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Frigidaire Countertop · Review

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker Review

An honest, research-based look at the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker: what it does well, where it falls short, and who should actually buy it.

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker

Frigidaire Countertop

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker

  • 26 lbs of bullet-shaped ice per day
  • 9 pieces ready in about 7 minutes
  • Simple one-button operation
  • Compact, portable design
  • No installation required
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Our verdict

The Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is a solid option in its class with clear strengths and a few honest tradeoffs. It suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths above; if your needs differ, the alternatives below are worth a look.

An honest, research-based look at the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker: what it does well, where it falls short, and who should actually buy it.

The trade-offs

Strengths & limitations

Pros

  • Lowest price point in this list by a wide margin
  • 26 lbs a day comfortably covers a gathering of 6 to 10 guests
  • Simple enough to hand off to a co-host without instructions

Cons

  • Bullet ice melts faster than nugget ice, needs more frequent bin checks during a party
  • Output ceiling means it's not the right pick for a party of 20-plus
  • No self-cleaning function, needs manual maintenance after heavy use
Fit check

Who should buy it?

A good fit if you…

  • The Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is right if: you want reliable bullet ice at the lowest reasonable price, need a portable machine for an RV or patio, and do
  • Consider alternatives if: you want a self-cleaning cycle at a similar price (Igloo), you want chewable nugget ice (Euhomy or GE Profile Opal 2.0), or you need a

Look elsewhere if you…

  • Buyers who need a different feature set, check the alternatives below.

What You Are Buying

The Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is a compact bullet-ice machine using a standard metal freezing-grid mechanism.

The design is straightforward: a lid on top, a reservoir you fill by hand, and a removable ice basket underneath a viewing window on some versions.

There is no plumbing or drain required.

It's a fully self-contained countertop appliance that can be relocated to a patio, RV, or garage bar setup without any installation.

Performance

First batch (cold start, reservoir filled): Ready in about 7 minutes, producing 9 bullet-shaped cubes per cycle.

Ongoing production: The machine continues cycling roughly every 7 minutes as long as the reservoir has water, adding up to the rated 26 lbs over 24 hours of continuous operation.

Reservoir runtime: The roughly 1-quart internal reservoir supports several cycles before needing a refill, generally requiring a top-off once or more per day with regular household use.

Noise: Comparable to a small refrigerator running, with the fan noise during active cycles being the most noticeable sound.

What It Does Well

The core job, producing a steady stream of bullet ice, is handled reliably and without fuss.

There's nothing to configure beyond turning it on and keeping the reservoir filled.

Price is the standout advantage.

At the low end of the 26 lb/day category, it undercuts most competitors while still coming from a well-known appliance brand with available parts and support.

What Falls Short

No self-cleaning function.

Competitors like the Igloo include an automated cleaning cycle; the Frigidaire requires manual descaling and cleaning, which is easy to put off until ice production slows.

The roughly 1-quart tank needs refilling more often than larger-reservoir machines, a real consideration for anyone who wants to set it and forget it for more than a day.

The thin-walled, hollow shape of bullet ice means it dilutes drinks and melts faster than nugget or solid cube ice, a real consideration for anyone prioritizing a cooler that stays cold longer.

Who Should Buy It

The Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is right if: you want reliable bullet ice at the lowest reasonable price, need a portable machine for an RV or patio, and don't need self-cleaning or nugget ice texture.

Consider alternatives if: you want a self-cleaning cycle at a similar price (Igloo), you want chewable nugget ice (Euhomy or GE Profile Opal 2.0), or you need a larger reservoir for less frequent refilling.

See Also

Igloo Self-Cleaning Ice Maker Review, the self-cleaning alternative GE Profile Opal 2.0 vs Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker, head-to-head comparison

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker

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Answers

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker take to make ice?

The first batch of 9 bullet-shaped cubes is ready in about 7 minutes after the reservoir is filled and the unit is turned on.

Does the Frigidaire ice maker need to be plumbed in?

It's a fully portable, standalone unit with an internal reservoir you fill manually, roughly 1 quart in capacity. There's no water line or drain hookup required, which is what makes it usable on any countertop, in an RV, or moved between rooms.

How much ice does the Frigidaire ice maker hold at once?

The storage bin holds a modest standing amount, generally under 2 lbs, with the 26 lb/24-hour rating reflecting cumulative production over a full day of cycling rather than a large standing reserve. For a party or heavy single-session use, start the machine a few hours ahead of time to build up a buffer in the bin.

Is the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker loud?

It runs comparably to a small refrigerator, noticeable but not disruptive in a normal kitchen environment. The compressor cycles on and off rather than running continuously, and the fan noise during an active cycle is the most audible part of its operation. For a bedroom or very quiet space, plan placement accordingly.

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