The catch
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
Independent testing found the two bullet sizes close to each other in practice.
Side by side
Frigidaire EFIC189 vs EFIC117: EFIC117 adds water reserve, while EFIC189 is easier to carry
Quick verdict
EFIC189 weighs less, takes up less room and was independently timed at below seven minutes. EFIC117 gives up some compactness in return for a 2.3-quart reservoir and a stainless cabinet.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Where these two really part ways
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker is the better match for “I want my first ice in a hurry” and “I don't have much counter room”. Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker is the better match for “I want to refill less often” and “I need a usable amount ready right away”.
Where this comes from
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
The catch
Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
Its first cycle takes anywhere from seven to fifteen minutes, which in warm rooms is slower than the best compact models.
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Why pick it
- Cramped counter
- A quick first batch
- The catch
- Independent testing found the two bullet sizes close to each other in practice.
Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Why pick it
- More water on board
- Cabinet in stainless
- The catch
- Its first cycle takes anywhere from seven to fifteen minutes, which in warm rooms is slower than the best compact models.
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What this page compares
Two proven bullet machines weighed on size, reservoir and independent testing.
This one comes down to reservoir and tested speed first, then to the limits of your own setup.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I want my first ice in a hurry
Under suitable conditions, the documented first batch arrives in about ten minutes or less.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Good
I don't have much counter room
The body is narrow or shallow enough for counters that could not take a full-size nugget machine.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Good
I may run it off a small power station
Though its documented wattage is modest for the category, the power source still has to leave headroom for compressor starting.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Depends
I want ice on board my RV or camper
A stable RV counter with ventilation can work with its footprint, refill method and power demand.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Depends
Draining should be easy for me
Emptying stale water is less awkward with a reachable drain, hose or removable tank.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Good
I want to refill less often
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker lists “Compact internal tank” for reservoir, while Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker lists “2.3 qt”. This sets how often you stop to refill, empty or start another batch.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Depends
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Where these two really part ways
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker is the better match for “I want my first ice in a hurry” and “I don't have much counter room”. Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker is the better match for “I want to refill less often” and “I need a usable amount ready right away”.
How we worked this out
This lines up the current strong and useful fit ratings for the exact products. It does not roll them into one overall score.
These needs do not split the pair
Both meet the same 3 of the 3 needs this comparison is built around, so the choice comes down to “reservoir” and “tested speed”.
How we worked this out
Both products are checked against the same needs. The first verified differences still standing are named here.
Models that handle “Ordinary bullet ice does the job for me” and “I want my first ice in a hurry”
10 of the 23 countertop ice makers checked handle both “Ordinary bullet ice does the job for me” and “I want my first ice in a hurry”. Both make the cut.
How we worked this out
You can reproduce the count by filtering the current category for models with a strong or useful fit on both needs.
Option A
Frigidaire, EFIC189-Silver
Compact Ice Maker
Simple controls, two sizes and one of the smallest footprints in the set come with this proven 26-pound bullet maker.
- Best for
- Quick, no-fuss everyday ice that does not cost much
Facts we checked
- Frigidaire's rating for the machine is 26 pounds of ice per day.
- First ice came in under seven minutes, as measured by Popular Mechanics.
- Weight of the tested machine was 13.37 pounds, and its dimensions were 8.7 by 11.4 by 11.6 inches.
Option B
Frigidaire, EFIC117-SS
Stainless Steel Ice Maker
A 2.3-quart reservoir, two sizes and a 1.5-pound basket come with this classic stainless 26-pound bullet maker.
- Best for
- Straightforward stainless bullet ice and a bigger water tank
Facts we checked
- Nine bullets every seven to fifteen minutes and 26 pounds per day are what Frigidaire lists.
- The basket stores 1.5 pounds, and the reservoir's capacity is 2.3 quarts.
- A viewing window and drain plug come on the stainless cabinet.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker | Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reservoir | Compact internal tank | 2.3 qt | It determines how frequently you have to refill, empty or begin a new batch. |
| Tested speed | Under 7 minutes | Listed 7 to 15 minutes | It determines how precisely you can tune it to the job and how dependably you can repeat that setting. |
| Cleaning | Manual | Manual | Both models show the same result for “Cleaning”, so this row won't decide between them. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- It has neither a carry handle nor an automatic cleaning cycle.
With Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- It has no self-cleaning program and no carry handle.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the countertop ice makers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
10 of the 23 models checked meet every need here: “Ordinary bullet ice does the job for me”, “I want my first ice in a hurry”, and “I don't have much counter room”.
10 models fit, out of 23 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Ordinary bullet ice does the job for me”, “I want my first ice in a hurry”, and “I don't have much counter room”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker |
|
| |
| Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker |
|
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
Cramped counter
See price & reviews on AmazonFrigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
More water on board
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