My obsession with “the good ice” used to be a running joke in my family. I’d find any excuse to visit a Sonic or a Chick-fil-A, not for the food, but for a cup of that perfect, soft, chewable nugget ice. The thought of having an endless supply at home seemed like a distant dream until I started researching countertop solutions. Having a machine like the Frigidaire EFIC237 Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker would have saved me countless trips and dollars, finally bringing that restaurant-quality experience right into my kitchen.
Before you invest in a nugget ice maker, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. These appliances solve a very specific problem: the desire for soft, chewable, flavor-absorbing ice that you can’t get from a standard freezer tray or refrigerator dispenser. This ice is perfect for sodas, iced coffees, cocktails, and even just for chewing on its own.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a true ice enthusiast, a family with kids who love crunchy snacks, or someone who frequently hosts parties and wants to elevate their beverage service. If you see ice as more than just a way to cool a drink, but as an integral part of the experience, a nugget ice maker is for you. However, if you only use ice occasionally, have extremely limited counter space, or are on a very tight budget, this might be an unnecessary luxury. A standard countertop bullet ice maker or simply using ice trays would be a more practical choice.
Before making a purchase, consider these key factors:
- Production Capacity: How much ice does your household consume daily? A high-capacity machine is great for parties, but might be overkill for a single person.
- Footprint and Height: Measure your counter space carefully, paying special attention to the clearance below your upper cabinets. Many of these units are taller than you’d expect.
- Noise Level: These machines are not silent. They have compressors and fans, and you’ll hear the ice being made and dropping into the bin. Consider where you’ll place it and if the noise will be a nuisance.
- Maintenance: Nugget ice makers require regular cleaning to prevent mold and mineral buildup. This typically involves running a cleaning cycle and manually wiping down the interior. Are you willing to commit to this routine?
- COUNTERTOP SIZE: With it’s elegant design, this unit will wow your guests before they even try the delicious ice it makes. Well sized...
- QUICK & POWERFUL: Within only 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying soft, crunchy ice, just like the ice you love from your favorite...
Unboxing the Frigidaire EFIC237: First Impressions
The Frigidaire EFIC237 promises to deliver that coveted crunchy, chewable nugget ice right on your countertop, and fast. It boasts an impressive production of 44 pounds of ice per day, with the first batch ready in as little as 15 minutes. The unit itself has a sleek black stainless steel finish that looks quite premium. When you purchase it, the box contains the ice maker, a removable ice bin, and a plastic scoop.
This specific product is designed for the serious home ice consumer who wants high output without the need for a dedicated water line. It’s a fantastic choice for kitchens, home bars, or even RVs. However, it’s not for someone who needs a “set it and forget it” appliance or has low-hanging kitchen cabinets. Its 19-inch height is a significant consideration.
Pros:
- Produces excellent, restaurant-quality nugget ice.
- High daily ice production (44 lbs).
- Relatively quick to start making ice.
- No water hookup required, making it portable.
- Features a self-cleaning function.
Cons:
- Can be significantly louder than expected.
- Its height may prevent it from fitting under standard kitchen cabinets.
- Long-term durability is a significant concern reported by many users.
- Filling the water reservoir can be awkward.
- 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 an extended period, I’ve gotten to know its every quirk, its brilliant highs, and its frustrating lows. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
The Magic of Chewable Nugget Ice
First and foremost, let’s talk about the star of the show: the ice itself. The Frigidaire EFIC237 delivers flawlessly on this front. The nuggets are light, airy, and perfectly chewable. Unlike hard, solid cubes that can water down your drink and are tough on your teeth, this ice is made from compressed ice flakes. This composition allows it to absorb the flavor of your beverage, making the last few sips just as good as the first. For anyone who loves to munch on ice, this nugget ice maker produces a texture that is incredibly satisfying and addictive. It truly elevates a simple glass of water, soda, or iced tea into a treat.
