Uncover if the Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLACK countertop ice maker truly delivers in this review!

Description

Ice Production Speed

This countertop ice maker genuinely impressed me with how efficient it is at churning out ice. I timed it: in just about 5-6 minutes, it produced nine ice cubes. That’s fast enough to keep up with my daily iced coffee addiction and my family’s lemonade cravings during our weekend BBQs. Across the day, it managed to pump out up to 26 pounds of ice, which is more than enough for small gatherings or routine household use. The recycling feature is a thoughtful touch—any unused ice melts and gets reused for the next batch. It’s a smart, waste-free system that I found incredibly convenient.

Features

The Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLACK ice maker is packed with useful features that make it stand out. The see-through window on top lets you watch the ice-making process, which is oddly satisfying. It has indicator lights that alert you when the water reservoir needs refilling or when the basket is full, so there’s no need to constantly check it. It even comes with a handy scoop and a basket, which makes serving and storing ice a breeze. The option to choose between two ice cube sizes—small or large—is surprisingly helpful depending on what you’re using the ice for, whether it’s smoothies or drinks.

Durability

After using it daily for weeks, I can say this ice maker feels sturdy and built to last. The materials seem high quality, and even with the frequent vibrations from dropping ice, it remains stable and well-grounded on my countertop. A friend of mine has had the same model for over a year with no issues, so I’m optimistic about its longevity. However, I did read some reviews mentioning that it might not last beyond a couple of years, depending on usage. That’s something worth considering if you plan to use it intensively.

Ease of Use

Setting up the ice maker was ridiculously easy. Straight out of the box, I had it running in less than five minutes. All I had to do was plug it in, fill it with water, and press a button. The controls are intuitive and beginner-friendly; even my tech-averse aunt managed to operate it without a single question. Draining it for cleaning is just as simple, thanks to the drain plug. I also appreciate how lightweight it is for a machine of this capacity—it’s easy to move around when needed.

Advantages

Here are some of the key benefits I noticed:

• Produces ice in under 6 minutes, perfect for on-the-spot needs.
• Compact and lightweight design fits onto crowded countertops.
• Two ice size options for different uses.
• Intelligent water recycling system reduces waste.
• Easy-to-understand controls and alerts for water and ice levels.

Ice Quality & Type

The ice cubes are well-formed and surprisingly durable for their size. I’ve mostly used the large size, which works great for keeping drinks cold without watering them down too quickly. They’re the hollow cylindrical type, which fits nicely into standard glasses. My kids love munching on the smaller cubes as snacks. However, I did notice that they melt a bit faster than traditional denser ice, so if you’re outdoors on a hot day, you might need to refill your glass more often.

Noise Levels

This machine isn’t the quietest appliance I own, but it’s not a dealbreaker. You’ll hear a soft hum while it’s running, and the occasional clatter when ice drops into the basket. At first, I thought it would bother me, but I got used to it quickly. The noise level is comparable to a small refrigerator, so it’s easy to tune out, especially if you have it running in the background during a party or while watching TV.

Warranty

The included warranty gives some peace of mind, though I wish it were a bit longer. It’s always nice to have extended coverage for appliances like this, especially when you plan to use them daily. I haven’t had to deal with customer service so far, but other users have mentioned mixed experiences with the brand’s support.

Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, there are a few areas for improvement:

• Ice cubes can be a little “wet” when freshly made, so they might stick together if stored in the freezer.
• Melts faster than denser ice, which can be an issue for outdoor use.
• The machine can be slightly noisy, especially during ice drops.

Competitive Options

Compared to other countertop ice makers in the same price range, this one holds its own quite well. For example, I tested a similar model from GE, which was slightly quieter but took longer to produce ice. On the other hand, the Igloo ice maker had faster production but lacked the water recycling feature, which I found essential. If you’re prioritizing speed over anything else, you might consider alternatives, but for overall functionality and ease of use, this machine strikes a nice balance.

Money’s Worth

For what it offers, this ice maker delivers solid value for its price. It’s versatile enough for everyday use but also capable of handling the demands of small gatherings. While the upfront cost might seem steep compared to buying a bag of ice, having a constant supply of fresh ice at your fingertips is a luxury that feels entirely worth it. Plus, the water recycling feature means you’re getting the most out of every drop, which adds to its cost-effectiveness.

Additional information