The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is the start of the design from my favorite Frigidaire portable ice maker – the Frigidaire EFIC121. It’s an appealing ice maker with a stainless steel exterior, together with completely new color scheme from the previous Frigidaire EFIC103. In this Frigidaire EFIC117-SS review, we will find out if the countertop ice maker is the taste you’re after.
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
- It’s more expensive
Frigidaire has been a cornerstone of American kitchens for over 100 years. As a proud member of the Electrolux Group, this trusted brand has consistently delivered appliances that help families waste less and live more efficiently. Their commitment to meaningful innovation shines through their three distinct product series, making reliable home appliances accessible to a broad range of consumers.
Frigidaire ice makers
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Price
- Available to buy now
- Different price based on color option
- Used product is cheaper, but not as good as the Frigidaire EFIC103
As a Frigidaire countertop ice maker, the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS benefits mostly because you can buy directly from Amazon. The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS retails $119, meaning it is $30 more expensive than a Frigidaire EFIC108, which has the same capacity and stainless steel exterior. You can buy used product as well, but I find the Frigidaire EFIC103 as a better option for buying used products, saving you about $7-$10 if you buy them on my deal.
In the competitive landscape of 26-pound daily capacity ice makers, the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is a bit higher in price. It is not as much as the EFIC103 (making it’s reasonable to buy an used EFIC103), but paying more for the same capacity is not always the best practices. But if you’re looking for a deal on my website, you can get one lower. There is a Frigidaire EFIC120 sharing the same product page as the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS, coming with more affordable price than even the best budget ice maker. I think it is a great deal, in all sense of “greatness”.
Otherwise, the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is a direct competitor to the Igloo ICEB33, both from reputable U.S. brands. While the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS offers a more refined design, I believe it’s the higher capacity that ultimately makes it more appealing to most buyers, and the Igloo ICEB33 with bigger ice storage wins.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Durability
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Design
- Portable ice maker
- The same as Frigidaire EFIC121 but has steel coating
The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS innovates the Frigidaire portable ice maker design in a new direction. “Functional” springs to mind when looking at the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS, so it has bigger ventilation and bigger window lid. Remember that the bigger window lid is only available on the silver edition, while the red and pink remains the same lid shape of the previous Frigidaire EFIC101 and Frigidaire EFIC102. For the black model you find on the same product page, it is the Frigidaire EFIC120-SS.
The Frigidaire EFIC117 measures 14.1 inches deep, 9.5 inches wide, and 13 inches high, with a weight of 19.55 pounds. These compact dimensions make it suitable for most countertops while maintaining sufficient capacity for family use. It would easily fit more countertop spaces than its brother – the Frigidaire EFIC103.
So, we have the control board back on top, which is still the better placement. I mean, you don’t want to hold your ice maker every time you look for turning it on, right? And this isn’t the same old control board you will find on budget Frigidaire portable ice makers, because the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS aims to be a premium product that targets people with bigger pockets.
Like I said earlier, the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is the start of the Frigidaire EFIC121, so you can expect bigger air ventilation. It’s not that bigger vents mean better cooling, but the size and shape of the grills are more suitable when you need to clean the ice maker. Steel coating also helps improving the cooling capacity of the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Build
- Frigidaire has better durability
- Metal coating means better shock-resistant
Constructed primarily of stainless steel for the exterior cabinet, the Frigidaire EFIC117 presents a durable facade that resists fingerprints and complements modern kitchen aesthetics. The interior components include food-grade plastics for the water reservoir and ice basket, standard materials for this product category.
Notice that at this price range, the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS only has a metal coating rather than full stainless steel construction. Still, it means better long-term durability for the exterior, though internal components’ longevity depends on usage patterns and maintenance. The evaporator fingers (metal rods where ice forms) are typically the most durable components, while pumps and fans may require eventual replacement with heavy use.
