Can the Frigidaire Ice Maker EFIC108 Replace a $600 Machine?

I spent years trying to get my refrigerator to produce something other than cloudy, fish-tasting shards. When my built-in unit finally gave up the ghost for the third time, I faced a choice: drop $600 on a luxury nugget machine or try a budget alternative. That is how the frigidaire ice maker efic108 ended up on my counter, right next to my high-end espresso machine.

I have run this thing through the ringer, timing cycles with a stopwatch and measuring melt-rates like a nerd. I wanted to see if a machine that costs a fraction of the 'big names' could actually satisfy a chewable-ice obsession.

• Speed: First batch in under 9 minutes; full basket in about 2 hours.
• Ice Type: Small, hollow 'bullet' ice that is surprisingly easy to crunch.
• Footprint: Compact enough to fit under standard 18-inch cabinets.
• Maintenance: Requires a manual drain and weekly vinegar rinse to stay fresh.

Why I Finally Tested This Specific Model

The hype around the efic108 is hard to ignore if you spend any time in home appliance forums. Most people want that specific 'Sonic ice' experience, but the reality of countertop nugget ice is that true compressed-flake machines are expensive and notoriously prone to breaking. The EFIC108 sits in this interesting middle ground where it claims to offer that chewable experience without the $500 price tag.

I was skeptical. Usually, 'budget ice' means hard, clear cubes that break your teeth. But the frigidaire efic108 silver nugget ice maker machine uses a different cooling method. It forms ice around metal prongs, creating a hollow bullet shape. Because the ice is thin-walled and slightly aerated, it provides that soft, crunchable texture people crave, even if it is not technically a 'nugget' in the commercial sense. I had to see if this compromise actually worked for daily iced coffee drinkers.

Unboxing the Frigidaire EFIC108-Silver

Straight out of the box, the efic108-silver has a surprisingly small footprint. It measures roughly 9.5 inches wide and 13 inches deep. On my crowded counter, it took up less space than my toaster oven. The 'silver' finish is actually a high-quality plastic, which is easier to wipe down than real stainless steel that shows every fingerprint. Setting it up was painless: I wiped the interior, plugged it in, and let it sit for two hours to allow the refrigerant to settle. Do not skip that step, or you will kill the compressor before you even get a drink.

The water reservoir holds about 2.3 quarts. There is no water line hookup here; you are pouring water in manually. The build quality feels sturdy, though the lid is a bit lightweight. One thing I noticed immediately is the drain plug. It is located on the bottom-side, which means you have to pull the machine to the edge of the sink to empty it. It is a minor annoyance, but if you have a deep counter, you will be moving this 20-pound unit more than you might like.

The Ice Test: Texture, Speed, and Taste

I hit the 'on' button and started my watch. The first cycle of the frigidaire efic108 silver nugget ice maker machine finished in exactly 7 minutes and 42 seconds. Those first few bullets were thin and watery—standard for any dedicated ice maker—but by the third cycle, the machine was humming, and the ice was solid. It produces nine pieces per cycle. If you are hosting a party, you need to start this machine at least two hours before guests arrive to fill the 1.5-pound capacity basket.

The texture is where this model wins. Because the ice is hollow, it absorbs the flavor of your drink. If you put these bullets in a soda, they turn into little flavor bombs you can crunch on. It is not as soft as the $600 pellet machines, but it is a massive upgrade over freezer tray cubes. I measured the output over 24 hours, and while Frigidaire claims 26 lbs, my real-world testing in a 72-degree kitchen yielded closer to 21 lbs. Still, for a single household or a small office, that is more than enough to keep the drinks cold.

Living With It: Noise and Maintenance

Let's talk about the noise. The efic108-silver is not silent. It has a constant fan whir that registers around 45 decibels—similar to a modern dishwasher. You will hear the 'clunk' every time a batch of ice drops into the plastic basket. I eventually got used to it, but if you have an open-concept living space, you might find it distracting during a movie. I also learned the hard way that you cannot leave ice in the basket overnight. It is not a freezer; it is an insulated bucket. The ice will slowly melt, drip back into the reservoir, and be recycled into new ice. This is efficient, but it means the ice can get a 'stale' taste if you do not refresh the water every few days.

Cleaning is the most critical part of owning this machine. If you use tap water, scale will build up on the cooling prongs within a month. I recommend using distilled water to keep the taste clean. When I looked at what changed in newer models, I noticed they have improved the internal sensors, but the cleaning process remains the same: a 50/50 vinegar and water solution run through a cycle, followed by two fresh water rinses. If you skip this, the machine will start to squeal, and the ice will taste like your kitchen pipes.

The Verdict: Is It Worth the Counter Space?

After a month of daily use, the frigidaire ice maker efic108 has earned its spot on my counter. It does not produce the high-end 'flake' ice of a commercial machine, but for the price, the 'crunchy bullet' ice is a fantastic substitute. It is reliable, fast, and significantly cheaper than repairing a broken fridge unit. If the silver finish does not match your aesthetic, you can usually find a black ice maker variant that blends in better with darker cabinetry.

Is it a luxury appliance? No. It is a workhorse for people who hate warm drinks and boring ice. As long as you are okay with the fan noise and the weekly cleaning routine, it is one of the better values in the small appliance market today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this machine keep ice frozen?

No. The basket is insulated but not refrigerated. The ice will eventually melt and the water will be recycled to make more ice. For the best texture, use the ice immediately or move it to your freezer.

How long does it take to make a full basket?

In my tests, it took approximately 90 to 120 minutes to completely fill the ice basket from an empty start. Ambient room temperature will affect this time; warmer kitchens result in slower production.

Can I use tap water in the EFIC108?

You can, but I do not recommend it if you have hard water. Mineral buildup will eventually slow down the harvest cycle and affect the taste. Distilled or filtered water keeps the machine running much longer without needing a deep descale.