My Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 review found a stylish, competent nugget ice maker that’s able to last for many years at your home. The Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 is truly the mid-range nugget ice maker that connects the gap between a solid budget entry Euhomy IM-12 and a restaurant-quality GE Profile Opal 2.0. Let’s find out.
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 price
- Great durability
CONS
- Quite big
Frigidaire has been a household name in American appliances for over a century. Founded in 1916 as the Guardian Frigerator Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the brand pioneered the first self-contained refrigerator. After being acquired by General Motors in 1918 and later sold to White Consolidated Industries in 1979, Frigidaire is now owned by Swedish multinational Electrolux, which purchased the company in 1986.
Frigidaire ice makers
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Review: Price
- Available to buy now
- Has 2 color options
- Starts at $299
The Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 (we will call it Frigidaire EFIC255 for short) is the revision of the old and famous Frigidaire EFIC235 – which is the pioneer in home countertop nugget ice maker. Or at least, the best nugget ice maker you can find in 2025. I mean one of them, but you can’t ignore the Frigidaire EFIC255.
It is succeeded by the Frigidaire EFIC201, but the Frigidaire EFIC255 is still the benchmark of Frigidaire nugget ice making, thanks to its very high daily capacity, top-notch countertop ice maker durability and Frigidaire customer service. For that alone, you are happy to pay more than the best budget Euhomy IM-12.
The Frigidaire EFIC255 costs $299, which isn’t exactly cheap compared to typical countertop bullet ice makers. It’s not a new model, but since the ice maker industry moves slowly, you shouldn’t expect another revision anytime soon. Still, I believe the Frigidaire EFIC255 includes all the essential modern features an ice maker should have.
When compared to its main rivals, the Frigidaire EFIC255 sits in an interesting middle ground. The GE Profile Opal 2.0, widely considered the gold standard, typically runs $150 more at $449. Meanwhile, budget options like the Euhomy nugget ice maker can be found for $200. This makes the Frigidaire a compelling option for those who want better build quality than entry-level models without the premium price of high-end units.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Review: Durability
Frigidaire EFIC255 Review: Design
- Quite big appliance
- 2 color options
At 16.75″ D x 11.75″ W x 20.25″ H and weighing 30.65 pounds, the Frigidaire EFIC255 strikes a balance between capacity and countertop friendliness. I appreciate that it fits comfortably under standard kitchen cabinets – something not all nugget ice makers can claim. However, it isn’t as compact as the Frigidaire EFIC201, and will struggle if you’re using it in narrow spaces.
The two color options – cream and navy – offer more variety than most competitors. I tested the navy model, and the matte finish resists fingerprints better than the glossy surfaces common on cheaper units. The contemporary design language feels modern without being overly trendy, suggesting it won’t look dated in a few years.
This is an air-cooled system, standard for countertop models, which means it vents heat from the sides and back. The cooling system effectively manages the compression cycle needed for nugget ice production, though it does generate noticeable ambient heat during operation – something to consider if you’re placing it in an already warm kitchen.
The transparent window on top provides visibility into the ice bin, though without an internal light, checking ice levels in darker kitchens can be challenging. The aesthetic appeal is undeniable – this machine looks more like a premium coffee maker than a typical ice maker that is thought to be the same as a Frigidaire EFIC121.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC255 Review: Build
- Frigidaire has better durability
- Back to plastic housing
The Frigidaire EFIC255 combines stainless steel and high-grade plastic components in its construction. I have to say, this is one of the most durable countertop ice makers I’ve ever used, and I’ve seen a lot of them. If you’re looking for an ice maker that’s built to last, go for Frigidaire.
Like all other countertop ice makers available today, the Frigidaire EFIC255 comes with only a 1-year warranty. For a $299 appliance, that feels a bit subpar, but that’s just how the market currently operates. Thankfully, you can add extended coverage through Amazon’s protection plan. Or, if you’re familiar with ice maker care, proper maintenance will go a long way, and the Frigidaire EFIC255 will definitely prove to be a worthwhile investment.
