Galanz Recalls Over 121,000 Retro Refrigerators Due to Fire Hazard, One Death Reported

Galanz Americas is recalling 121,680 retro-style refrigerators that can short-circuit and catch fire, according to CPSC. The recall is tied to 34 confirmed fire incidents — including one death — making it one of the more serious appliance hazards in recent memory.
The affected units were sold at Home Depot and Amazon between 2018 and 2020, priced from $330 to $520. If you own one, the message is simple: unplug it now.
The recall covers retro refrigerators made by Galanz Americas with date codes from December 2018 to December 2020, according to WPXI. The fridges came in four colors: black, blue, red, and white. Not every Galanz fridge is affected — only units with those specific date codes are included.
Consumers can find the date code on a label inside the refrigerator. Action News Jax reports the models were sold under the Galanz brand name. If your unit falls in that date range, stop using it immediately.
The CPSC has logged 34 reports of these refrigerators catching fire, according to KIRO 7. One of those fires resulted in a death. The short-circuit risk means the appliance can overheat and ignite without warning, posing a serious burn and fire hazard.
Boston 25 News notes that fires from faulty appliances can spread quickly inside a home. A refrigerator that runs around the clock poses a round-the-clock risk. That is why the CPSC and Galanz are urging owners to act fast.
Owners of recalled units should unplug the refrigerator right away, according to WSB-TV. After that, contact Galanz Americas directly to schedule a free in-home repair. You do not need to return the fridge to the store — a technician will come to you.
WHIO reports that Galanz is covering the full cost of the repair. Consumers can reach the company through the CPSC recall page or Galanz's own website. Do not continue using the appliance while waiting for the repair appointment.
The recalled refrigerators were available at two major retailers: Home Depot and Amazon, according to WSOC TV. Prices ranged from $330 to $520 depending on the model and size. The retro design made them popular purchases for kitchens, offices, and dorm rooms.
97X Online notes the units were sold nationwide between December 2018 and December 2020. If you bought a retro-style Galanz fridge during that period from either retailer, check the date code inside your unit as soon as possible.
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