Galanz recalls 121K retro refrigerators after one death

Galanz Americas has issued a product recall for about 121,680 retro-style refrigerators after federal regulators linked the units to 34 fires and one reported death. Internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite, creating fire and burn hazards. Owners should unplug the units immediately and arrange a free repair.

Key Takeaways

• About 121,680 Galanz Retro Refrigerators are included in the July 30, 2026 product recall announced with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• CPSC reports 34 fires involving the refrigerators, including one fatality according to a local fire department report.
• Only models BCD-215V-62H, GLR76TRDER, GLR76TBKER, GLR76TBEER, or GLR76TWEER with date codes from December 2018 through December 2020 are affected.
• Consumers should unplug recalled units right away and contact Galanz for a free in-home repair by a qualified technician.
• The refrigerators sold at Home Depot and on Amazon.com from January 2019 to September 2022 for roughly $330 to $520.

The vintage look that made these compact freezers-and-fridges popular in dorms, studios, and home bars is suddenly a safety story. In a Nostalgia: Then & Now twist, mid-century styling collides with a modern electrical hazard that federal officials say can turn deadly.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice, Galanz Americas Limited Company and CPSC are recalling Galanz Retro Refrigerators manufactured by Zhongshan Galanz of China and imported by Home Depot and Galanz Americas.

What happened with this Galanz product recall?

On July 30, 2026, CPSC and Galanz Americas announced that internal electrical components in the recalled refrigerators can short circuit and ignite. That failure path creates fire and burn hazards that can cause serious injury or death.

CPSC said it is aware of 34 reports of fire involving the refrigerators. One of those fires resulted in a fatality, according to the local fire department report cited by the agency. Fox Business also reported the same tally of more than 120,000 units, 34 fires, and one reported death.

About 121,680 units are covered. The refrigerators were sold at Home Depot stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com from January 2019 through September 2022. Retail prices ranged between $330 and $520.

The manufacturer is Zhongshan Galanz of China. Importers named in the recall are Home Depot of Georgia and Galanz Americas Limited Company of New Jersey. The CPSC recall number is 26-649.

Which Galanz retro refrigerators are included?

These are 7.6 cubic foot retro-style refrigerators sold in black, blue, red, and white. Each unit measures about 58 inches high, 24 inches deep, and 21 inches wide.

Doors may open from the left or the right and include handles. Inside, there are three adjustable glass shelves and one drawer. The top freezer has a separate door, one drawer, and "Galanz" printed on the front.

Only refrigerators with date codes ranging from December 2018 through December 2020 are part of this product recall. Model numbers covered are BCD-215V-62H, GLR76TRDER, GLR76TBKER, GLR76TBEER, or GLR76TWEER.

"Galanz," the model number, and the date code in YYYYMM format appear on a white label on the upper left-hand corner on the back of the unit. If your date code falls outside December 2018 to December 2020, or your model number is not listed, this specific recall does not apply based on the CPSC notice.

The nostalgic styling helps explain why so many households bought them. Compact footprint, bold colors, and a throwback look made the appliances easy to place in apartments and secondary kitchens. That same wide distribution is why a nationwide product recall of this size matters for so many owners.

What should owners do right now?

CPSC and Galanz urge consumers to unplug and stop using recalled refrigerators immediately until they are repaired. Do not keep running an affected unit while you wait for a technician.

The official remedy is repair, not a refund or replacement, according to the CPSC notice. Galanz will schedule free in-home repair by a qualified technician once you contact the company.

Owners can reach Galanz Americas at 888-462-0579 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Email is customerservice@galanzamericas.com. Online options include GalanzRetroFridgeRecall.expertinquiry.com or www.galanz.com/us/, where customers can select "PRODUCT RECALLS" at the top of the page.

Before you call, check the rear label for the model number and date code. Having those details ready should speed identification and scheduling. If you are unsure whether your fridge matches the list, contact Galanz with photos of the label rather than guessing.

Federal law prohibits selling products subject to a Commission-ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with CPSC. Anyone who still sees these specific recalled models offered for resale should treat that as a red flag and report it through official channels such as SaferProducts.gov when appropriate.

Why does a retro fridge product recall matter beyond the kitchen?

Retro appliances sit at the crossroads of style and everyday risk. They look like design objects, but they still carry the same electrical loads as any modern refrigerator. When internal components can short circuit and ignite, the hazard is not theoretical. CPSC's count of 34 fire reports and one reported death makes that clear.

For readers who follow design trends and vintage-inspired living, this recall is also a reminder to treat "cute" kitchen upgrades with the same seriousness as any major appliance purchase. Check model labels. Keep manufacturer contact information. Act quickly when a product recall is announced.

Home Depot and Amazon were the named retail channels for these units between early 2019 and late 2022. That window means many units have been in service for years. Longer use can make owners less likely to notice a new advisory, which is why clear action steps matter as much as the hazard description.

If your Galanz retro refrigerator matches an included model and date code, unplug it now, move food to a safe temporary cooler or alternate fridge if needed, and book the free repair. That sequence is the fastest way to reduce fire risk while keeping the nostalgic look after a technician addresses the defect.

Stay alert for updates from Galanz and CPSC, and share the notice with roommates, landlords, or family members who may own the same colorful compact units. A quick label check today can prevent a dangerous failure tomorrow.