Frigidaire Gallery EFIC201 Review: Trusted Review by Technician in 2025

Frigidaire EFIC201 Review: Design

• Most compact Frigidaire nugget ice maker
• 3 color options

The Frigidaire EFIC201 is a step in the right direction. Typically, a nugget ice maker is too large for a standard countertop, so creating a smaller version is a smart move. It inherits its core design from the Frigidaire EFIC255, which itself was based on the Frigidaire EFIC235.

The drawer-style design of the Frigidaire EFIC201 makes it much more convenient to retrieve ice, especially compared to older Frigidaire nugget ice makers that are too tall to scoop ice from the top. This is a common issue if you design the Frigidaire EFIC201 the same as top-loading models like the Frigidaire EFIC121 or Frigidaire EFIC123-SS.

The Frigidaire EFIC201 measures 13.8″ x 9.4″ x 14.8″ and weighs 21.1 pounds. These compact dimensions allow it to fit under most kitchen cabinets – a real advantage over taller models like the 20.25″ Frigidaire EFIC255. It is not as light as its competitor, the Euhomy IM-12, which is currently the most portable nugget ice maker on the market.

But Frigidaire is generous with color options, offering three different choices for the Frigidaire EFIC201. My testing unit is the black version, but I found both the navy and grey options to be quite appealing. In my opinion, Frigidaire nugget ice makers are designed to look more premium than their competitors, even compared to their flagship models.

If you love the Frigidaire EFIC255 like me, you will enjoy the compact model Frigidaire EFIC201. It is basically the mini EFIC255, using the same color options.

Related post: Best countertop ice maker.

Frigidaire EFIC201 Review: Build

• Frigidaire has better durability
• Back to plastic housing

The Frigidaire EFIC201 is a mix of plastic and stainless steel in its construction, but unlike the Frigidaire EFIC255, it has more plastic on it. It is reasonable for its price tag, and normally I don’t really have a problem with a plastic appliance – it has the same durability and it is easier to touch, thank you.

Based on my technician experience, the build quality of Frigidaire ice makers is consistently better than that of other countertop ice maker brands. Small appliances that generate a lot of heat, like ice makers, are usually prone to malfunction, but Frigidaire units tend to have a lower failure rate. Considering they also sell about two to three times more units than competitors like Euhomy, that’s a very impressive track record.

One thing I consider a plus for the Frigidaire EFIC201 is that Frigidaire actually has physical service centers nationwide. If your ice maker has a problem, you don’t have to wait two or three extra days for standard mail service. For that reason alone, I always review Frigidaire ice makers with a bit more confidence in their reliability.

Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.

Frigidaire EFIC201 Review: Capacity

• Produces up to 33 lbs of ice daily
• Internal storage: 3 lbs

The Frigidaire EFIC201 produces 33 pounds of nugget ice daily, which sounds less than its competitor, the Euhomy IM-16. You may consider saving more money buying the Euhomy IM-12, which delivers the same daily capacity. However, you should notice storage-wise, the Frigidaire EFIC201 can hold up to 3 pounds of nugget ice at once, which is significantly more than Euhomy units. Since nugget ice doesn’t need to maintain a perfect shape to be practical, having a larger amount ready at once is a big advantage.

But the Frigidaire EFIC201 doesn’t produce nugget ice as quick as the Euhomy IM-12, which is always my benchmark for making super quick nugget ices. As a result, if you want quick ice on the go, the Frigidaire EFIC201 isn’t the best option. It usually takes 15 minutes to make nugget ices.

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Frigidaire EFIC201 Review: Ice Quality

• Nugget ice
• A bit harder, but slower melt rate

The Frigidaire EFIC201 still delivers the same nugget ice quality as the previous Frigidaire EFIC255. Frigidaire’s nugget ice isn’t on par with top-tier brands like Scotsman – it’s noticeably harder, but still chewable. From what I’ve seen, harder nugget ice is fairly common in this price range.

However, the harder nugget ice also means it melts more slowly. If you want your ice to keep smoothies cold for longer, go with Frigidaire nugget ice!

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Frigidaire EFIC201 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 EFIC201 has a rated power of 192 watts, which is a bit higher than its competitors, notably the Euhomy IM-12.

I wrote an article of “Does an ice maker use a lot of water?” to explain that a countertop ice maker don’t waste water on nothing but making ice, so you can expect about 12 gallons of water to produce 100 pounds of ice, and the ratio is nearly 1:1.

Related post: Best nugget ice maker.

Frigidaire EFIC201 Review: Noise Level

• Quiet operation

Noise level is usually higher on nugget ice makers than bullet ice makers, and the Frigidaire EFIC201 can keep the noise about 50-55 dB. That’s for my testing units, but I found some reviews saying their unit can be as high as 60 dB. For context, my Frigidaire EFIC201 is around the noise level of quiet place, but others are the same as normal conversation.

You may wonder why the noise level is higher on a nugget ice maker, it’s due to fundamental differences in their ice-making mechanisms and the complexity of their operations.

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?”

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Frigidaire EFIC201 Review: Features

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

The Frigidaire EFIC201 is one of the most expensive countertop ice makers from Frigidaire, so it’s no surprise that it includes a self-cleaning feature. While the feature is useful for regular maintenance, a full disassembly and manual cleaning is still recommended at least twice a year for optimal performance.

Frigidaire keeps the simple control board for the Frigidaire EFIC201, so you will have only that self-cleaning feature, and two LED notifications to remind you when you’re short of water, or you need to remove ice for next production.

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