Which Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker Should You Actually Buy?

Best for
Everyday kitchens wanting standard stainless bullet ice

The Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable represents the core standard among compact bullet ice makers. Identified by model number frigidaire EFIC117-SS, this stainless steel machine produces up to twenty-six pounds of ice every twenty-four hours, churning out nine bullet-shaped cubes every seven minutes. The unit offers two selectable ice size settings on its digital LED control panel, enabling users to choose between lighter cylinders that chill rapid refreshments and thicker bullets designed to melt slower in tumblers.

Equipped with a 2.1-quart water reservoir, this frigidaire bullet ice maker 26 lbs operates smoothly without requiring constant refills throughout an evening gathering. The interior storage basket accommodates 1.5 pounds of finished ice at a time, while a transparent lid window lets you monitor ice levels without lifting the cover and letting ambient heat inside. When you need to pack away the unit or refresh the water supply, a built-in bottom drain plug makes maintenance straightforward, while an included scoop keeps ice retrieval sanitary. Those exploring broader options across frigidaire portable ice makers will find this classic stainless version to be an accessible baseline benchmark.

This model suits individuals, small offices, and dorm dwellers who desire reliable everyday ice production in a traditional stainless package. However, if your preference leans toward soft, crunchable pellet ice rather than hollow bullet cubes, this machine gives way to the higher-capacity nugget models discussed later in this lineup.

• Produces nine bullet-shaped ice cubes every seven minutes with two size selections
• Generous 2.1-quart water reservoir supports continuous daily operation
• Digital LED control panel and transparent viewing window for simple monitoring
• Removable basket holding 1.5 pounds of ice alongside an included scoop and drain plug

Offering a distinct visual twist on the standard compact ice format, the Frigidaire Countertop Portable, model frigidaire EFIC120-BLKSS-SC, delivers identical daily production numbers wrapped in a sleek black stainless steel finish. Measuring 15 inches deep, 11 inches wide, and 14.5 inches high, this appliance generates twenty-six pounds of ice daily. Its internal freezing mechanism works on the same seven-minute cycle as its silver counterpart, forming nine smooth, rounded bullet cubes per round in two selectable sizes.

This frigidaire ice maker countertop unit features a 1000-watt power rating that rapidly activates the cooling rods inside the upper freezing chamber. Like the silver unit, it houses a 2.1-quart water capacity below the basket, eliminating the necessity for direct plumbing connections. The transparent viewing lid allows clear visibility into the 1.5-pound holding bin, while the digital LED control panel highlights cycle progression and low water alerts. A dedicated drain plug on the casing facilitates quick water removal after gatherings or between seasonal storage periods.

This black stainless option is suited for homeowners with dark modern cabinetry or matching kitchen appliances who want an unobtrusive, durable appliance on their bar or counter. However, because it shares the same interior basket capacity and bullet ice shape as the silver unit, shoppers demanding higher ice volume or chewable restaurant-style texture will prefer stepping up to the brand’s nugget appliances.

• Black stainless steel finish provides a contemporary accent for modern kitchen counters
• Fast production output yields nine rounded ice bullets every seven minutes
• Integrated 2.1-quart reservoir with bottom drain plug for convenient water drainage
• Intuitive LED control panel with transparent viewing window and included scoop

Best for
Chewable nugget lovers wanting touchscreen convenience

For shoppers seeking soft, chewable sonic-style ice rather than rigid frozen cylinders, the FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker serves as an advanced countertop solution. Known by model designation frigidaire EFIC2320BLK, this slate-finished machine generates up to thirty-three pounds of airy, flavor-absorbing nugget ice per day. Unlike bullet machines that drop frozen rounds off submerged rods, this unit uses an internal extruder to shave flaked ice into compressed, crunchy pellets, delivering its first fresh batch in ten to fifteen minutes.

The unit features an intelligent LED touchscreen control panel that simplifies user interaction. Status indicators illuminate for Add Water, Ice Full, Ice Making, and Water Level, providing real-time operational feedback. Inside, the machine houses a 1.8-liter manual-fill water tank and an ice bin capable of storing 1.2 liters (approximately 0.7 kilograms) of finished nuggets. A built-in interior illumination light illuminates the ice chamber even in dim lighting, while an automated twenty-minute self-cleaning cycle maintains clean inner lines. Those interested in this class of appliance can examine the dedicated frigidaire nugget ice maker countertop guide for deeper insights into pellet ice performance.

This appliance suits soda enthusiasts, smoothie fans, and cocktail makers who crave the texture of restaurant nugget ice. It operates at an energy-efficient 192 watts and includes a drip tray, removable bin, and scoop. It gives way to larger models if your household hosts large crowds and requires a storage basket larger than 1.2 liters.

