Urgent Alert: Over 200,000 Mini-Fridges Recalled from Walmart, Amazon & Target Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

A chilling warning has been issued for consumers nationwide as over 200,000 Igloo and Costway branded mini-fridges, popular for dorm rooms, offices, and small spaces, have been recalled due to serious fire and electric shock hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the massive recall on January 25, 2024, urging owners to immediately unplug and stop using these potentially dangerous appliances purchased from major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target, and various online stores.

The core of the problem lies in the refrigerator's wiring, which has been found to be prone to overheating.

This critical defect poses a significant risk of fire, property damage, and severe electric shock to unsuspecting users. Reports indicate multiple incidents of overheating and even fires, prompting this widespread safety action.

Manufactured by NewAir, these compact refrigerators were sold under both the Igloo and Costway brand names.

Consumers need to check their specific models carefully. The recall impacts Igloo mini-fridges with model numbers IS400BK, IS400BL, IS400SS, IS400RD, and IS400WHITE. For Costway branded units, the affected model numbers include CM22055 and CM22056.

Adding a curious twist to the story, celebrity icon Paris Hilton has recently been seen on TikTok promoting her own line of chic, pastel-colored mini-fridges.

While visually similar and tapping into the same aesthetic, Hilton's promoted appliances are from brands like Smeg, The Glam App, and Midea, and are explicitly not part of this recall. This coincidence has led to some consumer confusion, highlighting the importance of verifying brand and model numbers against the CPSC's official recall notice.

If you own one of the recalled Igloo or Costway mini-fridges, the CPSC's directive is clear: stop using it immediately.

NewAir is offering a full refund to all affected customers. To initiate the refund process, owners must contact NewAir directly. They will require proof of purchase and a photograph of the unit, along with instructions on how to disable the fridge to ensure it cannot be used again.

This recall serves as a vital reminder for consumers to remain vigilant about product safety, especially for items purchased online or from major retailers.

Always check CPSC recalls and manufacturer advisories to ensure your home appliances are safe for use. Don't risk a potential fire or electric shock – verify your mini-fridge's model number today and take advantage of the refund program if yours is affected.