NewAir ClearIce40 Review: Trusted Review by Technician in 2025

• Available to buy now
• Costs $249 in the U.S market

The clear ice maker market has exploded 2 years ago with the debut of the Euhomy IM-FP and Euhomy IM-FM, redefining the clear ice maker on countertop. The NewAir ClearIce40 aims for a higher target, at $249, this positions it firmly in the mid-range segment.

The NewAir product costs about $100 higher than the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS, and many people will wonder whether it’s worth the increase. I must say the NewAir ClearIce40 delivers on its promise of crystal-clear ice production at a reasonable price point. However, it lacks some conveniences like self-cleaning and smart features, which are absent even from low-budget ice makers of its competitors. Paying nearly double the price for the same outdated ice maker doesn’t seem worth it in my book.

But still, I recommend the NewAir ClearIce40 if you can find it on sale, for example through my website. It truly delivers high-quality clear ice for a countertop machine, and for many people, quality outweighs the cost.

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NewAir ClearIce40 Review: Design

• Slightly front control board
• Has steel texture in its finish

At this price point, the NewAir ClearIce40 makes clear with a conventional stainless steel and black plastic design that’s become the uniform of countertop ice makers. Measuring 14.50″D (15.25″ with drain plug) x 11.40″W x 13.75″H and weighing 23.15 pounds, it’s compact enough to slide under most kitchen cabinets yet substantial enough to feel like serious equipment.

The stainless steel wrapping is just coating, underneath lies a predominantly plastic construction that keeps costs down, in the same way as many Frigidaire ice makers, for example the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS or Frigidaire EFIC123-SS.

The NewAir ClearIce40 is a super simple ice maker, its control panel consists of just two buttons, which feels refreshingly simple in an era of overcomplicated appliances, though some users might miss having a timer or scheduling function. For me, the timer function on a countertop clear ice maker is unnecessary, and I said over and over again in other clear ice makers’ reviews.

Interestingly, NewAir chose to integrate the water reservoir directly into the main body rather than using a side tank like GE’s Opal series. This creates a cleaner countertop profile but limits water capacity to approximately 0.5 gallons in the internal tank, enough for about 2-3 hours of continuous ice production before needing a refill. The translucent window on front lets you monitor ice levels without lifting the lid, though frost buildup can obscure visibility after extended use.

The unit’s compact dimensions make it particularly appealing for RV owners and boat enthusiasts, and I also chose it as a candidate for the best ice maker for RV. The absence of a water line connection requirement adds to its portability, though this also means more frequent manual refilling compared to plumbed options.

Related post: Best countertop ice maker.

NewAir ClearIce40 Review: Build

• NewAir has mixed durability, but the ClearIce40 is pretty good

The NewAir ClearIce40 is not a budget ice maker, and its stainless steel exterior means it’s ready for a long use. Remember that the exterior stainless steel is actually a thin veneer over ABS plastic, and I find many customers report denting from minor impacts. One even specifically mentioned a dimple in the front bottom corner despite protective packaging. Inside the ice maker is the ice-making chamber constructed from BPA-free food-grade plastic components that feel sturdy enough for regular use.

NewAir has received mixed reviews when it comes to durability, and in my experience as an ice maker technician, I’ve repaired a handful of NewAir appliances, including their ice makers. However, the NewAir ClearIce40 stands out as one of the better models. Based on my hands-on experience, its durability is actually quite good compared to other NewAir units, making it a more reliable choice within their lineup.

If you’re concerned about the warranty on the NewAir ClearIce40, it’s a good idea to add an extra layer of protection through Amazon. Since this is still a $249 appliance, spending a few more dollars on an extended warranty feels like a reasonable step to make sure it lasts.

Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.

NewAir ClearIce40 Review: Capacity

• Produces up to 40 lbs of ice daily
• Internal storage: 3.5 lbs

NewAir markets this as a 40-pound daily ice producer, which is the staple under optimal conditions. The unit produces clear ice after 13-15 minutes once fully operational, with each batch yielding approximately 24 small cubes. First ice appears within 15 minutes once the unit has warmed up to room temperature, though these initial cubes tend to be less clear as the system purges air from the water.

The storage bin holds roughly 3.5 pounds of ice at the same time, more than what the Euhomy IM-FP can hold. It takes about 2 hours before you need to empty the bin. The NewAir ClearIce40 seems to have bigger storage size than other competitors.

The 0.5-gallon water tank requires refilling approximately every 2-3 hours during continuous operation, which some users find inconvenient compared to units with larger reservoirs or water line connections. However, the unit does recirculate melted ice water back to the reservoir, reducing waste and refill frequency when not actively removing ice.

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NewAir ClearIce40 Review: Ice Quality

• Clear ice
• Clarity is better

This is where the NewAir ClearIce40 earns its place among the best clear ice makers. The cascading water method, where water flows continuously over super-chilled evaporator fingers at temperatures reaching -20°F – produces genuinely transparent cubes free from the cloudy centers that plague traditional freezer ice. It is still not the same ice quality as something you can get from a simple True Cubes one, but it’s much better than its competitors.

When tested for melting rates, these clear cubes last 35-40% longer than standard freezer ice in room-temperature whiskey, critical for spirit enthusiasts who despise dilution. Clear ice also produces less fizz in carbonated beverages, preventing that disappointing half-filled glass of soda. The hollow center design actually aids in cooling efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.

Related post: Best clear ice maker.

NewAir ClearIce40 Review: Energy and Water Consumption

• Normal water and 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. The NewAir ClearIce40 consumes approximately 312 watts at peak operation, and about 180 watts during its ice making process.

For water consumption, I again remind you what I wrote in my article “Does an ice maker use a lot of water?” So the NewAir ClearIce40 needs about 14-15 gallons of water to make 100 pounds of ice, which is perfectly normal.

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NewAir ClearIce40 Review: Noise Level

• Quiet operation

My research on the NewAir ClearIce40 guarantee the noise level of this ice maker is about 40-42 dB during normal operation, comparable to moderate rainfall or a quiet conversation. Unlike the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS that can be noisy sometimes, the NewAir ClearIce40 is perfectly quiet.

For customer reviews, it seems they all describe the unit as relatively quiet. Some are saying that the ice maker is so great, it’s quieter than their refrigerator’s ice maker.

Related post: Best ice maker for RV.

NewAir ClearIce40 Review: Features

• Lacks self-cleaning feature
• Add water alert, ice full notification

Feature-wise, the NewAir ClearIce40 embodies minimalism that feels both refreshing and limiting depending on your perspective. The two-button control panel offers power and ice size selection, though users report minimal difference between the small and large settings, both producing cubes in the 20-25mm range. Green LED indicators for “Add Water” and “Ice Full” provide the only feedback, staying steadily lit rather than flashing annoyingly.

Notably absent are features becoming standard even at this price point: no self-cleaning cycle (requiring manual cleaning with vinegar solution), no timer function, no smartphone connectivity, no automatic overflow protection. The Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 nugget maker at the same price includes self-cleaning, while competitors offer app control for just $50-100 more.

Related post: Best budget ice maker.