A Galanz Retro Refrigerator recall has been issued after federal officials reported 34 fires linked to a potential electrical defect and one death reported by a local fire department. Owners of affected units are being urged to unplug and stop using the appliances immediately.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said about 121,680 refrigerators are included in the recall because internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite. The defect creates a risk of fire and burn injuries.
The recalled refrigerators were sold nationwide at Home Depot stores and through Amazon.com between January 2019 and September 2022. The affected models were sold for between $330 and $520.
Federal Safety Officials Warn Consumers About Fire Hazard
According to the CPSC, the recall involves Galanz Retro Refrigerators with specific model numbers and production dates. The agency said the internal electrical components may fail, causing a short circuit that can lead to ignition.
The recall follows 34 reports of fires involving the refrigerators. A local fire department report cited by the CPSC linked those incidents to one fatality.
The agency has advised consumers not to continue using the recalled appliances until they have been repaired. Owners should disconnect the refrigerators from power and contact Galanz to schedule a free in-home repair by a qualified technician.
The affected refrigerators are 7.6-cubic-foot retro-style models featuring a separate top freezer, three adjustable glass shelves and one drawer. They were available in black, blue, red and white finishes.
The recalled models include BCD-215V-62H, GLR76TRDER, GLR76TBKER, GLR76TBEER, and GLR76TWEER.
The recall only applies to units with date codes ranging from December 2018 through December 2020.
The model number and date code can be found on a white label located on the upper left-hand corner on the back of the refrigerator.
Credit: CPSC
What Owners Of Recalled Galanz Refrigerators Should Do
Consumers with affected Galanz Retro Refrigerators should unplug their units immediately and stop using them, according to the CPSC.
The manufacturer is offering a free in-home repair service carried out by a qualified technician. Owners should contact Galanz to arrange the repair rather than attempting to fix the appliance themselves.
The recalled refrigerators measure about 58 inches high, 24 inches deep and 21 inches wide. They feature either left-hand or right-hand opening doors and were designed as compact retro-style kitchen appliances.
Because the refrigerators were sold for several years through widely used retailers, some affected units may still be operating in homes across the United States.
The CPSC continues to recommend that consumers check recalled products and follow official repair instructions to reduce the risk of fire-related incidents.
Owners who purchased one of the recalled models should confirm the model number and date code before scheduling service.
