What to know first
- The Frigidaire EFIC189 is a compact, mainstream countertop ice maker aimed at general-purpose use on a budget.
- It is a better fit for “keep drinks iced” than “make a specific fancy ice texture.”
- Daily output claims in this category assume you keep removing ice so the machine can keep cycling.
- Plan on regular cleaning beyond any “self-cleaning” mode, including descaling and wiping accessible surfaces.
- If you want chewable nugget ice, you should buy a nugget ice maker instead of this style.
What the Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Countertop Ice Maker is
The Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Countertop Ice Maker is a small, countertop appliance that makes ice on demand from a built-in water reservoir. It is meant for kitchens that do not have a built-in ice maker, or for households that burn through freezer ice faster than trays can keep up.
The big reason to buy a countertop ice maker like this is convenience. You are not waiting on ice cube trays, and you are not making emergency runs for bagged ice when you have people over. You keep it on the counter, add water, and let it cycle.
This model is a straightforward, mainstream option. It is not trying to be a specialty nugget ice machine, and it is not built around smart features. It is aimed at the everyday job of keeping drinks stocked with fresh ice.
Why it stands out
The Frigidaire EFIC189 stands out because it keeps the purchase simple. If you just want a compact countertop ice maker that does the normal job without paying extra for nugget ice or app control, this is the right lane.
It is also a sensible fit for typical home use. Think family dinners, a couple cocktails on a Friday night, or a small get-together where you want a steady supply of ice without babysitting trays.
The most important shopping point here is ice style. Nugget ice is a totally different experience in a drink: it is porous, chewable, and chills quickly without feeling like hard cubes. The EFIC189 is not a nugget machine, so if that texture is the whole reason you are shopping, you should not compromise. Buy a nugget model instead.
What it is like to own
Day to day, a countertop ice maker is a “keep it moving” appliance. The machine makes ice, drops it into the bin, and keeps cycling as long as there is water and space. The practical catch is that the bin is usually insulated, not refrigerated like a freezer, so ice can melt if you leave it sitting. In real life, many people treat the bin as a staging area and move ice to a freezer if they want to stockpile.
Cleaning is the ownership piece that matters most for taste and longevity. Water reservoirs and internal passages can build up mineral film and residue over time. Even if a machine advertises a self-cleaning mode, that is typically a rinse cycle. You still want a routine that includes descaling and wiping accessible surfaces per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Also keep expectations realistic around output. When a countertop ice maker claims it can make a lot of ice per day, that number assumes the machine keeps cycling and you keep removing ice. It does not mean the bin can hold a full day’s worth of ice.
What to know before you buy
Do not buy the Frigidaire EFIC189 if you are shopping for nugget ice. Ice texture matters more than most people expect. Nugget ice is softer and chewable, and it behaves differently in drinks. If that is your goal, you will be happier buying a nugget ice maker from the start.
Plan for regular cleaning. Countertop ice makers move water through small internal pathways, and those areas can collect mineral buildup. A “self-cleaning” label does not mean you can ignore descaling and wiping.
Finally, remember that most countertop ice makers do not keep ice frozen long term. If you need ice stored and ready like a freezer bin, you will want to transfer ice to your freezer or consider a different solution.
The specs that matter
This is designed to live on your counter and make ice on demand, which is ideal for small kitchens or anywhere you do not have a built-in ice maker.
If you want chewable nugget ice for sodas and cocktails, you should buy a nugget machine. If you just want ice for everyday drinks, this style makes more sense and usually costs less.
You can use it in apartments, rentals, and RVs without a water line. The trade-off is you will be refilling it as you use ice.
If you are buying for parties, what matters is whether you will keep emptying the bin so the machine can keep producing. The bin itself will not hold a full day’s production.
Ice can melt if it sits. For hosting, you may want to move finished ice into your freezer to build a bigger stash.
You still need descaling and wiping accessible surfaces to keep ice tasting fresh and to help the machine last.
Who this product fits
You keep running out of freezer ice during dinner
The Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Countertop Ice Maker is a simple way to keep a steady supply of ice going for water glasses, iced tea, and cocktails without constantly refilling trays.
You want a budget countertop ice maker for a small kitchen
This model is a compact, mainstream choice that focuses on the basics. It makes sense when you want everyday ice without paying extra for nugget ice or smart features.
You host small get-togethers and want to stop buying bagged ice
A countertop machine like the EFIC189 can keep cycling as long as you keep removing ice. For bigger nights, you can transfer finished ice to the freezer to build up a larger supply.
What else to compare
If you want a different ice texture or more features, these are the better directions to go.
Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Countertop Ice Maker FAQ
Does the Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Countertop Ice Maker make nugget ice?
It is a general-purpose countertop ice maker, not a nugget ice model. If you are specifically shopping for chewable nugget ice, you should buy a nugget ice maker instead of this style.
Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen like a freezer?
Usually no. Most countertop ice maker bins are insulated, not refrigerated, so ice can melt if it sits. If you want to store ice for later, plan to move it to your freezer.
What does “pounds of ice per day” actually mean for a countertop ice maker?
That number assumes the machine keeps cycling and you keep removing ice from the bin. It does not mean the machine can store that much ice at once.
Is a self-cleaning mode enough to keep the ice tasting fresh?
A self-cleaning mode is typically a rinse cycle. You still need regular descaling and wiping accessible surfaces because reservoirs and internal passages can collect mineral film and residue.
Who should skip the Frigidaire EFIC189 and buy a nugget ice maker instead?
Anyone buying primarily for ice texture. Nugget ice is porous and chewable and feels different in drinks, especially cocktails and sodas. If that is the experience you want, do not settle for a standard countertop ice maker.
Should you buy the Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Countertop Ice Maker?
Yes, if you want straightforward countertop ice on a budget and you do not care about nugget ice or smart features. The Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Countertop Ice Maker is a compact, mainstream machine that fits normal daily use and small gatherings.
Skip it if you are chasing a specific ice experience, especially chewable nugget ice. In that case, you will be happier buying a nugget ice maker from the start, and treating the EFIC189 style as what it is: a practical, general-purpose ice machine.