Choosing the right ice maker dictates whether your party drinks stay cold or run dry. In our testing, the $85 Frigidaire EFIC189 maxed out at 26 pounds of ice per day, making it strictly a single-household appliance for casual evening drinks. If you regularly host gatherings or fill large coolers, you will drain its 2.2-pound basket in minutes. The NewAir Countertop Ice Maker solves that volume problem by pushing out 50 pounds daily and adding a crucial self-cleaning cycle to clear out hard water scale. Buy the Frigidaire for personal use, but upgrade to the NewAir if you need a machine capable of keeping up with a crowd.
| Feature | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker | NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $85.00 | $299.99 |
| Rating | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Best For | You should buy the Frigidaire EFIC189 if your budget is the … | You should buy the NewAir 50 lb. ice maker if you frequently… |
| Key Feature | Extremely fast first batch, making ice in less than 6 minutes. | Massive 50 lb. daily ice production is double the Frigidaire’s output. |
Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Ice Maker
NewAir 50 lb Countertop Ice Maker
FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker
The Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver is a straightforward, compact ice maker built for basic home use. It gets the job done without complex settings. You can expect your first batch of squared ice cubes in under 6 minutes, and it will continue producing up to 26 pounds of ice over a 24-hour period. Its stainless steel finish and large viewing window let you watch the process, and simple indicator lights tell you when the 2.2-pound basket is full or the water reservoir is empty.
NewAir 50 lb. Countertop Ice Maker
The NewAir ice maker is a high-capacity machine built for volume and convenience. It can produce an impressive 50 pounds of bullet-shaped ice per day, making it suitable for entertaining or office use. You can select from three different ice sizes using the intuitive LCD screen. Key features include a self-cleaning cycle that simplifies maintenance, an 18-hour timer for planning ahead, and BPA-free internal parts for peace of mind.
Daily Ice Production
Your household size and hosting habits dictate the volume you need. A 26-pound daily capacity suits single households and casual evening drinks. If you regularly host gatherings or fill large coolers, you need a high-capacity machine that produces up to 50 pounds daily to keep up with the crowd.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Hard water scale builds up in ice makers over time. Basic models require manual scrubbing to maintain. Premium models feature a self-cleaning cycle that clears out scale automatically, saving time and effort.
Ice Shape and Customization
Ice makers offer different shapes, such as squared cubes or bullet-shaped ice. Look for machines that provide multiple size options. Basic units typically offer two sizes, while advanced models provide up to three sizes and include features like an 18-hour timer for better control.
Assess your daily ice volume needs and budget. Buy the Frigidaire EFIC189 for personal, everyday use. If you host parties frequently, invest in the NewAir 50 lb. Ice Maker. Click the links above to check current prices.
