In a shocking turn of events, a celebrity-endorsed lifestyle product has been deemed a serious safety risk. The 'Hot New Item' Mini Beauty Fridge, sold by retail giant Best Buy and promoted by socialite and businesswoman Paris Hilton, is now the subject of an urgent nationwide recall.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has officially declared the stylish appliance a fire hazard. This action comes after multiple reports of the fridges overheating, melting, and even catching fire, creating a potentially deadly situation in homes.
What is the specific danger?
The core of the problem lies in the fridge's compressor. Investigations have revealed that the component can overheat to an extreme degree. This doesn't just cause the unit to fail; it poses a severe risk of igniting nearby materials, leading to a full-blown house fire.
The recall notice explicitly states that consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mini fridges and unplug them from the wall outlet.
Which models are affected?
The recall targets approximately 187,000 units in the United States and an additional 4,760 that were sold in Canada. The product was sold exclusively at Best Buy stores and on their website between November 2021 and May 2024. The fridges were priced at around $35.
Identifying the faulty product is straightforward. The recalled mini fridge is a 4-litre, pink and white appliance bearing the brand name 'Hot New Item' and the model number HNI-MF001. This information is clearly printed on the label located on the back of the unit.
What should owners do?
Consumers in possession of one of these fridges are instructed not to return it to Best Buy. Instead, they must contact the product's distributor, GPMI, directly to initiate the refund process. Owners will be required to provide their contact information and a photo of the unit, specifically showing the model number on the back and the electrical cord cut to render it unusable.
Upon completing these steps, consumers will receive a full refund of $35 in the form of a prepaid card. This process is designed to ensure the dangerous products are permanently taken out of circulation and cannot be reused or resold.
So far, GPMI has received 13 reports of the fridges overheating and melting. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents, but the potential for harm remains significant.
This recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of product safety, even for items marketed as fun, celebrity-backed lifestyle accessories.
