Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Expands to Nearly 1 Million Units — Target-Sold Red Models Added After Fire Reports
The CPSC expanded a January 2026 recall to about 964,000 Frigidaire minifridges after Curtis International added red EFMIS121 models sold at Target, citing fire and burn hazards from short-circuiting electrical components; owners must unplug and register for refunds.
- Recall size: Expansion brings total affected units to about 964,000, including roughly 330,000 EFMIS121 red models sold at Target.
- Hazard: Internal electrical short-circuits can ignite or melt the plastic housing, linked to multiple fires and property damage.
- Action for owners: Stop use, unplug and render the unit inoperable, label it “Recall,” and register for a refund at the official return site.
- Remedy: Curtis International is offering a refund only via the return portal; no repair or replacement option is provided.
What was recalled and where it was sold
The recall expansion names the Frigidaire-branded minifridge model EFMIS121 with serial numbers A2001 through A2310. These are the small, red 6-can minifridges sold exclusively at Target stores and on Target.com from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. Official guidance was published by the CPSC recall and by Curtis International.
Previous recalls and related models
An earlier 2024 recall covered four other Frigidaire minifridge models — EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, and EFMIS175 — sold in red, black and blue through retailers including Walmart and Amazon. That action covered about 634,000 units and stemmed from the same overheating and fire hazards.
What went wrong: hazard details and incidents
CPSC investigators and the manufacturer explain that internal electrical components can short-circuit. When a short occurs adjacent to the plastic housing, the plastic can ignite or melt, producing flames, smoke and burn risks. The expansion links at least six fires to the newly added EFMIS121 units. Earlier recalled models accounted for 26 incidents, including two smoke-inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage.
“Even models that have not yet shown injuries can pose serious risks and should be removed from use,” the agency emphasized.
What consumers should do now
The CPSC and Curtis International advise owners to take immediate steps to reduce fire risk. Key steps include:
- Unplug the unit and disconnect all power.
- Render the unit inoperable — cut the power cord or otherwise disable it and mark the front “Recall” with a permanent marker to prevent accidental use.
- Register for a refund at the return-and-refund site.
- Contact Curtis International toll-free at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com for assistance.
- Dispose of the unit according to local and state rules for electronics and appliances.
How to identify a recalled unit
Look for “Frigidaire” printed on the front. The model and serial numbers are on a label on the back of the unit. If the label shows model EFMIS121 and serial numbers A2001–A2310, follow the safety steps above and register for a refund at the recall return website.
Manufacturer and retailer roles
Curtis International, an importer and distributor, issued the recall expansion and is handling refunds; full details appear on the company’s recall page (Curtis International) and the CPSC recall. Target sold the affected EFMIS121 units exclusively and has been notified through the recall process.
Consumer protections and refund remedy
The official remedy is a refund only. Curtis International is not offering repairs or replacements for these models; owners must return units for a monetary refund through the return portal. The refund-only solution has drawn attention because the units remain hazardous until removed from homes.
Investigative questions that remain
- Why did the same electrical problem appear across multiple models and production runs?
- Were independent safety tests adequate before these products reached major retailers?
- What steps will Target and other retailers take to prevent similar hazardous imports from reaching store shelves?
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Economic impact
Huntington Beach households that include renters, students and young professionals often rely on inexpensive minifridges for dorms, rentals and garages. The recall could produce thousands of local refunds while leaving households without an inexpensive replacement; refunds may not cover the cost of safer alternatives.
Fire and property safety
Even a small appliance fire in a dense rental or apartment complex can threaten neighboring units. Given the nationwide incidents and past property damage exceeding $700,000, Huntington Beach owners should unplug and remove any recalled unit immediately to reduce risk to tenants and nearby properties.
Local politics and consumer protection
The recall raises questions about corporate responsibility and regulatory oversight. Local officials and community leaders may press for clearer retailer responsibilities and faster manufacturer responses. Residents can contact elected officials or the city’s risk management office to express concerns or request action.
Social and community effects
Community groups, property managers and neighborhood associations can help by sharing recall notices, coordinating returns, and assisting elderly or vulnerable residents who may not receive retailer notices. Quick community outreach can reduce fire risk and ease the return process for those needing help.
Practical steps for local residents
- Check any small Frigidaire minifridge for model and serial numbers on the back label.
- If it is an EFMIS121 with serial numbers A2001–A2310, unplug it, mark it “Recall,” and register for a refund at the return-and-refund site.
- Contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 or recall@curtiscs.com for help.
- If you live in a rental unit, notify your landlord immediately so they can remove or replace the appliance.
Reporting incidents
If a recalled unit has caused a fire, injury or property damage in Huntington Beach, report it to the CPSC recall hotline and keep documentation. Local fire departments also document incidents, which can support insurance claims and safety outreach.
Conclusion
Owners should act quickly: unplug, render the unit inoperable, label it “Recall,” and register for a refund at the recall return website. For official details consult the CPSC recall and the manufacturer’s page at Curtis International.
