Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker EFIC264BLK review

Intro

The Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker (model EFIC264BLK) is a countertop nugget ice machine aimed at home cooks, home bars, and small offices. The listing describes a unit that makes chewable nugget ice fast, holds a modest supply on the counter, and plugs into a typical household outlet without a dedicated water hookup. That combination is appealing for people who want sonic-style chewable ice without remodeling or plumbing.

What it is / first look

At a glance this is a compact countertop nugget ice maker with an internal reservoir, a pull-out clear plastic ice drawer, electronic touch controls, and a removable side tank to extend run time between refills. Key listing specs you’ll want to know:

• Listed daily production: up to 38 pounds of ice per day.
• Ice storage capacity: a 2.6 lb ice bin (listed).
• Side tank: a 0.79 gallon (3 L) removable side tank, described by the listing as helping to extend time between refills.
• Size and footprint: item dimensions are listed as 13.5" D x 16.5" W x 18.5" H and the unit weight is listed as 30 pounds.
• Power and refrigerant: the listing shows 500 watts and 120 volts, and specifies refrigerant R600a. The product copy also describes operation from a standard 115V outlet; both statements appear in the listing materials.
• Noise: the listing specifies approximately 55 dB operation.
• Included components: the listing names the ice maker, the removable side tank, an ice scoop, and a drip tray.

The machine is described in the listing as having a sleek matte exterior and a pull-out drawer with a viewing window so you can see ice levels. The listing says a first batch of ice can be ready in 10 minutes or less and that the unit includes a built-in self-cleaning mode.

In daily use

Owners who like the unit consistently praise the texture of the ice and the quiet background hum; the listing likewise emphasizes the chewable, crunchy nugget ice texture and the unit’s quiet operation at about 55 dB. Practical points from the listing and owner feedback you’ll care about for everyday use:

• Production speed: The listing says you can get the first batch in about 10 minutes and up to 38 lb per day when running. That makes it convenient for frequent drink service, but remember daily production and usable ice depend on how often you empty the storage and how much water you keep in the reservoir.
• Storage vs continuous run: Owners report the 2.6 lb bin fills quickly; when the bin is full the unit stops making more ice (this is expected behavior listed in the description). If you plan extended service for a party, someone will need to empty the drawer to keep ice flowing.
• Reservoir convenience: The 0.79 gallon (3 L) side tank is listed as a way to reduce refills; owners describe it as helpful for longer runs without a water hookup.
• Noise and sound: The listing’s 55 dB rating aligns with owner comments that it generally hums quietly. That said, multiple owners reported at least one unit that developed a loud grinding noise — an intermittent but serious fault that required returns.
• Cleaning and drip management: The listing calls out a self-cleaning mode and a removable drip tray. Owner feedback notes the drip tray is shallow and can overflow from normal condensation, meaning you may be emptying it more often than expected when the machine is working hard.

Countertop fit and placement

The listing describes the machine as a countertop design that fits under kitchen cabinets. The listed item dimensions (13.5" D x 16.5" W x 18.5" H) are the decisive specs to compare with your clearance. Because a removable side tank and a pull-out drawer are part of the design, allow a little extra room for access and for the drip tray when servicing.

What the ice is like

Both the product copy and owner notes emphasize a crunchy, chewable nugget texture—owners who received working units report the ice closely matches restaurant-style nugget ice. The unit ships with an ice scoop to handle servings safely.

Materials & build quality

Material details in the listing are limited. The listing calls out a "clear plastic" pull-out ice drawer, a removable drip tray, and a matte exterior finish, but it doesn’t provide a complete parts/materials breakdown. Here’s what is documented and what owners say about the build:

• Documented materials/features from the listing: clear plastic pull-out drawer, removable drip tray, side tank reservoir, and an electronic touch panel are all specified.
• Finish and styling: The listing describes a "stylish matte exterior." The model number (EFIC264BLK) suggests a black finish in product images and the listing visuals; availability may vary by retailer. Available colors may include matte black — see the brief color list below.
• Perceived fit-and-finish: Owner notes praise the pull-out drawer design and say the viewing window and drawer slide smoothly. However, multiple owners experienced units that failed mechanically (stopped making ice or developed grinding sounds), which points to inconsistent quality control rather than a single obvious construction failure mode.

Colors (inferred from images and model naming)

• Available colors may include: matte black

Safety considerations

There are a few safety and reliability items to consider before you commit. These come from the listing statements or repeated owner feedback and should factor into where and how you plan to use the machine.

