The Igloo IGLICEB26-SS is definitely what Igloo try to copy the Frigidaire countertop ice makers, like the Frigidaire EFIC121 released 3 years before. So how does the clone go in the very competitive ice maker market? Let’s find out in today Igloo IGLICEB26-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
- 50% more storage
- Good durability with stainless steel housing
CONS
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Costs higher than competitors
Igloo has been a trusted name in cooling products for over 75 years, establishing itself as a household brand synonymous with portable coolers and ice preservation. Founded in 1947 in Houston, Texas, the company has expanded beyond traditional coolers to include modern appliances like countertop ice makers. Known for manufacturing affordable yet reliable products, Igloo brings decades of cooler expertise to their portable ice maker line, making them a popular choice for consumers looking for convenient ice production at home.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Price
- Available to buy now
- Costs $139 in the U.S market
- Comes with 5 different color options
The Igloo IGLICEB26-SS currently retails for $139, meaning it costs the same as its brother Igloo ICEB33. And don’t be fooled by the name of the model, the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS is as big as the ICEB33, and the internal storage is similar in size, for storing about 2 pounds of ice at the same time.
As its name implies, we will have an Igloo portable ice maker with stainless steel housing. It isn’t new for an American countertop ice maker, the Frigidaire EFIC117-SS and Frigidaire EFIC123-SS both do it a long time ago, and they are on sale. I guess that the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS is looking for a right moment to reduce the base price, so stay tune with my review to get the best deal.
At the moment, the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS faces a very stiff competition, not only from Frigidaire but a lot of Chinese ice maker names with appealing price and same-same design. Even in the same lineup, the Igloo ICEB26HN offer lots of new features that you don’t have with the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS. Unless the price gets better, I currently don’t recommend buying this Igloo countertop ice maker.
Related post: Best ice maker 2025.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Durability
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Design
- A bit bigger than average countertop ice maker
- Has more storage
When I hear the name of the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS, at first I think of a new color version for the Igloo IGLICEB26. I bet everyone will think like me, come on, look at the name. But when I blindly ordered one for my today review, bang, I thought I mistakenly ordered another Frigidaire EFIC121. No, the “Igloo” name is still here.
Design-wise, the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS measures 9.61″L x 14.69″W x 12.4″H, making the Igloo countertop ice maker as big as the Igloo ICEB33. I think naming it as another ICEB33 will not be as optimized as ICEB26, because I find many people are using the term “26-pound countertop ice maker” to look for one product. As a result, the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS keeps its name, despite of its bigger size.
However, I think Igloo makes a fatal mistake, because they make the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS not stand out of the competition at its price, so do you want to buy a more expensive product with the same capacity? Fortunately for them, I have checked the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS capacity in the next section, and results show that the countertop ice maker can store about 50-60% more ice than, said the Igloo IGLICEB26.
Other than that, it looks the same way as the Frigidaire EFIC121: same ventilation design, same large window lid, and same stainless steel feel on the outside. To be precise, the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS even uses the same top control board as other Frigidaire ice maker appliances. I will share you a secret: the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS is indeed imported from the same factory as Frigidaire products.
Related post: Best countertop ice maker.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Build
- Igloo has better durability
- Not a name that needs servicing
The Igloo IGLICEB26-SS features a stainless steel exterior that provides both aesthetic appeal and moderate durability. However, the internal components include plastic parts common in this price range. The transparent viewing window is made of clear plastic, and internal water reservoir components are BPA-free plastic.
While I don’t personally have enough requests for a budget ice maker like the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS (due to my high fee), I have better feeling for an Igloo product: sturdy, durable and reliable. However, if you’re reading the customer reviews, you will find mixed opinions about this Igloo IGLICE26-SS durability. I still believe the problems are mostly from the customers, because the ice maker requires a lot of maintenance (every appliance using water needs high maintenance). Make sure you read my Ice maker FAQ to troubleshoot your appliance.
The Igloo IGLICEB26-SS is sold and supported by Amazon, which are some of the best after-sale customer services I’ve known. You can also contact Nostalgia Products, which is the party responsible for servicing all Igloo small appliances.
Related post: Best undercounter ice maker.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Performance
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Capacity
- Produces up to 33 lbs of ice daily
- Internal storage: 2 lbs
Despite of its name, the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS has the capacity of making up to 33 pounds of ice daily. It can store up to 2 pounds of ice at a time in its removable basket, which is basically the same as the Igloo ICEB33.
For the ice making speed test, the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS isn’t as quick as its brothers, though the difference is negligible. Maybe I need time to “burn-out” my appliance. Still, with my experience, the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS is still a little behind the competition in ice making speed, which is a lot better in the Igloo ICEB26HN or newer Igloo ICEBSC26 Pro.
Related post: Best commercial ice maker.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Ice Quality
- Bullet ice
- A bit softer but cloudier than fridge’s ices
The Igloo IGLICEB26-SS produces bullet-shaped ice cubes, also described as cylinder-shaped or hollow ice cubes. These ice cubes are hollow in the middle, which is characteristic of most portable ice makers using this freezing technology. The machine offers two size options: small and large, though customer reviews note that even the large size is relatively modest.
Igloo’s bullet ice quality can be described with these characters: cloudy and soft. I think they are a bit cloudier than normal, most notably the Frigidaire ice maker, but they remain softer than regular fridge’s ices. People who like their drinks to stay cool for longer can enjoy the bullet ices from the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS.
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. Try this to make your ices last longer.
Related post: Best clear ice maker.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS 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 IGLICEB26-SS operates on 110-120 Volts, 60 Hz, consuming 220 Watts with 2.2 Amps. The result is the same as the Igloo ICEB33.
The Igloo IGLICEB26-SS has water consumption to align with the countertop ice maker standards, using 12 gallons of water to make 100 lbs of ice. More information can be found on this article: “Does an ice maker use a lot of water?”
Related post: Best nugget ice maker.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Noise Level
- Quiet operation
The Igloo IGLICEB26-SS is a quiet ice maker for running between 40-50 decibels, and my tests at average 44.5 decibels. I certainly place it among the quietest ice makers I’ve used and tested. To give you a context, it’s the same noise level as the library or rural areas.
It can make noise when the ice maker dropping ices into basket, but nothing special. I wrote an article of “Do ice makers make a lot of noise?” to explain this more in-depth.
Related post: Best ice maker for RV.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Features
- Lacks self-cleaning feature
- Add water alert, ice full notification
- Adjusts ice size
I don’t know why the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS lacks a self-cleaning feature, despite being debuted just a few years ago. Look at the Igloo ICEB26HN, it does a much better job at keeping up with the competition. For the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS, it lacks so many selling points for the price.
Yeah, it still has the basic countertop ice maker features like the “add water” alert or “ice full” notification. These features are helpful to track the performance of the Igloo IGLICEB26-SS, allow you to achieve the maximum capacity per day of this ice maker. You can also select ice size, which is never important, and many people claimed that the difference is negligible.
Related post: Best budget ice maker.
Verdict
The Igloo IGLICE26-SS is a countertop ice maker with nothing to defend its price tag. If you’re looking for this ice maker from my website, stay out of it, buy the Frigidaire EFIC123-SS instead.
If you must have an Igloo portable ice maker, the Igloo ICEB33 is still the official option for storing 50% more ice than usual.
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS Review: Trusted Review in 2025
Igloo IGLICEB26-SS reviewed by IceArtisan.com! Find out how it performs, what makes it different from other models, and whether it’s a smart buy.
Product Brand: Igloo
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 139
Product In-Stock: InStock
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