Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver vs NewAir Countertop Ice Maker 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
If you’re like me, you know that a reliable ice maker is a game-changer in the kitchen, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just keeping your drinks chilled on a hot day. Today, I’m diving into a side-by-side comparison of two popular countertop ice makers: the Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver and the NewAir Countertop Ice Maker. The Frigidaire, with its affordability and straightforward design, seems perfect for someone looking for an easy-to-use and budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the NewAir aims to cater to enthusiasts who want more powerful ice production and extra features, albeit at a significantly higher price point. In testing both, I focused on key aspects like ice production speed, ease of use, build quality, and overall value. My goal was to provide a clear picture of how each stacks up in real-world scenarios.
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 NewAir product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $418.89, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver
👍 Why Choose Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver
- ✓ Affordable price point.
- ✓ Quick ice production under 6 minutes.
- ✓ Straightforward digital controls.
- ✓ Offers two ice size options.
NewAir Countertop Ice Maker
👍 Why Choose NewAir Countertop Ice Maker
- ✓ High daily ice production capacity of 50 lbs.
- ✓ Three ice size options.
- ✓ Self-cleaning function for easy maintenance.
- ✓ Durable stainless steel build.
Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Lower daily ice production capacity.
- ✗ No self-cleaning feature.
- ✗ Feels less robust in build quality.
NewAir Countertop Ice Maker
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Significantly higher price.
- ✗ Slightly slower initial ice production time.
- ✗ Bulkier design takes up more counter space.
Design & Build Quality
When it comes to build quality, the NewAir Countertop Ice Maker undeniably feels more premium with its robust stainless steel construction. The Frigidaire EFIC189, while also sporting a stainless steel look, feels lighter and less substantial compared to its counterpart. The design philosophy of Frigidaire leans towards simplicity and functionality with its transparent window, letting you see your ice production without fuss. In contrast, the NewAir’s design is centered around versatility and ease of use with an LCD screen, offering a more modern and sophisticated feel. While both are compact enough for a countertop, the NewAir’s features make it slightly bulkier but worth the space if you’re after those extra functionalities. Ergonomically, both machines are user-friendly, but the NewAir’s intuitive controls and smart alerts give it an edge in everyday comfort.
Features & Performance
In the realm of ice production speed, the Frigidaire EFIC189 slightly edges out by delivering ice in under 6 minutes, a touch faster than NewAir’s 7 minutes. However, NewAir compensates with a significantly higher daily ice production capacity of 50 lbs compared to Frigidaire’s 26 lbs, making it more suitable for larger gatherings or high-demand scenarios. The feature set of the NewAir is broader, offering three ice sizes and a self-cleaning function that keeps maintenance at bay. The Frigidaire, although simpler, provides two ice sizes and excels in straightforward operation with its digital control panel. In my tests, the NewAir’s self-cleaning feature was particularly beneficial for long-term use, maintaining the quality of the ice without manual intervention. The Frigidaire’s no-frills build is ideal for users who value simplicity and effectiveness without the bells and whistles.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
For those who prioritize value and simplicity, the Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver is an excellent choice. Its quick ice production and budget-friendly price make it perfect for casual users or smaller households. However, if you’re seeking a more robust solution with higher capacity and extra features, the NewAir Countertop Ice Maker is the clear winner. Its higher production capacity, self-cleaning feature, and premium build justify the investment for users with higher ice demands or those who frequently entertain. Personally, while the Frigidaire is great for everyday use, the NewAir stands out for its versatility and long-term convenience.
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Check out our other head-to-head comparisons:
• Frigidaire EFIC189 Silver vs Igloo Automatic Ice Maker 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
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