Gear check
Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker Review
Frigidaire, Countertop Ice Maker, 26 lbs per Day – Fast Bullet Ice Making Machine with Touch Display, 9 Pieces in 7–15 Minutes, Portable Ice Machine for Home Kitchen, Office & RV, Green
How the Dude Score is calculated
| Signal | Reading | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon rating (base) | 3.9★ | +78.0 / 100 |
| Review volume confidence | 5 reviews | +0.4 (min 0) |
| Critical owner-feedback signal | Significant | -1.7 (min -2) |
| DudeScore Build & Materials | 75/100 | +1.0 (min -3) |
| DudeScore Safety Signals | 76/100 | +1.0 (min -4) |
| DudeScore Long-term Durability | 74/100 | +1.0 (min -3) |
| Final Dude Score | 79.7 | |
DudeScore editorial signals (build, safety, longevity) are scored independently of the star average — they reflect what owner feedback and product specs actually say about the product. Some signals are skipped when they don't fit the product type (e.g. build & durability for consumables).
Intro
This review covers the Frigidaire countertop ice maker (model EFIC0513), a compact portable machine that promises up to 26 pounds of bullet ice per day and quick production cycles. I’ll walk through what it is, how it behaves in everyday use, the build details the listing shows (and what it doesn’t), safety flags to note, and which cooks or households will get the most value from it. Throughout I’ll point to repeated owner feedback so you get a realistic idea of real-world performance.
What it is / first look
The Frigidaire EFIC0513 is a plug-in countertop ice maker described in the listing as producing bullet-shaped ice with a daily capacity of 26 pounds. The unit measures 11.6"D x 8.7"W x 10.6"H, uses 105 watts at 120 volts, and lists refrigerant R600a. The listing highlights a 2.3 qt water reservoir, a see-through lid for watching ice make, an LED touch control panel, two ice-size options, and an included ice scoop. The product is shown in multiple colorways and is offered in several finishes.
What you get in the box
- Portable ice maker (model EFIC0513)
- Ice scoop (included component listed)
Available colors
The listing offers multiple colors; available colors may include:
- Green
- Grey
- MAUVE
- PEARL
- VANILLA
- ONYX
Owners repeatedly mention that the color they ordered matched their countertop aesthetic, with one buyer specifically calling out a pleasant color and modern shape.
In daily use
The headline use case for this machine is fast, on-demand bullet ice for single users, couples, small households, dorms, offices, and RVs. The listing says it makes nine pieces in roughly 7–15 minutes depending on the setting, and owners’ experiences back up the fast-cycle claim.
Speed & yield
According to the listing the machine produces up to 26 lbs of ice per day and makes nine bullet cubes every 7–15 minutes. Owners report getting their first batch in under ten minutes on setup, and one owner timed nine pieces in about eight minutes. That quick cycle is useful if you want frequent small batches rather than long-term ice storage.
Reservoir and refilling
The unit’s 2.3 qt water reservoir is listed as a convenience feature to reduce refills. In practice, owner feedback points to a realistic pattern: for a single user or couple the reservoir and production keep up well, but heavier household use requires topping up multiple times per day. One common owner note is that you’ll likely be refilling several times during a gathering; it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it party machine.
Ice shape, size, and melt behavior
The maker produces bullet-shaped ice with two size options listed. Several owners note the cubes are on the small side — described as similar to standard restaurant ice — and that even the larger setting doesn’t approach a large whiskey cube size. Owners also report that the bullet ice melts relatively quickly if left at room temperature, so plan to transfer ice to a freezer or an insulated container if you need it to last.
Noise and footprint
Owner comments describe the machine as not super loud but definitely audible: "you know when it’s running." The compact footprint (11.6" x 8.7" x 10.6") keeps it from crowding a counter, and several buyers say it fits well on small countertops where it stays in daily use.
Materials & build quality
The listing provides model and electrical specs but does not detail the cabinet or internal component materials. The listing identifies the manufacturer as Curtis and the product as Frigidaire model EFIC0513, but materials (cabinet plastics, internal liners, or food-contact material claims) are not specified in the product copy.
Because the listing is silent on construction materials, the clearest signals come from owner notes: multiple owners describe the exterior as a modern, clean shape and say the grey plastic feels sturdy. One owner specifically called the plastic "feeling sturdy." There are no repeated owner reports of cracking, broken components, or cosmetic failures in the data provided.
Safety considerations
Kitchen safety first: always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the current listing/manufacturer documentation for electrical and refrigerant guidance. From the listing you can confirm the electrical and refrigerant specs: the unit is listed at 105 watts and 120 volts and the refrigerant is R600a. The listing does not provide certification details or explicit safety certifications; verify current manufacturer documentation if those certifications matter to you.
- Electrical: The listing gives standard household voltage (120 V) and wattage (105 W). That establishes typical wall-plug operation but also means you should plug it into a grounded outlet and avoid extension cords rated below the load. The listing does not specify cord length or plug type.
