Frigidaire Countertop Pebble Ice Makers Compared: Which Model Suits Your Kitchen?
6 models comparedSeptember 22, 202611 min read
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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
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Best for Under-cabinet kitchen placement with consistent chewable ice
Pros
33-pound daily output
Fits under kitchen cabinets
15-minute quick start
Includes scoop and drip tray
Cons
Lacks active freezer storage
No dedicated self-clean button
The Frigidaire Gallery, carrying model number EFIC201BLACK (also listed under EFIC201/2200), is engineered for users who want standard restaurant-style crunch without sacrificing precious vertical counter space. The exterior features a black finish accented with stainless steel trim, blending cleanly alongside contemporary kitchen appliances. Weighing 21.1 pounds, the chassis maintains a low-profile height profile engineered to slide neatly beneath standard upper kitchen cabinets. For households evaluating a dedicated frigidaire nugget ice maker countertop setup, this model balances a compact footprint with consistent output.
Operating through an intelligent control panel, this unit generates its first batch of soft, chewable nuggets within 15 minutes of startup. The refrigeration system pushes out up to 33 pounds of fresh ice over a 24-hour window, while the internal bin accommodates up to 3 pounds of ice at any given time. As with all standalone countertop pebble ice machines, this unit is designed strictly for ice generation rather than prolonged cold storage. It does not actively refrigerate the storage bin, meaning freshly made nuggets must be transferred to a freezer if not consumed immediately.
The Frigidaire EFIC201 package comes complete with everything required to begin making ice straight out of the box, requiring zero permanent water lines or plumbing modifications.
Produces up to 33 pounds of chewable nugget ice per day
Compact cabinet-friendly height designed to slide beneath upper counters
First batch of crunchy nuggets ready in 15 minutes
Includes removable ice bin, ice scoop, and drip tray
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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
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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.
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Best for Large households needing high daily ice output
Pros
High 44-pound daily capacity
One-touch auto self-cleaning
Drawer access with viewing window
Fits under kitchen cabinets
Cons
Higher 500-watt power draw
The FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget maker, designated model EFIC165, steps up daily production to a substantial 44 pounds. Clad in a modern matte black finish, this 2.0 Generation unit is engineered for larger households, frequent entertainers, or heavy iced beverage drinkers. Despite its heavy output, it maintains a compact vertical profile designed to fit under standard kitchen cabinets without blocking clearance. Shoppers comparing high-output alternatives often weigh this unit against a ge ice machine nugget ice maker when seeking chewable ice in volume.
Driven by a 500-watt, 120-volt motor assembly, the EFIC165 drops its first batch of crunchy, airy nugget ice in 10 to 15 minutes, with the listing noting rapid production capability starting in 10 minutes or less. The front-facing drawer access features a built-in viewing window, allowing users to pull out the 3-pound capacity bin smoothly or monitor ice levels without opening the chamber. The built-in reservoir minimizes the frequency of manual refills during peak ice usage.
Maintenance is controlled by an automated self-cleaning cycle activated with the press of a single button. As a prime example of a frigidaire pebble ice maker with self cleaning, the system cleans internal tubing to ensure fresh-tasting cubes. The package includes the machine, ice bin, ice scoop, and drip tray.
Heavy-duty 44-pound maximum daily nugget ice output
Pull-out drawer design with clear front viewing window
One-touch automated self-cleaning function
Includes dedicated ice scoop, bin, and exterior drip tray
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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
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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.