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Frigidaire Countertop Pebble Ice Makers Compared: Which Model Suits Your Kitchen?

6 models compared September 22, 2026 11 min read

Specs below are quoted from each Amazon listing. Scores are the average rating Amazon buyers left. Nothing on this page was handled or measured by us.

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Countertop pebble ice makers from Frigidaire produce the soft, airy, chewable ice popularized by drive-in restaurants directly on your kitchen counter. If you are shopping for pebble ice makers countertop frigidaire options, deciding on the best fit requires balancing daily production volume against physical dimensions, under-cabinet clearance, reservoir configuration, and maintenance demands like integrated cleaning cycles.

This frigidaire countertop ice maker comparison examines six distinct models from the Frigidaire lineup to help you determine which frigidaire ice maker to buy. These units vary across critical capabilities, spanning heavy-duty 44-pound daily batch makers with automated self-cleaning features, streamlined 33-pound mid-size appliances, and compact portable alternatives designed for rapid bullet-cube generation.

Which Frigidaire Countertop Pebble Ice Maker Should You Buy

  • Under-cabinet kitchen counters needing standard daily chewable ice: Frigidaire Gallery
    see 1 of 6
  • RVs, tailgates, and spaces without dedicated plumbing: Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice
    see 2 of 6
  • Modern beverage stations requiring touchscreen operation and bin lighting: FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker
    see 3 of 6
  • High-volume kitchens requiring maximum 44-pound capacity in matte black: FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget
    see 4 of 6
  • Award-winning retro aesthetics with heavy 44-pound production: Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker
    see 5 of 6
  • Fast, compact bullet ice production for offices or personal bars: Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable
    see 6 of 6

2 of 6
Frigidaire

Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice

Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker, Compact, 33lbs per Day, Metallic Finish
Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice

4.4
/5
Amazon buyer average


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Best for
Portable setups, tailgates, and RV trips

Pros

  • Automatic water recirculation
  • Chewable square nuggets
  • Plugs into standard outlets
  • No water hookup needed

Cons

  • Listing lists conflicting 28-33 lb capacities
  • Drip tray not included

The Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice maker, identified by model number EFIC22BAMZ (part number EFIC228AMZ), prioritizes portability and plug-and-play operation. Encased in a metallic finish, this unit requires no dedicated water line. Users simply plug the machine into any grounded 115-volt or 120-volt electrical outlet and fill the internal reservoir manually. It operates at 200 watts, making it a viable candidate for kitchen islands, home wet bars, motorhomes, and tailgating setups.

This model produces unique chewable square crunchy nuggets, beginning its initial drop within 10 to 15 minutes. It delivers an output of up to 33 pounds of ice per day, with an internal storage basket holding up to 3 pounds (approximately 2.5 quarts) at a time. The listing specifications also record a 28-pound baseline capacity rating. A key functional asset of the EFIC22BAMZ is its automatic water recirculation system. Because the storage bin is insulated rather than actively refrigerated, melting ice drains back into the lower reservoir where the pump automatically reprocesses the cold water into fresh nuggets.

When comparing this appliance against broader category competitors, it provides a dependable alternative for shoppers who might otherwise cross-shop a standard countertop setup.

  • Yields up to 33 pounds of square crunchy nuggets daily
  • Automatic recirculation routes melted water back to the reservoir
  • Initial ice production delivered in 10 to 15 minutes
  • Includes ice maker machine, scoop, and instruction manual

3 of 6
Frigidaire

FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker

FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker, Countertop Ice Machine, Sonic Ice Maker with 33 lbs. Capacity, Slate
FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker

3.2
/5
Amazon buyer average, 227 ratings


Check it on Amazon

Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.

Best for
Kitchens wanting touchscreen controls and bin lighting

Pros

  • 20-minute automatic self-cleaning
  • Digital LED touchscreen panel
  • Interior bin illumination light
  • Status indicator alerts

Cons

  • Smaller 1.2-liter storage basket

The FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker, model number EFIC2320BLK, introduces modern electronic controls and integrated interior illumination to the countertop ice category. Styled in a slate exterior, the front of the appliance features a digital LED touchscreen control panel that simplifies monitoring and operation. Users who follow the broader market for a typhur ice maker countertop will appreciate how this Frigidaire unit incorporates visual status tracking into an accessible everyday platform.

