6 models in this file
Frigidaire 26 Lb Ice Maker Guide: Bullet vs Nugget Ice
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Frigidaire stands as one of the most recognizable names in home refrigeration, bringing decades of cooling expertise directly to portable appliances. Within the compact refrigeration space, the brand focuses heavily on self-contained units that quickly churn out ice without demanding a dedicated plumbing connection. Whether setting up a mobile kitchen in a recreational vehicle, outfitting a boat galley, or preparing for an outdoor weekend gathering, an efficient frigidaire ice maker keeps beverages cold while keeping heavy bags of store-bought ice off your packing list.
While every model evaluated here shares an identical maximum output rating of 26 pounds of ice per 24 hours, these six units diverge markedly across cycling speeds, reservoir volumes, wattage requirements, control interfaces, and overall exterior chassis footprints.
The line-up at a glance
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Makers Compared
Best for: Modern tech-forward homes and long events
Pros
- Modern responsive touch display
- Large 2.3-quart water reservoir
- Low 105-watt energy consumption
Cons
- Cycles can take up to 15 minutes
- Ice melts if left in basket
| Model | Cycle Speed | Water Reservoir | Storage Basket | Power Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable | 9 cubes in 7 minutes | 2.1 quarts | 1.5 pounds | Not listed |
| Frigidaire Countertop Portable | 9 cubes in 7 minutes | 2.1 quarts | 1.5 pounds | 1000 watts |
| FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker | 9 cubes in 5-6 minutes | Not listed | Not listed | 105 watts |
| Frigidaire Counter top Portable | 9 cubes in 7 minutes | 2.1 quarts | 1.5 pounds | Not listed |
| FRIGIDAIRE Retro Compact Ice Maker Machine | Square cubes in under 6 minutes | Not listed | 2.2 pounds | 200 watts |
| Frigidaire | 9 cubes in 7-15 minutes | 2.3 quarts | 1.5 pounds | 105 watts |
No. 1 of 6 · Frigidaire
Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable for Classic Stainless Kitchens
8.2/10 Our score
Best for: Classic kitchens and recreational vehicle setups
What the listing says
- Sleek Design – Never run out of ice again with the Frigidaire Ice Maker that produces up to 26 lbs.
- Fast Ice Production – This compact ice maker makes hosting easy!
- Intuitive Control – The ice maker features a transparent window so you can easily monitor ice…
- Large Water Capacity – With a 2.1 qt.
- Bonus Accessory – Enhance your ice making experience with the included ice scoop for easy retrieval of ice cubes.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel housing
- Rapid 7-minute cycle time
- Included scoop and basket
Cons
- 5 lb basket fills rapidly
- Requires manual freezer transfer
The Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable serves as the foundational benchmark for the brand’s countertop freezing lineup. Clad in a clean stainless steel housing, this unit operates as a standalone freezing system that extracts water from an integrated 2.1-quart reservoir to freeze batches of 9 bullet-shaped cubes every 7 minutes. It incorporates a transparent viewing lid that allows users to monitor the internal ice bin without lifting the top and allowing warm ambient air to penetrate the freezing chamber. A digital LED control panel gives operators manual selection between two distinct cube dimensions, adapting to both narrow-neck water bottles and wide-mouth tumblers.
Maintaining clean water inside a portable freezing machine is critical when traveling away from city water supplies, and this model addresses upkeep by incorporating a dedicated base drain plug. The internal collection basket holds up to 1.5 pounds of ice at a time, and Curtis includes a fitted plastic ice scoop directly in the packaging for sanitary serving. Because the internal bucket continuously catches newly formed ice, the unit maintains steady production until either the water tank runs dry or the collection sensor detects a full payload.
This classic stainless machine suits RV owners and boaters who want a commercial appearance that mirrors full-sized galley appliances while avoiding complex plumbing hookups. It yields ground to smaller-footprint units like the EFIC128 when storage space inside deep galley cabinets is limited, but for permanent countertop placement in an entertainment room, bar area, or touring coach, its timeless metal finish remains exceptionally easy to maintain.
No. 2 of 6 · Frigidaire
Frigidaire Countertop Portable for Modern Dark Galley Bars
8.2/10 Our score
Best for: Modern dark galley bars and cabins
What the listing says
- Sleek Design – Never run out of ice again with the Frigidaire Ice Maker that produces up to 26 lbs.
- Fast Ice Production – This compact ice maker makes hosting easy!
- Intuitive Control – The ice maker features a transparent window so you can easily monitor ice…
- Large Water Capacity – With a 2.1 qt.
- Bonus Accessory – Enhance your ice making experience with the included ice scoop for easy retrieval of ice cubes.
