The Igloo ICEBNH26 is a traditional ice maker from Igloo, just like the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS after it, to copy the well-known design from its biggest competitor – the Frigidaire EFIC101. It’s certainly not a fancy thing, it just wants to be a normal countertop ice maker. I’m curious to know why you end up reading my today Igloo ICEBNH26 review, but still, the Igloo ICEBNH26 is a decent ice maker on its own, if you happen to own one.
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
- Has self-cleaning feature
- Good durability
CONS
- Too expensive
- Discontinued
Since 1947, Igloo has been synonymous with cooling innovation, evolving from simple ice chests to sophisticated portable appliances. The Texas-based company has established itself as a household name in outdoor recreation and home cooling solutions. Their foray into countertop ice makers brings decades of expertise in temperature control to the convenience of modern kitchen appliances.
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Price
- Available to buy now, but not directly sold by Amazon
- Costs $149 in the U.S market
- Comes with 3 different color options
The Igloo ICEBNH26 is a very old product of Igloo, one thing that the company doesn’t produce, distribute and service anymore. If I am not an ice maker technician and have a few days repairing an old Igloo ICEBNH26, I will ignore this Igloo portable ice maker forever.
Surprisingly, the Igloo ICEBNH26 can still be found online, but remember that it is not sold by Amazon anymore. The price of the Igloo ICEBNH26 starts at $149, which is unacceptable by my beloved Ice Artisan readers for a simple 26-pound countertop ice maker in 2025. But I need to explain, this price tag reflects the MSRP of the product, back on the day it was released.
Still, I don’t recommend buying this Igloo ICEBNH26. It’s far more expensive for what it can give, while its modern brothers – the Igloo IGLICEB26, Igloo ICEBSC26 Pro and Igloo ICEB26HN – all can do the same job, have even better durability and finally, a better price tag. I don’t think we want to compare our today Igloo ICEBNH26 with other competitors, because it loses the right in its family.
Again, if you’re looking for the best budget ice maker, the Frigidaire EFIC123-SS remains my top pick.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Durability
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Design
- Copies the design of the older Frigidaire EFIC101, with different color
- Quite similar to the Igloo ICEB26HN, but don’t make mistake with the names
- Multiple color options
To be the Igloo of 2025 with one-of-its-kind designs, like from the Igloo IGLICEB26, Igloo ICEB33 and the latest Igloo ICEBSC26 Pro, the company must first test with traditional countertop ice maker design. And here we are the Igloo ICEBNH26, which resembles the Frigidaire EFIC101 and Frigidaire EFIC102 very much.
The Igloo ICEBNH26 measures 12.2″D x 9.06″W x 12.8″H and weighs 14.33 pounds, again is the same size and shape as other Frigidaire products. Perhaps the only thing you can tell them apart is that the Igloo ICEBNH26 uses blue as its main color option. For the red and gray options, if I hide the label name, I bet that you can’t tell an Igloo or Frigidaire ice maker apart.
That’s it, nothing extraordinary about this Igloo ICEBNH26. A simple countertop ice maker for its design, but how about its performance?
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Build
- Igloo has better durability
- Not a name that needs servicing
The Igloo ICEBNH26 is an old product, but my friend told me that it has served him for 3 years. I mean, it’s decent for a build of a budget countertop ice maker, and I can see it is truly the Igloo portable ice maker by feeling its build and construction. It’s sturdy, and the compressor is definitely from Igloo, so it’s reliable as well.
However, remember that this countertop ice maker is not on the service list of Igloo anymore. If you’re buying the Igloo ICEBNH26, even from my website, make sure you will live with that the same way as other no-name Chinese ice makers. In another word, don’t break your countertop ice maker, or it’s disposable.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Performance
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 26 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 1.5 lbs
The Igloo ICEBNH26 had only a few days on my working bench, but it showed off a decent capacity. The Igloo ICEBNH26 produces 26 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period with 9 ice cubes ready for each batch. It is standard, but perhaps because it’s an old unit, I find its first batch speed a bit longer than other Igloo countertop ice makers. The result is showing in my below chart.
For next batches, the speed is slow too, so I don’t think that it can keep up with making up to 26 pounds of ice per day. New units will always be better, however, especially when my testing unit was a faulty one that I need to fix it beforehand.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Ice Quality
- Bullet ice
- A bit softer but cloudier than fridge’s ices
The Igloo ICEBNH26 produces bullet-shaped ice, which are cylindrical with a rounded tip and hollow center. You can choose from small or large ice cube sizes, depending on different beverage usages. The hollow bullet design allows for faster freezing times but results in ice that melts more quickly than solid cubes.
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.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Igloo ICEBNH26 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 Igloo ICEBNH26 operates at 120 Watts, 2 Amps, placing it in the moderate energy consumption range for portable ice makers. It would take approximately 0.46 kWh of electricity, or 11.08 kWh per 100 lbs of ice production.
Water consumption calculations are the same as other countertop ice makers that’re making bullet ices. The Igloo ICEBNH26 need about 12 gallons of water to make 100 pounds of ice. Nothing special, you can read my article “Does an ice maker use a lot of water?” for better explanation.
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Noise Level
- Quiet operation
In a few days of testing the Igloo ICEBNH26, I find the Igloo ICEBNH26 a bit louder, perhaps because it’s an old used model. The noise level of the Igloo ICEBNH26 is about 50 decibels, tops at 65 decibels when it dropped ices, which is okay for a countertop ice maker.
Based on customer reviews, the noise level of the Igloo ICEBNH26 is in the 45-50 decibel range, similar to a modern refrigerator. It is good for a countertop ice maker, though it is not as good as modern portable ice makers at the maker, for example the Igloo ICEBSC26 Pro.
Related post: Best ice maker for RV.
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Features
- Has self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
- Adjusts ice size
The Igloo ICEBNH26 is surprisingly packing full of features for a portable ice maker. It has the necessary self-cleaning feature, making it easy to use and clean. The LED-lighted control panel alerts you when you need to add water and when the ice basket is full, providing essential operational feedback.
We can think of the Igloo ICEBNH26 as a full-feature portable ice maker, but still, it costs nearly double the price of a modern countertop ice maker that feature the same, and run better.
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
The Igloo ICEBNH26 is a decent countertop ice maker, but it is old, and it is expensive for no reason.
It is discontinued, so I believe one day you won’t find one to buy anymore.
Igloo ICEBNH26 Review: Trusted Review in 2025
Read our Igloo ICEBNH26 review at IceArtisan.com. We test its ice-making speed, handle design, and self-cleaning feature to see if it’s travel-ready and efficient.
Product Brand: Igloo
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 149
Product In-Stock: InStock
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