Let’s be honest, there’s nothing that brings a party to a screeching halt faster than running out of ice. One minute you’re the host with the most, the next you’re frantically trying to break apart freezer-burnt ice trays. That’s where a dedicated ice maker comes in, and if you’re reading this, you’re likely considering a Frigidaire Ice Maker Review. As the lead content creator here at Ice Maker Best, I’ve seen, tested, and taken apart more ice machines than I can count. Frigidaire is a household name, but does their reputation hold up when it comes to keeping your drinks chilled? Let’s dive in and find out.
Why Do You Even Need a Standalone Ice Maker?
You might be thinking, “My refrigerator has an ice maker. Isn’t that enough?” For some, maybe. But if you ever host BBQs, have a bustling family, or simply love a perfectly chilled beverage on a hot day, you’ve probably hit your fridge’s ice limit.
Here’s the deal: a dedicated ice maker isn’t just a luxury; it’s a game-changer for convenience and quality.
- Constant Supply: They produce ice much faster than a standard freezer unit. No more “ice rationing” during gatherings.
- Better Quality Ice: The ice is often clearer and melts slower because it’s made more quickly and consistently. Plus, it won’t absorb those weird freezer smells from last night’s leftovers.
- Versatility: From portable countertop models for your RV to sleek undercounter units for your home bar, there’s a style for every need.
I once had a summer party almost ruined by a heatwave that overwhelmed my fridge’s ice-making capacity. A friend brought over his portable countertop ice maker, and within an hour, we were back in business. That’s the power of having a dedicated machine.
What Kinds of Ice Makers Does Frigidaire Offer?
Frigidaire plays in a few key arenas, primarily focusing on the home user. Understanding the types helps you narrow down what you’re looking for.
Countertop Portable Ice Makers
These are the most popular models for a reason. They’re plug-and-play, require no water line, and can be moved from the kitchen to the patio to the boat. You simply pour water into the reservoir, and it starts churning out ice. Frigidaire offers several of these, known for their user-friendly design and decent production speed.
Undercounter Ice Makers
Designed to be built into your cabinetry, these are the choice for a permanent, high-end solution in a kitchen or home bar. They require a dedicated water line and a drain, offering a seamless look and a much larger ice production and storage capacity than their portable cousins.
Refrigerator Ice Makers
This is the built-in unit inside a Frigidaire refrigerator. While we’re focusing on standalone units, it’s worth noting that many of the principles of operation and common issues are shared across their product lines.
Key Features to Look For When Buying
Before you pull the trigger, let’s talk specs. It’s easy to get lost in the jargon, but here are the things that actually matter.
- Ice Production Rate: How much ice can it make in 24 hours? For a typical family or small gatherings, a machine that produces 26-35 lbs per day is usually plenty.
- Bin Capacity: This is how much ice the machine can hold at one time. A larger bin means you have more ice ready to go at a moment’s notice.
- Ice Type: This is a bigger deal than you think! Frigidaire models commonly produce “bullet” or “crescent” shaped ice. We’ll compare ice types in more detail later on.
- Cycle Time: How quickly does it produce the first batch of ice? Most countertop models can drop the first cubes in under 10 minutes, which is fantastic for impromptu needs.
- Noise Level: Let’s be real, no ice maker is silent. You’ll hear the fan, the water pump, and the clatter of ice dropping. However, some are noticeably louder than others. Look for reviews mentioning noise if it’s going in a quiet living space.
A Deep Dive: Our Frigidaire Ice Maker Review
So, what’s the final verdict on Frigidaire? In my experience, Frigidaire ice makers are the reliable workhorses of the consumer market. They aren’t packed with a ton of fancy, unnecessary features. Instead, they focus on doing one job—making ice—and doing it dependably.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Frigidaire’s portable models are incredibly intuitive. If you can pour water and press a button, you can make ice.
- Reliable Performance: They consistently produce ice at the advertised rates. You can count on them to keep up with demand for most household situations.
- Brand Trust: Frigidaire is a long-standing American appliance brand. This means getting support or finding replacement parts is generally easier than with lesser-known online brands.
- Value for Money: They hit a sweet spot between budget-unfriendly premium models and cheap, unreliable knock-offs.
Cons:
- Ice Isn’t “Nugget” Ice: Most Frigidaire models don’t produce the soft, chewable nugget ice that’s become so popular. Their bullet or crescent ice is solid, but if you’re a sonic-ice addict, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
- Can Be a Bit Noisy: While not deafening, the sound of the fan and ice dropping is noticeable. It’s something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to background noise.
- Storage Bins Aren’t Freezers: This is true for almost all countertop models. The bin is insulated, but not refrigerated. This means the ice will slowly melt over time, and the machine will recycle the water to make new ice. You need to use it or move it to a freezer for long-term storage.