Pros
- Sleek black stainless finish
- Generous 2.1-quart water capacity
- Intuitive digital LED display
Cons
- 1000-watt listed electrical draw
- Does not keep ice frozen
Presenting a sleek aesthetic departure from natural metal finishes, the Frigidaire Countertop Portable delivers bullet-style ice production wrapped in an eye-catching black stainless steel shell. Built to the dimensions of 15 inches deep by 11 inches wide and 14.5 inches high, this model is designed to tuck cleanly under standard kitchen cabinetry or sit on a mobile camper counter. The core freezing system replicates the dependable 9-piece cycle every 7 minutes, drawing from a generous 2.1-quart water capacity so outdoor hosts can focus on their guests rather than frequent water refills.
The control scheme utilizes a top-mounted digital LED control panel to shift between small and large ice sizes according to serving demands. A transparent viewing window lets users gauge production levels at a glance, while the 1.5-pound removable ice basket allows quick transfers of ice directly into an insulated drink cooler or cocktail shaker. This specific variant lists an operational specification of 1000 watts, marking a significantly higher power capacity rating than the ultralight 105-watt options in the catalog, which implies substantial current capability during startup or peak cycle compression.
Campers and party hosts with darker cabinetry, tinted boat interiors, or modern matte-finished bar setups will appreciate how naturally this black stainless variant blends into moodier interior palettes. However, if your electrical setup relies strictly on modest solar battery systems or low-wattage off-grid inverters, the listed electrical demand suggests looking closer at the low-draw EFIC128 instead.
No. 3 of 6 · Frigidaire
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker for Off-Grid Campers
9.4/10 Our score
Best for: Off-grid RV travelers and compact galleys
What the listing says
- Note Please check the dimension and item weight of the product and confirm it fits your space.Rated…
- MODERN DESIGN Ice Maker with a large transparent window so you can always see your ice being made…
- COMPACT & EASY Frigidaire's countertop portable ice maker offers a wide range of uses with a compact dimension of 13 x 11 x 12.5 inches.
- EFFICIENCY Each 5-6 minute cycle produces 9 ice cubes, with a total capacity of 26lbs in 24 hours.
- FUNCTIONALITY When the basket is full, our ice maker indicators will remind you to take out the…
- Important This ice maker is designed to produce ice, not store it.
Pros
- Ultra-low 105-watt power draw
- Fast 5 to 6-minute cycle
- Automatic water recycling function
Cons
- Plastic chassis exterior
- Smaller overall internal capacity
Engineered for agile movement and tight packing boundaries, the FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker brings strict space efficiency to the 26-pound category. Measuring just 13 inches by 11 inches by 12.5 inches, this frigidaire compact ice maker is noticeably shorter than the classic portable units, helping travelers slide it into tight storage bays or under low-clearance camper shelves. Running on an efficient 105-watt motor using standard 120-volt input and eco-conscious R600a refrigerant, the frigidaire efic128 is an ideal candidate for off-grid travelers managing conservative power budgets.
Production speed is an exceptional highlight on this platform: each batch completes in a brief 5 to 6-minute window, generating 9 cubes per run. The manufacturer explicitly emphasizes that this unit is designed strictly as an ice producer rather than a refrigerated ice freezer. When harvested cubes remain in the basket and eventually melt from room ambient temperatures, the clever water recycling architecture captures the runoff and redirects it straight back through the freezing cycle to make fresh ice anew. LED indicator lights illuminate automatically when the collection basket reaches peak capacity or when the reservoir demands more water.
For campers, van lifers, and tailgaters seeking a true portable ice maker for rv travels, this compact workhorse provides the ideal blend of rapid cycle times and low energy consumption. It trades away the heavy gauge stainless steel exterior of the EFIC117 series in favor of lightweight black molded casing, but the faster ice turnover and manageable dimensions make it an unbeatable companion for mobile excursions.
No. 4 of 6 · Frigidaire
Frigidaire Counter top Portable for Bold Recreational Spaces
9.0/10 Our score
Best for: Festive tailgates and bold camper decor
What the listing says
- Sleek Design – Never run out of ice again with the Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker…
- Fast Ice Production – This compact ice maker makes hosting easy!
- Intuitive Control – The ice maker features a transparent window so you can easily monitor ice…
- Large Water Capacity – With a 2.1 qt.
- Bonus Accessory – Enhance your ice making experience with the included ice scoop for easy retrieval of ice cubes.
Pros
- Vibrant red stainless finish
- Two selectable bullet ice sizes
- Convenient base drain plug
Cons
- Listing title causes nugget confusion
- 5 lb storage fills quickly
Injecting personality into portable kitchen gear, the Frigidaire Counter top Portable sports a striking red stainless steel skin that commands attention on any outdoor prep table. In the retail catalog, this model incorporates the phrase frigidaire nugget ice maker 26 lb across its primary title while simultaneously detailing standard bullet-shaped freezing mechanisms within its specifications, forming 9 bullet-shaped cubes every 7 minutes across two selectable size profiles. This vibrant unit is constructed around Curtis manufacturing hardware, delivering dependable refrigeration mechanics beneath its high-gloss colored wrapper.
