The Frigidaire EFIC245-SS may not be the ice maker you would buy right now, but for those who own and use one, it is a quite troublesome ice maker with many problems. Okay, get ready for a very unique ice maker, in my today Frigidaire EFIC245-SS 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
- Problem with design
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Bad durability
Frigidaire has been a household name since 1916, when it pioneered the first self-contained refrigerator. Originally owned by General Motors from 1918 to 1979, the brand is now part of Sweden’s Electrolux family. The ice makers bearing the Frigidaire name are manufactured under license by Curtis International, a company with over 30 years in the consumer electronics and appliance distribution business.
Frigidaire ice makers
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC245-SS Review: Price
- Available to buy now
- Starts at $349
Jumping into the 3-in-1 ice maker market, Frigidaire positions the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS at a premium price point of around $349 at major retailers like Amazon. That’s a significant investment for a countertop appliance, especially when you consider that customers buy a nugget ice maker at just half the price, like what you can with the Frigidaire EFIC201 or Euhomy IM-12.
The launch timing and pricing strategy seem particularly puzzling when you compare it to established competitors. The GE Profile Opal 2.0, widely considered the gold standard in nugget ice makers, produces 38 pounds daily with smart features and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Frigidaire EFIC245-SS cuts a few corner for a cheaper price and an ice dispenser, something that I would like to use my KBIce 3.0 more.
To be fair, the Frigidaire does offer unique 3-in-1 functionality that sets it apart. You’re getting an ice maker, ice crusher, and water dispenser in one unit. However, at this price point, I expected better execution and reliability. The market positioning feels like Frigidaire is banking on brand recognition rather than delivering exceptional value.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC245-SS Review: Durability
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS Review: Design
- Bigger than most Frigdaire Gallery ice makers
- Has one color: black
The Frigidaire EFIC245-SS measures 17.8 inches tall, 13.4 inches wide, and 17.7 inches deep, making it a substantial presence on any countertop. At 19 pounds, it’s heavier than most portable ice makers, and this heft gives you a feeling of better build quality. The stainless steel exterior looks premium at first glance, but closer inspection reveals it has more plastic than
Unlike sleeker competitors that have embraced modern minimalist design, this Frigidaire plays it safe with traditional styling. The black and stainless steel combination feels dated compared to the all-stainless or matte finishes trending in kitchen appliances. The unit’s bulky footprint means you’ll need dedicated counter space, as it’s not something you’ll want to move frequently.
The air-cooled system relies on proper ventilation, so you’ll need clearance around all sides. This further limits placement options in cramped kitchens. The black plastic is okay for a countertop ice maker, but I really don’t like this color combination. It looks cheap, and feels cheap.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS Review: Build
- This time, Frigidaire has a bad product
I usually praise the high quality of Frigidaire ice makers like a true fanboy, and I still believe their quality is far better than the current influx of cheap models from China. However, this time I cannot vouch for the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS’s durability. It falls short, mainly because it has too many failure points it cannot overcome.
This is where the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS truly disappoints. The internal components appear particularly vulnerable. Water pumps fail, causing leaks that can damage countertops. The ice crushing mechanism, while innovative, adds complexity that translates to more potential failure points. Based on construction quality and user reports, I’d estimate a 2-3 year lifespan under normal use – disappointing for a $459 investment.
Material choices prioritize cost over longevity. The ice bin and internal components use thin plastics that crack under thermal stress. The warranty coverage of just one year suggests even Frigidaire lacks confidence in long-term reliability.
The ratio of durability-related complaints to total reviews sits at approximately 40%, significantly higher than the 15-20% I typically see in quality ice makers. Many units fail within the first year – just outside the warranty period.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC245-SS Review: Performance
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 33 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 2 pounds
The Frigidaire EFIC245-SS produces up to 33 pounds of ice in 24 hours, which sounds impressive until you consider real-world performance. The 2-pound storage bin fills quickly but lacks proper insulation, meaning you’ll need to transfer ice frequently to prevent melting. However, the hopper of the ice maker is not really good, and sometimes it can block the ice maker, stopping ice production soon.
First batch timing clocks in at 17 minutes, a bit slower than other Frigidaire nugget ice makers like the Frigidaire EFIC255. The machine produces 16 ice cubes per cycle in two selectable sizes.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS Review: Ice Quality
- Nugget ice and bullet ice
- Cloudy, harder than normal Frigidaire nugget ices
Here’s where things get interesting – and not in a good way. The Frigidaire EFIC245-SS produces both bullet-shaped ice cubes and chewable nugget ices. Using two different ice-making methods not only makes the EFIC245-SS more prone to failure, it also compromises ice quality. If you’re after nugget ice, the nugget ice quality of the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS isn’t what you should take.
It is noticeably cloudier than typical nugget ice and also harder. The crusher mechanism on the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS is not well made, and I often find inconsistent chunks that are too hard to chew. It works well at first, but if you don’t let the unit thaw occasionally, the blades can jam as slush builds up and sticks to them.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS 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. I recorded the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS to have high power consumption up to 400W, meaning it costs you more than double the energy consumption of a normal ice maker.
Water consumption calculations reveal approximately 12-15 gallons needed per 100 pounds of ice production, depending on the ices you get. It is normal for an ice maker.
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS Review: Noise Level
- Not quiet operation
If you value peace and quiet, look elsewhere. The Frigidaire EFIC245-SS generates significant noise during operation, likely in the 60-70 dB range based on user complaints. That’s comparable to a loud conversation or busy restaurant – far from the 35-45 dB achieved by quiet models.
To put this in perspective, a typical refrigerator operates around 43 dB – barely noticeable in most kitchens. At likely double that volume, the Frigidaire EFIC245-SS will be an annoying appliance.
Related post: Best ice maker for RV.
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS Review: Features
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
- Adjusts ice size
The 3-in-1 functionality represents the Frigidaire’s main selling point, combining ice making, crushing, and water dispensing. While it is innovative on paper, in reality it is problematic. The shared water reservoir means ice production stops when dispensing water. The crusher works intermittently and requires frequent maintenance to prevent jamming.
Basic LED indicators show power, ice full, and add water status – nothing revolutionary. The lack of self-cleaning functionality at this price point is non-acceptable. Competitors like the Euhomy and Costway nugget makers include one-touch cleaning cycles at half the price.
Water line hookup capability adds convenience for continuous operation. However, customers noting the ice melts too fast and takes up significant counter space suggest the stationary installation might not suit everyone.
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
The Frigidaire EFIC245-SS tries to differentiate itself through 3-in-1 functionality but fails to excel at any single function. At $349, you’re paying premium prices for subpar performance, questionable reliability, and yesterday’s features. The poor build quality and numerous user complaints about failures within the first year make this impossible to recommend.
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS Review: Trusted Review in 2025
Read our Frigidaire EFIC245-SS review at IceArtisan.com. Learn how it performs on nugget and cube ice quality, reliability, and ease of use for everyday needs.
Product Brand: Frigidaire
Product Price: 349
Product In-Stock: InStock
1.8
