Main trade-off
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
The two bullet sizes are close in practice according to independent testing.
Head-to-head
Frigidaire EFIC189 vs EFIC117: EFIC189 is easier to carry, EFIC117 adds water reserve
The short answer
EFIC189 is lighter, smaller and independently timed below seven minutes. EFIC117 trades some compactness for a 2.3-quart reservoir and stainless cabinet.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The needs that actually separate these two
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker has the stronger fit for “I want the first ice quickly” and “My counter space is tight”. Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker has the stronger fit for “I want fewer water refills” and “I need a useful amount ready at once”.
What this is based on
This compares the current strong and useful fit assignments for the exact products. It does not turn them into one overall score.
Main trade-off
Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
The first-cycle range is a broad seven to fifteen minutes, slower than the best compact models in warm rooms.
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Choose it for
- Tight counter
- Fast first batch
- Main trade-off
- The two bullet sizes are close in practice according to independent testing.
Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Choose it for
- Larger water supply
- Stainless cabinet
- Main trade-off
- The first-cycle range is a broad seven to fifteen minutes, slower than the best compact models in warm rooms.
About this comparison
Compare two proven bullet machines by size, reservoir and independent testing.
The practical choice turns on reservoir and tested speed, then on the constraints in your own setup.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
I want the first ice quickly
The documented first batch arrives in about ten minutes or less under suitable conditions.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Good
My counter space is tight
Its body is narrow or shallow enough to fit counters that cannot take a full-size nugget machine.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Good
I may use a small power station
Its documented wattage is modest for the category, but the power source still needs compressor-starting headroom.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Depends
I want ice in an RV or camper
Its footprint, refill method and power demand are practical for a stable RV counter with ventilation.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Depends
I need straightforward draining
A reachable drain, hose or removable tank makes emptying stale water less awkward.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Better fit
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Good
I want fewer water refills
For reservoir, Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker records “Compact internal tank” and Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker records “2.3 qt”. This changes how often the job pauses for refilling, emptying or another batch.
- Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- Depends
- Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- Better fit
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The needs that actually separate these two
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker has the stronger fit for “I want the first ice quickly” and “My counter space is tight”. Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker has the stronger fit for “I want fewer water refills” and “I need a useful amount ready at once”.
How we reached this conclusion
This compares the current strong and useful fit assignments for the exact products. It does not turn them into one overall score.
The selected needs do not separate this pair
Both products cover the same 3 of 3 buyer requirements attached to this comparison. The choice moves to “reservoir” and “tested speed”.
How we reached this conclusion
This checks the two products against the same selected needs, then names the first verified differences that remain.
Finding models for “Simple bullet ice works for me” and “I want the first ice quickly”
10 of 23 checked countertop ice makers cover both “Simple bullet ice works for me” and “I want the first ice quickly”. Both products are in that group.
How we reached this conclusion
The count is reproduced by filtering the current category dataset for products with a strong or useful fit for both needs.
Choice A
Frigidaire, EFIC189-Silver
Compact Ice Maker
A proven 26-pound bullet maker with simple controls, two sizes and one of the smallest footprints in the set.
- Best matched use
- Fast, uncomplicated everyday ice at a modest cost
Checked facts
- Frigidaire rates the machine for 26 pounds of ice per day.
- Popular Mechanics measured first ice in under seven minutes.
- The tested machine weighed 13.37 pounds and measured 8.7 by 11.4 by 11.6 inches.
Choice B
Frigidaire, EFIC117-SS
Stainless Steel Ice Maker
A classic stainless 26-pound bullet maker with a 2.3-quart reservoir, two sizes and a 1.5-pound basket.
- Best matched use
- Simple stainless bullet ice with a larger water tank
Checked facts
- Frigidaire lists 26 pounds per day and nine bullets every seven to fifteen minutes.
- The reservoir holds 2.3 quarts and the basket stores 1.5 pounds.
- The stainless cabinet has a viewing window and drain plug.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker | Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reservoir | Compact internal tank | 2.3 qt | This changes how often the job pauses for refilling, emptying or another batch. |
| Tested speed | Under 7 minutes | Listed 7 to 15 minutes | This changes how closely the product can be tuned to the task and how repeatable that setup is. |
| Cleaning | Manual | Manual | Both records show the same result for “Cleaning”, so this row does not separate them. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
- There is no carry handle or automatic cleaning cycle.
If you choose Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- There is no self-cleaning program or carry handle.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current countertop ice makers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Compared set
10 of 23 models checked match every need here: “Simple bullet ice works for me”, “I want the first ice quickly”, and “My counter space is tight”.
10 matching models from 23 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “Simple bullet ice works for me”, “I want the first ice quickly”, and “My counter space is tight”. A need with no documented match does not count.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker |
|
| |
| Frigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker |
|
|
Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
Tight counter
See price & reviews on AmazonFrigidaire Stainless Steel Ice Maker
Larger water supply
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