Frigidaire EFIC115 Ice Maker Review — counter ice machine

Intro

If you toss back a lot of cold drinks, host regularly, or run a small office that needs steady ice, the Frigidaire EFIC115 promises to keep a steady supply. The listing positions this as an "extra large" countertop ice maker with a stainless steel look and high daily output. Owners praise the throughput and ice size, but real-world use turns up practical tradeoffs: cleaning, occasional sensor failures, and mixed longevity reports. This review walks through what the product actually advertises, what owners consistently report, and whether it fits your kitchen or service need.

What it is / first look

The Frigidaire EFIC115 is a freestanding countertop ice maker the listing calls an "extra large" unit. The listing states it produces up to 48 pounds of ice per day, using R134a refrigerant and a 130-watt motor on standard household power (115 volts). The model number on the listing is EFIC115 and the manufacturer is listed as CURTIS INTERNATIONAL LTD; the brand name shown is Frigidaire. Material Type is listed as stainless steel and dimensions are 14.96" deep x 17.3" wide x 16.96" high.

Key on-paper features from the listing:

• Daily capacity: listed as 48 pounds per day.
• Cycle speed: the listing reports it makes 9 bullet-shaped cubes every 11 minutes.
• Ice sizes: the listing advertises three size options (small, medium, large).
• Water tank: listed as a 4.7 quart capacity.
• On-board storage: interior basket holds up to 2.64 pounds of ice at a time.
• Controls and indicators: transparent viewing window, digital LED panel, low-water and ice-full indicator lights.
• Service features: removable ice tray, external drain plug, included ice scoop and basket.

Out of the box the listing says you get the ice maker, an ice shovel (scoop), and an ice basket. The listing also states a 1-year warranty is provided.

Looks and footprint

The listing describes a stainless-steel countertop design intended to blend with kitchens, bars, offices, or dorms. The product dimensions give you a real footprint to plan for (14.96"D x 17.3"W x 16.96"H). Owners repeatedly note the unit is fairly heavy at delivery, so plan for assistance when lifting it into place.

Colors

Image filenames and the listing emphasize a stainless finish. Available colors may include:

• stainless steel

In daily use

The listing positions this as a fast, high-capacity countertop machine. Owners' lived experience supports many of the headline claims — with a few consistent caveats that matter for regular use.

Performance: speed and ice quality

The listing says the EFIC115 makes 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 11 minutes and can produce up to 48 lb per day. Owner feedback backs up the core claim: many owners report a steady stream of fairly large bullet ice that holds up in drinks. Several long-term users put the unit into office or event service and say it produced ice reliably for months or years, and that the large/thicker cubes last longer in drinks than the tiny quick-fill cubes you get from smaller portable machines.

Practical notes from owners:

• Warm-up behavior: multiple owners report the first cycles after startup produce smaller cubes and that the size increases as the unit reaches steady operating temperature — so expect a warm-up period.
• Wet ice and sticking: owners repeatedly mention the cubes can be "wet" and stick together in the storage basket if left to sit, which makes it easy to break them apart but can be inconvenient if you expect loose, dry cubes.
• Ice-size control: the listing advertises three sizes, but some owners report they do not see a meaningful size change between settings — the output often remains large regardless of the selected size.

Noise and daily handling

Several owners describe a humming that resembles a refrigerator. The majority say the noise is not bothersome, though one owner described the unit as "a little noisy". If you plan to put the EFIC115 in a bedroom-adjacent space or a very quiet library-like office, expect consistent compressor hum and fan noise like a small refrigeration appliance.

Watering and refill rhythm

The listing reports a 4.7 quart water tank. Owner behavior reflects that frequent refilling is part of daily use: people who run the machine heavily, such as in a busy office, mention refilling daily to keep the throughput going. If you need continuous unattended ice for long stretches, factor in the refill cadence or consider a unit with direct-plumb capability (this model listing doesn't advertise direct plumb). The listing does call out an external drain plug for easy emptying and cleaning.

