This is one of those consumer safety stories that looks mundane on the surface until you realize just how close it comes to turning everyday convenience into a serious hazard.
A recall of Frigidaire-branded minifridges has now ballooned to nearly one million units after repeated reports of the products overheating and catching fire—an expansion that suggests the initial problem was far more widespread than first believed.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall now covers approximately 964,000 minifridges following the addition of another 330,000 units to an alert that began last summer. Canada-based Curtis International, which manufactures the units, initially recalled about 634,000 minifridges, but new findings prompted regulators to widen the net.
The issue is not cosmetic or minor. The recalled minifridges contain electrical components that can short-circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic, creating a clear fire and burn hazard. In other words, this isn’t about a faulty temperature dial or a noisy compressor—it’s about devices that can literally go up in flames.
The newly added model to the recall is Frigidaire minifridges bearing the model number EFMIS121.
These units were sold exclusively at Target stores and on Target’s website in the United States between January 2020 and October 2023, typically priced around $30. At least six fires have already been linked to this model, with reports of property damage tied directly to the malfunctioning units.
The earlier recall, issued last year, involved models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149, and EFMIS175, which were sold through retailers including Walmart and Amazon. At the time, regulators cited 26 incidents in which the minifridges overheated, melted, or caught fire. Two consumers reported smoke inhalation injuries, and property damage associated with those incidents exceeded $700,000.
What makes this recall especially concerning is where these products tend to be used. Minifridges are often placed in bedrooms, dorm rooms, offices, and nurseries—spaces where people may be sleeping or distracted when a malfunction begins. A device that quietly overheats in those environments poses a real risk.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to stop using the recalled units immediately. The instructions are blunt and specific: unplug the minifridge, cut the power cord, write “Recall” on the front of the unit with a permanent marker, and dispose of it according to local regulations. Consumers are also advised to contact the manufacturer to request a refund.
