Should You Buy the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS Ice Maker? A Detailed Review

Description

Ice Production Speed

I’ve owned a variety of ice machines over the years, but the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS really takes things up a notch. This machine churns out ice incredibly fast, producing 24 clear square cubes in under 15 minutes. I remember hosting a barbecue last weekend where the drinks were disappearing faster than expected. Thankfully, this ice maker kept up with the crowd’s demand effortlessly. Even with a full house, it consistently delivered, making up to 40 pounds of ice a day. Unlike the slower bullet-style machines I’ve used before, this one feels like having a commercial-quality ice maker at home.

Features

The range of features on this ice maker is pretty impressive. The Frigidaire EFIC452-SS includes a 2.3-liter water reservoir and a storage bin that holds up to 2.4 pounds of ice, which means you don’t have to refill it constantly. The electronic controls are straightforward, even for someone like my dad, who isn’t tech-savvy. One feature I particularly enjoyed is the ability to adjust the cube thickness, with settings ranging from -6 to +6. My kids love their ice cubes thin for their sodas, while I prefer mine thicker for cocktails. The machine adapts seamlessly to both preferences.

Ice Quality & Type

Clear square ice cubes are a game-changer. These cubes are dense and melt much slower than the cloudy, bullet-shaped ones I used to get from my previous machine. I’ve noticed my iced coffee stays chilled longer without watering down the flavor, and my cocktails look like they came straight from a high-end bar. The clarity of these cubes really adds a touch of elegance, especially when entertaining guests. It’s clear (pun intended) that this machine is leagues ahead when it comes to ice quality.

Noise Levels

I’ll be honest—this ice maker isn’t whisper-quiet. It produces a consistent humming sound while running, like a mini fridge. And when the ice drops into the bin, there’s a noticeable clunk. At first, I thought it might wake my baby during her nap, but she sleeps through it just fine. The noise isn’t excessive, and after a few days, I barely noticed it anymore. If you’re sensitive to sounds, just keep in mind that it’s more “white noise” than disruptive.

Durability

Durability is often a gamble with countertop appliances, but this stainless steel beauty feels solid. I’ve had it running almost daily for weeks, and it hasn’t missed a beat. The build quality is far superior to the flimsy plastic designs I’ve encountered before. I’m curious to see how it holds up after a year or two, but so far, it’s giving me confidence that it’s built to last.

Warranty

One aspect that gave me peace of mind was the included one-year warranty. While I haven’t had to use it yet (fingers crossed), it’s nice to know the manufacturer stands behind their product. That said, after reading some reviews, I noticed mixed experiences with customer service. If you’re extra cautious, you might want to consider an extended warranty for added protection.

Ease of Use

Setting up this ice maker was straightforward. I unpacked it, let it sit upright for an hour to settle the refrigerant (a pro tip from a friend), filled the reservoir with water, and hit the power button. That’s it! Even my teenage son figured it out without reading the manual. The controls are intuitive, and the machine automatically stops when the bin is full or when water needs refilling. I do wish the manual were a bit clearer, though—it’s not exactly user-friendly.

Bang for the Buck

This ice maker isn’t the cheapest option out there, but considering its features and performance, it’s a fantastic investment. I’ve spent more on machines that didn’t last or failed to deliver the quality of ice I wanted. Compared to constantly buying bags of ice or dealing with subpar alternatives, the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS is worth every penny. It’s ideal for anyone who values convenience and quality.

Challengers

I’ve used a few different ice makers in the past, including the popular bullet-style machines. While those are okay for everyday use, they don’t hold a candle to the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS. The main competitors are models like the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker and some of the cheaper countertop options. The Opal is great if you’re into chewable nugget ice, but it’s pricier and doesn’t produce as much ice per day. On the other hand, the budget models I’ve tried were noisy, made cloudy ice, and often broke within a year. The Frigidaire strikes the perfect balance between quality and cost without compromising on performance.

Positive Features

• Produces clear, dense square ice cubes that melt slowly.
• Fast ice production—24 cubes in under 15 minutes.
• User-friendly electronic controls for easy operation.
• Durable stainless steel design that feels premium.

Weaknesses

• The ice-drop noise can be startling at first.
• Occasionally, the ice sheets stick together and need to be broken apart.
• The manual could be much clearer for first-time users.

Overall, using this ice maker has been a refreshing experience—literally. It’s not perfect, but the pros far outweigh the cons, making it a solid addition to any household or small event setup.

Additional information