If you think the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS is the only attempt at making 2-in-1 countertop ice maker from Frigidaire, you’re dead wrong. The Frigidaire EFIC227 is a simple and more affordable option from the same American brand, and though it has the very same problem, it’s an unique ice maker on its own. Let’s find out, in my Frigidaire EFIC227 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 concept
CONS
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Too expensive
- Bad durability
- Noisy
Frigidaire represents one of American home appliance manufacturing’s most storied names. Founded as Guardian Frigerator Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1916, the company developed the first self-contained refrigerator and caught the attention of General Motors executive William C. Durant, who personally invested in 1918.
Frigidaire ice makers
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Price
- Available to buy now
- Starts at $149
Given its dual functionality that sounds innovative on paper, the Frigidaire EFIC227 needed more than a water dispenser to justify its position in an increasingly competitive countertop ice maker market. Frigidaire needs to find out the real fix for its low durability, given such a high price to own this countertop ice maker.
The Frigidaire EFIC227 launched in December 2018 with an MSRP of $199.99, though pricing has varied considerably since. Currently, when available, the Frigidaire EFIC227 sells for approximately $240 depending on retailer. Some retailers list it as discontinued or out of stock, suggesting inconsistent availability in the market.
It is in the same situation as the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS, where people find the dual function very attractive, but not as practical and affordable as the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS. With the increase in competition for countertop ice makers, it’s hard to recommend the Frigidaire EFIC227, unless you’re really into its ice dispenser concept.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Durability
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Design
- Front control board
- Has ice dispenser function
- Less of cooling grills
The Frigidaire EFIC227 is easily one of the more attractive designs that Frigidaire has created for countertop ice makers, and it projects a modern appliance aesthetic without looking like it belongs exclusively in commercial kitchens.
This design is also a little more compact than the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS, with the engineers using a 16 x 11.5 x 17-inch footprint and not anything larger. With a mass of 22 pounds, this unit is lighter than some competitors like the NewAir AI-100, but only by a few pounds. Even with its compact dimensions, this isn’t anything you’d want to relocate frequently given the water reservoir requirements.
In common with many countertop ice maker designs, to accommodate the internal ice production mechanism, the unit maintains a boxy profile that sits flat on surfaces. Making it possible for the device to nestle under standard cabinets when height clearance permits. To accommodate this placement flexibility, Frigidaire also designed the controls on the front panel that’s easily accessible.
This keeps the stainless steel finish from being hidden and provides quick access to settings, though it does mean the LCD display remains visible during operation – potentially distracting in bedroom or quiet office environments.
The side-mounted access door on the left provides entry to the water reservoir, where you’d fill it manually. The door features a simple hinged design with a basic seal, though the gap around this door raises questions about contamination prevention.
As for the control layout, it’s mostly straightforward. A centrally-positioned LCD display shows status information, with soft-touch buttons for size selection and timer functions flanking the screen. The water dispenser button sits conveniently at the front bottom, with a removable drip tray positioned underneath.
One aspect of the design that we found concerning is that the water compartment lacks proper sealing. The side door allows dust and airborne particles potential access to the reservoir, an issue that sealed top-fill designs avoid.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Build
- Frigidaire has better durability
The construction reveals typical cost management for this price segment: plastic and stainless steel combination, with stainless primarily for aesthetics rather than structure. There must be a reason that we don’t have the abbreviation “SS” in the Frigidaire EFIC227’s name.
Internal components rely heavily on plastic construction. The evaporator fingers, water pump, and connecting mechanisms all use plastic that can degrade with mineral exposure over time.
But still, the Frigidaire EFIC227 is backed by the best countertop ice maker support at the moment, with Frigidaire being very active and available for replacing their units.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Performance
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 26 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 1.3 pounds
From testing previous Frigidaire designs, I expected standard countertop ice maker performance, and the EFIC227 didn’t challenge those expectations.
The 26-pound daily capacity matches what the Euhomy IM-06 and Frigidaire EFIC123-SS deliver, though this sits below the higher-output models that can reach 33-45 pounds daily.
The 6-10 minute cycle time isn’t the most impressive timing I’ve tested. The first batch arrives closer to 10 minutes as the system reaches operating temperature, with subsequent batches settling into an 8-minute rhythm.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Ice Quality
- Bullet ice
- Clarity not as good as the Frigidaire EFIC452-SS
Previously, many Frigidaire ice makers used standard bullet ice production, and the Frigidaire EFIC227 continues this tradition. The bullet-shaped ice has been maintained, with the same hollow-center cylindrical design on each cube.
So it is a very expensive countertop ice maker, costing at least 3 times the Frigidaire EFIC123-SS. The bullet ice design produces cubes that measure approximately 1 inch in length and 0.75 inches in diameter, with the characteristic hollow center accounting for 25-30% of total volume. This hollow core isn’t a defect – it’s intentional, exposing beverages to greater surface area for faster cooling.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC227 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. Countertop ice makers in this category typically consume 100-200 watts during operation, with the Frigidaire EFIC227 likely drawing 150-180 watts based on its dual-function design and comparable models.
Calculating energy consumption reveals the unit requires approximately 1.84 kWh to produce its maximum 26 pounds of daily ice output. This translates to roughly 7.08 kWh per 100 pounds of ice production.
For water consumption, I again remind you what I wrote in my article “Does an ice maker use a lot of water?” Water usage per 100 lbs works out to approximately 12 gallons, aligning with industry averages for air-cooled countertop units.
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Noise Level
- Not quiet operation
While Frigidaire doesn’t publish official decibel ratings, customer reports consistently describe the Frigidaire EFIC227 as “loud” and “intermittently loud,” with some users noting it scares pets.
The noise sources include the compressor, water pump, and most notably, the ice-dropping mechanism. Multiple reviewers cited this as particularly jarring, loud enough to “interfere with TV sound” in open-concept spaces.
Typical countertop ice makers operate at 40-50 dB (comparable to a quiet office or moderate rainfall at 45-50 dB). Based on customer descriptions, the Frigidaire EFIC227’s ice-release events likely spike to 55-60 dB, which is noticeably louder than a refrigerator hum (40-43 dB) but quieter than normal conversation (60 dB).
Related post: Best ice maker for RV.
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Features
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
- Has a timer
The Frigidaire EFIC227 offers LCD display controls with two ice size options (small/large bullet cubes), addressing different beverage needs. The size difference is modest – large cubes measure roughly 20-30% bigger than small. The timer function (0.5-19.5 hour delay) allows scheduled ice production, though practical utility seems limited for most users wanting on-demand ice.
The water dispenser represents the primary differentiation: a bottom-mounted drip tray and push-button delivery from the reservoir. This dual functionality targets small spaces where separate appliances aren’t practical. Automatic shut-off activates when the bin fills or water runs low, preventing overflow and damage. Some customers noted the sensor can be overly sensitive, stopping production prematurely.
Unfortunately, several features found on competitors are missing. No self-cleaning cycle exists, “manual clean” means you drain and wipe yourself.
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
To put it bluntly, this isn’t the most reliable ice maker Frigidaire has made, and the dual-function water dispenser doesn’t compensate for the durability shortcomings.
Frigidaire EFIC227 Review: Trusted Review in 2025
If you think the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS is the only attempt at making 2-in-1 countertop ice maker from Frigidaire, you're dead wrong. The Frigidaire EFIC227 is a simple and more affordable option from the same American brand, and though it has the very same problem, it's an unique ice maker on its own. Let's find out, in my Frigidaire EFIC227 review.
Product Brand: Frigidaire
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 240
Product In-Stock: InStock
1.5
