Mini-Fridges manufactured by Frigidaire lead to extensive damage totaling $700,000 due to incidents of smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, and catching fire.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall of over 600,000 Frigidaire-brand mini-fridges due to a fire hazard. At least 26 reports of the mini-fridges smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, or catching fire have been received, causing property damages totaling over $700,000. Two consumers reported smoke inhalation injuries.
The recall affects Frigidaire-brand minifridges with the following model numbers and serial number ranges:
| Model Number | Serial Number Range | Notes | |--------------|-------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | EFMIS129 | Between A2001 to A2308 (Excludes EFMIS129-B and EFMIS129-C) | | | EFMIS137 | Between A2001 to A2312 | | | EFMIS149 | Between A2001 to A2308 | | | EFMIS175 | Between A2001 to A2310 | |
These minifridges were sold in 6- and 9-can sizes and multiple colors including black, blue, green, white, yellow, red, pink, and silver.
Consumer Safety Instructions
- Immediately stop using the recalled minifridge.
- Unplug the unit and cut the power cord.
- Mark the front door of the minifridge with the word "Recall" using a permanent marker.
- Dispose of the unit according to local and state regulations.
- Follow recall instructions to apply for a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge
The hazard involves the minifridge’s internal electrical components that can short circuit, causing the plastic housing to ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard.
Contact Information for Curtis International
Consumers can contact Curtis International for more information about the recall toll-free at 888-727-0198 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET Monday to Friday. Alternatively, they can email [email protected] or visit the recall information and refund process website at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge.
It is important to note that the faulty fridges have caused over $700,000 in property damage. The recalled Frigidaire mini-fridges, marketed as "retro" and made in China, are still available for purchase at the Frigidaire website, but only if their model number is "EFMIS129-B" or "EFMIS129-C". These models are not included in the recall.
The recalled Frigidaire mini-fridges were sold at Walmart and other physical retail stores nationwide, as well as online at Walmart.com and Amazon.com from January 2020 until December 2023.
Another recall this past week involved Transpro Electric Scooters, causing $200,000 in property damage after a battery-related fire.
Consumers are encouraged to visit www.recallrtr.com/minifridge for more information about the recall.
- The upcoming tech recall of Frigidaire mini-fridges, following a series of incidents such as smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, or catching fire, is a major concern for consumers, as it has already caused over $700,000 in property damage and two cases of smoke inhalation.
- The recall affects Frigidaire-brand minifridges with specific model numbers and serial number ranges, and the hazard involves the mini-fridge’s internal electrical components that can short circuit, causing the plastic housing to ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard.
- For further information about the recall, consumers can contact Curtis International, or visit the recall information and refund process website at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge, which also provides updates on tech, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and other topics on Gizmodo.
