Frigidaire EFIC240 Sphere Ice Maker Review

Intro

Quick up-front: the Frigidaire EFIC240 is a compact countertop sphere ice machine sold under the Frigidaire name and manufactured by Curtis International Ltd. The listing highlights large 2-inch diameter spheres meant for spirits and cocktails, a compact footprint, and an automatic self-cleaning mode. Specs call out a 115-volt power requirement, a 44-pound capacity, refrigerant R290a, and a plastic construction. Owner feedback clusters around three clear points: the spheres look great, production is slow, and reliability/noise are mixed.

What it is / first look

The EFIC240 positions itself as a specialty countertop appliance for home bars and entertaining situations where round, large-format ice is part of the presentation. The listing describes "artisanal" 2-inch diameter spheres and advertises a high daily production rate — but there are small inconsistencies in the listing that are worth noting when you compare headline copy to specs.

• Brand & maker: Frigidaire; manufacturer listed as Curtis International Ltd.
• Model & part number: Model EFIC240; Part Number EFIC242GREY.
• Dimensions & weight (listing): 16.75" deep x 9.76" wide x 16.26" high; item weight 27 pounds.
• Power & refrigerant: 115 volts; refrigerant listed as R290a.
• Capacity & production: The listing mentions a 44-pound capacity and advertises up to 84 spheres per day in the title, while another listing bullet cites up to 86 spheres daily — the listing text is not fully consistent on that point.
• Material & components: Material type is listed as plastic; included components are the icemaker, ice bin, ice scoop, and drip tray.

There are visual and design cues in the images and the part number that point to a grey finish. The listing copy emphasizes an intelligent control panel, a viewing window, and drawer access for the bin — details that make it easy to inspect ice and scoop balls without opening the whole cabinet.

In daily use

This section summarizes real owner experience alongside the listing claims. If you want large, clear spheres for drinks, the product does what it promises visually. If you need rapid production or long unmanned service at a party, you should read the owner-pattern section carefully.

Home bar and entertaining

The EFIC240 is aimed squarely at people who prioritize presentation: the listing and multiple owners say the spheres are "perfect" and clear enough for spirits. The spheres are listed as 2-inch diameter; that size is exactly the kind of slow-melting ice most enthusiasts want for a neat pour. Owners who entertain say the machine solves the problem of producing clear, single large-format spheres without dealing with lots of silicone molds.

Two practical caveats come up repeatedly in owner reports: cycle time and storage. The listing claims that the first spheres can be ready in "just 30 minutes" and that the machine produces up to the listed daily capacity. In practice, owners describe a slower process: expect the first couple of spheres to be substandard and sometimes to take longer — one owner reports 1.5 hours before the initial pair formed, while after warming up the machine reportedly delivers roughly two balls every 30 minutes in some cases. The result is that the EFIC240 is useful for planned entertaining (make and freeze spheres ahead of time) but less useful as a rapid-fill solution for unplanned, high-volume service.

Small kitchens, counters, and RVs

With the given footprint (16.75"D x 9.76"W x 16.26"H) the listing pitches this as compact and capable of fitting under cabinets, but owner feedback is mixed: several buyers found the unit larger than expected and noted it didn't fit under their upper cabinets. One owner specifically mentioned using it in a camper and liked having the novelty of large spheres on the road. If your counter space or under-cabinet clearance is tight, verify the listed dimensions against your space and read the ventilation guidance in the manual before ordering.

Noise, placement, and ventilation

The listing calls out drawer access and a viewing window, and one owner review warns about noise — multiple owners describe the unit as "noisy" or "rather loud." The listing also stresses proper ventilation around the unit; one owner says failing to follow ventilation instructions can prevent the machine from working properly. Practical takeaway: place it where noise and vibration are tolerable and where the sides and rear have the recommended clearance for airflow.

What to expect for a party

Given owner reports about slow production and limited holding-cold capability in the drawer, the EFIC240 is best for parties if you plan ahead. Owners recommend making and transferring spheres to a freezer before guests arrive. The listing explicitly states "the Ice Maker does not keep the balls frozen" is a point made by owners (the listing does say it has a holding drawer; multiple owners say this drawer does not equal a freezer). For a last-minute high-volume party, expect you'd need more pre-made spheres or an alternative ice-making strategy.

Materials & build quality

Here are the build facts pulled from the listing and what owners say about longevity and construction.

• Materials (listing): Material type is listed as "Plastic." The listing does not provide further material or food-contact claims in the available copy; the manufacturer/ listing should be consulted for that information.
• Included components (listing): ice maker, ice bin, ice scoop, and drip tray are included in the box.
• Weight & footprint: The unit is listed at 27 pounds with the dimensions given above; the heft is in line with a countertop specialty ice unit rather than a portable novelty maker.
• Cooling system: The listing shows refrigerant R290a. The listing does not provide detailed engineering specs beyond refrigerant type and voltage (115 V).

Owner feedback on build quality is a mixed bag: several buyers praise how solid and attractive the spheres are and call the unit a "great little Bourbon Ball ice machine" for presentation. On the flip side, there are multiple reports of early failure — owners reporting units that were dead on arrival, clearly opened and repackaged on delivery, or units that stopped working entirely after a few months. That mixed reliability signal is important when assessing whether the EFIC240 is a long-term buy or a novelty you'll want to keep as a planned-use appliance.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety first: the listing contains specific facts you should check, and owner notes raise a few warnings worth repeating.

