Kitchen Problem Solvers

 

Few kitchen appliances deliver quite the quality-of-life improvement of a countertop ice maker when you need it. No more twisting stubborn ice cube trays. No more running to the store for a bag. No more waiting for the freezer's built-in ice maker to catch up after a full glass. You want ice now — and in 6 minutes or less, you have it.

“Fresh ice in minutes, whenever you need it.”
The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker produces ice quickly in a space-saving design, making it perfect for kitchens, offices, RVs, parties, and everyday use.  Upgrade your home today with this Countertop Ice Maker.

The Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker is one of the most popular and well-reviewed models in this category, with a 4.4-star average across over 16,900 Amazon reviews and a KitchenGearDude editorial score of 91.6/100. It's compact (12"D × 11"W × 14.5"H), produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day in 5–6 minute cycles, and comes in Black, Blue, and Silver finishes.

It also has a few specific characteristics that buyers consistently mention when they wish they'd known beforehand — about ice storage, about maintenance, and about a subset of owner reports that deserve direct, honest treatment. This review gives you the full picture before you decide.

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Quick Specifications at a Glance

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The Core Experience: Fast Ice With Zero Installation

This little countertop icemaker has come in handy on several occasions when our ice maker failed. Unexpected company drop by, no need to run to the store to grab a bag of ice anymore, just turn this little machine on and let it work its magic.

With a capacity of producing 26lbs of ice in a 24-hour period, this machine keeps up with our ice needs effortlessly.

The EFIC128AMZBLK's fundamental promise is simple: plug it in, fill with water, and get a batch of 9 ice cubes in 5–6 minutes, with the machine cycling continuously until the basket fills up. For households that don't have a built-in refrigerator ice maker — or whose built-in maker can't keep pace with summer entertaining or daily ice use — this delivers immediate, meaningful convenience.

In as little as six minutes, you can have fresh ice ready to cool your beverages. This quick turnaround time is perfect for spontaneous parties or when you simply need ice in a hurry.

The two-size LED selector gives you control between smaller cubes (faster to produce, more suited for cocktails) and larger cubes (slower to produce, melt less quickly in drinks). Both sizes are the hollow bullet-shaped ice typical of countertop ice makers — softer and more porous than solid freezer ice, with a slightly different melt rate and texture.

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Physical Design: Compact, Transparent, and Footprint-Friendly

This thing is small — about 13 x 11 x 12.5 inches — so it doesn't hog counter space. I've got ours parked at the end of the counter out of the way. The black finish looks sharp, and there's a big window on top so you can peek at the ice piling up.

The compact dimensions of 13 x 11 x 12.5 inches make it easy to place on our countertop without taking up too much space. Its sleek black finish adds a touch of elegance to our kitchen decor.

The transparent window is a thoughtful design detail that removes the need to open the lid repeatedly to check ice levels — you can see at a glance whether the basket is filling up or needs to be emptied. This also helps in planning: when you see the basket approaching full, it's time to transfer ice to your freezer before the machine's ice-full sensor triggers a pause.

The Black (AMZBLK) finish is distinctly modern in appearance, while the Silver and Blue variants offer lighter aesthetics for different kitchen colour schemes. All three are functionally identical.

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The Most Important Thing to Understand: This Is a Producer, Not a Freezer

The listing explicitly states the machine is designed to produce ice, not to store it, and warns the unit does not keep ice frozen once made. Owners echo this: freshly made ice from this type of countertop machine will melt faster than ice stored in a freezer.

This is the single most common source of buyer confusion and occasional disappointment, and it deserves the most prominent treatment in any honest review.

The Frigidaire EFIC128's basket is insulated but not refrigerated. The machine keeps the ambient temperature inside the basket cool, but ice placed in it will gradually melt — particularly in warm kitchen environments. The melt water drains back into the reservoir and the machine makes more ice, creating a self-replenishing cycle during continuous active use. But this also means:

• You cannot stockpile ice for later use by simply leaving it in the basket. Ice left unattended for several hours in a warm kitchen will melt significantly.
• For events and parties, the correct workflow is: run the machine starting 1–2 hours before guests arrive, transfer produced ice to a cooler or your freezer as the basket fills, and keep the machine running for continuous production during the event.
• For daily beverage use, the "make ice on demand" approach is ideal — start the machine when you want ice, scoop it for your drink, and leave the rest in the basket.

The practical work-around most buyers described is transferring batches to the freezer if you need longer-lasting ice for outdoor use or a long party.

Once you understand this operating model, the EFIC128 fits naturally into the daily kitchen workflow. It is not an ice reserve — it is an ice tap.