Production Speed and Capacity
One of the most impressive features is its sheer output. The claim of producing 44 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period is substantial. For daily use, this is more than enough for a large family. When hosting a party, I never had to worry about running out. I could start it in the morning and have enough ice to fill a cooler by the afternoon. The speed is also a major plus. From the moment you turn it on, you can expect the first few nuggets to drop into the 3-pound capacity bin within 10 to 15 minutes. This “instant gratification” is fantastic when you’ve forgotten to make ice ahead of time. The machine will continue to make ice until the bin is full, and as the ice is used or melts, it will automatically restart production. The melted water conveniently drains back into the reservoir to be recycled, which is an efficient, no-waste design.
Design, Footprint, and Portability
The unit’s black stainless steel finish gives it a modern, high-end look that complements most kitchen appliances. The front features a convenient viewing window and a pull-out drawer for the ice bin, making it easy to scoop out ice without a hassle. The fact that The Frigidaire EFIC237 doesn’t require a water hookup is a massive advantage. You can place it anywhere there’s a standard electrical outlet—your kitchen, a basement bar, the office, or even take it with you in an RV.
However, the design is not without its flaws. The biggest issue is its height. At 19 inches tall, it will not fit under standard kitchen cabinets, which typically have about 18 inches of clearance. This was a major oversight in my initial planning, and I had to find a dedicated spot on an open counter cart. Another minor annoyance is filling the water reservoir. You have to pour water directly into the main compartment under the ice basket, which can be a bit awkward and prone to spills if you’re not careful. A side-fill tank would have been a more user-friendly design.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Operating the machine is incredibly simple. The control panel is intuitive, with clear indicator lights for “Ice Full” and “Add Water.” The self-cleaning function is a crucial feature. By holding down a button, the machine will run a cycle that flushes water through the internal components. This should be done regularly, ideally every couple of weeks, using a water and vinegar solution to prevent any off-tastes or buildup. While the self-clean is helpful, you still need to manually wipe down the interior and the water reservoir to keep things sanitary.
The Elephant in the Room: Noise and Durability
This is where my long-term experience diverges from the initial honeymoon phase. This portable ice maker is loud. It’s not just a gentle hum; you hear the compressor, the fan, and the distinct sound of the mechanism scraping and dropping ice. In my open-concept living area, it was always noticeable. While I eventually got used to it as background noise, it’s something a noise-sensitive person would find irritating.
More concerning is the issue of long-term reliability. For about the first year, it worked like a dream. Then, the strange noises began—whirring, grinding, and eventually a loud “pop.” Many users have reported similar experiences, often occurring right after the one-year warranty expires. These noises are frequently followed by a total system failure. Some have found plastic shards or even metal pieces in their ice bin, indicating a critical internal component has broken. My unit eventually stopped making ice, with the “Add Water” light staying on despite a full reservoir. These widespread reports suggest a potential design flaw that severely impacts the machine’s lifespan, turning a wonderful appliance into a very expensive paperweight.
What Other Users Are Saying
A quick look online confirms my mixed experience. The positive reviews are glowing, with people raving about having “Sonic ice” at home and how much their families love it. They praise its speed and the quality of the ice. However, a troubling number of one and two-star reviews tell a different story. Many users report This Frigidaire unit breaking down after 10 to 18 months of use. Common complaints include loud popping and grinding noises, leaks, and finding broken metal or plastic parts in the ice tray, posing a serious safety concern. The customer service and warranty claim process is also frequently described as frustrating and unhelpful.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Ice Maker for You?
The craving for perfect, chewable ice at home is a real one, and having an unlimited supply feels like the ultimate luxury. For a time, this Frigidaire ice maker is a brilliant solution to that problem. It makes fantastic ice quickly and in large quantities, and its user-friendly, portable design is a major benefit.
However, its greatness is overshadowed by significant concerns about its noise level and, most importantly, its questionable long-term durability. The high number of users reporting catastrophic failures just after the warranty period ends is a major red flag. While it’s wonderful when it works, the risk of it breaking down makes it a gamble. If you’re willing to take that risk for a year of perfect ice, it might be for you. Click here to check it out and decide for yourself.
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API