The Frigidaire EFIC103 is a rebooted ice maker, placing control board in a different spot than its previous brothers. It costs more to store more ice, something is good because the typical insulation can keep ices frozen for longer. Okay, head on my Frigidaire EFIC103 review for an in-depth check on this Frigidaire portable ice maker.
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
- Self-cleaning function
- Many color options
- Good durability
CONS
- Front control is harder to press
- It’s more expensive
Frigidaire has established itself as a trusted name in home appliances for over 100 years. As a member of the Electrolux Group, the company has built a reputation for creating reliable, innovative products that make everyday living easier. The brand’s commitment to quality extends to their ice maker lineup, offering practical solutions for households that need a steady supply of ice beyond what their refrigerator can provide.
Frigidaire ice makers
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Price
- Available to buy now
- Different price based on color option
- Used product is cheaper
The Frigidaire EFIC103 finished the debut of the first three Frigidaire portable ice makers, started with the Frigidaire EFIC101 and Frigidaire EFIC102. It is more expensive with a stainless steel coating like the Frigidaire EFIC108, and a long-awaited self-cleaning program.
But how much is the Frigidaire EFIC103 more expensive than its brothers, you may ask? Well, in 2025, you can buy the Frigidaire EFIC103 at $149, so I say it doubles the current price of both the EFIC101 and EFIC102. Paying that much for the Frigidaire EFIC103 for nearly the same capacity isn’t truly my best practice, especially when the Igloo ICEB33 offers a much more accessible price point.
Its price point makes the Frigidaire EFIC103 to compete directly with the Euhomy IM-12S-HM, which can make “nugget ice” – the same as bullet ice but you can chew it easily. So, both brand recognition and ice quality aren’t exactly the strength of the Frigidaire EFIC103, leaving it at a spot that no one want to buy this ice maker. Unless you get a good deal, for example from my website.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Durability
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Design
- Portable ice maker
- Copy the Frigidaire EFIC102 color scheme
After a series of similar ice makers from the Frigidaire EFIC101, it’s good to have a different design. The Frigidaire EFIC103 measures 14.1″ deep x 12.9″ high x 9.5″ wide and weighs approximately 24-25 pounds, meaning it is bulkier than the other Frigidaire countertop ice makers, like the Frigidaire EFIC121. So to say, it has a moderate footprint.
However, placing the front control board means the Frigidaire EFIC103 is better for tight space under cabinets or on lower shelves. It is also helpful for users to see controls and indicators at eye level without bending over the ice maker. There is only one disadvantage, which is serious, you need to hold the Frigidaire EFIC103 to effectively press the buttons.
The Frigidaire EFIC103 copies the color scheme of the Frigidaire EFIC102, so we have 4 different colors. It has a stylish logo of “Frigidaire” below the control board, which is applied for the Frigidaire EFIC128 later. Well, subjectively I will prefer the older logo, but it doesn’t really matter. You can choose from: black, aqua, silver and red options. The aqua color is the new one, which isn’t from the previous EFIC102.
The ice maker features a stainless steel exterior finish, which is better for both aesthetic and build quality. It means the Frigidaire EFIC103 will have better cooling and shock resistant, which is really necessary for a kitchen appliance.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Build
- Frigidaire has better durability
- Metal coating means better shock-resistant
The Frigidaire EFIC103 has a stainless steel coating for its plastic construction, which provides more durability when it makes ices. Inside the ice maker, we have food-grade plastic parts like any other Frigidaire countertop ice makers.
In my years of repairing ice makers, the countertop ice makers rarely went into my work bench, so you can guess how often I caught a Frigidaire EFIC103. Customer reviews also prove that the Frigidaire EFIC103 lasts longer than its siblings, with some users reported it last up to 3 years.
Again, you must remember the warranty service of the Frigidaire EFIC103 is from a big company that has service centers nationwide. For that alone, I will add more points for the Frigidaire EFIC103.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Performance
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 26 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 2.2 lbs
Capacity of the Frigidaire EFIC103 is quite disappointing as it shares the same capacity as Frigidaire portable ice makers that cost half as much. Unlike its competitors, like the Igloo ICEB33 to provide bigger products, the Frigidaire EFIC103 is bigger only for storing more ices. However, its water tank remains at 1.2 quart, so it takes you more time to add water to fill in the basket.
An ice cycle is about 6-8 minutes to create 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes per batch, which is standard. Remember that subsequent batches may take slightly longer as the compressor manages temperature cycling. For many people, the first batch speed is the most important.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Ice Quality
- Bullet ice
- A bit softer than fridge’s cube ices
The Frigidaire EFIC102 produces bullet-shaped ice, also known as hollow cylinder ice. These ice pieces are remarkably thick and chunky, with even the smallest setting producing ice that’s longer and thicker than ice from machines costing twice as much. These ice bullets feature a hollow center and rounded tip, making it ideal for cooling beverages quickly.
Users can choose from two ice sizes: small and large, though some customers note the size difference isn’t dramatic between settings. The ice isn’t crystal clear like premium cube makers produce, but it’s suitable for everyday use in sodas, cocktails, and water.
Ice clarity varies significantly based on water quality and ambient conditions. I made an useful article on “How to make clear ice in ice maker?”, and boiled and filtered water can make difference in aesthetic for your end results.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC103 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. I found the Frigidaire EFIC103 to run at about 150 watts, so the unit uses about 3.7 kWh per day, translating to roughly 14 kWh per 100 pounds of ice produced.
Again, as I wrote many times, you should read my article “Does an ice maker use a lot of water?” to understand the water consumption of most countertop ice makers. To produce 100 pounds of bullet ice, the Frigidaire EFIC103 needs about 12 gallons of water.
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Noise Level
- Quiet operation
Frigidaire EFIC103 has a bigger housing, so it is a bit louder than its brothers, and the Frigidaire portable ice maker operates at about 45 decibels. For context, it is just like a very quite library setting, and I believe you never notice your ice maker working.
Again, I must remind that all ice makers make sound when dropping the ices. It is the nature of a countertop ice maker, as I wrote in “Are countertop ice makers loud?”
Related post: Best ice maker for RV.
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Features
- Has self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
- Adjusts ice size
There is one reason for the Frigidaire EFIC103 to have a different control board from its other siblings, because finally we have the most wanted self-cleaning feature. It is the most necessary feature for an ice maker, in my opinion, to help flush water along the pipe and wash the remaining ice crushes out. If you follow my guide on “How to clean ice maker?”, you can mix a combination of vinegar and warm water for more thorough cleaning.
Other than that, we have a notification for ice full, and another for reminding to add water. These functions are okay, but sometimes the ice sensor isn’t properly working, and it can keep producing ices. I wrote an article “Why is my portable ice maker making too much ice?”, to help you troubleshoot this problem easier.
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
The Frigidaire EFIC103 costs more for a better housing, a necessary self-cleaning function and more ice storage. It really depends on you to decide whether these upgrades justify the price.
For me, I will always choose the Frigidaire EFIC123-SS for being the same but cheaper.
Frigidaire EFIC103 Review: Trusted Review in 2025
Read our Frigidaire EFIC103 review at IceArtisan.com. We evaluate ice size options, build quality, and production speed to see if it’s worth your countertop space.
Product Brand: Frigidaire
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 149
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.4