Placement and counter fit

Given the machine's footprint (14.96" x 17.3" x 16.96"), owners with large countertops or break rooms say size is not an issue. Several note it would be bulky for very small kitchens or crowded countertops; plan clearance for the venting area and for lifting the lid or accessing the basket and controls.

Use-case subsections

Small apartment / dorm

The EFIC115 can make a lot of ice for a shared apartment or dorm on party nights, but its footprint and refill needs may be overkill for a single occupant who only wants occasional cubes. Owners who used it in dorms or shared apartments appreciated the large output but also reported the need to refill and clear the basket regularly.

Home bar / weekend parties

For home bartenders and hosts, the listed fast cycle and large daily capacity are real strengths. Owners who used the machine for backyard BBQs and family gatherings praise the speed and cube size. Remember the storage basket holds about 2.64 lb at a time, so when hosting you'll be cycling ice out to make room for fresh production.

Office or small business use

Several owners used the EFIC115 in office settings and report it worked well for months or years under heavy use. One long-time office user said it ran non-stop for over a year before finally failing. That kind of throughput is promising for light commercial use, but mixed longevity reports mean it's not a guaranteed multi-year workhorse for heavy continuous-duty installations.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists the machine's material type as stainless steel and emphasizes a sleek countertop look. The listing also provides the refrigerant type (R134a) and the motor power (130 watts at 115 volts). These are the primary built-spec facts provided.

Owners offer additional observational detail about build and fit:

• Weight and heft: multiple owners describe the unit as heavy; expect at least two people to lift it safely into place.
• Finish: owners generally like the stainless look and report it blends well with kitchens and office break rooms.
• Control panel and window: the transparent window and LED controls are cited as handy for monitoring ice levels and selecting settings.

Limitations to build-quality claims based on owner feedback:

• Cleaning access: owners repeatedly describe the machine as "hard to clean" and say internal parts move or are awkward when you try to scrub them. The listing lists a removable ice tray and an external drain plug, but owners still report challenging disassembly for thorough sanitizing.
• Sensor and overflow issues: some owners report the ice-full or sensor mechanisms failing, causing overflow or continuous cycling until manually shut off. That points to a potential weak component or calibration issue in some units.
• Longevity variance: while several owners report multi-year service, others had units fail within months. That variability suggests build consistency may vary between units.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety first: the listing provides key electrical details (130 watts, 115 volts) and refrigerant type (R134a). Beyond those specs, owner reports give the most relevant safety signals.

• Sensor failures and overflow: multiple owners note that a failing ice-full sensor or control can let ice overflow or keep the unit running. Overflow can create slippery countertops and water on the floor if not noticed; owners manage this by watching indicator lights or shutting the machine off when not attended. This is a recurring owner signal and worth monitoring.
• Noise: the unit runs with a compressor/fan hum similar to a refrigerator. Most owners do not find the noise dangerous, but if you put the unit next to sensitive electronics or in a very quiet space, plan for constant operational noise.
• Cleaning and sanitation: given owners describe it as hard to clean internally, build-up could occur if you don't clean regularly. The listing calls out a removable tray and external drain, but owners say those features don't fully prevent awkward internal cleaning. Follow the listing's cleaning recommendations and manufacturer instructions; consult the current listing/manufacturer documentation for sanitizing steps.
• Warranty and returns: a recurring complaint concerns warranty service — one owner described a lengthy warranty return process that required shipping the whole unit at the purchaser's expense. If warranty service matters to you, verify current warranty handling and potential return costs before buying.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use the following to decide if the EFIC115 aligns with your needs.

Good fit

• Home hosts and bartenders who need burst ice production for parties and get-togethers; the listed 48 lb/day capacity and quick cycles suit intermittent heavy demand.
• Offices and break rooms that want in-house ice without relying on bagged ice — owners report reliable months of service in office environments.
• Households that appreciate larger bullet-style cubes that melt slower than thin nugget ice.

