Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver vs hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
When it comes to countertop ice makers, Frigidaire and hOmeLabs are two reputable brands worth considering. For anyone who loves to entertain or simply enjoys a constant supply of ice, choosing the right machine is essential. In this comparison, I’ll break down the Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver and hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle. The Frigidaire model, with its sleek stainless steel design, is perfect for those who value style and functionality. Meanwhile, the hOmeLabs ice maker is a great pick for individuals who prioritize ease of use and added conveniences like self-cleaning. To give you an accurate perspective, I ran both machines through a series of tests focusing on design, performance, and user experience. Each product was tested in a home environment over several days, making plenty of ice for various occasions, ensuring a comprehensive side-by-side analysis.
Best Value
9/10
This Frigidaire product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $93.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Premium Pick
9/10
This hOmeLabs product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $94.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver
👍 Why Choose Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver
- ✓ Produces clear, squared ice cubes quickly.
- ✓ Durable stainless steel design.
- ✓ Large transparent window to view ice-making progress.
- ✓ Offers two sizes of ice cubes.
hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker
👍 Why Choose hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker
- ✓ Compact and lightweight, easy to move.
- ✓ Automatic self-cleaning mode for easy maintenance.
- ✓ Includes ice scoop and reusable ice bags.
- ✓ User-friendly control panel with clear indicators.
Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ No self-cleaning feature.
- ✗ Slightly heavier, less portable.
- ✗ No bonus accessories included.
hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Bullet-shaped ice may not be preferred by all.
- ✗ Plastic feel compared to stainless steel.
- ✗ Slightly more expensive than the Frigidaire model.
Design & Build Quality
In terms of design, the Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver presents a modern and sleek look with its stainless steel finish, which feels solid and durable. The large transparent window is a nice touch, allowing you to monitor the ice-making process without opening the lid. On the other hand, the hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker opts for a more compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for smaller spaces or for those who might need to move it around frequently. Its black finish adds a touch of elegance, though it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of Frigidaire’s stainless steel. Ergonomically, both machines are straightforward to use. However, hOmeLabs scores higher for comfort with its intuitive control panel and automatic self-cleaning feature, which adds a layer of convenience not found in the Frigidaire model.
Features & Performance
Comparing the features of these two ice makers, both can churn out up to 26 lbs of ice per day, which should be more than sufficient for most households. The Frigidaire EFIC189 impresses with how quickly it produces perfectly squared ice cubes—great for those who need a large amount of ice in a short time. It took under 6 minutes to have the first batch, a claim that was consistently met during my tests. In contrast, the hOmeLabs model also delivers fast ice production, presenting nine bullet-shaped cubes in about the same time. While both offer two size options for the ice cubes, the texture and shape of hOmeLabs’ bullet-shaped cubes make them particularly well-suited for a variety of beverages. The added advantage of a self-cleaning mode on the hOmeLabs model cannot be overstated, simplifying maintenance significantly. In real-world use, I found the hOmeLabs’ control panel more user-friendly, thanks to its clear indicators for when the ice bin is full or water is low, along with the handy self-cleaning function.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
After extensive testing, the hOmeLabs Countertop Ice Maker stands out as the superior choice for most users. Its ease of use, self-cleaning feature, and included accessories offer excellent value, particularly for those who prioritize convenience and portability. However, if your primary concern is producing plenty of clear, squared ice cubes and you appreciate a more premium stainless steel aesthetic, then the Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver may be the better fit for you. Personally, I’d recommend the hOmeLabs model for anyone looking for a hassle-free ice-making experience in a compact form factor, especially given its additional features that enhance usability and maintenance.
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