• Electrical and power: The specifications list 500 watts and 120 volts; elsewhere the product copy describes operation on a standard 115V outlet. The listing therefore contains both 120V and a "standard 115V" reference — verify the exact electrical requirement on the current listing or manufacturer documentation for your region before plugging the unit in.
• Refrigerant: The listing names refrigerant R600a. The listing provides that fact but does not expand on any handling, service, or disposal guidance — follow manufacturer instructions and qualified-service protocols for refrigerant-containing appliances.
• Noise and mechanical faults: Owner reports include units that developed a loud grinding noise or stopped producing ice after short runs. A grinding sound suggests a mechanical or compressor/gear issue; if you hear unusual noises, stop the unit and contact the seller or manufacturer for diagnosis or return. Owners who experienced these faults returned the units.
• Drip tray overflow: Owners repeatedly note the drip tray is shallow and can overflow from condensation, creating a mess on counters. If you place the machine on a wood surface or near electrical devices, plan for secondary containment or frequent emptying of the tray.
• Coexistence with cabinetry: The listing claims the unit fits under most kitchen cabinets given the listed dimensions; however, keep ventilation needs and the pull-out drawer clearance in mind when siting the machine. The listing doesn’t provide ventilation clearance numbers, so leave additional clearance around the unit.

Who this is for / who should skip

This section uses the listing features and owner feedback to match the Frigidaire nugget maker to the most suitable kitchens and use cases, plus clear reasons to walk away.

Good fit — Small kitchens, home bars, and offices

• Countertop-first buyers: The listing describes a compact, countertop design with a modest footprint (13.5"D x 16.5"W x 18.5"H) and a removable side tank so you can run without a water hookup—useful in apartments, condos, or rental kitchens.
• Home bars and entertaining: The 38 lb/day production (listed) and the chewable nugget texture make this attractive for people who want restaurant-style ice for cocktails and sodas. Keep in mind the 2.6 lb storage means frequent emptying during high-volume service.
• Offices and break rooms: The no-water-hookup design and a removable tank make placement flexible for small shared spaces, and the listing’s ~55 dB noise rating is in the lower-mid range for countertop appliances.

Who should skip or be cautious

• Buyers who need rock-solid reliability out of the box: Multiple owner reports describe short-term failures — units that make ice briefly then stop, or units that develop a severe grinding noise. If you need a worry-free, continuous-use solution for heavy commercial service, the pattern of reliability complaints is a red flag.
• People who can’t easily accept frequent emptying: The listed 2.6 lb storage fills quickly according to owner feedback; you’ll need someone to monitor and empty the bin during parties or extended use.
• Users who can’t tolerate maintenance around condensation: Owner notes emphasize a shallow drip tray that can overflow; if your counter or surrounding zone is sensitive to spills or condensation, plan for extra drip management.

Verdict

The Frigidaire EFIC264BLK is a countertop nugget ice maker that checks many boxes on paper: quick first-batch times, a high listed daily production, a removable reservoir so no plumbing is required, and a compact footprint that fits under most cabinets. Owners who received properly functioning units praise the chewable ice texture and the generally quiet hum. That said, the internal owner feedback includes a clear pattern of reliability issues — units that stop making ice after short use and examples that developed loud grinding noises — and a recurring complaint that the drip tray is too shallow and can overflow.

If you prioritize nugget ice texture and flexibility (no water hookup) and you’re comfortable with the possibility of returns or exchanges in the early ownership window, this unit could deliver the ice experience you want. If continuous, maintenance-free reliability is mission-critical — for a small business or heavy entertaining where downtime isn’t acceptable — the owner feedback suggests caution and careful vendor/return-policy checks.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the electrical requirement on the current listing/manufacturer documentation: the spec sheet lists 120V and the product copy mentions a standard 115V outlet.
• Compare the listed item dimensions (13.5" D x 16.5" W x 18.5" H) with your cabinet clearance and allow extra room for ventilation and the pull-out drawer.
• Verify included components: the listing specifies the ice maker, a removable side tank, an ice scoop, and a drip tray.
• Plan for frequent emptying if you expect heavy use: the listed ice storage is 2.6 lb and owner notes say the bin fills quickly; keeping the drawer clear is necessary for continuous production.
• Factor in drip tray behavior: owners report the tray is shallow and may overflow from normal condensation—place a secondary catcher if needed.
• Read current owner reviews for reliability trends and confirm the seller’s return policy/warranty terms on the current listing or from the manufacturer before purchase.

Colors available (inferred)

• Matte black (inferred from model suffix and product images)

Short summary for quick readers

Listed as a high-output countertop nugget ice maker with a removable side tank and self-cleaning mode, the EFIC264BLK promises chewable restaurant-style ice and fits under cabinets. Positive owner notes back up the ice texture and quiet operation, but several owners report early failures (units that stop producing or emit grinding noises) and practical annoyances like a shallow drip tray. If you want chewable nugget ice and accept some risk on reliability, this is worth considering; if you need rock-solid, continuous operation, investigate warranty and return options carefully.