Frigidaire EFIC128 Compact Countertop Ice Maker Review

Intro

Countertop ice makers are one of those small appliances that suddenly feel essential during summer, when coolers, pitchers and party trays need a steady supply of scoopable ice. The Frigidaire EFIC128 (model EFIC128AMZBLACK / EFIC128AMZBLACK) is a compact, plug-in unit that claims to produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day and gives owners the option to make two cube sizes through an LED control. This review looks at what the machine actually offers, how it behaves in everyday use, what owners repeatedly praise or complain about, and the safety and maintenance topics you should weigh before buying.

What it is / first look

The EFIC128 is a portable countertop ice maker listed as a compact appliance with the following key listing facts: it produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day, runs on 120 volts with rated power of 105 watts, and the listing/bullet copy identifies the refrigerant as R600a. The product dimensions in the listing are 12"D x 11"W x 14.5"H and the material type is listed as plastic. Included in the box per the listing are the machine itself, an ice scoop, and a manual.

Design highlights called out in the listing include a large transparent window on the cover for checking ice level, LED indicators for status, and a drain plug for emptying the reservoir. The listing emphasizes that the EFIC128 is meant to produce ice on demand, not to store it — it specifically cautions that the unit does not keep ice frozen once it's made and recommends transferring ice to your freezer to prevent melting.

What you get in the box

• Machine (Frigidaire EFIC128 model EFIC128AMZBLACK)
• Ice scoop
• Manual

Colors and product images

The listing presents multiple finishes. Available colors listed are Black, Blue, and Silver. The gallery filenames included with the listing suggest those finishes and were used to infer the color options:

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In daily use

Take the listing claims and owner experiences together to figure out realistic expectations: the EFIC128 is compact and intended for steady, on-demand ice production rather than long-term storage. How it fits in your kitchen will depend on the frequency you need ice, how large your gatherings are, and how willing you are to manage draining and cleaning.

Kitchen size / footprint fit

With listing dimensions of 12"D x 11"W x 14.5"H, the EFIC128 is marketed as a compact countertop machine. Owners repeatedly call it small enough to sit comfortably on a counter without dominating the space, and note that it fits easily in kitchens where a full-sized freezer-mounted or built-in ice maker isn’t available. The listing also suggests checking dimensions and item weight to confirm it fits your space before buying.

Speed and output

The listing states the machine produces ice in 5–6 minute cycles and that each cycle yields nine cubes; total production capacity listed is 26 pounds in 24 hours. Owner feedback clusters around similar impressions but with real-world variation: some owners report getting a full basket in about an hour and seeing the machine produce the listed daily capacity for regular household use, while others note that the first batches or some cycles can take longer (owner reports range from under five minutes to around eight or nine minutes for initial batches). Expect the actual speed to vary with starting water temperature, room temperature, and how the unit is used.

Cube size and use

The EFIC128’s LED control lets you choose between two cube sizes per the listing. Owners generally like the hollow, “chewable” cubes and say they’re well suited for casual drinks and iced tea — but keep in mind the listing and owner reports both emphasize the unit does not function as a freezer. Freshly made cubes will be warmer than freezer-hardened ice; owner commentary points out ice made by countertop makers often sits around a higher temperature (owners report roughly 27°F as a practical observation) and melts faster in open-air drinks. The practical work-around most buyers described is transferring batches to the freezer if you need longer-lasting ice for outdoor use or a long party.

Capacity and real-world party use

Owners commonly recommend the EFIC128 for families and small gatherings. Several owner reports say it’s perfect for a family of four for regular daily drinks and for small weekend parties of roughly 5–7 people. Multiple owners explicitly warn not to expect it to fill large coolers or serve large parties without repeated cycles and frequent transfers to a freezer. If you need continuous production for large events, a machine with greater storage or a plumbed-in commercial unit will be more appropriate.

Noisy, or background hum?

A consistent owner theme is that the ice maker makes audible noise — described as a medium noise level or a background fan-like sound. Some owners describe it as “not overly loud,” while others note the compressor and harvest cycle sound is noticeable but acceptable. The listing does not provide a decibel rating, so judge the noise tolerance for your household before committing.

