Frigidaire 26 lb Ice Makers: Which Countertop Model Should You Pick?
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Frigidaire is a long-standing kitchen appliance name, and its countertop ice makers are a popular pick for people who run out of freezer ice during parties, summer weekends or long workdays. A countertop ice maker is a small appliance you fill with water and plug in; within minutes it starts dropping fresh ice into a basket. All six models here are rated to make up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours, which is plenty for a family, a small office or a backyard barbecue. One thing to know before you buy: these machines make ice but do not freeze it for storage, so unused ice slowly melts and is recycled into new ice.
The six models differ mainly in style and small details rather than output: two are stainless bullet ice makers in black or silver, one is the compact EFIC128 in black, one is a red stainless model whose listing mixes nugget and bullet ice, one is a retro white design with the largest basket, and one is a vanilla model with a touch display and a larger water tank.
Frigidaire 26 lb Ice Makers Compared
Best for: Touch-control fans and RV kitchens
Pros
- Touch LED display
- Larger 2.3 qt reservoir
- Vanilla color option
Cons
- Cycle time listed as 7-15 min
- 5 lb storage
| Model | Ice type | Ice per cycle | Basket capacity | Water tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire Countertop Portable (EFIC120, black stainless) | Bullet, 2 sizes | 9 cubes every 7 min | 1.5 lb | 2.1 qt |
| Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable (EFIC117, stainless) | Bullet, 2 sizes | 9 cubes every 7 min | 1.5 lb | 2.1 qt |
| FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker | Not specified, sizes selectable | 9 cubes every 5-6 min | Not listed | Not listed |
| Frigidaire Counter top Portable (red stainless) | Nugget in title, bullet in features | 9 cubes every 7 min | 1.5 lb | 2.1 qt |
| FRIGIDAIRE Retro Compact Ice Maker Machine | Bullet in title, 2 sizes | Under 6 min per cycle | 2.2 lb | Not listed |
| Frigidaire (EFIC0513, vanilla) | Bullet, 2 sizes | 9 pieces in 7-15 min | 1.5 lb | 2.3 qt |
Frigidaire Countertop Portable in Black Stainless Steel
Frigidaire
Frigidaire Countertop Portable, 26 lb per Day Bullet Ice Maker Machine (Black Stainless Steel)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Frigidaire Countertop Portable
Best for: Modern kitchens with black stainless
Pros
- Black stainless steel look
- Two ice sizes
- Drain plug for cleaning
- 1 qt water tank
Cons
- 5 lb basket fills fast
- Listed wattage looks inconsistent
The Frigidaire Countertop Portable ice maker, model EFIC120, comes in a black stainless steel finish that suits modern kitchens with dark appliances. It makes up to 26 pounds of bullet ice per day, dropping nine cubes about every seven minutes, and you can choose between two cube sizes. Bullet ice is the rounded, hollow-centered shape that many countertop machines make; it chills drinks quickly and is soft enough to crunch.
A transparent window lets you watch the ice being made and see how full the basket is, and a digital LED panel handles settings and size selection. The 2.1-quart water tank means you are not refilling constantly, and a drain plug makes emptying and cleaning easier. An ice scoop is included, and the basket holds up to 1.5 pounds at a time. It measures 15 x 11 x 14.5 inches. The listing gives a wattage of 1,000 watts, which is far higher than the 105 watts listed for similar Frigidaire models, so treat that number with caution.
This suits a gift for someone with a black stainless kitchen or a home bar. If you prefer classic silver, the next model shares the same features.
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable in Classic Stainless
Frigidaire
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable
Best for: Classic stainless kitchens and offices
Pros
- Stainless steel finish
- 1-year warranty
- Scoop and drain plug
Cons
- Model numbers conflict in listing
- Does not keep ice frozen
The Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable ice maker has the same feature list as the black model: up to 26 pounds per day, nine bullet cubes every seven minutes, two cube sizes, a see-through window, a digital LED control panel, a 2.1-quart tank, a drain plug, a 1.5-pound basket and an included scoop. The difference is the classic stainless steel finish.
The listing’s model details are muddled. The description calls it EFIC117-SS, the model number field says EFIC120, and the part number says EFIC227-SILVER. The listing does include a 1-year warranty, which is a helpful detail for gift-givers. If a specific model number matters to you, confirm it on the box when it arrives.
This suits a kitchen, office or dorm with stainless appliances. If counter space is tight, the EFIC128 is smaller.
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker for Small Spaces
Frigidaire
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker
Best for: Small counters and dorm rooms
Pros
- Compact 13 x 11 x 12.5 in
- 5-6 minute cycles
- Full basket and low water alerts
Cons
- Does not keep ice frozen
- Water tank size not listed
The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker is the most compact model with listed dimensions, at 13 x 11 x 12.5 inches. It produces nine cubes every five to six minutes, a little faster per cycle than the seven-minute models, for a total of 26 pounds in 24 hours. It is rated at 105 watts and 120 volts and uses R600a refrigerant.
