Frigidaire branded minifridges can short circuit and ignite their plastic housing

Plain-English summary

Curtis International minifridges, with "Frigidaire" printed on the front, are being recalled across model numbers EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175, limited to the serial numbers listed in the recall notice. The model and serial numbers are on a label on the back of the unit. About 634,000 units are affected.

The stated hazard is that the minifridges' internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing, posing fire and burn hazards. Curtis International has received at least 26 reports of the minifridges smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating and catching fire, with property damage totalling more than $700,000. Two consumers reported smoke inhalation injuries.

The minifridges were sold at Walmart and other stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com and Amazon.com from January 2020 through December 2023 for between $36 and $40.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled minifridges and follow the instructions at recallrtr.com/minifridge for a refund, which requires unplugging and cutting the power cord and writing "Recall" on the front door in permanent marker before disposing of the unit.

The recalled product

Product

Frigidaire-brand Minifridges, models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175, limited to the listed serial numbers

Manufacturer

ShangYu North Electron Manufacture Co. Ltd., of China

Category

Consumer Product — Minifridge

Hazard

• short-circuit
• fire-hazard
• burn-hazard
• property-damage
• smoke-inhalation

Affected units

634,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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