- Refrigerant: The listing names the refrigerant as R600a. If you have questions about servicing or refrigerant handling, consult the manufacturer documentation or a qualified technician — the listing itself doesn't provide servicing guidance.
- Ventilation & placement: The manufacturer copy emphasizes countertop placement. Owners note it’s compact and doesn’t crowd counters; still allow a few inches of clearance around an appliance for airflow as a general precaution, and keep it on a stable, level surface.
- Cleaning: The listing calls out a convenient drain plug for quick cleaning. Regular cleaning and following the manufacturer instructions will keep performance steady; check the current listing for recommended cleaning intervals.
- Ice handling: The unit includes an ice scoop (listed as an included component); use the scoop rather than hands to keep ice sanitary.
There are no repeated owner reports of electrical failure, refrigerant leaks, or other safety incidents in the provided notes, but the listing does not state third-party safety certifications — so verify them on the current product documentation if they matter for you.
Who this is for / who should skip
This section breaks down the practical fits and misses so you can decide quickly whether EFIC0513 is the right countertop ice maker for your kitchen or use case.
Best for
- Single cooks, couples, and small households who want frequent short batches of ice rather than one big stash. Owners report reliable daily use for one or two people.
- Small kitchens, dorm rooms, office break areas, and RVs — the listing explicitly calls out kitchens, offices, apartments, and RVs as intended spaces, and owners confirm the compact footprint works well in tight spaces.
- Home bars and drink prep where fast bullet ice is preferred. The quick 7–15 minute cycles and visible ice-drop via the see-through lid make it convenient for topping off drinks often.
Skip this if
- You need large, slow-melting whiskey-style cubes. Owners say even the larger setting produces relatively small bullet-shaped pieces that melt faster than big single cubes.
- You’re trying to feed heavy party demand without regular refills. Owner feedback warns that for larger groups you’ll be refilling the 2.3 qt reservoir multiple times; it isn’t a full-size party machine.
- You require explicit material or certification transparency from the manufacturer. The listing does not specify construction materials or third-party safety certifications — check the current listing if those are deal-breakers.
Verdict
Frigidaire’s EFIC0513 countertop ice maker is a practical, compact option for cooks and households that want fast, on-demand bullet ice without the footprint of a built-in or full-size machine. The listing’s headline specs — up to 26 lb/day, 2.3 qt reservoir, 9 pieces every 7–15 minutes, and a see-through lid with touch LED controls — are supported by owner reports praising speed, appearance, and ease of use. The most consistent user caveats are the smaller cube size (even on the larger setting), relatively quick melt time for the bullet ice, and the need to refill the reservoir periodically under heavier use.
Check before you buy
- Confirm the unit’s fit: the listed dimensions are 11.6"D x 8.7"W x 10.6"H—measure your counter to make sure it fits comfortably.
- Decide if bullet ice size works for your needs: the listing lists two size options but multiple owners note both produce fairly small, restaurant-style bullet cubes.
- Plan for refilling: the 2.3 qt reservoir reduces refills compared with tiny tank machines, but owners still report refilling several times a day with moderate use.
- Review electrical/refrigerant details: confirm the 105 W / 120 V rating and the refrigerant R600a in the current product documentation if you need specifics for placement, outlet selection, or servicing.
- Confirm colors available: the listing shows several colors (Green, Grey, MAUVE, PEARL, VANILLA, ONYX) — choose the finish that works with your space.
- Check current warranty or certification details on the manufacturer listing if safety certifications or material disclosures matter to you; the product copy doesn’t list that information.
Overall: solid everyday countertop ice maker for small spaces and light-to-moderate ice needs. Owners praise the fast cycles and attractive design; just be realistic about cube size and the need to manage refills during heavier use.
Frequently asked questions
How much ice does this make in a day?
The listing states a daily production capacity of up to 26 pounds of bullet ice.
How large is the water tank and how much ice can it store?
The product description lists a 2.3 qt water reservoir and states the machine stores up to 1.5 lbs of ice at a time.
What shape and size are the ice pieces, and how fast are they made?
The machine makes bullet-shaped ice with two size options. The listing and owner reports indicate it produces nine pieces in about 7–15 minutes, and multiple owners describe the larger size as similar to restaurant-style cubes (smaller than large whiskey cubes).
Is it quiet enough to keep in a bedroom or small office?
Owners report the unit is not extremely loud but is audible—"you know when it’s running." One owner explicitly said they wouldn’t put it in a bedroom. The listing does not provide a decibel rating.
What electrical and refrigerant specs should I know?
The listing lists the unit at 105 watts and 120 volts and names the refrigerant as R600a. For servicing or refrigerant handling, consult the manufacturer documentation; the listing does not include servicing instructions.
How durable is it—will it keep working for months of daily use?
Owners report reliable day-to-day use for singles and couples and praise the quick cycles and build feel; there are no repeated owner reports of failures in the provided notes, but long-term warranty details aren’t specified in the listing. Expect to refill the reservoir regularly with heavier use.
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