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Our Picks for the Best Ice Maker in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Silonn Chewable Pellet Ice Machine with Self-Cleanin Function, 33lbs/24H Portable Ice Makers for Home Kitchen Officce, Black |
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| 2 | 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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| 3 | Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium |
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| 4 | Silonn Ice Makers Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26lbs in 24Hrs, Self-Cleaning Ice Machine with Ice Scoop and Basket, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice for Home Kitchen Office Bar Party, Sliver |
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| 5 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Black |
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| 6 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver |
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| 7 | Silonn Countertop Ice Maker, 9 Ice Cubes in 6 Mins, 26 Lbs in 24 Hrs, Compact Ice Machine with Ice Basket & Scoop, 2 Ice Sizes, Self-Cleaning Ice Maker for Home/Party/Office/Bar/Dorm, Black |
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| 8 | 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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| 9 | 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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| 10 | 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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As John Carter, a veteran appliance technician I’ve consulted with for years, puts it: “I see a lot of Frigidaires. They’re built simply, which is a good thing. Fewer complex parts means fewer things to break. Keep it clean, and it’ll treat you well.”
How To Use and Maintain Your Frigidaire Ice Maker
Getting the most out of your machine comes down to a little bit of care. It’s super simple.
- Use Good Water: For the best-tasting, clearest ice, use filtered or distilled water. Tap water is fine, but can lead to mineral buildup (scale) over time, which affects performance.
- The First Batch: Always discard the first one or two batches of ice from a new machine or after cleaning. This flushes out any residual dust or cleaning solution.
- Regular Cleaning is a Must: This is the most important step! Mineral scale and mildew can build up if you neglect it.
- Unplug the unit and empty it completely.
- Wipe down the interior with a soft cloth and a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Run a cleaning cycle if your model has one, using the vinegar solution.
- Rinse thoroughly by running a cycle or two with plain, fresh water, discarding the ice.
- Dry the interior completely before storing.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Even the best machines can have hiccups. Here are a few common issues I’ve seen with Frigidaire units and how to solve them.
Why is my ice maker not making ice?
First, check the obvious: Is it plugged in and turned on? Is there enough water in the reservoir, above the “add water” sensor? If the “Ice Full” light is on, empty the bin to trigger a new cycle.
Why is the ice coming out small or cloudy?
This is almost always a sign of mineral buildup from hard water. It’s time for a thorough cleaning with a vinegar solution to de-scale the internal components.
What if my ice maker is leaking?
Check the drain plug at the bottom of the unit. It might be loose or not seated correctly. If it’s an undercounter model, check the water line connections for any drips.
Cube vs. Nugget vs. Crescent: A Quick Ice Guide
The shape of your ice truly affects the drinking experience. Here’s a quick rundown.
| Ice Type | Description | Best For | Commonly Found In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent Ice | Half-moon shape. Hard and dense. | Everyday drinks, coolers, bags. | Most refrigerator ice makers. |
| Bullet (or Pearl) Ice | Cylinder-shaped with a hollow center. | Cocktails, sodas, blended drinks. | Most Frigidaire portable models. |
| Nugget (or Pebble) Ice | Small, soft, chewable pellets. | Sodas, iced coffees, therapeutic use. | Specialized (and often pricier) machines. |
Frigidaire’s bullet ice is a great all-rounder. It chills drinks quickly thanks to its large surface area, and it’s less likely to jam in a dispenser than crescent ice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does a Frigidaire ice maker take to make ice?
A: Most Frigidaire portable countertop models can produce their first batch of bullet ice in just 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature and water temperature. A full 24-hour cycle will yield around 26 lbs or more.
Q: Are Frigidaire ice makers noisy?
A: They produce a noticeable but generally unobtrusive level of sound. You’ll hear a low hum from the fan and compressor, a gurgle of water, and the distinct clatter of ice falling into the bin. It’s comparable to a small dorm fridge.
Q: Can you use tap water in a Frigidaire ice maker?
A: Yes, you can use tap water. However, for better-tasting ice and to prevent mineral buildup that can clog the machine, it is highly recommended to use filtered or bottled water, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
Q: Do you have to leave a Frigidaire ice maker on all the time?
A: No, you don’t. These machines are designed for on-demand use. You can turn it on when you need ice and turn it off when you’re done. Just remember to empty the water reservoir if you plan to store it for an extended period.
Q: How often should I clean my portable ice maker?
A: For optimal performance and hygiene, you should give it a thorough cleaning at least once a month, or more frequently if you use it daily or have very hard water.
The Final Word
After a thorough Frigidaire ice maker review, our verdict is clear: these machines are a fantastic choice for the average consumer seeking convenience, reliability, and value. While they may not produce the trendy nugget ice or operate in complete silence, they deliver on their promise of a steady supply of quality ice without any fuss. They are well-built, user-friendly, and backed by a brand you can trust. If you’re tired of empty ice trays and want to elevate your hosting game, a Frigidaire ice maker is a smart, solid investment that will keep your drinks cold for years to come.