Skip or consider alternatives if

• You want low-maintenance sanitation — owners report this model is awkward to clean thoroughly despite a removable tray and drain.
• You need guaranteed multi-year continuous-duty performance with no risk tolerance — owner reports show mixed longevity with some units failing within months and others lasting years.
• Your countertop space is tight — the unit is described as heavy and fairly bulky; measure your available area against the listed dimensions before buying.

Verdict

The Frigidaire EFIC115, on paper, offers the features that matter to people who need lots of ice quickly: a listed 48 lb/day capacity, fast cycles (9 bullet cubes in roughly 11 minutes per cycle), three advertised size options, a 4.7 qt water tank, and a 2.64 lb on-board basket. Owners corroborate the core strengths: it makes a lot of large bullet ice, it runs steadily, and many users have had great results for months or even years.

But reality adds texture. Multiple owners report tricky cleaning access, wet cubes that can stick together, and inconsistent size selection despite the listing's three-size claim. There is mixed reliability: some owners describe the unit as a workhorse that ran for years under heavy use, while others had units fail in a few months. A small but meaningful pattern of sensor failure or overflow is reported. Warranty service practices are another practical consideration: at least one owner felt the warranty-handling process and return logistics were poor.

Bottom line: if you prioritize throughput and large cube size and you can commit to regular refilling and vigilant cleaning, this model delivers strong short-term performance and often adequate midterm reliability. If you require low-maintenance sanitation, guaranteed long-term continuous operation, or worry about warranty logistics, weigh those caveats carefully.

Check before you buy

• Measure your counter: confirm the unit's footprint (14.96"D x 17.3"W x 16.96"H) and that you can lift the weight into place.
• Confirm power: the listing specifies 130 watts and 115 volts — make sure your intended outlet is suitable and you have clearance for ventilation.
• Plan refilling: the listing reports a 4.7 qt water tank; heavy use may require daily refilling in practice.
• Expect short-term warm-up behavior: owners report the first cycles may make smaller cubes before the unit reaches steady operation.
• Ask about cleaning and sanitizing: the listing lists a removable tray and drain, but owners say deep cleaning is awkward — plan to invest time in cleaning or ask the seller/manufacturer for current cleaning instructions.
• Verify warranty handling: the listing states a 1-year warranty; owners report potentially burdensome warranty return logistics. Confirm how warranty service is handled and any shipping responsibility before purchase.
• Manage expectations for ice-size settings: listing advertises three sizes, but some owners say size selection may not change cube size significantly.

Colors available (as inferred from listing images): stainless steel.

FAQ

1. How much ice does this Frigidaire make per day?

   The listing states the EFIC115 can produce up to 48 pounds of ice per day.

2. How fast are the ice cycles and what shape are the cubes?

   The listing reports the unit makes 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 11 minutes.

3. How much water does the tank hold and how much ice fits in the basket?

   The listing lists a 4.7 quart water tank capacity and an interior basket that holds up to 2.64 pounds of ice at a time.

4. Is the exterior stainless steel and what refrigerant does it use?

   The listing lists the material type as stainless steel and shows refrigerant R134a in the product specifications.

5. Does the three-size ice selection actually change cube size?

   The listing advertises small, medium, and large options, but multiple owners report that size selection does not always produce noticeably different cube sizes — expect the output to be consistently large in many cases.

6. How hard is it to clean?

   The listing mentions a removable ice tray and an external drain, but several owners describe the unit as hard to clean internally and say parts can be awkward to access; follow manufacturer cleaning instructions on the current listing for best results.

7. What warranty comes with the unit?

   The listing states a 1-year warranty. Owners report mixed experiences with warranty service and return logistics; verify current warranty handling before purchase.

8. Is it noisy?

   Owners describe a humming noise similar to a refrigerator. Most call it not bothersome, but it is consistent while the machine is running.