Frigidaire-brand Minifridges Recalled Over Fire and Burn Hazard

Product Recalls - August 2, 2025

Curtis International Issues Recall for Frigidaire-brand Minifridges, models EFMIS129, EFMIS137, EFMIS149 and EFMIS175 Over Fire and Burn Hazard

Frigidaire-brand Minifridges Recalled Over Fire and Burn Hazard

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (August 2, 2025) – Curtis International has issued a recall for Frigidaire-brand Minifridges because they can pose a serious fire and burn hazard to consumers.

The recall was issued on July 24, 2025. Roughly 634,000 units were sold prior to the recall.

According to the notice by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the internal electronic components in the mini fridge may inadvertently short-circuit. This could cause the plastic housing surrounding the product to ignite and burn.

Thus far, $700,000 in property damage has been reported. Curtis International has received 26 reports of the mini fridges sparking, burning, overheating, or catching fire.

At least two people have suffered lung damage from smoke inhalation.

Liability for Injuries Caused by Consumer Products

Fires remain a leading cause of preventable injury and death in the United States. Many of these fires are started by consumer products. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “In 2021 emergency rooms nationwide treated an estimated 193,450 burn injuries involving many types of consumer products, from kitchen and cooking products to fireworks and space heaters. In recognition of Burn Awareness Week, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to be vigilant about fire safety and to check for product recalls.” Many different defects could cause a fire with consumer products.

  • Electrical Defects: Consumer products may have electrical defects caused by faulty wiring or improper insulation.
  • Battery Failures: Consumer products may experience battery failures that can cause overheating and even explosions.
  • Material Defects: Consumer products may be encased in non-fire-retardant plastics that can overheat and catch fire.

Companies that create a product have a legal obligation to ensure that those products are reasonably safe. This necessitates that they follow all design and safety requirements. Companies must also take into consideration all of the ways that their products could likely be used and even potentially misused. When a product has design defects that make fires likely, this could form the basis of a strict product liability claim. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in any prima facie case of product liability.

  • The defendant sold the product used by the plaintiff.
  • The defendant was the commercial seller of the product.
  • The plaintiff sustained an injury while using the product.
  • The product was defective at the time it was sold to the defendant.
  • The defect was the actual and proximate cause of the injury sustained by the plaintiff.

It can be very expensive to bring a product to market and distribute it. Companies will often take several shortcuts to reduce costs as much as possible. But in far too many situations, the shortcuts involve major safety compromises. Any person injured by a defective consumer product may be able to see some measure of accountability through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim could help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Getting Legal Help for Injuries Caused by Defective Consumer Products

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people injured by the Frigidaire-brand Minifridges. It is our sincere hope all of the affected fridges will be successfully recalled before more people are injured. People should not have to worry that the products they purchase for themselves and their family may become lethal hazards.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured by a consumer product? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of highly experienced product liability attorneys is here to help you. We have successfully resolved thousands of claims and are committed to getting victims the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of assistance, we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (312) 564-4256.