Emptying, draining and cleaning

The listing includes a drain plug for emptying the reservoir and the product copy reminds users to use the drain plug rather than tipping the whole unit. Owner feedback, however, highlights two practical points: first, the drain plug is located underneath and can be awkward to access; second, some owners prefer using an absorbent towel (microfiber) to soak up remaining water rather than rolling the unit or risking jostling the compressor. Owners also report that routine draining and leaving the lid open to air dry helps prevent issues like slime or mold that can result from standing water.

One owner also reported a troubleshooting fix: running a vinegar cycle and flushing with water restored normal cube size when the unit began making unusually tiny cubes. Several other owners advise letting the machine sit upright for 24 hours if it’s been tipped or moved aggressively, as compressor/coolant disturbance can affect performance.

Materials & build quality

Listing-level facts: the model is listed with a plastic material type, rated power of 105 watts, and the refrigerant R600a is included in the product notes. Manufacturer information in the listing shows the machine is sold under the Frigidaire name with the listed manufacturer noted as CURTIS (model number EFIC128AMZBLACK / EFIC128AMZBLACK).

Owners report a mix of experiences on durability. Positive themes include multiple reports of units working well for a year or more — one owner specifically notes durability at the 13-month mark after continuous seasonal use. Several buyers praised the build as appearing solid for a countertop appliance and appreciated the included scoop and LED indicators.

That said, critical owner reports show real concerns. Most notably, at least one owner reported finding small pieces of metal at the bottom of the reservoir and expressed worry about potential ingestion and long-term cleanliness. Another recurring complaint is sensor malfunctions — for example, the water-level sensor or the “add water” indicator failing and allowing the unit to run low or run without water. Those are meaningful durability and product-integrity signals that should factor into any purchase decision.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety is paramount, and a few listing facts plus recurring owner signals warrant attention:

• Refrigerant: The listing indicates the machine uses R600a refrigerant. If you have specific servicing or environmental concerns about refrigerant types, verify current manufacturer documentation before purchase.
• Material: The listing lists the unit material as plastic. The listing does not provide further food-contact material claims or certifications; if you need specific assurances (for example, independent food-grade certifications), you should verify current listing or manufacturer documentation.
• Sensor and run-dry risks: Owner reports include sensors failing to detect low water, resulting in the machine running without water. Running a compressor without proper water flow or letting a unit run empty carries risk of damage and could affect safe operation.
• Foreign debris: A critical owner reported finding small metal pieces in the water reservoir. That is a serious signal and should influence whether you buy the unit or how you monitor it. If you notice debris, stop use and contact the manufacturer or the seller; the listing’s manufacturer is CURTIS and the brand shown is Frigidaire, but owner reports indicate mixed experiences reaching the correct service channel.
• Drain and tipping caution: The listing and owners both warn to use the drain plug and avoid tipping the unit, which can disturb internal coolant and may temporarily affect operation. Owners recommend keeping the unit upright if it’s been tipped and allowing 24 hours before restarting.

Given the owner reports about debris and sensor failures, keep a watchful eye on your first weeks of use: inspect the reservoir regularly, follow the listed cleaning/draining guidance, and verify that indicator lights behave as expected. If you need documented safety certifications or rapid manufacturer support, the listing does not include explicit warranty duration or third-party certification details, so confirm those points on the current manufacturer documentation before purchase.

Who this is for / who should skip

Who this fits:

• Small households and apartments that need a reliable source of on-demand ice for drinks and daily use. The compact footprint is a plus where countertop real estate is limited.
• People who entertain occasionally — small gatherings of 4–7 people are within the practical use case per owner reports, provided you move ice batches to a freezer for storage during longer events.
• Buyers who want an affordable, plug-and-play countertop ice machine with LED indicators and selectable cube sizes without plumbing or installation.

Who should skip or exercise caution:

• Large-party hosts who expect to fill coolers or run continuous service for many guests — owners and the listing both note the machine produces ice but does not store it long-term, and total daily output may not be practical for big events without frequent transfers.
• Users who cannot tolerate noticeable compressor/fan noise in the kitchen; several owners call the noise a medium-level background hum.
• Buyers who need strong assurances about internal materials or documented third-party food-contact certifications; the listing does not provide details beyond material type = plastic, so verify any material claims with manufacturer documentation.
• Anyone with a low tolerance for potential service headaches — critical owner feedback includes trouble contacting the maker for support and a serious report of metal debris in the reservoir that required escalation.

