Frigidaire minifridge recall expanded to nearly 1 million units after new fire reports; consumers urged to unplug and register
Curtis International expanded a recall in January 2026 to about 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges after new reports of fires and overheating. Consumers are urged to unplug affected units immediately and cut the power cord for safety, then register online for refunds.
- Recall size: About 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges now included after the expansion.
- Newly added model: EFMIS121 (serial numbers A2001–A2310), sold in red at Target.
- Hazard: Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing, creating a serious fire and burn risk per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Action now: Stop use, unplug and cut the cord, label the door “Recall,” and register at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge for a refund.
Recall expansion: what changed and why
Curtis International first issued a large recall in July 2024 for multiple Frigidaire models after reports of overheating and fires. In January 2026 the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission expanded the recall to include an additional approximately 330,000 units of the EFMIS121, raising the total to about 964,000 recalled minifridges.
Why the expansion: Investigators reported at least six incidents of the EFMIS121 catching fire and causing property damage. The fires appear to begin when internal electrical parts short-circuit and ignite surrounding plastic, according to the CPSC notice and company statements.
Earlier models included in the July 2024 recall (EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, EFMIS175) had a larger incident history with 26 reported incidents, two smoke inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage per reporting and company disclosures.
Which units are affected
The newly added units are 6-can minifridges labeled EFMIS121 with the model printed on the front and a serial-number label on the back. The expansion covers serial numbers A2001 through A2310. These EFMIS121 minifridges were sold in red only at Target stores and on Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30 (FOX Business).
The July 2024 recall covered other Frigidaire models (EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, EFMIS175) sold at retailers including Walmart and Amazon in multiple colors (red, black, pink, blue); see the manufacturer’s recall page for specifics: Curtis International recall information.
What consumers should do now
The CPSC and Curtis International advise owners to immediately stop using and unplug recalled minifridges. Follow these steps:
- Unplug the unit now. For safety, cut the power cord and write “Recall” on the front door with a permanent marker.
- Register for a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
- Contact Curtis International with questions at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, M–F) or email recall@curtiscs.com.
- Dispose properly: Follow local and state rules for electronic-appliance disposal and recycling; check your municipality’s guidance.
Note: Even if a minifridge appears in a different color, always check the serial number label on the back to confirm whether it is part of the expanded recall.
Manufacturer and retailer roles
Curtis International is leading the recall and will provide refunds for affected units; details and links to affected model lists are on its recall page: Curtis International recall information. Target sold the EFMIS121 model exclusively and has been identified in reporting on the recall.
Retailers typically cooperate by posting notices and advising customers to check serial numbers; affected Target purchasers (January 2020–October 2023) should follow CPSC and Curtis guidance and register for refunds.
Regulatory context and safety concerns
The CPSC is the federal agency posting the official recall notices and safety guidance. Its investigation points to a pattern of electrical failures creating a minifridge fire hazard, motivating the expanded actions and consumer refund program.
Coverage by consumer and business outlets has tracked incidents, company responses and the recall expansion (see reporting from FOX Business, FOX 26 Houston, and Parade).
Implications for Fresno, California
Economic impact: Fresno households, students, seasonal workers and budget-focused motels may own these low-cost Frigidaire minifridges. A local concentration of recalled units could increase demand for refunds, replacements and disposal services.
Public safety and housing: Dense apartment and multi-unit housing in Fresno raise the stakes for shared fire risks; landlords and property managers should inspect any Frigidaire minifridges on their properties and remove affected units promptly.
Local services and officials: Fresno fire departments, code enforcement and solid-waste programs may receive inquiries—officials could proactively alert residents via city channels, social media and utility inserts to reduce the local minifridge fire hazard.
Consumer protection: Local advocates and elected officials might press for clearer warnings and quicker remedies, and community groups should help vulnerable populations verify serial numbers and register for refunds.
Practical steps for Fresno residents
- Check the back of any Frigidaire minifridge for model and serial numbers. The newly added EFMIS121 units have serial numbers A2001–A2310 and were sold in red at Target (FOX Business).
- If your minifridge is affected: unplug immediately, cut the cord, label it “Recall”, and register at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
- Contact Curtis International for refunds and return instructions: 888-727-0198 or recall@curtiscs.com.
- Follow Fresno and California disposal rules for electronic appliances; contact the City of Fresno solid waste program or your local waste hauler for safe disposal guidance.
Sources and further reading
- Curtis International recall information
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice
- Recall registration and refund site (www.recallrtr.com/minifridge)
- Reporting on the recall and incidents — FOX Business
- Coverage — FOX 26 Houston
- Coverage and consumer guidance — Parade
For Fresno residents with questions about local disposal options, contact the City of Fresno solid waste program or your local waste hauler for instructions on how to handle recalled electrical appliances safely.
