Smoke curled from a small red minifridge pressed against a bedroom wall, its plastic shell twisting under intense heat. Across the United States, these compact units—popular in dorms, offices, and apartments—malfunctioned through short circuits and overheating, sparking fires in some cases. Firefighters intervened, property suffered damage, and two individuals experienced smoke inhalation. By January 2026, federal authorities confirmed the crisis: nearly one million units faced recall after years of ignored warnings.[1][2]
When a Bargain Becomes a Risk
Shoppers in 2020 snapped up these red minifridges for about $30 at Walmart, Amazon, and Target. Marketed as portable essentials for tight spaces, the appliances promised simple convenience. Yet hidden flaws in electrical components allowed short circuits, with the plastic exterior prone to catching fire. Curtis International, the Canadian distributor, kept selling them from January 2020 to December 2023, even as safety issues mounted.
One Company, Many Retailers, One Defect
Curtis International supplied Frigidaire-branded models to major chains. Target offered the EFMIS121 version exclusively, while Walmart carried older variants and Amazon listed others via third parties. Production happened in China by ShangYu North Electron Manufacture Co., with imports routed through Canada before U.S. distribution. This global chain failed to detect the uniform defect early, exposing buyers nationwide.
Manufacturing started in January 2020, but the first recall waited until July 2024—over four years later. During that span, Curtis received complaints of overheating, melting plastic, smoke, and fires. Two injuries from smoke inhalation occurred, alongside significant property losses. No voluntary recall followed until the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stepped in.
Nearly One Million Units Recalled
The recall ballooned on January 15, 2026, to about 964,000 units sold in the U.S. This included 330,000 Target-exclusive EFMIS121 models added to the prior 634,000. All suffered from electrical shorts that could ignite the housing. Positioned in single-occupancy spots like dorm rooms or offices, the devices put nearly one million locations at risk. For the Target model alone, Curtis noted at least six fire reports with property damage, though no fatalities emerged. Target pulled it in late 2023, but many units lingered in use.
Warning Signs and Supply Chain Gaps
The 2024 recall addressed 26 incidents of smoke, sparks, melting, overheating, or fire, with over $700,000 in damages. A pattern was evident, yet similar models persisted under new labels without fixes. Low retail prices—$30 to $40—drove high volume, generating around $34 million in revenue. Retailers conducted basic audits but leaned on importer certifications; importers trusted manufacturers. No one bore full responsibility in the diffused network. Regulators relied on consumer reports, lacking power for preemptive factory halts.
Consumer Response and Lingering Risks
Owners must immediately unplug the units, sever the power cord, mark “Recall” on the door, photograph it, and submit evidence online for full refunds. Many lack receipts, and awareness varies. Historically, only 20-40% of recalled items see refunds; at 30%, Curtis might process 290,000 claims, leaving hundreds of thousands unaddressed. Users may discard units without compensation or keep running them unaware.
This recall highlights persistent vulnerabilities in low-cost goods: minimal testing, shared accountability, and delayed oversight. As refunds proceed and units phase out, the absence of penalties or charges as of January 2026 raises questions about preventing the next widespread hazard in homes and shared spaces.
Sources:
“Curtis International Expands Recall of Frigidaire-brand Minifridges Due to Fire and Burn Hazards (Recall 26-199).” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 14 Jan 2026.
“Curtis International Recalls Frigidaire-brand Minifridges Due to Fire and Burn Hazards—More Than $700,000 in Property Damages Reported.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 23 Jul 2024.
“Minifridge recall expands to 964,000 Frigidaires after fire reports.” ABC News / Associated Press, 14 Jan 2026.
“Recall of Frigidaire minifridges sold at major retailers expands to nearly 1 million units.” CBS News, 15 Jan 2026.