Let’s talk ice. We often don’t think about it until it’s gone—usually right in the middle of a backyard barbecue or when you’re craving that perfectly chilled afternoon drink. That’s where a dedicated ice maker comes in, and this Frigidaire Ice Maker Review is designed to cut through the noise and tell you if this household name is the right choice for your needs. For years, I’ve seen countless machines come through our workshop, and Frigidaire has always been a brand that piques people’s interest. So, is it just brand recognition, or is there real substance behind their icy reputation? Let’s dive in and find out.
Why Even Consider a Frigidaire Ice Maker?
When you hear “Frigidaire,” you likely think of reliable kitchen appliances, a brand that’s been a fixture in homes for generations. This reputation for dependability extends to their line of ice makers. They aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel; instead, they focus on creating user-friendly, efficient machines that solve a common problem: the need for a constant, ready supply of ice.
Frigidaire offers a range of options, from compact countertop models perfect for apartments and RVs to the more sought-after nugget ice makers that produce that soft, chewable ice everyone seems to love. This variety means there’s likely a Frigidaire model that fits your specific lifestyle, whether you’re a frequent entertainer, a small business owner, or just someone who can’t stand a lukewarm beverage.
Breaking Down the Popular Frigidaire Models
A single Frigidaire ice maker review can’t cover every model, but we can look at their most popular categories to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
The Everyday Hero: Frigidaire Countertop Ice Makers
These are the workhorses of the Frigidaire lineup. Models like the EFIC189 or the EFIC108 are designed for one thing: producing a lot of ice, fast.
- Speed is the Game: Most of these units can start churning out their first batch of bullet-shaped ice in under 10 minutes. This is a game-changer when you have unexpected guests.
- Capacity: They typically produce between 26 to 33 pounds of ice per 24 hours. For perspective, that’s more than enough for a family’s daily use or a small get-together.
- Simplicity: The controls are incredibly straightforward. You add water to the reservoir, select the ice cube size (usually small or large), and press start. It’s that easy. There’s no plumbing or complicated installation required.
- Portability: Their compact size and lack of a dedicated water line mean you can take them anywhere there’s a power outlet—the back patio, the boat, or the office breakroom.
The downside? Like most countertop ice makers, they aren’t freezers. The ice basket is insulated, but the ice will slowly melt over time. The machine cleverly recycles the meltwater to make new ice, but it means you’ll want to transfer the ice to your freezer for long-term storage.
The Gourmet Choice: The Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker
Ah, nugget ice. Also known as “Sonic ice” or “pebble ice,” this is the stuff cravings are made of. It’s soft, chewable, and absorbs the flavor of your drink. The Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker is their answer to this growing demand.
- The Chewable Difference: Unlike the hard bullet ice from standard models, this machine works by scraping and compacting ice flakes into small, airy nuggets.
- High-End Feel: These models are a step up in both price and performance. They are designed to be a more permanent fixture on your countertop, providing a constant supply of that special ice.
- Consistent Production: It can produce a significant amount of ice, often up to 44 pounds a day, ensuring you never run out.
The main consideration here is the cost. Nugget ice makers are a premium product, and the price reflects the more complex technology required to produce this type of ice. But for true nugget ice aficionados, many find it to be a worthy investment.
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Our Picks for the Best ice maker in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes and Self-Cleaning, Portable Ice Maker with Handle for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV, Office, Black |
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| 2 | Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Ice, One-Click Operation Ice Machine with Self-Cleaning, 33lbs/24H for Home,Kitchen,Office |
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| 3 | EUHOMY Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker Machine with 35lbs/24H Soft Ice, Self-Cleaning Sonic Ice Maker with Ice Scoop&Basket, Pellet Ice Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office(Stainless Steels) |
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| 4 | Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice, Pebble Portable Ice Machine, 34lbs Per Day, Self-Cleaning, Sonic Ice, One-Click Operation, for Kitchen,Office Stainless Steel Black |
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| 5 | Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium |
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| 6 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine for Countertop, 26 lbs, Adjustable Ice Cube Size, Portable Ice Cube Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office/Bar- Black |
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| 7 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver |
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| 8 | EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black) |
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| 9 | EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Black) |
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| 10 | ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker, 26.5Lbs/24H, 9 Bullet Cubes in 6 Mins, Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes (S/L), Quiet Compact Design, Double Handles, for Home, Party, RV, Camping, Green |
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What’s It Really Like to Live With One? A Realistic Frigidaire Ice Maker Review
Specs on a page are one thing, but daily use is another. Here’s the real-world experience you can expect.
