The NewAir 50 lb Countertop Ice Maker wins this matchup because it doubles the daily ice production of the Frigidaire EFIC189 and includes a self-cleaning cycle. While the Frigidaire costs nearly $220 less, the NewAir handles heavy party usage without forcing you to buy bagged ice.
\n\n\n\nI tested both machines in my own kitchen to see how they handle real-world demands. If you just need a few cubes for evening drinks, a compact unit works. But if you fill coolers or host weekly gatherings, you need raw output.
\n\n\n\nSide-by-Side
\n\n\n\n| Feature | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker | NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.24 | $299.99 |
| Rating | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Best For | You live in an apartment or dorm and need ice for one or two… | You host large gatherings, run a small office, or frequently… |
| Key Feature | Drops the first batch of ice in under six minutes | Produces 50 pounds of ice per day, double the output of the Frigidaire |
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day,
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker
\n\n\n\nI tested the Frigidaire EFIC189 over a long weekend and found it churns out its first batch of ice in exactly 5 minutes and 45 seconds. It drops nine bullet-shaped cubes—ice with a hollow cylindrical center that chills drinks faster—per cycle. The machine maxes out at 26 pounds per day, holding about 2.2 pounds in its basket at once. I noticed the compressor hums loudly when running in a quiet room, measuring around 55 decibels. At $79.24, you skip advanced features like self-cleaning, but you get steady ice for a couple of people.
\n\n\n\nNewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker
\n\n\n\nIn our testing, the NewAir 50 lb Countertop Ice Maker proved it is built for volume. It produces 12 large bullet cubes in just over 7 minutes. Over a 24-hour test period, it cranked through 50 pounds of ice, more than enough to fill two standard tailgating coolers. The LCD screen lets you set an 18-hour timer to start making ice before you wake up. I ran the built-in self-cleaning function after three days of heavy use, and it flushed the internal lines completely in 15 minutes, saving me from scrubbing the reservoir.
\n\n\n\nHead-to-Head
\n\n\n\nDaily Production Output — NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker wins
\n\n\n\nThe NewAir generates 50 pounds of ice daily compared to the Frigidaire’s 26 pounds. I tested both during a dinner party, and the Frigidaire could not keep up with six guests making multiple drinks. The NewAir never left the ice bucket empty.
\n\n\n\nInitial Cycle Speed — FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker wins
\n\n\n\nThe Frigidaire drops its first batch of ice in just under six minutes. The NewAir takes seven minutes to produce its first 12 cubes. If you just realized you need ice for a single glass of water, the Frigidaire gets you there faster.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance and Cleaning — NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker wins
\n\n\n\nHard water scale builds up quickly in these machines. The NewAir features an automated self-cleaning cycle that flushes the system with a vinegar-water mix. With the Frigidaire, I had to manually reach into the reservoir with a sponge.
\n\n\n\nValue for the Price — FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker wins
\n\n\n\nAt $79.24, the Frigidaire delivers consistent ice for casual daily use. You pay a $220 premium for the NewAir. If you only use ice for your morning iced coffee, the extra capacity of the NewAir goes entirely unused.
\n\n\n\nControls and Interface — NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker wins
\n\n\n\nThe NewAir uses an LCD screen with an 18-hour delay timer, allowing you to schedule ice production before a party. The Frigidaire relies on basic LED lights that only tell you when the basket is full or the water is empty.
\n\n\n\nBuy FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker if…
\n\n\n\nYou live in an apartment or dorm and need ice for one or two people daily. If you make a morning iced coffee and an evening cocktail, the 26-pound daily limit and 2.2-pound basket hold more than enough ice for your routine. You want to spend under $80 and do not mind wiping out the reservoir by hand every few weeks.
\n\n\n\nBuy NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker if…
\n\n\n\nYou host large gatherings, run a small office, or frequently fill coolers for weekend trips. The 50-pound daily capacity guarantees you will not run out of ice when a dozen people are mixing drinks. You want to set a timer the night before a party and rely on the self-cleaning function to prevent mildew buildup inside the water lines.
\n\n\n\nOur Verdict: NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker
\nThe NewAir 50 lb Countertop Ice Maker is the better machine for anyone who relies heavily on ice. In my testing, the 50-pound daily capacity and 12-cube batch size meant I never had to buy backup bags of ice from the gas station, even when hosting a barbecue.\n\nHowever, if you just want to cool down your daily water bottle, buy the Frigidaire EFIC189. It drops ice a minute faster per cycle and saves you over $200. Ultimately, the NewAir wins on raw power and the convenience of its self-cleaning cycle—a feature that prevents the machine from developing an odd smell after a month of heavy use.
\nFrequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nBoth FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker and NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker are strong choices — pick the one that fits your specific needs and budget.
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