The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is rarely on my work bench, and I find many customers praise the unit’s solid construction and consistent performance over multiple years. After all, don’t forget that this is a Frigidaire countertop ice maker, so you’re backed with real American company. It is a lot better than buying a random no-name countertop ice maker on Amazon, with absolute no warranty.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Performance
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 26 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 1.5 lbs
The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS boasts a daily production capacity of 26 pounds of ice, with a storage capacity of 1.5 pounds in its interior basket. This output places it squarely in the mainstream category for countertop ice makers, matching competitors and its brothers alike. I can safely say that the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is exactly the Frigidaire EFIC121 that I like, in a stainless steel coating exterior.
You will have the first batch of 9 ice cubes in 6-8 minutes, depending on the selected ice size and ambient conditions. This rapid production cycle ensures you’ll have ice ready almost immediately after starting the machine. The 2.1-quart water reservoir provides ample capacity for continuous ice production without frequent refills. Actually the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is among the quickest to make first ice batch, in Frigidaire lineup.
The capacity is staple for a Frigidaire portable ice maker, but make sure you get the cheapest Frigidaire EFIC117-SS, because there are many cheaper Frigidaire countertop ice makers out there, with same performance. For example, the latest Frigidaire EFIC128 is what I would recommend to buy at the moment.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Ice Quality
- Bullet ice
- A bit softer than fridge’s cube ices
The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS produces bullet-shaped ice cubes, a popular ice shape for Frigidaire portable ice makers due to their efficient production process and versatile use. These hollow, cylindrical ice bullets come in two selectable sizes, allowing users to choose between smaller cubes ideal for rapid cooling or larger ones better suited for slower-melting applications.
The bullet ice produced features a characteristic hollow center, which allows for faster freezing but also means quicker melting compared to solid cubes. The ice emerges clear when using filtered water, though tap water with high mineral content may produce cloudier results. Each bullet measures approximately 1 inch in length for the large setting and slightly smaller for the small setting.
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 EFIC117-SS 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. Again, I believe the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is exactly the Frigidaire EFIC121, as it has the same output of 105 watts. To produce 100 pounds of ice, the unit would consume approximately 0.4 kWh of electricity, translating to roughly 16-17 hours of operation at full capacity.
Water consumption for the Frigidaire EFIC117 is efficient due to its recirculating design. The unit recycles melted ice back into the reservoir, minimizing water waste. To produce 100 pounds of ice, the machine would require approximately 12-13 gallons of water, assuming minimal melt-back recycling. I wrote an article of “Does an ice maker use a lot of water?” to explain why a countertop ice maker don’t waste water in anything except for making ices.
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Noise Level
- Quiet operation
Operating at about 39 decibels according to manufacturer specifications, the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS ranks among the quieter countertop ice makers available. To put this in perspective, 39 decibels is comparable to a quiet library or soft whisper, making it suitable for open kitchen layouts or entertainment areas.
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?” It is quite strange for a Frigidaire portable ice maker without any negative reviews online about excessive noise, but the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is one ice maker like this.
Related post: Best ice maker for RV.
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Features
- Has self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
- Adjusts ice size
The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS includes several user-friendly features that enhance its functionality. The LED control panel provides clear indicators for power, ice size selection, “Add Water” alerts, and “Ice Full” notifications. The large transparent window on the lid allows users to monitor ice production without opening the unit.
Two ice size options give users flexibility for different applications. The automatic shut-off feature activates when the ice basket reaches capacity, preventing overflow and saving energy. The unit also includes an ice scoop and requires no installation – simply plug in, add water, and begin making ice.
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is basically the Frigidaire EFIC121 that we love, but it has a metal coating for better durability, and an actual self-cleaning system.
It is also more expensive, so unless you get one good deal from my website, perhaps you should resist the urge to get one. The Frigidaire EFIC123-SS is available, and it does everything you need from the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS.
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Review: Trusted Review in 2025
Read our Frigidaire EFIC117-SS review at IceArtisan.com. We tested its ice speed, stainless steel build, and noise level—see if it’s right for your kitchen or RV.
Product Brand: Frigidaire
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 119
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.6
