Frigidaire Ice Maker Guide: Bullet Ice or Chewable Nugget Ice?
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Frigidaire is a long-established home appliance brand, and its countertop ice makers are a popular gift for people who host often or simply want more ice than a freezer tray can make. Many shoppers search for a “fridgidaire ice maker” with an extra D, but the brand is spelled Frigidaire. These machines plug into a normal outlet and need no water line: you pour water into a reservoir, and the machine freezes it into ice within minutes.
The six models below split into two ice types: two machines make bullet ice, the classic hollow cylinder cubes, while four make nugget ice, the soft, chewable ice many people know from restaurants. They also differ in daily output, from 26 to 44 pounds, and in extras like self-cleaning.
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Makers Compared
| Model | Ice type | Max daily output | Ice storage | Self-cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day (Stainless) | Bullet, 2 sizes | 26 lb | 1.5 lb basket | Not listed (drain plug) |
| Frigidaire Crunchy Chewable Nugget (Metallic) | Nugget | 33 lb | 3 lb | Not listed |
| Frigidaire Countertop Portable (Black Stainless) | Bullet, 2 sizes | 26 lb | 1.5 lb basket | Not listed (drain plug) |
| Frigidaire Gallery Nugget 2.0 Gen (Black) | Nugget | 44 lb | 3 lb | Yes |
| Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 Gen (Cream) | Nugget | 44 lb | 3 lb | Yes |
| Frigidaire Touchscreen Nugget (Slate) | Nugget | 33 lb | 1.2 L (about 0.7 kg) | Yes, 20 minutes |
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Ice Maker for Small Spaces
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: Dorms, offices and small kitchens
Pros
- Ice in about 7 minutes
- Two cube sizes
- Drain plug for easy cleaning
Cons
- Small 1.5 lb basket
- Model numbers inconsistent
The Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Ice Maker in stainless steel makes bullet ice: nine bullet-shaped cubes every 7 minutes, with two sizes to choose from. Bullet ice is a small cylinder with a hollow center, freezing quickly and working well in most drinks. Output reaches up to 26 pounds per day.
A transparent window lets you watch the ice being made, and a digital LED control panel sets the cube size. The water tank holds 2.1 quarts, and a drain plug makes emptying and cleaning easier. An ice scoop is included, and the interior basket holds up to 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. The warranty is one year. The listing mentions three different model numbers (EFIC117-SS, EFIC120 and EFIC227), so check the model on the product page if it matters.
This suits dorm rooms, offices and small kitchens where you want fresh ice fast. The small basket means you will want to move ice to the freezer during parties. Our Frigidaire 26 lb ice maker guide looks at this size class more closely.
Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker for Portable Nugget Ice
Frigidaire
Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker, Compact, 33lbs per Day, Metallic Finish
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice
Best for: Nugget ice fans on the move
Pros
- 33 lb per day
- Meltwater recycles into ice
- Portable for camping
Cons
- Does not keep ice frozen
- Capacity listed as 28 and 33 lb
The Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker in a metallic finish makes soft yet crunchy square nuggets that float in drinks. Nugget ice is made from compressed flakes of ice, which gives it an airy, chewable texture. The first nuggets arrive in 10 to 15 minutes, and it makes up to 33 pounds per day with a 3-pound bin.
No water hookup is needed; just plug it into a standard grounded outlet and fill the reservoir. As ice melts, the water returns to the reservoir to be made into ice again. The listing is clear that it makes ice but does not keep ice frozen, so transfer ice to your freezer. It draws 200 watts and comes with a scoop and manual. The spec table lists a 28-pound capacity, which conflicts with the 33 pounds stated elsewhere, and two slightly different model numbers.
This suits nugget ice lovers who want a unit that can travel to a camping trip or tailgate. For more output at home, the 44-pound Gallery models are the step up.
Frigidaire Countertop Portable Bullet Ice Maker in Black Stainless
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: Stylish bullet ice for hosting
Pros
- Black stainless finish
- Two cube sizes
- 1 qt water tank
Cons
- Small 1.5 lb basket
The Frigidaire Countertop Portable 26 lb per Day Bullet Ice Maker shares the same feature list as the stainless model above: nine bullet cubes every 7 minutes, two sizes, a transparent window, LED controls, a 2.1-quart tank, a drain plug, a scoop and a 1.5-pound basket. The key difference is the black stainless steel finish.
