Why I Kept the Frigidaire 3-in-1 Countertop Ice and Water Dispenser
I have a rule: if an appliance tries to do more than two things, it usually sucks at all of them. My kitchen counter used to be a graveyard for 'multitools' that couldn't hold a candle to dedicated machines. But when my fridge's built-in dispenser died for the third time, I found myself staring at the frigidaire 3-in-1 countertop ice and water dispenser with a mix of hope and deep suspicion.
Quick Takeaways
- Produces about 26 lbs of bullet ice daily, though real-world output is closer to 20 lbs if you aren't emptying it constantly.
- Dispenses chilled water and ice directly into your glass—no more scooping with questionable plastic shovels.
- Small footprint for a combo unit, but it still needs 15 inches of vertical clearance.
- Ice is the 'bullet' shape, which is great for crunching but melts faster than clear cubes.
The Problem With Do-It-All Appliances
Most combo units are a compromise. You buy a washer-dryer combo, and it takes six hours to dry a single towel. I expected the frigidaire 3 in 1 ice maker to follow that same path of disappointment. I was tired of the clutter: a bulky water pitcher taking up fridge space and a standalone ice machine that required me to reach in with a scoop every time I wanted a drink.
Streamlining a kitchen isn't just about aesthetics; it's about workflow. I wanted a machine that didn't just make ice, but served it. The idea of a single unit that could handle my morning water habit and my evening cocktail ice felt like a pipe dream. Most people end up buying a sleek black ice maker and keeping their pitcher, but I was determined to find one machine to rule them all.
Unboxing the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS: First Impressions
The efic245-ss showed up looking like a miniature version of a hotel ice machine. It's wrapped in stainless steel, which is a magnet for fingerprints, but it feels surprisingly sturdy. Weighing in at about 25 pounds, it isn't something you want to move every day, but it fits comfortably under my standard 18-inch upper cabinets.
Setup was painless. You plug it in, fill the 2-liter reservoir, and wait. Unlike some higher-end units that require a dedicated water line, the frigidaire efic245-ss is strictly manual-fill. This is a pro if you’re a renter or want it for a dorm, but a con if you’re lazy. It’s compact enough to not dominate the counter, though it does vent heat from the side, so don't smash it right against your toaster.
How the Water Reservoir Actually Works
The engineering here is clever but simple. The frigidaire efic245-ss efic245 uses a single reservoir to feed both the ice-making tray and the water dispenser. There’s no complex internal plumbing to worry about. The water for the dispenser is chilled by the proximity to the ice basket, meaning your 'chilled water' is actually cold, not just room temperature.
I was worried about that 'stale' taste you get from standing water. However, because the machine is constantly cycling water to make new ice, the supply stays relatively fresh. Just don't let it sit for a week while you're on vacation; drain it using the plug on the side before you leave.
Testing the Ice and Water Delivery Speed
I pulled out the stopwatch for this one. The first batch of nine small bullets dropped in exactly 7 minutes and 42 seconds. That’s fast. However, keep in mind that the first few batches are always a bit thin and watery because the machine hasn't fully cooled down yet. By the 30-minute mark, it was pumping out solid, opaque bullets that held their shape in a room-temperature soda.
Compared to a standard standalone ice maker, the delivery system is the real winner here. You press your glass against the lever, and it drops ice directly in. No scoops, no germs. The water flow rate is decent—it took about 12 seconds to fill an 8-ounce glass. It’s not a fire hose, but it beats waiting for a slow-drip filter pitcher. Noise-wise, the compressor hums at about 52 decibels. It’s audible, but it won't drown out your TV.
The Filter Situation (And Why It Matters)
Here is the reality check: this machine doesn't have a high-end internal filtration system. If you put 'crunchy' tap water in, you’re going to get 'crunchy' tasting ice and eventual scale buildup that will kill the motor. I highly recommend reading up on Frigidaire countertop ice maker water filter truths before you commit.
To keep the frigidaire 3-in-1 countertop ice and water dispenser running long-term, use distilled or pre-filtered water. I noticed a slight plastic taste for the first two cycles, which is common. A quick rinse with a diluted vinegar solution fixed it immediately. If you live in an area with hard water, be prepared to descale this thing every month or you'll be buying a replacement by Christmas.
Final Verdict: Who Should Actually Buy This?
This isn't a machine for a family of six who all drink 64 ounces of ice water a day. It simply can't keep up with that volume. But for a home office, a small apartment, or a wet bar, it’s a massive win. It solved my 'scoop fatigue' and cleared three different items off my counter.
The frigidaire 3-in-1 countertop ice and water dispenser is for the person who values convenience over high-capacity production. It’s reliable, it’s relatively quiet, and it actually delivers on its multi-function promise. Just keep the reservoir full and the water filtered, and it'll be the hardest working tool in your kitchen.
FAQ
Does it keep the ice frozen like a freezer?
No. Like almost all countertop models, the bin is insulated but not refrigerated. The ice will slowly melt, and the water will recycle back into the reservoir to be made into new ice. It's a closed-loop system.
Can I hook this up to a water line?
Not this specific model. The EFIC245-SS is designed for manual filling. If you want a plumbed-in version, you'll need to look at commercial-grade dispensers which cost significantly more.
Is the ice 'nugget' ice or 'bullet' ice?
This machine makes bullet-shaped ice with a hollow center. It is not the soft, chewable 'Sonic' nugget ice. It's harder and lasts a bit longer in drinks than nugget ice does.