Frigidaire EFIC120 Review: Trusted Review by Technician in 2025

Frigidaire EFIC120 Review: Design

• Portable ice maker
• The black Frigidaire EFIC117-SS

The full name of our today ice maker – the Frigidaire EFIC120-BLKSS means a “stainless-steel” ice maker in black color. The Frigidaire EFIC120 measures 14.1 inches deep, 9.5 inches wide, and 12.9 inches high, with a weight of 19.5 pounds (8.85 kg). These dimensions are typical for countertop ice makers in the 26-pound daily production category, fitting comfortably on standard kitchen counters while remaining compact enough for apartments and small kitchens.

The unit features a stainless steel exterior finish in black stainless, providing a modern aesthetic that integrates well with kitchen appliances. It is the same design as the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS, with a different color option. The EFIC117-SS includes a pink and red options, and I found the red version is the most frequently bought Frigidaire portable ice maker.

The Frigidaire EFIC120 has a different control board than a normal budget Frigidaire ice maker, like the Frigidaire EFIC189. The control board adds one more function, so it is a bit larger than the previous one. I still like top-down control board like the Frigidaire EFIC120, because I don’t need to hold the ice maker to press the buttons.

One more thing, the Frigidaire EFIC120 shares the same design as the Frigidaire EFIC121, which I proudly consider as the best budget ice maker. Spending a few dollars more to have a steel housing like the Frigidaire EFIC120 will be acceptable, as I prefer a metal appliance for better shock-resistance.

Related post: Best countertop ice maker.

Frigidaire EFIC120 Review: Build

• Frigidaire has better durability
• Stainless steel coating for even better durability

The Frigidaire EFIC120 features stainless steel construction for the exterior housing, providing durability and corrosion resistance. As a stainless steel appliance manufactured in China by Frigidaire, the unit balances cost-effectiveness with quality materials. Internal components include removable plastic elements like the ice basket and water tube screen, designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Again, I prefer the Frigidaire portable ice maker than a random no-name Chinese ice makers. Not to mention the number of Frigidaire service centers nationwide, the parts to fix a Frigidaire ice maker is more accessible. If you bought a Chinese ice maker, chance is you need to DIY your parts when you need to fix it.

Countertop ice makers aren’t really the ice maker that people would like to fix, especially at its low-end price range. So, buying a durable Frigidaire EFIC120 at even a cheaper price than the Frigidaire EFIC121, it’s too good to be true.

Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.

Frigidaire EFIC120 Review: Capacity

• Produces up to 26 lbs of ice daily
• Internal storage: 1.5 lbs

The Frigidaire EFIC120 is supposed to be just the same as the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS, so it produces up to 26 pounds (11.8 kg) of ice in 24 hours, with an ice storage capacity of 1.5 pounds at a time. The unit makes its first batch of bullet-shaped ice cubes in about 6 minutes, producing 9 pieces per cycle. This production rate places it squarely in the standard capacity range for countertop ice makers.

In my testing, the Frigidaire EFIC120 is a bit slower than both the EFIC117-SS and the Frigidaire EFIC121, which is not a surprise because all samples of appliances vary. But the difference is too small, as you can see in the below chart.

Related post: Best commercial ice maker.

Frigidaire EFIC120 Review: Ice Quality

• Bullet ice
• A bit softer than fridge’s cube ices

The Frigidaire EFIC120 produces bullet-shaped ice cubes in two selectable sizes: small and large. Bullet ice is characterized by its cylindrical shape with a hollow center and rounded tip, designed to prevent cubes from sticking together while melting more slowly than solid cubes. The Frigidaire model produces some of the largest, thickest bullet ice found in countertop ice makers, with substantial density that performs well in beverages.

I found a great review for the ice quality of the Frigidaire EFIC120, noting that the bullet ices are “large and solid enough that they don’t melt too quickly when you add vodka or whiskey”. Though in my experience, the bullet ices are far from the level of the best clear ice maker can do, but hey, the Frigidaire EFIC120 is under $100, remember that.

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. Try this to make your ices last longer.

Related post: Best clear ice maker.

Frigidaire EFIC120 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 Frigidaire EFIC120 operates with a power consumption of 90-120 watts, which calculates to approximately 2.16-2.88 kWh per 100 pounds of ice production (based on 26 pounds daily output over 24 hours).

Water consumption for the Frigidaire EFIC120 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 EFIC120 Review: Noise Level

• Quiet operation

The Frigidaire EFIC120 features an “extremely quiet design” that runs at about 40 decibels. According to independent testing, some customers generally find it “pretty quiet” and suitable for open-plan living areas where noise could be problematic. To put this in perspective, 40 decibels is as quiet as a typical library (40 dB) and significantly quieter than normal conversation (60 dB) or a standard refrigerator (40-45 dB).

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 EFIC120 Review: Features

• Has self-cleaning feature
• Add water alert, ice full notification
• Adjusts ice size

One thing we can conclude from the name of the Frigidaire EFIC120-BLKSS-SC is that it has self-cleaning function (the “SC” part), which is also the best part of this ice maker. It helps the weekly cleaning process a lot, and if the Frigidaire EFIC120 continues to keep the price to be that good, I will perhaps buy one soon (the Frigidaire EFIC121 on sale is usually $20 cheaper than the Frigidaire EFIC120, so it’s $20 for a self-cleaning feature).

Additional features include digital LED controls for user-friendly operation and bullet-shaped ice production in two different sizes. The unit features a large transparent window allowing users to monitor ice production and levels.

Functional indicators include alerts when the ice basket is full and notifications when water levels are low, ensuring efficient operation. The control panel provides straightforward electronic controls with LED indicators for power, ice size selection, and status monitoring. An ice shovel is included with the unit for convenient ice handling.

Related post: Best budget ice maker.