It measures 15 by 11 by 14.5 inches. The spec table lists 1000 watts, which is unusually high for this type of machine and is not explained elsewhere in the listing, so treat that figure with caution.
Pick this if you want bullet ice and prefer a darker finish that matches black stainless appliances. Otherwise, it is the same choice as the stainless model.
FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker for High Output
Frigidaire
FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker, 44lbs per Day, Auto Self Cleaning, 2.0 Gen, Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget
Best for: Big households that love nugget ice
Pros
- 44 lb per day
- Auto self-cleaning
- Fits under cabinets
Cons
- Larger unit to place
The FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker (2.0 Gen, black) makes up to 44 pounds of nugget ice per day, the most in this lineup. First nuggets arrive in 10 to 15 minutes, and the description says the bin holds up to 3 pounds.
It has a touch control panel, drawer access with a viewing window, and an auto self-cleaning function at the press of a button. A self-cleaning cycle runs water through the system to keep ice tasting fresh, which saves a chore. It is designed to fit under kitchen cabinets, has a matte exterior, and includes an ice bin, scoop and drip tray. It draws 500 watts.
This suits large households, frequent hosts and anyone who drinks a lot of iced beverages. For the same machine in a softer color, see the cream version below. Our Frigidaire premium nugget ice maker guide covers the Gallery range further.
Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 Gen in Cream
Best for: Kitchens wanting a cream finish
Pros
- 44 lb per day
- Auto self-cleaning
- CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
Cons
- Same core specs as black Gallery
The Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker in cream is listed as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree. It shares the Gallery black model’s core features: up to 44 pounds per day, first nuggets in 10 to 15 minutes, a touch control panel, drawer access with a viewing window, auto self-cleaning, and a fit under standard cabinets. It includes an ice bin, scoop and drip tray.
It draws 500 watts, lists 115 volts, and carries a one-year limited warranty. The description calls it a Frigidaire Gallery model and says the bin holds up to 3 pounds.
Choose this if you want top nugget ice output in a warm cream color that suits retro or light kitchens. It makes a striking gift.
FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker for Clear Status Alerts
Best for: Easy-to-read touchscreen nugget ice
Pros
- Status alerts and interior light
- 20-minute self-clean cycle
- Low 192W draw
Cons
- Smaller 1.2 L ice storage
The FRIGIDAIRE Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker in slate makes up to 33 pounds of nugget ice per day, with first nuggets in 10 to 15 minutes. Its LED touchscreen shows “Add Water”, “Ice Full”, “Ice Making” and water level alerts, and an interior light helps you see ice levels in dim rooms.
The self-cleaning cycle takes 20 minutes. The 1.8-liter tank is filled by hand, and the bin holds 1.2 liters, about 0.7 kg of ice. It draws just 192 watts and includes an ice bin, scoop and drip tray, with a one-year limited warranty.
This suits someone who wants simple, clear alerts and a self-cleaning nugget maker without the size of the 44-pound models.
How to Choose the Right Frigidaire Ice Maker
Pick an ice type. Bullet ice is quick and classic. Nugget ice is soft and chewable, great for sodas and iced coffee.
Match output to your household. Twenty-six pounds per day suits one or two people. Thirty-three pounds suits families. Forty-four pounds suits big households and frequent hosts.
Look at storage. Bullet models hold 1.5 pounds, most nugget models hold 3 pounds, and the Touchscreen holds about 0.7 kg. None of these is a freezer, so move extra ice to the freezer.
Consider cleaning. The Gallery, cream and Touchscreen models self-clean. The bullet models have a drain plug.
FAQ
Is it spelled Fridgidaire or Frigidaire?
The brand is spelled Frigidaire, though many people search with an extra D.
What is the difference between bullet and nugget ice?
Bullet ice is a small hollow cylinder. Nugget ice is soft, airy and chewable.
Do Frigidaire countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. The metallic nugget listing states it does not keep ice frozen, so move ice to a freezer.
Do I need a water line?
No. You fill the reservoir by hand.
Which Frigidaire ice maker makes the most ice?
The Gallery black and cream nugget models, at up to 44 pounds per day.