Performance centers around producing chewable, airy nugget ice at a pace of up to 33 pounds per day, running on a 192-watt motor. The unit produces its first ice nuggets within 10 to 15 minutes after filling the 1.8-liter manual water tank. Storage capacity is rated at 1.2 liters (approximately 0.7 kilograms). The touchscreen displays explicit smart alerts, including Add Water, Ice Full, Ice Making, and real-time Water Level indicators. An interior light illuminates the ice basket, making it easy to check production levels in dimly lit rooms.

Hygiene is streamlined through an automated cleaning cycle. Activated via the touchscreen, this self-cleaning function runs a complete flush cycle in 20 minutes to clear out mineral deposits and keep internal lines fresh. Often sought out by shoppers looking for a frigidaire sonic ice maker, this machine merges specialty restaurant-grade ice with simplified upkeep.

  • Integrated 20-minute automatic self-cleaning cycle
  • Digital LED touchscreen with water level, add water, and ice full alerts
  • Interior illumination light provides continuous bin visibility
  • Daily capacity of 33 pounds with a 1.8-liter water reservoir

5 of 6
Frigidaire

Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker

Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker, Countertop Ice Machine with Transparent Window, Sonic Ice Maker with 44 lbs. Capacity, Auto Self Cleaning Ice Maker Machine, 2.0 Gen, Cream

4.1
/5
Amazon buyer average


Check it on Amazon

Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.

Best for
Stylized kitchen spaces wanting maximum ice volume

Pros

  • CES Innovation Award honoree
  • High 44-pound daily output
  • One-touch self-cleaning cycle
  • Pull-out drawer access

Cons

  • 500-watt power requirement

The Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker, model EFIC255-CREAM, provides the same high-output 44-pound daily performance as the EFIC165 but distinguishes itself with an elegant Cream housing that earned recognition as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree. This 2.0 Generation countertop machine combines vintage-inspired countertop aesthetics with contemporary ice-making mechanics. It is designed to slide beneath kitchen cabinets, offering easy countertop integration for spaces where standard black or stainless finishes clash with the decor.

Internally, the frigidaire EFIC255 utilizes an efficient refrigeration cycle backed by a 500-watt, 115-volt power system. The manual-fill reservoir feeds the freezing cylinder without requiring any external plumbing hookups, delivering the first batch of chewable, crunchable nuggets within 10 to 15 minutes. The ice bin holds up to 3 pounds of finished ice, and the drawer-access mechanism features a front viewing window for checking supply levels at a glance.

To preserve ice purity and prevent mineral scaling, the unit integrates an automated self-cleaning program that runs at the push of a button on the electronic touch panel. The appliance ships with a removable ice bin, ice scoop, and matching drip tray.

  • CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree in a distinctive Cream finish
  • High-output generation delivering up to 44 pounds of ice per day
  • Front drawer access with integrated viewing window
  • One-touch automatic self-cleaning cycle

6 of 6
Frigidaire

Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable

Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium

4.2
/5
Amazon buyer average


Check it on Amazon

Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.

Best for
Users wanting fast bullet ice cubes

Pros

  • 9 cubes ready in 7 minutes
  • Two selectable cube sizes
  • 1-quart water reservoir
  • Convenient bottom drain plug

Cons

  • Makes bullet cubes not chewable nuggets
  • Smaller 1.5-pound basket

The Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable maker, bearing model number EFIC117-SS (with part numbers EFIC227-SILVER and EFIC120 referenced in specifications), serves a different role than the pebble units in the catalog. Rather than compressing flake ice into soft, chewable nuggets, this machine is a traditional bullet-cube maker wrapped in a sleek stainless steel exterior. For buyers browsing frigidaire portable ice makers, this model offers a compact footprint suitable for dorm rooms, home bars, and offices where bullet ice is preferred.

The EFIC117-SS is built for rapid, small-batch ice generation. It produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 minutes, offering two selectable cube size options via the digital LED control panel. Over a full 24-hour cycle, it yields up to 26 pounds of ice. The internal water reservoir holds 2.1 quarts, reducing the need for constant refilling, while the interior storage basket holds up to 1.5 pounds of finished cubes. A transparent top window allows you to monitor ice creation as it happens.

Cleaning and maintenance on the EFIC117-SS are handled manually. The unit features a built-in drain plug located along the housing, allowing quick water discharge when emptying or wiping down the reservoir. The machine includes a molded ice scoop for hygienic ice retrieval.

  • Produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 minutes
  • Two selectable cube sizes controlled via digital LED panel
  • 26-pound daily ice production with a 2.1-quart water reservoir
  • Transparent viewing window and convenient bottom drain plug

What Sets These Models Apart

Model Daily Capacity Ice Texture and Shape Standout Feature
Frigidaire Gallery (EFIC201BLACK) 33 lbs Chewable Nugget Slim height engineered to fit under kitchen cabinets
Frigidaire Crunchy Chewable (EFIC22BAMZ) 33 lbs Square Chewable Nugget Automatic melt-water recirculation system
FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen (EFIC2320BLK) 33 lbs Chewable Nugget LED touchscreen, interior light, and 20-min cleaning cycle
FRIGIDAIRE Gallery 2.0 (EFIC165) 44 lbs Chewable Nugget High-output 44-lb rating with drawer pull-out bin
Frigidaire Nugget 2.0 (EFIC255-CREAM) 44 lbs Chewable Nugget Award-winning Cream finish with 44-lb daily capacity
Frigidaire Portable (EFIC117-SS) 26 lbs Bullet Cubes (2 Sizes) Rapid 7-minute cycle yielding 9 bullet cubes

Figures in this table are copied from the Amazon listings for these models.

Buying Tips for Frigidaire Countertop Pebble Ice Makers

When selecting a Frigidaire nugget machine, your first consideration should be vertical clearance and bin access. Standard kitchen wall cabinets hang 18 inches above countertops. While compact units like the EFIC201 and EFIC165 are specifically designed to clear these heights, access styles vary considerably. Models with top-opening lids require extra overhead clearance to pour in water and scoop ice. In contrast, models such as the EFIC165 and EFIC255 utilize front-pull drawer bins and viewing windows, allowing you to access ice without sliding the heavy machine out from beneath your cabinetry.

Understanding the difference between ice production and ice storage is critical for countertop units. Countertop pebble ice makers do not function as deep freezers; their storage bins are insulated to keep ice chilled, but internal temperatures will eventually allow ice to melt over time. Units like the EFIC22BAMZ handle this automatically by directing melted water back into the reservoir to be refrozen into fresh nuggets. If you plan to store large quantities of ice for gatherings, plan to transfer completed batches into freezer storage bags or bins periodically throughout the day.

Finally, factor in maintenance requirements and motor power. Nugget ice mechanisms compress flaked ice through an internal auger, making them more sensitive to hard water scale than standard cube makers. Choosing a model with an automated self-cleaning cycle, such as the EFIC2320BLK, EFIC165, or EFIC255, makes routine flushing effortless. Additionally, consider electrical placement: high-output 44-pound units pull 500 watts, whereas standard 33-pound machines draw around 192 to 200 watts.

FAQ

Do Frigidaire countertop pebble ice makers keep ice frozen permanently?

No. These countertop appliances are designed to produce ice, not store it permanently. The storage bins are insulated to slow down melting, but they lack active refrigeration coils. As ice sits, it will slowly melt. In models featuring water recycling, that runoff drains back into the reservoir to be made into new ice, but for long-term storage, ice should be transferred to a standard freezer.

How quickly do Frigidaire nugget ice machines make their first batch?

Most Frigidaire nugget ice models, including the EFIC201, EFIC22BAMZ, EFIC2320BLK, EFIC165, and EFIC255, deliver their first chewable nuggets within 10 to 15 minutes of startup. The bullet-ice EFIC117-SS operates slightly faster, dropping its first round of 9 bullet cubes in roughly 7 minutes.

How does the automated self-cleaning cycle work on models like EFIC165 and EFIC2320BLK?

The self-cleaning feature runs an automated pump and rinse routine through the internal lines and freezing chamber. On models equipped with this function, you simply fill the reservoir with fresh water (or a descaling solution), press the cleaning button on the control panel, and allow the machine to circulate the fluid for up to 20 minutes before draining it completely.

What is the difference between bullet ice and pebble ice?

Bullet ice, produced by models like the EFIC117-SS, consists of hollow, hard cylindrical cubes formed around chilled metal fingers. Pebble or nugget ice, produced by models like the EFIC201, EFIC22BAMZ, and EFIC165, is created by shaving ice off a refrigerated cylinder and compacting it into soft, layered, chewable nuggets that absorb beverage flavors.

Do these Frigidaire countertop ice makers require permanent plumbing connections?

None of the six Frigidaire countertop models covered in this guide require a dedicated water line or plumbing installation. They are manual-fill portable units that operate by pouring tap or filtered water directly into the built-in reservoir and plugging the cord into a standard grounded electrical wall outlet.