Frigidaire Mini-Fridges Cause $700,000 in Damage After Smoking, Sparking, Burning, Melting, Overheating, and Catching Fire

Over 600,000 Frigidaire mini-fridges are being recalled over internal electrical components that have short-circuited and ignited, according to an announcement by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The faulty fridges have cost over $700,000 in property damage thus far, according to a new recall notice.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled minifridges and follow the instructions to receive a refund at www.recallrtr.com/minifridge,” CPSC said in a press release. “Consumers should unplug and cut the power cord and write ‘Recall’ using a permanent marker on the front door of the unit. Consumers should dispose of the recalled minifridges in accordance with local and state regulations.”

The fridges were sold at Walmart and other physical retail stores nationwide. They were sold online at Walmart.com and Amazon.com from January 2020 until December 2023, according to the CPSC. Sold in a variety of colors, the minifridges retailed for $36-$40 and came in two sizes that could hold 6 cans and 9 cans.

The effected units are distributed by a Canadian company called Curtis International and the list of damage that’s been reported is extensive, with CPSC rattling it off in an oddly long manner: “Curtis International has received at least 26 reports of the minifridges smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating and catching fire, with property damages totaling more than $700,000. Two consumers reported smoke inhalation injuries.”

Consumers are encouraged to look for the model number and serial number on their fridge, which is located on labels on the back. The models and accompanying serial numbers that are being recalled include:

EFMIS129—Between A2001 to A2308 – if model number is “EFMIS129-B” or EFMIS129-C”, it is not included in this recall.
EFMIS137—Between A2001 to A2312
EFMIS149—Between A2001 to A2308
EFMIS175—Between A2001 to A2310

The recalled appliances were made in China and are marketed as “retro” because they look like something from the 1960s. They’re still available for purchase at the Frigidaire website in a version that presumably doesn’t smoke, spark, burn, melt, overheat, or catch fire.

Faulty electronics really seem to be causing quite a bit of havoc recently, with another recall from this past week of Transpro Electric Scooters reportedly causing $200,000 in property damage after a battery-related fire.

Curtis International can be reached toll-free over the phone at 888-727-0198 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET Monday to Friday. The company’s email is [email protected], though consumers are encouraged by the CPSC to visit www.recallrtr.com/minifridge for more information about the recall.

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