Frigidaire EFIC123-SS countertop ice maker review produces 26 pounds daily

Description

Compact Design and Modern Aesthetics

The Frigidaire EFIC123-SS Countertop Ice Maker has a sleek, stainless steel finish that’s incredibly stylish and fits seamlessly into any kitchen, bar, or office setup. I immediately appreciated how compact it is, with dimensions of just 12.3″ x 8.7″ x 12.5″, making it easy to place without taking up too much counter space. The large see-through window is a surprisingly nice touch, allowing you to see the ice-making process in action. It’s oddly satisfying to watch those bullet-shaped ice cubes form. Plus, the overall build feels sturdy without being overly heavy—at around 15.82 pounds, it’s manageable to move around if necessary.

Performance That Packs a Punch

This little machine is surprisingly efficient, producing up to 26 pounds of ice per day. I tested it during a family gathering, and it churned out ice quickly enough to keep everyone’s drinks chilled. The fact that it can deliver bullet-shaped ice cubes in less than 6 minutes is a game-changer, especially when you’re hosting and need ice on demand. The ability to choose between two sizes of ice cubes adds versatility; smaller cubes worked great for cocktails, while the larger ones were perfect for sodas and smoothies. It’s also worth noting that the unit runs on 1000 watts of power and uses R134a refrigerant, making it both effective and energy-conscious.

Key Benefits

• Compact and portable design perfect for small spaces.
• Produces 26 lbs of ice daily, more than sufficient for parties or office use.
• Quick ice production, with cubes ready in under six minutes.
• Customizable ice sizes for different drink preferences.
• Quiet operation, ideal for home or work environments.

Quiet and User-Friendly Operation

One of the standout features of this ice maker is its silent cooling function. I was surprised at how quietly it operates, even when the ice is being made. It’s a great choice for open-plan kitchens or offices where noise can be a concern. The controls are straightforward and intuitive; I didn’t even need to look at the manual to figure out how to operate it. The included ice scoop and basket make it easy to transfer the ice without a mess, although I do wish the basket was slightly larger to hold more ice at a time.

Areas of Concern

• Ice storage is limited and doesn’t keep ice frozen for long.
• Manual transfer required to move ice to the freezer before it melts.
• The basket could hold more ice for uninterrupted use.

Competing Products

When comparing this ice maker to others on the market, I noticed a few areas where it shines and a couple where it falls short. For instance, the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker is a competitor that offers chewable nugget ice, which some people prefer for its texture. However, the GE model is bulkier and significantly more expensive, making the Frigidaire a better choice for those on a budget or with limited space. On the other hand, the Igloo ICEB26HN has a similar daily ice production capacity and comes with a self-cleaning function, something the Frigidaire lacks. However, the Igloo model is noisier, which was a dealbreaker for me since I value quiet operation.

Cost Efficiency

For its price point, this ice maker delivers excellent value for money. You’re getting a machine that’s reliable, efficient, and compact, all without breaking the bank. While it lacks some premium features like self-cleaning or advanced storage, the speed and quality of ice production more than make up for it. When I consider the cost of constantly buying bags of ice or dealing with the hassle of old-school ice trays, this product feels like a smart investment.

Using the Frigidaire EFIC123-SS Countertop Ice Maker has been a mostly positive experience. It excels in quick ice production, quiet operation, and compact design, making it a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable ice maker at home or in the office. While the limited ice storage and lack of freezing capability might be minor inconveniences, these are easily manageable with a little planning. For its price and features, it’s hard to go wrong with this countertop marvel.

Additional information