11
Retro Fridge Recall: 1 Death, Fire/Burn Hazards Spark Galanz Action
Galanz Retro Refrigerator Recall: What You Need to Know (Simple Guide)
What Happened?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Galanz Americas have announced a recall of Galanz Retro Refrigerators. These fridges have a dangerous defect: internal electrical parts can short circuit and catch fire. This poses a serious risk of injury or death from fire and burns.
IMPORTANT: One death has already been reported in connection with these refrigerators. There have been 34 fire reports total.
Which Refrigerators Are Recalled?
Not all Galanz fridges are affected. Only specific models with specific date codes are included.
Recalled Models
Look for one of these model numbers on the back label:
- BCD-215V-62H
- GLR76TRDER
- GLR76TBKER
- GLR76TBEER
- GLR76TWEER
Date Code Range
Only units made between December 2018 and December 2020 are recalled.
The date code is in YYYYMM format (for example: 201905 = May 2019).
What the Fridge Looks Like
- Style: Retro-looking (curved edges, colorful)
- Colors: Black, Blue, Red, White
- Size: About 58 inches tall × 24 inches deep × 21 inches wide
- Capacity: 7.6 cubic feet
- Door: Opens left OR right (has a handle)
- Inside: 3 adjustable glass shelves + 1 drawer
- Freezer: Top freezer with its own door + 1 drawer
- Branding: "Galanz" printed on the front of the freezer door
How to Check: Pull the fridge away from the wall. Look at the upper left corner on the back. There’s a white label with:
- The word "Galanz"
- The model number
- The date code (YYYYMM)
Where & When Were They Sold?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Stores | Home Depot (nationwide) + Amazon.com |
| Timeframe | January 2019 – September 2022 |
| Price | $330 – $520 |
| Units Sold | About 121,680 refrigerators |
What Should You Do RIGHT NOW?
Follow these steps immediately if you own one of these fridges:
Step 1: Unplug It
Stop using the refrigerator right now. Unplug it from the wall outlet.
Step 2: Empty It
Remove all food and items. Transfer perishables to another fridge or cooler.
Step 3: Contact Galanz for a FREE Repair
Do not try to fix it yourself. Do not throw it away yet.
Contact Galanz Americas to schedule a free in-home repair by a qualified technician:
- Phone: 1-800-562-0738 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)
- Email: recall@galanzamericas.com
- Website: www.galanzamericas.com/recall
Step 4: Wait for the Technician
A certified tech will come to your home and repair the electrical issue at no cost to you.
Why Is This So Serious?
Fire Hazard: The fridge’s wiring can short out and start a fire without warning — even when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping.
Real Harm: 34 fires reported. One person died. This isn’t a “maybe” — it’s happened.
In Your Home: These were sold at major retailers (Home Depot, Amazon). They look like normal, cute fridges. Many people don’t know they’re dangerous.
Who Made & Imported These?
| Role | Company | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Zhongshan Galanz | China |
| Importers | Home Depot + Galanz Americas Ltd. | Georgia & New Jersey, USA |
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Galanz Retro Refrigerators (5 models, Dec 2018 – Dec 2020) |
| Danger | Electrical short → fire → serious injury or death |
| Incidents | 34 fires, 1 fatality |
| Action | Unplug immediately → Contact Galanz for free in-home repair |
| Contact | 1-800-562-0738 / recall@galanzamericas.com / galanzamericas.com/recall |
Don’t wait. Don’t risk it. Unplug it today.
FAQ
1. My fridge looks fine and works perfectly. Do I still need to unplug it?
Yes. The fire can start without any warning signs. It’s not about how it looks — it’s about hidden wiring that can fail at any time.
2. I bought mine used / from a friend / on Facebook Marketplace. Does the recall still apply?
Yes. The recall applies to all units with the listed model numbers and date codes, no matter where or when you got it.
3. Will I have to pay for the repair?
No. The in-home repair by a qualified technician is completely free.
4. What if I already threw the fridge away?
If you no longer have the unit, you don’t need a repair — but please report it to Galanz or CPSC so they can track how many are still out there.
5. Where can I report an unsafe product or get more help?
Visit the CPSC’s official site: www.saferproducts.gov
You can report incidents, check other recalls, and get safety updates.
Stay safe. Check your fridge. Share this with anyone who might have one.
