Frigidaire EFIC108 Countertop Ice Maker Review

Intro

The Frigidaire EFIC108 (model EFIC108-RED) is a portable countertop ice maker marketed as a fast, convenient way to stop refilling trays and keep a steady supply of ice for drinks and parties. The listing describes up to 26 lb of ice production per day, a compact footprint (13"D x 9"W x 12"H), an LED control panel, two ice-size options and a transparent lid so you can watch ice being made. Owners across multiple reports praise its speed, small size, and look — but buyer feedback also shows repeated issues with noise, occasional sensor or pump failures, and some durability concerns. This review pulls the listing specs and owner experience patterns together so you can decide if this is the countertop ice maker that fits your kitchen and routine.

What it is / first look

At a glance the EFIC108 is a compact, plug-in ice maker intended for countertop use. The listing positions it for kitchens, bars, offices, and dorms and emphasizes a sleek design and fast ice production. Key listing specs to note up front:

• Listed production: up to 26 lb of ice per day.
• Cycle speed: the listing says it makes nine bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 minutes.
• Water capacity vs. storage: the specifications list a capacity of 2.3 quarts while the product bullets reference a 2.1 qt water tank and an interior basket that holds about 1.5 lb of ice at a time.
• Power and size: the unit is listed at 500 watts and 120 volts, and measures 13"D x 9"W x 12"H.
• Material type listed is plastic; the listing does not attach specific food-contact certifications to the housing or water tank.

Cosmetics and colors come through in the listing and product images: the model is available in Red, Black, Silver, and White. The listing also highlights an LED control panel, a large transparent window in the cover for monitoring the ice basket, and a drain plug for emptying and cleaning.

In daily use

Owners report a mix of experiences depending on frequency of use and local water conditions. Across the positive feedback there are consistent themes: the unit is quick, convenient, and compact enough to sit on a counter without taking over the space. Below I break down how it performs in typical home scenarios and what owners repeatedly point out as important to expect and manage.

Small kitchens, dorms, and office counters

For a small kitchen, dorm, or office the EFIC108 often checks the right boxes. The listing's compact dimensions mean it can sit on a counter or a small cart, and owners who use it in offices or as a second machine for a bar like that it produces a steady flow of bullet-shaped cubes. Multiple owners call it "compact" and "lightweight," and some specifically mention it fits well on a countertop without taking up a lot of room.

Setup is consistently described as simple by owners: add water, plug in, and select an ice size on the LED panel. The listing claims 9 cubes every 7 minutes; in owner reports that timing varies (some say around 6 minutes, others quote longer cycles like ~13 minutes), but the common experience is that ice production begins quickly and the machine can generate a good amount of ice for casual daily use or small gatherings.

Home entertaining and larger gatherings

The listing's "up to 26 lb per day" spec is the headline here — owners who host frequently appreciate that output. Several reviewers call the machine "productive" and say it keeps ice coming without babysitting. Practical points from owners: the interior basket holds about 1.5 lb of ice at a time, so you need enough counter or storage space to transfer or store ice if you want a larger supply for an event. One owner summarized the unit as "non-stop performance" for parties, while others said it "needs counter space" because you'll be moving ice from the basket to a cooler or freezer.

Owners who rely on this kind of machine for heavy party use sometimes note they keep the machine running for long stretches; the listing mentions a drain plug to make cleaning and emptying easier — a useful feature when you're running multiple cycles.

Noise, pumping, and reliability in everyday use

Noise and reliability are where owner feedback diverges. Many owners report the unit is quiet or "surprisingly quiet while running," and several happy buyers emphasize that it doesn't need constant attention. On the other hand, there's a nontrivial cluster of critical reports describing loud grinding, growling, and a noisy pump — sometimes characterized as "not normal" by owners who have used other portable ice makers.

Those same negative reports sometimes pair the noise with operational failures: the machine may give an "add water" error even when the tank is full (a sensor or water-line problem), or in a few cases stop producing ice after a few months of use. Other owners explicitly say they used bottled water in areas with hard tap water and saw longer uptime. So expect mixed signals: some people get quieter, long-lived service; others experience early mechanical trouble and noisy operation.

Cleaning and small extras

The listing highlights a drain plug for emptying and cleaning, and owners confirm cleaning is straightforward if you follow the manufacturer's instructions. A repeated owner warning that is worth passing along: do not put the removable ice tray or basket in a dishwasher — several owners report the plastic warped or shrank after dishwashing. The included ice scoop is often called out as low-performing by owners, with some swapping it for a sturdier metal scoop.

