There’s a unique kind of panic that sets in when you’re hosting a gathering and you hear the dreaded sound of an empty ice bin being scraped. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit, making frantic, last-minute trips to the store for overpriced bags of ice. It’s a frustrating cycle that not only disrupts the party but also adds up financially. An appliance like the Frigidaire EFIC115 Extra Large Ice Maker would have saved me from that recurring headache.
A countertop ice maker is designed to solve one primary problem: an insufficient supply of ice. Whether your refrigerator doesn’t have a built-in maker, or the one it has simply can’t keep up with your household’s demand, these standalone units provide a continuous, on-demand source of fresh ice. They are a game-changer for people who entertain frequently, have large families, or live in hot climates where iced beverages are a daily necessity.
The ideal customer for this product category is someone who regularly consumes more ice than a standard freezer can produce. This includes home bar enthusiasts, RV and boat owners, and those who run small offices or cafes. They value the convenience of having an endless supply without relying on plastic ice trays or store-bought bags. However, this isn’t a universal solution. If you have extremely limited counter space or use ice only sporadically, a large-capacity machine might be overkill. Similarly, if you need a machine that keeps ice frozen for days on end, you should be looking at a commercial under-counter ice maker or a chest freezer, as countertop models are designed to *make* ice, not store it long-term. Before purchasing, consider the unit’s daily production capacity (lbs per day), the size of the ice storage bin, the machine’s physical dimensions, and its noise level.
- Sleek Design - Never run out of ice again with the Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker that produces up to 48 lbs. of ice per day....
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Unveiling the Frigidaire EFIC115
The Frigidaire EFIC115 is a robust, high-capacity countertop appliance that promises to end your ice shortages for good. Housed in a sleek stainless steel body, it’s built to churn out an impressive 48 pounds of bullet-shaped ice every 24 hours. When you purchase it, you get the main unit, a removable ice basket, and a handy plastic scoop. This machine is aimed squarely at the serious ice consumer—the large family, the frequent entertainer, or anyone who is simply fed up with the inconvenience of running out of ice. It’s not for the solo user with minimal needs or someone looking for a small, portable unit for occasional use. Its size and production power would be excessive for that kind of user.
Pros:
* Massive 48 lbs per day production capacity
* Fast ice production, with the first batch in under 7 minutes
* Large 5-liter water reservoir minimizes refills
* Offers three different ice cube sizes
* Attractive and easy-to-clean stainless steel finish
Cons:
* The unit is quite large and heavy
* It does not keep the ice frozen; it must be transferred to a freezer
* Some users report potential long-term durability issues
* The “wet” ice it produces can clump together in the basket
- LARGE CAPACITY - Its reservoir is located beneath the ice basket and can produce up to 26 Lbs; of clear ice cubes per day
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- LARGE CAPACITY - Its reservoir is located beneath the ice basket and can produce up to 26 Lbs; of clear ice cubes per day
An In-Depth Look at Features and Real-World Performance
After using this machine extensively, I’ve gotten to know its every quirk and capability. It has become a permanent and indispensable fixture on my countertop, fundamentally changing how my household manages its ice supply. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it’s like to live with this workhorse.
Massive Production Capacity: The End of Ice Scarcity
The headline feature of this machine is its ability to produce up to 48 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a promise of abundance. In practical terms, this means you can fill a large cooler for a beach trip in the morning and still have a full basket ready for making drinks in the evening. I’ve hosted barbecues with over a dozen guests, and this high-capacity ice maker kept up with the demand for iced tea, sodas, and cocktails without ever faltering. Before, I would have spent at least $10-$15 on bagged ice for a similar event. This machine has completely eliminated that recurring cost and the hassle that comes with it. The continuous production cycle means that as soon as you scoop some ice out, it gets to work making more.
Speed and Efficiency: Ice on Demand
One of the most satisfying aspects of this appliance is its speed. The claim of making ice in “less than 7 minutes” holds true. From the moment you power it on with a full reservoir of cold water, you’ll hear the gentle hum of the compressor and fan, and shortly thereafter, the first batch of nine ice cubes will satisfyingly drop into the basket. It’s important to note, as many new users discover, that the first one or two cycles produce smaller, slightly misshapen cubes. This is normal as the cooling prongs need time to reach their optimal temperature. By the third cycle, it’s churning out perfectly formed, full-sized cubes at a steady pace. This rapid production is perfect for those spontaneous moments when you decide you need a cold drink right away, a stark contrast to the hours-long wait required for traditional ice cube trays.
Customizable Control: Ice Your Way
The ability to choose from three different ice sizes (Small, Medium, and Large) is a feature I’ve come to appreciate more than I initially expected. The control panel is simple and intuitive, allowing you to select your preferred size with the push of a button. The small cubes are fantastic for blended drinks or for fitting into water bottles with narrow openings. The large, dense cubes have become my go-to for cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a simple whiskey on the rocks. They melt significantly slower than the smaller sizes, chilling the drink perfectly without diluting it too quickly. This level of versatility elevates the user experience beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of most built-in freezer ice makers.
Thoughtful Design and Ease of Use
Frigidaire clearly put thought into the user experience. The electronic control panel features bright, easy-to-read LED indicators that alert you when the water reservoir is empty or when the ice basket is full, taking all the guesswork out of its operation. A large viewing window on the lid lets you check the ice level without opening the machine, which helps keep the cold air inside and improves efficiency. The stainless steel exterior not only looks premium in the kitchen but is also incredibly easy to wipe clean. The removable ice basket and included scoop make harvesting and transferring ice a simple, mess-free process.
The All-Important Caveat: It’s a Maker, Not a Freezer
This is the most critical point for any potential buyer to understand: this specific ice machine is an ice *producer*, not an ice *preserver*. The storage bin is insulated, which slows down melting, but it is not a refrigerated freezer compartment. If you leave a full basket of ice in the unit, it will eventually melt. However, the design cleverly turns this into a feature. As the ice melts, the water drips back down into the reservoir below to be recycled into new ice cubes. This creates a closed-loop, zero-waste system. For daily use, we simply scoop what we need directly from the basket. For long-term storage or building up a supply for a party, I simply empty the basket into freezer bags every hour or two. Understanding this function is key to being happy with the product.
What Other Users Are Saying
I wasn’t alone in my experience, so I looked through online forums and reviews to see what others thought. The feedback is largely positive, with many users echoing my sentiments. One person calculated that the machine paid for itself in just nine months by saving them from buying bags of ice every other day, calling it a fantastic purchase. Others living in off-grid homes or with refrigerators without water lines called it an absolute lifesaver. However, it’s also fair to note the criticisms. A few users reported issues with durability after a year or more, with parts corroding or breaking.
The Final Verdict on the Frigidaire EFIC115
The constant hassle and expense of running out of ice is a problem that this machine solves with resounding success. If your family’s ice demand consistently outstrips your freezer’s supply, the Frigidaire EFIC115 Extra Large Ice Maker is a fantastic investment. Its incredible 48-pound daily output ensures you have more than enough ice for any occasion, while its speed and choice of ice sizes provide a level of convenience and customization that is simply unmatched. It’s a true workhorse that will quickly become the most popular appliance in your kitchen.
To finally put an end to your ice-related worries and enjoy an endless supply of fresh ice on demand, Click here to check out the product.
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API