. The EFMIS121 recall covers serial numbers A2001–A2310.
- If your unit is recalled, stop using it: unplug it, cut the cord so it cannot be used, and mark the front “Recall.”
- Register for a refund at the company’s recall portal.
- Contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or email recall@curtiscs.com for assistance.
- Report incidents or injuries and view the recall details at the CPSC recall page or SaferProducts.gov.
Sources and reporting
This article draws from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice and national reporting. Key sources:
For more information or to report incidents, visit the CPSC recall page or SaferProducts.gov, or register for a refund at the company recall portal.