Materials & build quality

Material and build details are limited but clear in the listing: the unit's material type is listed as "Plastic." The listing copy mentions a see-through lid, LED controls, and an interior basket with about a 1.5 lb capacity. The specification block lists a 2.3 quart capacity while the bullet points separately call out a 2.1 qt water tank — both numbers appear in the product information.

What owners say about build quality adds practical context. Positive reports praise the compact housing and the appearance — owners who bought color-matched units (Red, Silver, White) like the look. Critical owner notes to weigh:

• Poor packaging: at least one buyer received a roughly stapled or dented box, which raises the chance of damage in transit.
• Assembly/fit issues: an owner reported difficulty seating the casing perfectly after a repair attempt, leaving one side slightly misaligned — this suggests the shell and snap-fit components are handily workable but not precision-engineered.
• Accessories: the included plastic scoop gets regular complaints for being flimsy; owners sometimes replace it with a metal scoop.
• Plastic components can warp under high heat or dishwasher conditions — the listing does not explicitly say the parts are dishwasher-safe and at least one owner reports warping after dishwashing a tray.

Overall, the listed plastic construction and owner feedback paint a picture of a budget-to-mid-range portable ice maker: visually appealing and functional for many owners, but with some weak points around packaging, accessory quality, and the durability of plastic parts if handled or washed roughly.

Safety considerations

Safety discussions pull from both the listing specs and owner experience. The listing provides electrical details: the unit is rated at 500 watts and 120 volts, and it uses refrigerant R410a. Beyond those specs the listing does not supply independent safety certifications or food-contact certifications for the materials; the product is described as "Plastic" without an explicit food-grade claim.

Owner feedback raises a few practical safety flags you should consider before buying and placing this unit on a countertop:

• Motor/pump noise and mechanical strain: several owners report very loud grinding or "gasping" pump noises. In those reports the unit sometimes stopped working after a short time. Persistent loud mechanical noises can indicate a failing pump or compressor; if you hear unusual sounds, owners recommend turning the unit off and contacting the seller or manufacturer.
• Electrical load: the unit draws 500 watts. Make sure the outlet you plan to use is on a circuit that can handle that load along with any other appliances you typically run at the same time. The listing provides wattage and voltage but does not specify dedicated circuit requirements — follow standard electrical safety practice and manufacturer instructions.
• Water-sensor errors: multiple owners reported an "add water" error even when the tank was full, suggesting the water-level sensor or water path can be finicky. That is a reliability and a functional safety concern in the sense it affects normal operation and could indicate component issues.
• Plastic parts and dishwasher use: at least one owner melted or warped a removable tray by placing it in a dishwasher. The listing does not say the trays are dishwasher-safe; owners' experience is a clear warning to follow the manual for cleaning and avoid high-heat dishwashing unless the listing explicitly permits it.

Because the listing does not attach specific material or third-party safety certifications to the plastic parts, and given the owner reports of noisy pumps and a handful of early failures, treat safety as "cautiously acceptable with caveats." Verify electrical compatibility, follow the manufacturer directions for cleaning, and expect to return or contact support if you encounter persistent grinding or sensor errors. The listing provides a drain plug and LED controls that help with maintenance and monitoring, which are practical safety-plus features for a countertop appliance.

Who this is for / who should skip

Matching a countertop ice maker to your needs comes down to how you value speed, compactness, and risk tolerance for mixed durability reports. Use cases where the EFIC108 looks like a fit:

• Hosts and small gatherings: the listing's "up to 26 lb per day" production and owners' descriptions of continuous ice-making make this a good second machine or a party supplement for homes that need lots of ice quickly.
• Small kitchens, offices, dorms: the compact footprint and straightforward controls fit limited counter space where you want on-demand ice without installing a plumbed-in system.
• People who prefer a plug-and-go option: owners who simply wanted a countertop machine for daily iced drinks report easy setup and minimal babysitting.

