Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker vs Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker
Both made our Best Countertop Ice Makers for RV and Camping shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker if you want light and compact enough to stow in an RV cabinet or truck bed between trips. Choose the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker if you'd rather have smallest true footprint in this list, fits a narrow counter strip or a cart. Overall we rank the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Countertop Ice Makers for RV and Camping list.
Winner overall: Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker vs Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Countertop Ice Makers for RV and Camping | #2 of 4 in Best Countertop Ice Makers for RV and Camping |
| Pick label | Top pick | |
| Brand | Frigidaire | Igloo |
| Key features | 26 lbs of bullet-shaped ice per day; 9 pieces ready in about 7 minutes; Compact, light enough for one person to carry | 26 lbs of ice per 24 hours; 9 cubes ready in about 7 minutes; Automatic 5-cycle self-cleaning function |
| Biggest strength | Light and compact enough to stow in an RV cabinet or truck bed between trips | Smallest true footprint in this list, fits a narrow counter strip or a cart |
| Main trade-off | Bullet ice melts faster than nugget ice, so a cooler needs more frequent topping off | 1-quart reservoir needs refilling every day or two with regular use |
| Best for | rv camping | small kitchens |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker if…
- Light and compact enough to stow in an RV cabinet or truck bed between trips
- Simple controls mean nothing to configure once you're set up at a campsite
- 26 lbs a day is enough for a cooler and drinks for a small group
Best for: rv camping
Prefer the alternative? See the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker section.
#2 pick · Top pick
Choose the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker if…
- Smallest true footprint in this list, fits a narrow counter strip or a cart
- Self-cleaning cycle reduces the maintenance most small-kitchen owners skip
- 9 cubes in 7 minutes is fast enough that you never wait long for a refill
Best for: small kitchens
Prefer the alternative? See the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker section.
Pros and cons of each
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker
Pros
- Light and compact enough to stow in an RV cabinet or truck bed between trips
- Simple controls mean nothing to configure once you're set up at a campsite
- 26 lbs a day is enough for a cooler and drinks for a small group
Cons
- Bullet ice melts faster than nugget ice, so a cooler needs more frequent topping off
- No handle on most versions, slightly awkward to carry loaded with water
- Draws power the whole time it's cycling, worth checking against your generator or inverter capacity
Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker
Pros
- Smallest true footprint in this list, fits a narrow counter strip or a cart
- Self-cleaning cycle reduces the maintenance most small-kitchen owners skip
- 9 cubes in 7 minutes is fast enough that you never wait long for a refill
Cons
- 1-quart reservoir needs refilling every day or two with regular use
- Bullet-shaped ice melts faster than nugget or cube ice in a drink
- Plastic housing feels less premium than stainless steel competitors
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker vs Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker: common questions
Which is better, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker or the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker?
Choose the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker if you want light and compact enough to stow in an RV cabinet or truck bed between trips. Choose the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker if you'd rather have smallest true footprint in this list, fits a narrow counter strip or a cart. Overall we rank the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Countertop Ice Makers for RV and Camping list.
What is the difference between the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker and the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker?
The Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker stands out because light and compact enough to stow in an RV cabinet or truck bed between trips, while the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker stands out because smallest true footprint in this list, fits a narrow counter strip or a cart. The trade-offs differ too: the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker's main caveat is that bullet ice melts faster than nugget ice, so a cooler needs more frequent topping off, and the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker's is that 1-quart reservoir needs refilling every day or two with regular use.
Is the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker worth it over the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker instead if bullet ice melts faster than nugget ice, so a cooler needs more frequent topping off is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker instead of the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker?
The Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Ice Maker suits small kitchens, while the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is best for rv camping.