• Produces up to thirty-three pounds of chewable, crunchable nugget ice daily
• First serving of soft ice ready in ten to fifteen minutes from startup
• Intelligent LED touchscreen with illuminated interior light and clear status alerts
• Automated twenty-minute self-cleaning cycle ensures effortless routine hygiene

Best for
Tailgaters and families needing large basket storage

The Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice maker, model frigidaire EFIC22BAMZ (also identified as EFIC228AMZ), is designed for homes that need larger bin storage for their chewable ice. Producing up to thirty-three pounds of crunchy square-style nuggets per day with a rated capacity of twenty-eight pounds, this compact machine delivers its first portion of soft ice in ten to fifteen minutes. The metallic finish integrates smoothly into entertaining spaces, tailgates, and outdoor RV setups with a grounded 120-volt electrical outlet.

A primary feature of this frigidaire compact ice machine is its holding bin, which stores up to three pounds (2.5 quarts) of ice at once. It utilizes an automatic water recirculation design: because countertop ice makers are not freezers, ice in the basket gradually melts over time. This machine routes the melted runoff directly back into the lower reservoir, where the internal components freeze it back into fresh nuggets automatically. As emphasized in the manufacturer listing, the unit does not keep ice frozen indefinitely, so users planning extended storage should transfer finished batches to a primary freezer promptly.

This unit is ideal for active families, tailgating enthusiasts, and weekend hosts who require larger batches of ready-to-scoop chewable ice. However, if you require even greater daily output and prefer drawer-style retrieval over a standard top-lifting lid, the forty-four-pound model provides a higher-tier alternative.

• Yields up to thirty-three pounds of square crunchy chewable nuggets in twenty-four hours
• Large ice bin holds up to three pounds (2.5 quarts) of finished ice at once
• Automatic recirculation channels melted ice back into the reservoir for new ice cycles
• Standard 120-volt portable operation drawing 200 watts with no water plumbing needed

Best for
High-demand households needing maximum crunchable ice output

Representing the highest daily capacity in the brand’s portable lineup, the Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker stands out for both its visual design and rapid mechanical output. Carrying model number EFIC255-CREAM, this second-generation appliance is recognized as the frigidaire EFIC255 nugget ice maker and earned recognition as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree. Finished in an elegant cream hue, this unit produces up to forty-four pounds of soft, airy nugget ice every day, starting its first batch in ten minutes or less.

Instead of traditional top-opening lids that collide with hanging upper cabinetry, this compact ice maker features a front-pull drawer bin equipped with a viewing window. This under-cabinet-friendly format lets you verify ice levels and pull out the three-pound ice compartment without dragging the entire machine across your counter. A responsive touch control interface governs production and triggers an automated self-cleaning function at the press of a button. Operating at 500 watts and 115 volts, the system comes complete with an ice bin, scoop, and dedicated drip tray. Shoppers comparing high-output units against other brands might also reference our euhomy ice maker breakdown to see how domestic countertop outputs differ across brands.

This appliance caters to heavy ice consumers, large families, and serious beverage makers who require substantial ice volume without compromising counter height clearance. However, because it draws 500 watts and features a larger overall build, those with strictly limited space or lower power requirements may find the 26-pound bullet models more practical.

• Impressive forty-four-pound daily capacity yielding chewable nuggets in ten minutes or less
• Drawer-access storage bin with viewing window engineered to fit comfortably under upper cabinets
• One-touch automated self-cleaning program keeps internal channels sanitary
• Recognized as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree for functional countertop design

Best for
Dorms and bars seeking bold red accents

Bringing vibrant style to compact ice production, the Frigidaire Counter top Portable, model EFIC117-SSRED-COM, pairs a bright red stainless steel exterior with bullet ice mechanics. While the original Amazon listing title mentions nugget ice, the manufacturer specifications and product details confirm that this machine produces classic bullet-shaped ice cubes. It delivers twenty-six pounds of ice per day, completing cycles of nine hollow bullet cubes every seven minutes.

The unit features a 2.1-quart water capacity that supports multiple rounds before needing fresh water. Its interior basket holds 1.5 pounds of ice, accompanied by an included plastic scoop for sanitary serving. Operating through an intuitive digital LED control panel, users can swap between two bullet size selections, monitor production through the transparent lid window, and utilize the bottom drain plug for quick liquid removal after use. The stainless steel housing provides solid structural durability while adding a bold color accent to wet bars, dormitories, or lake house kitchens.

This red model suits shoppers who want standard, fast bullet ice cubes and desire a colorful, retro-inspired aesthetic on their counter. It gives way to the slate or cream nugget machines if your priority is soft, chewable ice rather than standard frozen beverage cylinders.

• Vibrant red stainless steel exterior adds a distinct accent to kitchens, bars, and dorms
• Produces nine bullet-shaped cubes every seven minutes with dual size options
• Equipped with a 2.1-quart reservoir, 1.5-pound basket, and included serving scoop
• Convenient base drain plug and top viewing window simplify maintenance and monitoring