The Frigidaire EFIC255 has sold well, and based on the data available, most customer reviews are positive. With physical service centers located nationwide, it’s easy to take your EFIC255 in for a quick fix if needed, which adds to its overall reliability and appeal.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Review: Performance
Frigidaire EFIC255 Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 44 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 3 lbs
The Frigidaire EFIC255 lives up to its claimed 44-pound daily production capacity. The 3-pound (2.5-quart) storage bin fills completely in approximately 3 hours during continuous operation. You may wonder why the Frigidaire EFIC255 has the same storage as the Frigidaire EFIC201, can make more ice per day? The answer is simple, the Frigidaire EFIC255 produces more ice each time.
The hourly production rate averages 1.83 pounds, putting it on par with competitors in this price range. First batch speed test shows that the Frigidaire EFIC255 is a bit on average among Frigidaire nugget ice makers, but the difference is negligible. If you value the ice maker that has the best stats, perhaps the Frigidaire EFIC165 is the winner.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC255 Review: Ice Quality
- Nugget ice
- A bit harder, but slower melt rate
The Frigidaire EFIC255 produces the signature Frigidaire nugget ice with a distinctive texture. It’s slightly harder and more compact if you take the GE Profile Opal 2.0 as the standard. It’s still not the same quality as top-tier brands like Scotsman, but it also melt more slower.
One thing that I consider everything countertop ice maker but GE Profile Opal 2.0 and KBIce 3.0, when producing nugget ice, is a bit substandard is its irregular cylindrical shape. They’re not perfectly uniform like the Opal’s round pellets. But still, the Frigidaire nugget ice is praised by many different users, somehow for its “variation”.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC255 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 EFIC255 has a rated power of 200 watts, which is quite the standards for nugget ice makers. Modern nugget ice makers like the Euhomy IM-12 draw less energy, but the compressor isn’t as durable as the Frigidaire.
For water consumption, it is pretty normal for a countertop ice maker to use 12-15 gallons of water to produce 100 pounds of ice, so the ratio is nearly 1:1. I explained in this article “Does an ice maker use a lot of water?”
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC255 Review: Noise Level
- Quiet operation
A nugget ice maker is usually louder than a typical bullet ice maker, and the Frigidaire EFIC255 isn’t an exception. You will find the noise from multiple sources, the compressor’s steady hum, the auger mechanism grinding ice, and the periodic dropping of nuggets into the bin. Most of the time, the Frigidaire EFIC255 has a noise level of 55 decibels, which is pretty normal.
The noise level is nowhere near as loud as my coffee maker, so I don’t see it as an issue. For context, 55 dB is about the same as the ambient noise in a quiet public place.
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 EFIC255 Review: Features
- Has self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
- Adjusts ice size
Like all current ice makers at this price range, the Frigidaire EFIC255 features a self-cleaning function. You can run it for 20 minutes and effectively removes mineral buildup when used regularly with proper cleaning solutions or just simple vinegar and warm water combination. This automated maintenance is crucial for longevity and ice quality.
Other than that, we have a simple control board with two buttons, and two LEDs to remind when to add more water (to keep producing more ice) and when ice full (again, to keep producing more ice).
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
The Frigidaire EFIC255 is a significant upgrade over a simple bullet ice maker, and you should consider paying extra over the Euhomy IM-12 if you believe in the ice maker’s durability. Yes, it’s a beast for its durability.
However, for what it’s worth, you will get your soft, chewable nugget ice. It isn’t the best nugget ice you can chew, but it is far from the worst.
Frigidaire EFIC255 Review: Trusted Review in 2025
Frigidaire EFIC255 review at IceArtisan.com! We tested its dual ice size options, fast production rate, and stainless steel design to see how it performs daily.
Product Brand: Frigidaire
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 299
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.5