Identical in internal capacity to its standard stainless siblings, the appliance features an integrated 2.1-quart water tank, an internal basket capable of holding 1.5 pounds of finished ice, and an included plastic scoop. The top-mounted digital LED control panel governs machine cycles, sizing preferences, and alert notifications, while the wide viewing window eliminates guesswork regarding basket fullness. Routine cleaning and post-trip pack-downs are simplified through the integrated bottom drain plug, which lets users dump residual reservoir water without awkwardly upending the machine.
This red stainless edition is purpose-built for users who want their gear to make a visual statement, such as backyard barbecue stations, vintage trailers, sporting tailgates, and festive cabin patios. Because its hardware specifications duplicate the baseline silver EFIC117, shoppers choosing between them are purely balancing personal style against traditional neutral decor.
No. 5 of 6 · Frigidaire
FRIGIDAIRE Retro Compact Ice Maker Machine for Vintage Kitchens
8.2/10 Our score
Best for: Vintage camper styling and larger batches
What the listing says
- LARGE CAPACITY – Its reservoir is located beneath the ice basket and can produce up to…
- EFFICIENT & EASY TO USE – In less than 6 minutes; you can make perfectly squared…
- VERSATILE – You have a choice to make Ice Cubes in two different sizes
- MODERN DESIGN – Stainless Steel Ice Maker with a large transparent window so you can always…
- FUNCTIONALITY – The user-friendly digital control panel lets you know when the bin is full and…
- Important This ice maker is designed to produce ice, not store it.
Pros
- Expanded 2.2 lb storage basket
- Fast sub-6-minute cube freezing
- Distinctive retro blue aesthetic
Cons
- Higher 200-watt power demand
- No permanent cold storage
Bringing mid-century charm alongside practical freezing performance, the FRIGIDAIRE Retro Compact Ice Maker Machine stands out through its pastel blue finish and distinctive design language. While most portable units churn out rounded bullets, this frigidaire retro ice maker features listing specifications detailing the ability to create perfectly squared ice cubes in less than 6 minutes. Operating at 200 watts on standard 115-volt power, this unit achieves a daily maximum output of 26 pounds of clear ice, giving beverage enthusiasts an alternative cube geometry for specialty drinks.
Storage capacity on this retro appliance is notably higher than many comparable countertop siblings. The internal bucket holds up to 2.2 pounds of ice at a time, representing nearly a 50 percent increase over the standard 1.5-pound baskets found in baseline units. The intuitive digital control panel actively signals when the water supply is exhausted or when the storage basket has reached full capacity. When a cycle completes, the machine flashes its status light and automatically drops the fresh batch straight into the removable basket for quick access using the included shovel accessory.
Retro design enthusiasts, tiny-home dwellers, and boat owners curating an authentic vintage interior will gravitate toward this blue statement piece. Its expanded 2.2-pound storage hopper makes it particularly well-suited for larger groups who need more ice staged before transferring it to a party cooler, though its 200-watt power draw requires double the running wattage of the EFIC128 platform.
No. 6 of 6 · Frigidaire
Frigidaire for Modern Touch Screen Control
9.4/10 Our score
What the listing says
- Sleek Design – Never run out of ice again with the Frigidaire Ice Maker that produces up to 26 lbs.
- 26 lbs Daily Ice Capacity – Produces up to 26 lbs of bullet ice each day,…
- Fast Ice Production – This compact ice maker makes hosting easy!
- Intuitive Control – The ice maker features a transparent window so you can easily monitor ice…
- 2.3 Qt Water Reservoir – Generous water tank means fewer refills and continuous ice production throughout the day.
Representing a contemporary evolution in user interfaces, the grey Frigidaire brings modern electronics to the forefront with a dedicated frigidaire ice maker touch display. Moving away from traditional push buttons, this unit incorporates a streamlined touch LED control panel that allows swift toggling between ice sizing options and rapid diagnostic checks. Running on an efficient 105-watt motor at 120 volts, this modern portable ice maker produces bullet ice batches across an operating window of 7 to 15 minutes, holding up to 26 pounds of daily production capability.
A major mechanical advantage of this grey appliance is its expanded 2.3-quart water reservoir, the largest dedicated tank capacity documented among the six evaluated models. This added liquid volume minimizes the frequency of manual top-offs, making it especially convenient when serving drinks continuously throughout an outdoor event. Finished ice drops into a standard 1.5-pound holding basket viewable through the clear top lid, and Curtis includes a matching ice scoop alongside a base drain plug for quick sanitizing and storage.
