Frigidaire EFIC117 SS Ice Basket Replacement Guide

I was prepping for a weekend RV trip last summer, emptying the last batch of bullet ice from my countertop machine into a cooler. My hands were wet, the plastic slipped, and crack. The basket hit the kitchen floor and shattered. If you own the popular stainless steel model, you know that finding a genuine frigidaire efic117 ss ice basket replacement is not as simple as clicking the first search result. Many generic baskets look identical online but are off by a crucial quarter-inch.

The 26-lb portable ice maker market is flooded with machines that look similar, making replacement parts a minefield of mismatched dimensions. Getting the wrong basket means jammed shovels, blown motors, and a lot of frustration.

Quick Takeaways

• The EFIC117-SS basket has specific peg mounts; generic 26-lb maker baskets often cause the ice shovel to jam.
• Always verify internal cabinet dimensions (roughly 8.5 by 5 inches) before ordering.
• Do not confuse the removable ice basket with the fixed water reservoir when looking at schematics.
• Hand-wash your replacement basket with lukewarm water to prevent the plastic from becoming brittle.

Why Finding a Frigidaire EFIC117 SS Ice Basket Replacement is Tricky

The portable ice maker market is full of rebranded machines. While the outer shells look different, the internals are often shared across brands—but not always. The EFIC117-SS has a slightly different interior cabinet design to accommodate its specific infrared ice full sensor and shovel sweep. When you search for a frigidaire efic117-ss ice basket replacement, you will see dozens of options claiming a universal fit.

I have tested these universal baskets in my own machines. They almost always sit too high on the mounting pegs. When the machine drops a fresh batch of ice (which usually takes around 7 to 9 minutes), the shovel sweeps forward to push the bullets into the basket. If the basket is even a fraction of an inch too tall, the shovel catches the lip of the plastic.

When this happens, the motor grinds, the machine groans loudly, spiking well over its normal 50 dB noise level, and the ice maker eventually throws a fault code. You end up with a clump of melting ice stuck on the freezing tray. Finding the exact match is critical because the internal tolerances of this specific stainless steel model are surprisingly tight.

Decoding the Frigidaire EFIC117 SS Parts Diagram

To get the right fit, you need to consult the manufacturer's schematics. Looking at a Frigidaire ice maker parts diagram is the best way to understand how the internal components fit together before you start ordering things online. It gives you a bird's-eye view of the entire assembly.

When you drill down into the specific frigidaire efic117 ss parts diagram, you will notice the exploded view separates the upper ice gathering zone from the lower water reservoir. People frequently mix up the part numbers for the ice basket and the internal water tray (the piece that actually holds the water while the freezing prongs do their work). The basket is the removable, slotted plastic tub that sits above the water line.

When hunting for efic117 ss parts, look for the assembly labeled 'Ice Basket' or 'Ice Storage Bin.' It usually has a specific OEM serial number attached to it. Writing down that exact alphanumeric code is your best defense against buying a mismatched part. Do not just rely on visual similarity; the diagrams will show you the exact mounting tabs and slotted drain holes unique to this model.

Where to Source Authentic Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Replacement Parts

I always recommend starting your search with authorized appliance parts distributors rather than massive online marketplaces. Sites like Encompass or AppliancePartsPros are usually reliable for authentic frigidaire efic117-ss replacement parts. They pull directly from manufacturer supply lines.

If you do shop on big retail sites, check the seller information carefully. You want to see 'Ships from and sold by' an authorized dealer rather than a random third-party storefront with zero reviews. Genuine frigidaire efic117-ss parts are molded from food-grade, BPA-free plastic designed to withstand constant temperature fluctuations without degrading.

Cheap knockoffs often use rigid, brittle plastics that warp after a few weeks of sitting above a freezing water bath. Expect to pay between $15 and $25 for an authentic basket. If you see one for $5, it is almost certainly a generic mold that will give you trouble. Investing in real frigidaire efic117-ss parts ensures your machine runs quietly and smoothly for years.

How to Measure Your Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Ice Basket

If you threw away your broken basket before measuring it, do not panic. You can measure the internal cabinet of your ice maker to ensure the new frigidaire efic117-ss ice basket will fit perfectly. Grab a tape measure and check the distance between the two small plastic resting pegs inside the machine walls.

The basket needs to sit perfectly flush on these pegs without rocking. Next, measure the depth from the front lip of the machine to the back wall, just below the ice shovel. The basket must clear the shovel's sweeping path entirely. A standard EFIC117-SS basket is roughly 8.5 inches long and 5 inches wide, with a slight taper at the bottom to allow water to drain back into the reservoir.

When your new basket arrives, do a dry run. Place it empty on the pegs and turn the machine on. Watch the first 8-minute cycle to ensure the shovel sweeps over the top of the basket without scraping the plastic. If it scrapes, stop the machine immediately.

Will Generic Efic117-ss Parts Work in a Pinch?

I have been in situations where I needed ice for a summer barbecue and the only replacement available was a generic basket from a local hardware store. Can you use off-brand efic117-ss parts temporarily? Sometimes, but it is incredibly risky for the health of your machine.

If the generic basket is too wide, it pushes against the infrared sensors, tricking the machine into thinking the ice bin is full. If it sits too high, the shovel jams against it. When the shovel jams, the motor continues trying to push it forward. This creates a massive electrical draw and heat buildup inside the chassis.

I have seen jammed shovels push machines right past their safe ice maker wattage limits, blowing apartment fuses or permanently burning out the internal drive motor. It is a $15 piece of plastic that can easily ruin a $120 appliance. Wait for the correct part to arrive.

Maintaining Your New Basket to Prevent Future Cracks

Once you have the correct basket installed, you want to keep it intact. The number one reason these baskets break is temperature shock combined with physical impact. The plastic sits in a near-freezing environment for hours. When you pull it out to dump the ice, the plastic is stiff and brittle.

Never bang the basket against the side of your cooler or kitchen sink to dislodge stuck ice. Instead, use the plastic scoop that came with the machine to gently break up any clumps. When cleaning your ice maker, wash the basket by hand using lukewarm water and a splash of white vinegar.

Never put it in the dishwasher. The high heat of a dishwasher drying cycle will warp the plastic, ruining the precise fit you just spent time sourcing. Treat it gently, and it will last the lifetime of the machine.

FAQ

Can I glue my cracked ice maker basket back together?

I strongly advise against this. Standard super glues and epoxies are not food-safe and will degrade quickly when exposed to constant moisture and cold temperatures. The chemicals can leach into your ice, and the repair will inevitably fail.

Are all 26-lb portable ice maker baskets the same size?

No. While many 26-lb bullet ice makers share similar internal compressors, the outer casing and internal basket dimensions vary significantly by brand and model. Always buy the specific part for your model number.

How do I know if my ice maker basket is seated correctly?

The basket should sit completely flat on the internal support pegs without wobbling. The top lip of the basket must be completely clear of the moving ice shovel during its dumping cycle.