There’s nothing worse than hosting a summer barbecue and realizing you’ve run out of ice. I’ve been there—running to the store mid-party, leaving my guests to fend for themselves. This constant struggle, especially with a family that loves iced drinks, pushed me to find a permanent solution. A dedicated ice maker seemed like the perfect answer to prevent the inevitable panic of an empty ice tray and keep the cold drinks flowing without interruption.
A countertop ice maker solves the common problem of insufficient ice supply. It’s for those who are tired of the slow, low-capacity output of freezer ice trays or the inconvenience and expense of constantly buying bagged ice. The ideal customer for this category is someone who entertains frequently, has a large family, or lives in a hot climate where iced beverages are a daily staple. They’re also perfect for RVs, boats, dorm rooms, or as a backup when a refrigerator’s built-in ice maker fails.
However, a portable ice maker isn’t for everyone. If you use ice sparingly or have extremely limited counter space, the footprint of even a compact unit might be too much. In that case, simply upgrading your ice trays might be a more practical solution. Before making a purchase, consider these key factors: production capacity (how many pounds of ice can it make in 24 hours?), speed (how quickly does it produce the first batch?), bin capacity (how much ice does it hold at one time?), overall dimensions, and the noise level of the machine during operation.
- COUNTERTOP ICE MAKER: This 14.1 x 9.5 x 12.9 inches portable stainless steel ice maker is compact and ideal for small spaces. It only...
- FAST AND EASY: A portable ice maker requires no installation - just plug-in unit, add water & wait up to 15 minutes to enjoy fresh ice....
Unveiling the FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker
The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine is a compact, stylish, and portable appliance designed to produce a continuous supply of ice right on your countertop. Its promise is simple: deliver fresh ice in minutes without any complex installation. When you open the box, you get the main unit, a removable ice basket, and a small plastic ice scoop. This machine is specifically for the home user who needs a reliable source of ice for daily use or small gatherings. It’s not designed for commercial settings or for those who need to produce massive quantities of ice at once. It’s a significant step up from ice trays but doesn’t have the capacity of an under-counter or commercial model.
Pros:
* Produces ice quickly, with the first batch ready in under 15 minutes.
* Compact and portable design fits on most countertops.
* Simple, user-friendly electronic controls with indicator lights.
* Offers two different sizes of bullet-shaped ice cubes.
* Operates quietly without disrupting your home environment.
Cons:
* The ice it produces is “wet” and will clump together if not used quickly or separated in the freezer.
* The 26-pound daily production claim is optimistic and requires continuous operation.
* Requires regular cleaning to prevent mildew and mineral buildup.
- 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
A Deep Dive into Performance and Features
After using this ice maker for well over a year, I’ve become intimately familiar with its quirks, strengths, and weaknesses. It has earned a permanent spot on my counter, but it’s important to understand how its features translate to real-world use.
Production Speed and Capacity
The manufacturer claims this portable ice cube maker produces 26 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period and can have your first batch ready in as little as 7 to 15 minutes. Let’s break that down. The speed claim is accurate; you will get your first batch of nine bullet-shaped cubes in that timeframe. It’s a fantastic feature when you need ice for a drink right away. However, it’s crucial to manage expectations. This doesn’t mean the basket will be full in 15 minutes. It takes about 90 minutes of continuous operation to fill the basket completely, which holds about 1.5 pounds of ice at a time.
The 26-pound daily capacity is technically achievable, but only if you are emptying the basket religiously as soon as it’s full and immediately refilling the water reservoir. In my experience, a more realistic daily output with regular use is closer to 18-20 pounds, which is still more than enough for my family of four, even on the hottest days. Pro Tip: I discovered that using very cold, filtered water not only improves the taste but also seems to produce slightly larger and more solid cubes, speeding up the process just a bit.
Portability and Design
Measuring just 14 inches deep, 9.5 inches wide, and 13 inches tall, this machine is genuinely compact. Its small footprint allows it to sit comfortably on my kitchen counter without monopolizing the space. The black stainless steel finish gives it a sleek, modern look that blends in well with my other appliances. At just over 18 pounds, it’s light enough to move around. I’ve taken it out to our covered patio for parties and have even considered bringing it on road trips in our RV. The best part is the “no installation” promise. You just find a level surface near an outlet, plug it in, add water, and you’re ready to go. The unit should be left upright for a couple of hours before its first use to allow the coolant to settle, a common requirement for any refrigeration appliance.
Ease of Use and Controls
The simplicity of this ice maker machine is one of its greatest assets. The control panel features straightforward electronic LED controls. There’s a power button and a button to select between small and large ice cube sizes. Two indicator lights alert you when you need to add water to the 2.3-quart reservoir or when the ice basket is full. The large viewing window on the lid is surprisingly useful, as you can quickly see how much ice you have without opening it and letting warm air in. The machine automatically stops making ice when the basket is full, thanks to a small infrared sensor. Here’s a great trick: the sensor only detects ice in the back of the basket. I often use the included scoop to pull the ice pile forward, which tricks the sensor and allows the machine to make another two or three batches before it truly fills up.
Ice Cube Quality and Type
This ice maker produces hollow, bullet-shaped ice. It’s a softer, chewable ice compared to the rock-hard cubes from a freezer. This makes it perfect for blended drinks and for those who enjoy chewing on ice. While you can select between small and large sizes, the difference is noticeable but not dramatic. The main thing to understand is that this is “wet ice.” Because it’s made quickly, it has a thin layer of water on its surface. If you transfer a basketful directly into your freezer’s ice bin, it will freeze into one giant, unusable block. To combat this, I dump each fresh basket into a freezer bag, give it a good whack on the counter after a few minutes in the freezer to break up any clumps, and then transfer the separated cubes into my main ice bin. It’s an extra step, but it ensures I always have a large supply of loose ice ready.
Noise Level and Maintenance
Frigidaire states the machine runs at less than 38 decibels, and I’ve found this to be true. It’s incredibly quiet. You’ll hear the gentle hum of the compressor and the soft splash as water cascades over the freezing prongs, followed by the clatter of ice dropping into the basket. It’s a background noise that you quickly tune out.
Maintenance is the most critical aspect of owning this countertop ice maker. Because it’s a wet environment, it needs regular cleaning to prevent mildew or a buildup of mineral deposits, which can lead to off-tasting ice. At least once a month, I drain any remaining water using the convenient drain plug on the bottom, and then run a cycle with a diluted solution of water and white vinegar, followed by a couple of cycles with fresh water to rinse it out. Wiping the interior dry and leaving the lid open for a few hours ensures it stays fresh and clean.
What Other Users Are Saying
I spent some time looking through online forums and reviews to see if my experience matched others, and the consensus is largely positive. Many users, like me, purchased this machine after their refrigerator’s ice maker broke and found they preferred the speed and quality of the ice from the Frigidaire unit. People consistently praise its quiet operation and how quickly it starts producing ice. Many have echoed my advice about using cold water and breaking up the cubes before storing them in the freezer. While most reviews are glowing, a few users have reported issues with longevity and the importance of diligent cleaning to prevent sludge buildup.
The Final Verdict on This Ice Making Powerhouse
Running out of ice is a small inconvenience that can quickly become a major frustration, especially when you’re hosting or simply trying to enjoy a cool drink on a hot day. The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker offers a fantastic solution to this problem. Its fast performance ensures you have fresh ice in minutes, and its portable, user-friendly design makes it a versatile addition to any home. For anyone tired of the hassle of ice trays and store-bought bags, this machine is a game-changer. If you’re ready to have a limitless supply of ice at your fingertips, this is the appliance you’ve been looking for. Click here to check the price and learn more.
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API