Understanding the Widespread Frigidaire Mini Fridge Recall and What Victims of Fire-Related Property Damage Can Do Next

Over half a million Frigidaire mini refrigerators have been recalled across the United States after reports of smoke, overheating, and fires that caused more than $700,000 in property damage. The recall was issued by Curtis International in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 25, 2025. A total of 634,000 units are affected, many of which were sold at Walmart and on Amazon between January 2020 and December 2023.

According to the CPSC, there have been at least 26 confirmed incidents where these mini fridges either smoked, overheated, or caught fire. While no injuries have been reported as of now, the financial loss and potential risk to human safety is substantial.

The recall highlights how even small household appliances can pose serious hazards when defective. A short circuit within the appliance appears to be the primary cause, which can result in rapid overheating and ignition. Such electrical malfunctions in confined spaces—like dorm rooms, offices, bedrooms, or kitchens—can quickly escalate into larger fires. This puts not only property at risk, but also lives.

Which Models Are Affected and Where Were They Sold?

The models included in the recall are Frigidaire-branded mini fridges with the following model numbers and serial number ranges:

  • EFMIS129 (without the letter B or C), Serial numbers A2001 to A2308
  • EFMIS137, Serial numbers A2001 to A2312
  • EFMIS149, Serial numbers A2001 to A2308
  • EFMIS175, Serial numbers A2001 to A2310

These units were available at Walmart stores nationwide, other retailers, and online platforms including Amazon.com. Sold between 2020 and 2023, they were priced between $36 and $40, making them affordable and widespread among students, renters, and families seeking compact cooling solutions.

Given their low cost and wide distribution, many consumers may not be aware that their appliance is at risk. Anyone who purchased one of the listed models should take immediate steps to verify whether their unit is affected.

Instructions for Consumers and What to Do Next

If you own one of the recalled mini fridges, stop using it immediately. The CPSC and Curtis International instruct users to:

  1. Unplug the unit to prevent any further risk of electrical malfunction.
  2. Cut the power cord entirely to ensure it cannot be reused or resold.
  3. Write the word “RECALL” across the front of the fridge using a permanent marker.
  4. Dispose of the unit following your local or state guidelines for electronic waste or hazardous appliances.

Curtis International is providing additional support to consumers and can be reached at 1-888-727-0198 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

While the recall is active and guidance is being provided, consumers who suffered property damage may be left facing repair bills, temporary housing costs, or lost belongings. These costs are often not reimbursed through the recall process.

What Legal Rights Do Victims of Appliance Fires Have?

When a defective product causes damage—whether to property, a business, or a home—consumers may be entitled to compensation under product liability laws. This includes:

  • Reimbursement for fire or smoke-related damage to furniture, walls, electronics, or other items
  • Hotel stays and other temporary housing expenses if the home was made temporarily unlivable
  • Replacement costs for destroyed belongings
  • Emotional distress or trauma from the incident, particularly in cases involving children or elderly residents

In many product defect cases, compensation is not automatically offered. Manufacturers often only refund the purchase price of the defective item. However, if the product caused greater harm, the manufacturer or other responsible parties may be held legally accountable through civil litigation.

If Curtis International or retailers failed to conduct adequate quality control, ignored earlier incident reports, or delayed notifying the public, they may be liable for additional damages.

Who Is Most At Risk From Mini Fridge Fires?

Because these products were affordable and compact, they were especially popular in:

  • Dormitories and student housing
  • Small apartments or studio units
  • Offices or workspaces
  • Children’s bedrooms
  • Assisted living facilities

In these spaces, mini fridges are often left running unattended for long hours, sometimes under desks or in closets, which increases the risk of undetected overheating. Fires in these areas can spread quickly, often in close proximity to flammable materials such as bedding, books, or electronics.

The risk of injury or death increases dramatically when fires occur at night or in homes without working smoke detectors. Even a small appliance fire can turn into a major event in under 60 seconds. That’s why it is vital for consumers to take the recall seriously and to take swift legal action if their property or loved ones were affected.

The Role of Legal Action in Product Recalls

While the recall itself is an important step in reducing future risk, it does little for those who have already suffered harm. Legal claims not only help victims recover costs—they also encourage accountability. Manufacturers are more likely to fix safety flaws when they are held responsible for the damage those flaws cause.

Legal action may also uncover whether Curtis International knew about the issue before the recall, whether they delayed public warnings, or if there were prior internal reports of overheating incidents that were ignored. These facts matter when determining legal responsibility and securing a fair outcome for victims.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If your home or property was damaged by a defective Frigidaire mini fridge or if injured or lost a loved one, you may be eligible for compensation beyond the refund offered in the recall. The national personal injury lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP are reviewing these cases now.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free and confidential consultation. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you and discuss your claim for free. We’re here to protect your rights and help you recover what you’ve lost. Don’t wait—call now.

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