This unit is exceptionally well suited for tech-forward RV builds, contemporary apartment kitchens, and office breakrooms where sleek grey styling and responsive touch surfaces match existing electronic appliances. While its cycle duration can stretch up to 15 minutes depending on ambient temperatures, the enlarged 2.3-quart reservoir gives hosts greater hands-off autonomy between water refills.
Before you choose
How to Choose the Right Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker
Selecting the ideal Frigidaire 26 lb countertop ice maker begins with evaluating your travel environment, electrical supply limits, and physical space constraints. Every unit discussed delivers identical maximum daily production under optimal conditions, meaning your choice hinges entirely on feature nuances, physical form factors, and power availability.
- Electrical Consumption and Inverter Limits: If your ice production takes place inside an RV, van, or boat powered by solar storage or a portable power station, wattage draw is your primary consideration. The EFIC128 and the grey touch-display model draw a modest 105 watts, making them easy to run on mid-sized mobile inverters. Conversely, the retro EFIC512 draws 200 watts, while the black stainless EFIC120 lists a substantial 1000-watt rating that demands robust electrical circuit capacity.
- Physical Footprint and Packing Space: Countertop real estate is precious in camper galleys and small vacation rentals. The EFIC128 features the most compact overall envelope at 13 by 11 by 12.5 inches, allowing it to slide into narrow storage bins when traveling between destinations. The standard EFIC117 and EFIC120 chassis measure larger, requiring permanent counter space or broader storage lockers.
- Water Reservoir Autonomy: When hosting outdoor gatherings or long days on the water, refilling the internal tank can become a chore. The grey touch-panel unit leads the group with a generous 2.3-quart reservoir, closely followed by the classic portable models with 2.1-quart capacities. Choosing a larger reservoir allows the machine to run uninterrupted for longer stretches without human intervention.
- Cycle Speed and Ice Geometry: Quick-turnaround situations call for rapid freezing technology. The EFIC128 and the retro EFIC512 lead the lineup by dropping completed batches in 5 to 6 minutes, compared to the standard 7-minute cycles of the baseline bullet machines. Furthermore, while most of the lineup produces hollow-core bullet ice, the retro EFIC512 specifies squared clear ice cubes, which melt at a different rate inside mixed drinks.
- Exterior Styling and Aesthetics: Form follows function, but appearance dictates placement. Frigidaire provides traditional brushed stainless for commercial appeal, black stainless for moody wet bars, bold red stainless for festive camper setups, pastel blue for vintage retro decors, and modern grey for minimalist spaces.
Questions people ask
FAQ
Do Frigidaire countertop ice makers keep ice frozen like a freezer?
No, these countertop ice makers are designed strictly to produce ice, not to serve as permanent refrigerated storage chests. While the insulated internal housing slows ambient melting, ice stored in the basket will gradually melt over time. Fortunately, models like the EFIC128 actively recycle this melted runoff, funneling the liquid back down into the reservoir to freeze fresh cubes in subsequent cycles. For long-term preservation, users must transfer harvested ice into a traditional freezer or insulated cooler.
What is the difference between bullet ice and nugget ice in Frigidaire models?
Bullet ice features a smooth, rounded exterior with a hollowed-out cylindrical core, created by freezing water around suspended metal prongs. This design maximizes surface area contact to chill beverages rapidly. Nugget ice, commonly referred to as chewable ice, is composed of compacted ice flakes that create a soft, chewable texture. While some retail listing titles combine these phrases, the vast majority of Frigidaire 26-pound machines utilize bullet-style freezing prongs.
How do you clean and drain a Frigidaire 26 lb portable ice maker?
Most 26-pound Frigidaire units incorporate a built-in drain plug located along the base or side of the chassis. To clean the unit, unplug the power cord, open the drain plug over a sink or basin to expel leftover water, and wipe down the interior reservoir and freezing prongs with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap or diluted vinegar. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water, reinsert the drain plug securely, and run one complete ice cycle to purge any residual cleaning solution before producing ice for consumption.
Can a Frigidaire 26 lb ice maker be powered by an RV battery inverter?
Yes, provided the inverter matches the specific model’s operational wattage and startup surge requirements. Units such as the EFIC128 and the grey touch-panel machine require only 105 watts, easily accommodating standard 300-watt to 500-watt vehicle inverters or modest portable lithium power stations. However, models with higher power demands, like the 200-watt retro model or high-wattage black stainless unit, require a larger inverter and substantial battery capacity to operate reliably off-grid.
Which Frigidaire ice maker is easiest to operate when traveling?
When assessing which frigidaire ice maker to buy for frequent travel, the EFIC128 represents the most practical mobile choice. Its tight 13 by 11-inch footprint, modest 105-watt power consumption, quick 5 to 6-minute cycling time, and automatic water-recycling mechanics make it simple to set up in an RV or campsite, run from a portable power pack, and pack away when breaking camp.
Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.