Who should probably skip or consider alternatives:

• Those who need rock-solid long-term reliability with little risk of early failure: a minority of owners experienced pump failures or the machine stopping within months, which suggests some units may be less durable.
• Anyone who lives in very quiet small rooms where motor noise would be disruptive: while many owners call it "quiet," there are several loud-noise reports that could be problematic in a bedroom-close office or a very quiet studio apartment.
• Buyers needing professional certifications for food-contact materials or who want dishwasher-safe trays: the listing only states the material as "Plastic" and does not list food-safety certifications or dishwasher safety for trays — owners report tray warping in dishwashers.

Verdict

The Frigidaire EFIC108 countertop ice maker is a solidly useful appliance on paper and in many owners' homes. The listing promises up to 26 lb of ice per day, two cube sizes, fast cycles (9 cubes in about 7 minutes per the listing), a compact footprint, LED controls, a see-through lid, and a drain plug for cleaning. Owners repeatedly praise its speed, convenience, and small size; those are real strengths if you want quick access to bullet-shaped ice for drinks and parties.

On the flip side, owner feedback shows a meaningful minority of early failures, pump/noise issues, and sensor quirks. Packaging and accessory quality also get mixed marks: some buyers reported dented boxes and a flimsy plastic scoop that many replaced. Practical care — such as avoiding dishwashing removable plastic parts and using bottled water in hard-water areas — appears in owner recommendations and may extend reliable service.

If you prioritize price, speed, and compactness and are comfortable accepting some risk on long-term durability, the EFIC108 looks like a reasonable budget-to-mid-range countertop ice maker. If you require ultra-quiet operation in a noise-sensitive environment, guaranteed long service life with minimal issues, or explicit food-contact certifications, you may want to evaluate higher-end models or those with confirmed third-party certifications.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the color and model number (EFIC108-RED shown in this listing). The product is also listed in Black, Silver, and White.
• Make sure you have a dedicated outlet that can handle a 500-watt appliance at 120 volts and room on the counter for a 13" x 9" x 12" footprint.
• Decide whether you can handle the 1.5 lb storage basket size — for big gatherings you’ll need to transfer ice to another container or freezer to build a larger supply.
• Check the current listing/manufacturer documentation for any updates on materials or cleaning instructions; the listing states "Plastic" but does not list food-contact certifications and contains both 2.3 qt and 2.1 qt volume numbers in different places.
• Read recent owner reviews for noise and reliability trends; owners report both quiet operation and loud pump/grinding issues, so consider seller support and return options in your purchase plan.
• Avoid putting removable plastic trays in a dishwasher unless the current product documentation specifically says it's safe — owners report warping after dishwashing the tray.
• If you live in a hard-water area, several owners recommend using bottled water to reduce scaling and possibly extend the unit's life.

Overall, the EFIC108 is an appealing little countertop ice maker when it works: fast, compact, and easy to use. The risk is the variability in owner experience — many are very happy, a smaller but notable group ran into noisy pumps or early failure. Factor that into your buying choice and check seller/manufacturer support options before you commit.

FAQ

• Q: How much ice does this make in a day?
  A: The listing claims the machine produces up to 26 lb of ice per day.
• Q: How quickly will it make the first batch of ice?
  A: The listing states the unit churns out nine bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 minutes; owners' timing reports vary a bit, but the listing's 7-minute cycle is the advertised figure.
• Q: What are the water tank and storage capacities?
  A: The product information includes a capacity figure of 2.3 quarts and the bullet points reference a 2.1 qt water tank; the interior basket is described as holding about 1.5 lb of ice at a time.
• Q: Is the unit noisy?
  A: Owner feedback is mixed: many buyers describe the machine as "surprisingly quiet," while a noticeable cluster of owners report loud grinding or pump noises. Expect variability and plan to test noise levels if that is important for your setting.
• Q: What comes in the box?
  A: The specifications list the included component as the ice maker, and the listing bullets mention a bonus ice scoop included with the unit.
• Q: What is the material and are there food-safety certifications?
  A: The listing states the material type as "Plastic." The listing does not specify any food-contact certifications; verify the current listing/manufacturer documentation if certifications are important to you.
• Q: Is this durable — how long will it last?
  A: Owner reports are mixed: several buyers report the machine worked well for a year or more, while a subset experienced failures within a few months, including pump or sensor problems. Durability appears variable in real-world use.
• Q: Are there recommended cleaning or care cautions?
  A: The listing highlights a drain plug for easy emptying and cleaning. Owners warn against putting removable plastic trays in a dishwasher — at least one owner reports a tray warped after dishwashing. Follow the manufacturer instructions on the current listing for cleaning guidance.