Verdict

The Frigidaire EFIC128 is a straightforward, compact countertop ice maker that delivers the core promise in many owner experiences: it makes ice quickly, gives you a selectable cube size, and handles steady household use for families and small get-togethers. The listing’s headline specs — 26 lb/day capacity, 105W rated power, 120V operation, and a compact footprint — line up with the majority of positive owner reports that praise its convenience and steady output.

That said, the EFIC128 is not without important caveats. Owner reports about sensor failures, awkward drain access, and a troubling report of metal fragments in the reservoir offset some of the glowing feedback and lower the overall risk tolerance for buyers who need a problem-free, long-lasting appliance. The listing stresses the machine is for producing, not storing, ice — and owners re-emphasize the practical workflow of transferring ice to a freezer for long-term use.

If you want a budget-friendly countertop ice maker for daily drinks and small parties, and you’re willing to monitor and maintain the unit (regular draining, occasional vinegar clean cycles if mineral scaling occurs, and keeping the lid open to dry), the EFIC128 can do a good job. If you require continuous unattended operation, silent performance, or a device with explicitly documented food-contact certifications and robust manufacturer support, consider alternatives or confirm those points with the current manufacturer documentation before buying.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm the dimensions (12"D x 11"W x 14.5"H) fit your intended counter space; the listing explicitly tells buyers to check dimensions and weight.
• Decide whether you can live with a unit that produces but does not store ice — plan to transfer ice to a freezer if you need longer-lasting cubes.
• Verify noise tolerance: owner reports describe a medium background noise from compressor cycles; the listing does not provide decibels.
• Plan for cleaning and draining: the unit has a drain plug underneath and owners find it awkward; keep a towel handy and follow the listing’s drain instructions to avoid tilting the unit.
• Inspect the reservoir upon first use and periodically for foreign debris; owners report at least one instance of metal fragments found in the water reservoir.
• Check manufacturer contact and warranty information on the current listing — owner feedback shows mixed experiences when reaching out for service.

FAQ

Is the Frigidaire EFIC128 a freezer or does it keep ice frozen?

The listing explicitly states the machine is designed to produce ice, not to store it, and warns the unit does not keep ice frozen once made. Owners echo this: freshly made ice from this type of countertop machine will melt faster than ice stored in a freezer, so transfer to your freezer if you need longer-lasting cubes.

How much ice does it make and how fast?

The listing lists production at up to 26 pounds in 24 hours and describes each cycle as producing nine cubes in a 5–6 minute cycle. Owners report some real-world variation: several users said the first full basket can arrive in about an hour and that cycles can run anywhere from under five minutes up to around eight or nine minutes in practice, depending on conditions.

What power and refrigerant does it use?

The listing states rated power is 105 watts and the product voltage arrangement is 120V. The listing's feature bullets also mention refrigerant R600a.

Is it easy to drain and clean?

The listing includes a drain plug and cautions users to drain with the unit upright. Owners report the drain plug can be awkward to access because it sits underneath the unit; common user workarounds include soaking up remaining water with a towel and leaving the lid open to air dry. Several owners recommend routine cleaning and occasional vinegar cycles to remove scaling if cubes shrink or production becomes irregular.

Does it come with accessories and what colors are available?

The listing states included components are the machine, a scoop, and a manual. The listing shows color options listed as Black, Blue, and Silver.

Is there a known longevity or reliability issue?

Owner feedback is mixed: multiple owners report the machine working well for a year or more with seasonal use, while several other reports cite failures after months — notably sensor problems (water-level indicators) and at least one serious report of metal pieces found in the reservoir. These mixed signals suggest monitoring and routine inspection are important if you buy this model.

Who manufactures this unit and who to contact for service?

The listing shows the manufacturer as CURTIS and the brand is Frigidaire (model EFIC128AMZBLACK). Owner notes indicate some buyers experienced trouble contacting the correct service channel, so verify current manufacturer and support contacts on the active product listing or manufacturer documentation before purchase.