Frigidaire Sphere Ice Maker EFIC240 Review Compact Design with Automatic Self-Cleaning Feature

Description

Sleek Design Meets Practicality

The Frigidaire EFIC240 Countertop Artisanal Sphere Ice Maker immediately caught my eye with its modern and compact design. I love how small and sleek it is, fitting perfectly on my countertop without being intrusive. Measuring 16.75″ in depth, 9.76″ in width, and 16.26″ in height, it tucks under my kitchen cabinets effortlessly. The transparent viewing window is a thoughtful touch, allowing me to check the ice levels without opening the drawer. Plus, the grey plastic material gives it a neutral, stylish look that blends well with most kitchen aesthetics.

The convenience of not needing a water hookup is a game changer for me. I just fill the reservoir, plug it in, and let it work its magic. However, I did notice that the unit is a bit heavier than expected at 27 pounds, so if you plan to move it around frequently, keep that in mind.

Impressive Performance and Artisanal Ice Spheres

One of the major selling points of this ice maker is its ability to craft perfectly round, 2-inch diameter ice spheres. These are not your typical cubes; they feel luxurious and elevate any drink, especially whiskey or cocktails. I tested it out during a family gathering, and everyone was impressed by how these spheres melted slower, keeping drinks cold without watering them down too quickly.

The machine can produce up to 84 spheres daily, which is more than enough for most households or small parties. I appreciated that the first batch of spheres was ready in just 30 minutes, which is faster than I anticipated. The intelligent touch control panel made the entire process intuitive, and I didn’t need to fumble with complicated settings.

That said, the product description is clear: this ice maker is designed to produce ice, not store it. Once the ice is made, you’ll need to transfer it to your freezer to prevent melting. It wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it’s an important consideration for anyone expecting long-term storage capabilities.

Automatic Self-Cleaning for Hassle-Free Maintenance

Cleaning kitchen gadgets can be a hassle, but the automatic self-cleaning feature on this ice maker is a lifesaver. With a simple press of a button, the machine cleans itself, ensuring that the ice stays fresh and free from any unpleasant odors. This function is especially useful after frequent use or when the machine has been idle for a while.

I found that this feature added an extra layer of convenience, especially since I’m someone who tends to forget to clean smaller appliances regularly. Knowing that my ice is being made in a hygienic environment brings peace of mind.

Key Benefits

• Artisanal Spheres: Perfectly round, slow-melting spheres add a touch of luxury to any drink.
• Compact Design: Fits seamlessly on countertops, saving space while looking modern.
• High Production Capacity: Produces up to 84 ice spheres daily, ideal for gatherings.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive touch controls simplify the ice-making process.
• Self-Cleaning Functionality: Maintains hygiene effortlessly.

Areas for Improvement

• No Ice Storage: The unit doesn’t keep ice frozen, requiring immediate transfer to a freezer.
• Heavier Build: At 27 pounds, it’s not the easiest to move around frequently.
• Plastic Material: While durable, it doesn’t feel as premium as stainless steel options.

Competing Products

Looking at alternatives, the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker is a popular competitor. It offers nugget-style ice instead of spheres, which some people prefer for its chewable texture. However, the GE model is notably bulkier and requires more counter space. Additionally, its initial setup is more complicated, and it comes at a significantly higher price point.

The Igloo Automatic Portable Ice Maker is another option worth mentioning. While it produces standard ice cubes quickly and is more budget-friendly, it lacks the sophistication of artisanal spheres and a self-cleaning function. If you’re looking for convenience and luxury in one package, the sphere ice design of the Frigidaire EFIC240 is hard to beat.

Quality for Price

Considering its innovative features and high production capacity, the ice maker offers solid value for its price. While it might not be as budget-friendly as some entry-level models, the artisanal ice spheres and self-cleaning functionality elevate it above basic machines. For anyone who loves hosting or enjoys a premium drinking experience, this machine feels like a worthwhile investment.

That said, if you’re only looking for a basic ice maker and don’t care about the aesthetic appeal of sphere ice, there may be more affordable options to meet your needs. However, for me, the blend of convenience, style, and functionality makes this machine a standout choice.

Additional information