Frigidaire Minifridge Recall Expanded to 964,000 Units After New Fire Reports; Target Customers Urged to Stop Using Units Immediately
Curtis International expanded a recall of red Frigidaire 6-can minifridges sold at Target, increasing the total to roughly 964,000 units after new fire reports. Consumers are urged to unplug affected units, mark them “Recall” and register for a full refund.
Key takeaways
- Recall expansion: The January 2026 expansion adds model EFMIS121 (serial numbers A2001–A2310), raising the total recalled units to about 964,000 according to the CPSC recall announcement.
- Hazard: Internal electrical components can short-circuit and ignite the plastic housing, creating fire and burn risks.
- Consumer action: Stop using the minifridge, unplug and cut the cord, label it “Recall,” and register for a full refund at the official recall website.
- Coverage: News outlets reporting on the expansion include Fox Business, Fox 13 Seattle, and Parade.
Details of the expanded recall
Curtis International, the Canada-based distributor of Frigidaire-branded small appliances, expanded the recall in January 2026 to include an additional 330,000 units of model EFMIS121. That expansion follows the initial July 2024 recall of about 634,000 units covering models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175—bringing the combined total to roughly 964,000 minifridges.
The CPSC lists the specific serial range for the expansion: EFMIS121 units with serial numbers A2001 through A2310 are included. For full model and serial details, consult the CPSC recall notice.
What’s behind the recall: the minifridge fire hazard
According to the CPSC and company reports, affected minifridges contain internal electrical components that can short-circuit. If a short occurs, the resulting heat can ignite the surrounding plastic casing, creating both fire and burn hazards to consumers and property. The agencies advise immediate cessation of use and enrollment in the recall remedy process.
Safety instruction: Stop using the refrigerator and follow the recall registration and disabling steps below to prevent a potential fire.
Incident reports and scope of damage
- For the expanded EFMIS121 model, the CPSC reports at least six incidents of the units catching fire; reports include property damage but the expansion notice did not specify injuries. See the CPSC recall announcement.
- For the earlier 634,000-unit recall covering other models, recorded incidents numbered at least 26 (overheating, melting, or fires), including two smoke-inhalation injuries and more than $700,000 in property damage. See news reporting from Fox Business and Parade.
Where and when they were sold
The EFMIS121 red 6-can minifridges were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com in the U.S. from January 2020 through October 2023 for about $30. Earlier recalled models (EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175) were sold at a broader set of retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, in red, black and blue finishes.
Consumers should check the label on the back of the unit for model and serial numbers to confirm whether their minifridge is included; full guidance appears on the CPSC recall page.
How to identify an affected unit
- Check the model number on the back of the minifridge. The latest expansion covers EFMIS121 with serials A2001–A2310.
- For earlier recalled models, inspect labels for EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 or EFMIS175 and confirm serial ranges on the CPSC recall notice.
What consumers should do now
Follow these safety steps immediately:
- Stop using the minifridge and unplug it from the wall.
- Cut the power cord so the unit cannot be used, and clearly write “Recall” on the front with a permanent marker to prevent accidental use.
- Register for a full refund at the recall portal. Consumers may also contact Curtis International toll-free at 888-727-0198 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday–Friday) or email recall@curtiscs.com.
- Dispose of units according to local and state regulations. Federal law prohibits selling or renting recalled products. Report incidents or safety concerns at the CPSC recall page or via SaferProducts.gov.
Accountability and retail response
The recall centers on product safety for items sold through Target. Under federal law, retailers may not resell recalled items; Target and Curtis International must assist consumers in getting refunds and help publicize the recall. The expansion raises questions about quality control for inexpensive electronics and the costs and burdens of large-scale recalls on manufacturers, distributors and regulators.
Business and regulatory coverage of these responsibilities and the recall’s economic impacts appears in reporting such as Fox Business.
Implications for Alamogordo, New Mexico
Local households and renters: Alamogordo residents who purchased a red retro Frigidaire minifridge at Target between 2020 and 2023 should check their units now. Compact, low-cost refrigerators are common in dorms, offices and small rentals; a recalled unit left plugged in could ignite and endanger lives and property.
Fire and emergency services: Local fire departments should inform the public to unplug and disable affected units. Preventing avoidable fires preserves limited emergency resources and reduces recovery costs; earlier incidents resulted in significant property damage.
Retailers and local stores: If Target stores in Alamogordo still have inventory or display models, federal law prohibits sale or rental of recalled units. Local store management should coordinate with corporate recall procedures to remove affected stock and notify customers.
Practical steps for residents: Check the model and serial number on the back of your minifridge. If it matches EFMIS121 with serial A2001–A2310, unplug, disable and register for a full refund at the official recall website or call Curtis at 888-727-0198. Report incidents or concerns at SaferProducts.gov or the CPSC website.
Community awareness: Local leaders, neighborhood groups and faith organizations can help share this recall notice—especially with elders, renters and low-income families—to ensure safe disposal and refund access and to prevent injuries.
Reporting and further information
For full details, consult the CPSC recall announcement. Additional news coverage and analysis of the recall expansion is available from Fox Business, Fox 13 Seattle, and Parade.
To register for a refund and get next steps, visit the recall portal or contact Curtis International at 888-727-0198 or recall@curtiscs.com.