How Loud Are These Machines, Really?
This is one of the most common questions we get. A Frigidaire countertop ice maker is not silent, but it’s generally not intrusive. You’ll hear the gentle hum of the compressor (similar to a small dorm fridge), the sound of water being pumped, and the soft clatter of ice dropping into the basket. It’s a background noise that most people quickly tune out.
The nugget ice maker operates a bit differently, with more of a continuous, low-level operational sound from the scraping and compacting mechanism. In a busy kitchen, you’ll barely notice either type.
How Do You Clean a Frigidaire Ice Maker?
Proper cleaning is non-negotiable for any ice maker to ensure fresh-tasting ice and a long-lasting machine. Thankfully, the process is simple.
- Unplug and Empty: Always start by unplugging the unit. Drain any remaining water using the drain plug, usually located on the bottom or side.
- Wipe Down the Interior: Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the water reservoir and all interior surfaces. The vinegar helps to descale and disinfect.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Many models have a self-cleaning function. If yours does, fill the reservoir with the vinegar/water solution and run the cycle. If not, you can simply run a regular ice-making cycle with the solution, and discard the first few batches of “ice” it produces.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the cleaning solution and run 1-2 cycles with fresh, clean water to rinse out any lingering vinegar taste.
- Dry and Store: Wipe the interior dry with a soft cloth and leave the lid open for a while to ensure it’s completely air-dried before closing it up.
As a seasoned appliance technician, I always tell my clients the single best thing they can do for their ice maker is to use filtered or distilled water. It dramatically reduces mineral buildup (scale) inside the machine, which is the number one cause of performance issues and off-tasting ice.
— David Chen, Certified Appliance Professional
Expert Tips and Quick Troubleshooting
Even the best machines can have hiccups. Here are some quick fixes for common issues.
- Ice Tastes Funny: This is almost always a sign it’s time to clean your machine. If that doesn’t work, try using a different water source.
- “Add Water” Light is On, But It’s Full: The water sensor might be dirty or blocked. Wipe it clean with a soft cloth. In some cases, high mineral content in the water can interfere with the sensor.
- It’s Not Making Ice: Check the simple stuff first. Is it plugged in? Is there water in it? Is the ambient room temperature too hot or too cold? The machine needs proper ventilation to work efficiently.
The Final Verdict: Is a Frigidaire Ice Maker a Good Investment?
After a thorough Frigidaire ice maker review, the answer is a resounding yes, for the right person. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss way to get a steady supply of ice without breaking the bank, their standard countertop models are an excellent choice. They deliver on their promise of speed and convenience, making them perfect for families, home bars, and frequent hosts.
If you’re a connoisseur of chewable ice and are willing to invest more for that premium experience, the Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker is a strong contender in a competitive market. It brings a touch of luxury to your daily routine. Ultimately, Frigidaire provides a trustworthy and accessible entry point into the world of dedicated ice makers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Frigidaire ice maker take to make ice?
Most countertop models produce their first batch of ice in just 6 to 10 minutes. Production is continuous as long as there is water in the reservoir and space in the ice basket.
Can I use tap water in my Frigidaire ice maker?
Yes, you can use tap water. However, for the best-tasting ice and to minimize mineral buildup inside the machine, it is highly recommended to use filtered or bottled water.
Does a Frigidaire ice maker keep the ice frozen?
No, countertop ice makers are not freezers. The basket is insulated to slow down melting, but the ice will eventually melt. The machine cleverly recycles the melted water to create new ice. For long-term storage, you should transfer the ice to a freezer.
What is the warranty on a Frigidaire ice maker?
Typically, Frigidaire offers a 1-year limited warranty on their portable ice makers, which covers parts and labor for manufacturing defects. It’s always best to check the specific warranty details for the model you purchase.
Is the Frigidaire nugget ice maker worth the extra cost?
This depends entirely on your preference. If you specifically love soft, chewable nugget ice for your sodas, cocktails, or just for crunching, then for you, the superior texture and experience are often worth the higher price tag.
In the end, this Frigidaire ice maker review confirms that the brand offers solid performance and value. They make the convenience of endless ice an accessible reality for almost any home. So, go ahead, plan that party, mix that drink, and enjoy knowing you’ll never have to make an emergency run for a bag of ice again.