• Electrical: The listing states the unit requires 115 volts. The listing does not include further certification details in the provided copy; verify current manufacturer documentation for any electrical safety marks or compliance details.
• Refrigerant: The listing specifies R290a as the refrigerant. If refrigerant type is a concern for your installation or local codes, consult manufacturer documentation or a qualified technician — the listing does not expand on handling or service guidance.
• Ventilation: Both the listing and owners stress following ventilation instructions. Owners report the machine won't operate properly if ventilation is obstructed.
• Not a freezer: Multiple owners emphasize the unit's holding bin does not freeze the spheres; you must remove and store spheres in a freezer for later use. Treat the product as a maker, not cold storage — keeping warm/wet ice in the drawer can encourage melting or water in the reservoir if left unused.
• Reliability & DOA reports: Several owner reports describe DOA units or early failure (example: "Quit after 4 months" and "Item did not work on arrival"). That pattern means you should test the machine promptly after delivery and confirm return or warranty procedures with the seller/manufacturer.

Given the owner reports of noise, follow manufacturer placement instructions to avoid vibrations or movement that could present an instability risk. The listing includes an automatic self-cleaning function; verify frequency and method in the current user manual to maintain hygienic operation.

Who this is for / who should skip

Match the EFIC240 to your use case — the listing and owner feedback help clarify ideal users and those who should look elsewhere.

Good fit

• Home bartenders and whiskey/drink enthusiasts who prize presentation and want clear, large 2" spheres for individual drinks.
• People who plan ahead and are willing to make and freeze spheres before entertaining — owners stress that pre-making and freezing is the practical workflow for parties.
• Owners with a small but tolerable counter space and the ability to place the machine where noise and ventilation aren't issues (one owner used it successfully in a camper).

Who should skip or consider alternatives

• If you need rapid, on-demand ice for large parties without pre-planning; multiple owners report slow production and substandard first spheres.
• If you need silent operation — the unit is described as noisy or "rather loud" by several owners.
• If you want the machine to store ice long-term — the unit does not freeze spheres in its holding bin, per owner experience and the listing's practical notes.
• If you need proven long-term reliability without the risk of a DOA or early failure — owners report mixed longevity, so check warranty/return options before buying.

Verdict

The Frigidaire EFIC240 is a capable specialty ice maker that delivers on the primary promise: large, clear 2" ice spheres that improve presentation for spirits and cocktails. The listing highlights user-friendly touches — drawer access, viewing window, an intelligent control panel, and an auto self-cleaning mode — and the unit's compact footprint is attractive for countertop use.

However, real-owner patterns temper enthusiasm. Production is slower than some listing copy suggests: owners repeatedly note that the first couple of spheres are sub-par and that subsequent production is a slow, steady trickle. The unit is not a freezer — plan to move spheres to a separate freezer if you want them to last in drinks. Noise and mixed reliability (reports of DOA or failure after months) are the two biggest practical negatives voiced by buyers.

Bottom line: buy the EFIC240 if you want a dedicated, compact sphere maker for planned entertaining or a home bar and are willing to manage slow production cycles and potential reliability tradeoffs. If you need fast, high-volume ice on demand, or silent operation, consider alternatives or make sure you have a strategy for pre-making and freezing spheres in advance.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the listed dimensions (16.75"D x 9.76"W x 16.26"H) against your counter and under-cabinet clearance — several owners found it larger than expected.
• Verify ventilation instructions in the current manual and allow the recommended clearance around the unit; owners report poor ventilation affects function.
• Expect the unit to be noisy; plan placement away from casual living spaces if noise matters.
• Plan to make and transfer spheres to a freezer ahead of entertaining — the machine does not keep spheres frozen long-term in its holding bin, per owner reports.
• Test the unit promptly after delivery and confirm return/warranty procedures — owner reports include DOA or early failure cases.
• Confirm the listing's daily production claim: the title lists up to 84 spheres/day while a bullet line lists up to 86 spheres/day — verify what the current listing states and consider real-owner cycle-time notes when planning volume.
• Check manufacturer documentation for any additional safety, servicing, or material claims not present in the listing; the listing identifies the material type as "Plastic" but does not give more detail on food-contact material claims.

Quick reference: included items & colors

• Included: icemaker, ice bin, ice scoop, drip tray (listed components).
• Available colors (from part number/images):
• grey

FAQ

• Q: How big are the spheres the EFIC240 makes?

  A: The listing describes the spheres as 2-inch diameter, intended for whiskey and spirits.

• Q: How many spheres can it make per day?

  A: The listing is inconsistent: the title lists a daily capacity of 84 spheres while a separate product bullet mentions up to 86 spheres daily. Owner feedback notes that real-world production is slower than headline claims and that cycle time can limit usable output for parties.

• Q: Can the unit keep the spheres frozen in the holding bin?

  A: The unit is not a freezer. Owners repeatedly report the machine does not keep balls frozen in the drawer and recommend transferring spheres to a separate freezer if you want them to last for later use.

• Q: Does this need a water hookup?

  A: The listing states no water hookup is needed; you fill the reservoir manually.

• Q: What are the machine's dimensions — will it fit under my cabinets?

  A: The listing gives dimensions of 16.75" deep x 9.76" wide x 16.26" high. The listing advertises the unit as compact and able to fit under cabinets, but owners report the unit can be larger than photos suggest and some buyers found it did not fit under their upper cabinets. Measure carefully and include ventilation clearance.

• Q: Is it noisy and is it reliable long term?

  A: Several owners describe the unit as noisy when running. Reliability is mixed in owner reports: while many buyers praise the results, there are reports of units arriving not working or failing after a few months. Test promptly after delivery and confirm return/warranty options.