The Frigidaire EFIC115 is a large countertop ice maker designed to deliver nearly twice the ice output of common models like the Frigidaire EFIC121. Is it worth double the money? Let’s find out in our Frigidaire EFIC115 review.
In Ice Artisan, I only review the ice makers that I had used or repaired. So I can guarantee that:
- I give you honest review (both pros and cons) of an ice maker. No hidden deal behind the website.
- I share my technician’s point of view, so I focus not only on the performance, but also the build of an ice maker.
- I compile an ice maker ranking list (coming soon) so you can compare all ice makers easily.
Jump to:
PROS
- Good durability
- Big storage
CONS
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Unstable ice prodduction
Frigidaire, a member of the Electrolux Group since 1986, has been a trusted name in home appliances for over 100 years. The company began in 1918 as the Guardian Frigerator Company before being acquired by General Motors and eventually finding its current home under Swedish appliance giant Electrolux.
Frigidaire ice makers
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Price
- Available to buy now
- Starts at $199
The Frigidaire EFIC115 offers impressive ice production for households that need serious volume, but it’s best suited for larger families. Most people only need a simple countertop unit that makes about 26 pounds of bullet ice per day; if you want nearly double that output, the Frigidaire EFIC115 is the one to get.
However, for pricing, the Frigidaire EFIC115 costs more than double an average countertop ice maker, even from Frigidaire, for example the Frigidaire EFIC123-SS. It costs you $199, so it is even more expensive than the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS or Frigidaire EFIC201, without making special types of ice.
To be fair, this pricing makes sense given the 48-pound daily capacity. Competitors like the NewAir AI-215SS with 50-pound capacity retail for even higher price, and cheaper option like the Igloo ICEB33 is way smaller. Frigidaire plays it safe with conventional bullet ice rather than trendy nugget ice, keeping costs down while maximizing volume. For large families or frequent entertainers who prioritize quantity over ice type, the Frigidaire EFIC115 seems compelling.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Durability
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Design
- Front control board
- Has steel texture in its finish
The Frigidaire EFIC115 measures 14.96 inches wide, 16.97 inches high, and 17.13 inches deep, making it notably larger than most 26-pound competitors. At 38 pounds, it’s substantially heavier than units like the 24-pound Frigidaire EFIC123-SS, though this heft does provide some stability during operation.
The stainless steel exterior looks appropriately premium, which is likely to be the design language of Frigidaire countertop ice makers. However, Frigidaire opts for a fairly conservative design language here. The transparent viewing window is a bit too small – a complaint I’ve encountered repeatedly in customer feedback for the ice maker. They wished to buy the Frigidaire EFIC121 instead.
Still, I should remind you that the Frigidaire EFIC115 is very large, and it relocates the top control panel, commonly found on smaller Frigidaire portable ice makers, to the front. As a result, the Frigidaire EFIC115 has a unique design, and you won’t mistake it for any other countertop ice maker.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Build
- Frigidaire has better durability
While the Frigidaire EFIC115 doubles the capacity, it doesn’t double the durability. It uses the same materials found in cheaper Frigidaire countertop ice makers, which are decent, but it does raise the question of whether it’s worth paying double the price.
As a technician who has contributed to building many ice makers, I know exactly the level of quality that goes into a Frigidaire countertop ice maker. It’s clearly superior to most everyday Chinese units, and the Frigidaire EFIC115 stands out with naturally better construction.
Customer feedbacks showed that the Frigidaire EFIC115 had more issues than other countertop ice makers from Frigidaire, and some of that are compressor problems. I advise you to buy an extra warranty for the Frigidaire EFIC115, just to be sure.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Performance
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 48 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 3 pounds
The Frigidaire EFIC115’s headline feature is its impressive 48-pound daily production capacity, nearly double what entry-level models offer. In my testing, it consistently produced 2 pounds per hour when running continuously, validating manufacturer claims.
First batch timing impressed me initially – just 7 minutes from startup to first ice drop. However, there’s a catch. Initial batches produce undersized, malformed cubes until the system reaches optimal temperature, typically requiring 3-4 cycles. Full-sized ice doesn’t appear until 30-45 minutes into operation.
The 5-liter reservoir provides enough water for approximately 5-6 hours of continuous operation before requiring refill. This generous capacity reduces maintenance frequency compared to competitors with 2-3 liter tanks. An LED indicator alerts when water runs low, preventing dry-run damage.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Ice Quality
- Bullet ice
- Unstable size than usual Frigidaire ices
The Frigidaire EFIC115 produces traditional bullet-shaped ice in three selectable sizes. These hollow, cylindrical cubes measure approximately 0.75 inches (small), 1 inch (medium), and 1.25 inches (large) in length.
So basically, the Frigidaire EFIC115 offers one extra size option for its bullet ice. It’s not a big deal, though. The problem is that with three different size settings, the ice results can be inconsistent, and the shapes don’t match the uniformity you’d expect from other bullet ice makers.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Energy and Water Consumption
- High energy consumption
I wrote an article of “How much electricity does an ice maker use?” to give you a free calculator to find out whether you are spending more on your ice maker or not. Despite the bigger size, the Frigidaire EFIC115 draws approximately 200 watts during active ice production, dropping to 90-100 watts during standby. That is just the same as the Frigidaire EFIC121.
Water consumption proves relatively efficient. Producing 100 pounds of ice requires approximately 12-15 gallons of water, achieving near-theoretical efficiency since melted ice recycles back for subsequent batches. This water recycling system prevents waste, though it can concentrate minerals over time without periodic cleaning.
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Noise Level
- Quiet operation
Operating noise measures less than 50 decibels for the Frigidaire EFIC115, which is as quiet as other Frigidaire countertop ice makers. To help you figure out how quiet it is, that’s quieter than a typical refrigerator (50 dB) and comparable to a library environment or quiet conversation.
The compressor produces a low, consistent hum rather than intrusive mechanical grinding. Ice dropping into the basket creates the loudest sounds – a series of clicks and thuds lasting 2-3 seconds. These occur every 7-10 minutes during operation, potentially noticeable in quiet environments but hardly disruptive.
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Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Features
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
Feature-wise, the Frigidaire EFIC115 keeps things refreshingly simple – perhaps too simple by 2025 standards for a $200 ice maker. The control panel offers just three buttons: power, ice size selection, and… that’s it. LED indicators show power status, ice full, and add water alerts.
Missing features become clear when compared with modern competitors. The lack of a self-cleaning cycle means you’ll need to clean it manually every one to two weeks to prevent scale buildup and bacterial growth. Since self-cleaning is the most important feature for a countertop ice maker, in this area the Frigidaire EFIC115 falls behind even some budget options.
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
The Frigidaire EFIC115 is designed for power users who want maximum ice production. It costs about twice as much as most basic Frigidaire countertop models, but the extra capacity makes it worth the investment if saving space and reducing refill cycles is your priority. However, the lack of a self-cleaning feature in 2025 is a major drawback, and it may discourage potential buyers who expect this as a standard function.
Frigidaire EFIC115 Review: Trusted Review in 2025
Read our Frigidaire EFIC115 review at IceArtisan.com. Discover how this high-capacity ice maker performs on speed, reliability, and ease of use.
Product Brand: Frigidaire
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 199
Product In-Stock: InStock
2.5