A large transparent window shows the ice as it forms, and indicators tell you when the basket is full and when the water is low. The description mentions an LED design that lets you choose cube size. The listing clearly warns that this machine makes ice rather than storing it: move ice to your freezer promptly, and melted ice is recycled into new batches. The box includes the machine, a scoop and a manual.
This suits a dorm room, small apartment or office break room. The listing does not specify tank size or basket capacity, so if you want to know those, the stainless models above list them.
Frigidaire Counter top Portable in Red Stainless Steel
Frigidaire
Frigidaire Counter top Portable, 26 lb per Day Nugget Ice Maker Machine (Red Stainless Steel)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Frigidaire Counter top Portable
Best for: A bold red gift for hosts
Pros
- Red stainless finish
- Two ice sizes
- 1 qt water tank
Cons
- Nugget vs bullet ice unclear
- 5 lb basket
The Frigidaire Counter top Portable ice maker in red stainless steel stands out on any counter and makes a cheerful gift. Its feature list matches the stainless models: 26 pounds per day, nine cubes every seven minutes, two sizes, a see-through window, a digital LED panel, a 2.1-quart tank, a drain plug, a 1.5-pound basket and a scoop.
There is one contradiction to flag. The title calls it a nugget ice maker, but the features describe bullet-shaped cubes. Nugget ice is the small, chewable pellet style, while bullet ice is larger and rounded. Since the model number (EFIC117-SSRED-COM) matches the bullet ice family and the features say bullet, expect bullet ice unless the seller confirms otherwise.
This suits someone who wants a bold color. If true nugget ice is what you want, look at our guide to the Frigidaire premium nugget ice maker.
FRIGIDAIRE Retro Compact Ice Maker Machine for Vintage Style
Best for: Retro-style kitchens
Pros
- Retro white design
- Stores up to 2.2 lb
- Under 6 minute cycles
Cons
- Ice shape described two ways
- Does not keep ice frozen
The FRIGIDAIRE Retro Compact Ice Maker Machine, model EFIC512, brings a retro look in white. Its reservoir sits under the ice basket and it can make up to 26 pounds per day, with cycles of under six minutes and two cube sizes. It stores up to 2.2 pounds of ice at once, the largest basket in this roundup.
Electronic controls show when the bin is full and the water is empty. The box includes the machine, a scoop and a basket. It is rated at 200 watts and 115 volts. The listing describes ice in two ways: the title says bullet ice, while one feature says “perfectly squared” cubes, and it also calls the unit stainless steel despite the white retro finish. It carries the same warning that ice is not kept frozen.
This suits a vintage-style kitchen or a gift for someone who loves retro appliances. For a larger water tank, see the vanilla model next.
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker in Vanilla with Touch Display
The Frigidaire countertop ice maker in vanilla, model EFIC0513, adds a touch LED display in place of buttons. It makes up to 26 pounds of bullet ice per day in two sizes, and the title lists nine pieces in 7 to 15 minutes, while the features say every seven minutes. It is rated at 105 watts and 120 volts.
It has the largest listed water reservoir at 2.3 quarts, a see-through window, a drain plug, a scoop and 1.5 pounds of storage. The listing names home kitchens, offices, apartments and RVs as good places for it and says it comes in assorted colors.
This suits someone who prefers touch controls or wants a soft color. For more models in this range, our Frigidaire countertop ice maker guide goes wider.
How to Choose the Right Frigidaire 26 lb Ice Maker
Pick the style first. Since all six make up to 26 pounds per day, color and design matter more than you might expect: black stainless, silver stainless, compact black, red, retro white or vanilla.
Check the ice shape. Most make bullet ice in two sizes. The red model’s title says nugget but its features say bullet, and the retro model mentions squared cubes. If shape matters, confirm before buying.
Look at the basket and tank. The retro model holds 2.2 pounds of ice; most others hold 1.5 pounds. The vanilla model has the biggest 2.3-quart tank. Bigger numbers mean fewer trips to empty or refill.
Measure your counter. The EFIC128 is the smallest listed at 13 x 11 x 12.5 inches. Remember to leave space around vents for airflow. If you need far more ice, our guide to the Frigidaire 44 lb nugget ice maker covers a higher-output option.
FAQ
How fast does a Frigidaire 26 lb ice maker make ice?
Most models list nine cubes about every seven minutes. The EFIC128 lists five to six minutes, and the retro model lists under six minutes.
Does a Frigidaire ice maker keep ice frozen?
No. These machines make ice but do not freeze it for storage. Move ice to a freezer if you want to keep it.
Do these ice makers need a water line?
No. You pour water into the tank by hand, which is why they are called portable.
Which Frigidaire 26 lb ice maker should I buy as a gift?
Choose by style: red for a bold look, retro white for vintage kitchens, or vanilla with a touch display.
How do I clean it?
Several models have a drain plug for emptying the tank. Follow the manual for cleaning steps.
