Investigate if the Sweetcrispy Ice Maker is the perfect countertop solution in this review.

Description

Ice Production Speed

As someone who loves cold drinks year-round, testing the Sweetcrispy Ice Maker RFEGT85 has been quite an experience. This machine is impressively quick—producing nine bullet-shaped ice cubes in just six minutes. I found myself timing it out of curiosity, and sure enough, it barely deviated from the advertised speed. Over 24 hours, it can churn out up to 26.5 pounds of ice, which is more than enough for small parties or gatherings. It’s amazing how it kept up during a recent family barbecue, where everyone was constantly reaching for ice. I’ll admit, though, the rapid production speed means you need to keep an eye on the basket, as it fills up quickly.

Noise Levels

At first, I was skeptical about how quiet this portable ice maker would actually be. Machines like these often come with that annoying hum that makes you want to pull your hair out. However, this one surprised me. The noise level stayed below 40dB, and to put that into perspective, it’s about as loud as a typical refrigerator. You can hear the ice drop into the basket, but it’s more of a soft clink than an irritating clatter. Even when I had it running through the night for a get-together, it didn’t disrupt anyone’s sleep. That being said, if you’re hypersensitive to sound, you might still notice it during the ice-dumping process.

Features

One of the standout features of this countertop ice maker is its self-cleaning function. Maintenance is often a hassle with appliances like this, so having a self-cleaning option feels like a gift from above. Activating it is as simple as holding the on/off button for five seconds. This feature ensures the ice stays clean and safe to use, especially if you’re as particular as I am about hygiene. The Sweetcrispy Ice Maker RFEGT85 also comes with a transparent window, allowing you to peek inside and witness the ice-making process—a surprisingly satisfying sight.

Another feature that I appreciated was the two-size ice cube option. Small ice cubes worked wonders for keeping seafood chilled during a recent dinner party, while the larger ones were perfect for cooling drinks without diluting them too quickly. The smooth, bullet-shaped ice is easy to handle and doesn’t have sharp edges, which is a tiny yet thoughtful detail.

Durability

After a couple of months of daily use, the machine has held up pretty well. The Sweetcrispy Ice Maker RFEGT85 doesn’t feel flimsy, and the black exterior has a sleek, modern look that fits right into my kitchen setup. However, I did notice that the clear plastic over the buttons seemed prone to minor scuffs. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re a stickler for aesthetics. I’ve also been cautious about drying out the machine after each use to prevent rust or mold, and so far, it seems to be a worthwhile habit.

Ice Quality & Type

The ice quality is commendable for a compact unit like this. The bullet-shaped cubes are solid but easy to chew if that’s your thing. I’ve used them in everything from iced coffee to smoothies, and they’ve performed consistently well. However, keep in mind that the machine doesn’t freeze the ice indefinitely—so if you don’t transfer it to a freezer, it will gradually melt back into the reservoir. I’ve made it a habit to bag the ice and store it in my freezer to maintain its density for longer.

Ease of Use

Operating this ice maker is a breeze. With its simple control panel, even my tech-averse mom figured it out without any assistance. The indicator lights are a nice touch—they notify you when the basket is full or when the water reservoir needs refilling. That said, I did notice one quirk: the water refill light sometimes struggles to reset after adding water. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one that might bug perfectionists.

Warranty

When it comes to coverage, the product offers a standard one-year warranty. It’s not the most generous offering in its category, but it’s sufficient for peace of mind. I haven’t had to contact customer service yet, but I’ve read mixed reviews about their responsiveness, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Perks

• Produces ice cubes in just six minutes.
• Offers two cube size options for versatility.
• Includes self-cleaning functionality for easy maintenance.
• Noise levels are minimal and non-disruptive.

Areas for Improvement

• The water refill indicator light occasionally malfunctions.
• Ice melts if not transferred to a freezer, as the machine isn’t a freezer itself.
• Clear plastic parts, like the button cover, are prone to scuffs.

Competitive Options

When comparing this model to others in the same category, the Sweetcrispy Ice Maker RFEGT85 holds its ground in terms of speed and efficiency. Models like the GE Profile Opal 2.0 might offer nugget ice, which some people prefer for its chewable texture, but they come at a significantly higher price point. On the other hand, budget-friendly options like the Frigidaire EFIC108 might lack features like self-cleaning or multiple ice cube sizes. If you’re looking for a mid-range, reliable option, this Sweetcrispy model strikes a nice balance.

Bang for the Buck

In terms of value, this ice maker delivers. It doesn’t come with the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but it also doesn’t break the bank. For its price range, getting features like self-cleaning and dual ice sizes feels like a steal. If you’re someone who entertains often or simply loves having a steady supply of ice, it’s worth the investment.

Additional information