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Speed and Output: The Real Numbers

Generating 26lbs of ice per day in 5–6 minute cycles, this machine recycles unused water to continually produce fresh ice cubes.

The 26 lb/day figure is the rated maximum under ideal conditions (ambient temperature around 70°F, water temperature around 50°F, running continuously). Real-world production is typically 20–24 lbs/day in a normal kitchen environment during summer.

In practical terms: a typical household that uses ice primarily for beverages uses 3–5 lbs of ice per day. The EFIC128 produces 5–7× that amount at real-world rates, meaning the basket will fill up several times over a day's continuous operation — far more ice than most households need.

Several owner reports say it's perfect for a family of four for regular daily drinks and for small weekend parties of roughly 5–7 people. Multiple owners explicitly warn not to expect it to fill large coolers or serve large parties without repeated cycles and frequent transfers to a freezer.

One speed nuance worth noting: first batches or some cycles can take longer (owner reports range from under five minutes to around eight or nine minutes for initial batches). The machine runs slightly slower when the components are cold from first start, and slightly slower in hot ambient conditions. The 5–6 minute cycle time is accurate once the machine has been running for 10–15 minutes.

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Noise Level: Background Hum, Not Silence

A consistent owner theme is that the ice maker makes audible noise — described as a medium noise level or a background fan-like sound. Some owners describe it as "not overly loud," while others note the compressor and harvest cycle sound is noticeable but acceptable. The listing does not provide a decibel rating.

The noise profile has two components: a consistent compressor hum during the cooling cycle, and a brief louder clatter when the ice harvest cycle drops completed cubes into the basket. The compressor hum is continuous but at a level most users describe as similar to a small refrigerator. The harvest clatter is brief and intermittent.

For open-plan kitchens where the machine would be in the same space as a TV or conversation, the background hum is noticeable but not intrusive for most users. For very quiet spaces (a home office, a bedroom), the hum would be more apparent.

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The Transparent Window and LED Indicators

The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Ice Maker is designed with a large transparent window so we can easily keep an eye on the ice-making process.

Stay alert with indicator lights prompting ice removal and water refills.

The LED indicator system handles the two most common operational states that require user attention: an "Ice Full" indicator that signals when the basket is full and production has paused, and an "Add Water" indicator that signals when the reservoir has depleted below the operating minimum.

Both indicators are clearly visible and responded to simply: scoop and transfer ice when "Ice Full" illuminates, and add water when "Add Water" illuminates. The machine resumes automatically once the basket has been emptied or water has been added.

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Draining and Cleaning: The Honest Maintenance Reality

The listing includes a drain plug for emptying the reservoir and the product copy reminds users to drain with the unit upright. Owner feedback, however, highlights two practical points: first, the drain plug is located underneath and can be awkward to access; second, some owners prefer using an absorbent towel (microfiber) to soak up remaining water rather than rolling the unit or risking jostling the compressor.

The drain plug positioning under the unit is the most consistent minor complaint about the EFIC128's physical design. It's functional — the drain plug works correctly — but accessing it requires either tilting the unit carefully (which should be avoided according to the manual, as compressor disturbance can affect performance) or routing the drain hose to a container or sink while the unit remains upright.

The practical ownership approach most experienced users adopt: place a folded towel under the drain plug outlet when draining, or use a microfibre cloth to absorb remaining reservoir water after removing the plug.

Cleaning schedule that owners recommend:

• After every use session: Empty the basket of unmelted ice, drain the reservoir via the plug, and leave the lid open to air-dry the interior. This prevents the moisture-rich environment from developing slime or mould.
• Monthly (or when cubes start coming out abnormally small): Run a descaling cycle using diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), run a full cycle, drain, and flush with 2–3 cycles of clean water. Multiple owners report this resolves the "tiny cubes" problem that develops from mineral scale accumulation on the freezing rods.

One owner also reported a troubleshooting fix: running a vinegar cycle and flushing with water restored normal cube size when the unit began making unusually tiny cubes.

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Safety and Quality Concerns: The Honest Treatment

This section exists because the available owner feedback includes some specific concerns that buyers should be aware of before purchasing — and that honest reviews should address directly.

Sensor reliability: Several other reports cite failures after months — notably sensor problems (water-level indicators) and at least one serious report of metal pieces found in the reservoir.

The sensor concerns manifest as: the water-level sensor failing to detect low water correctly (causing the machine to attempt to run without adequate water), or the ice-full sensor behaving inconsistently. These are reported by a subset of owners, not the majority — but they represent a real reliability pattern.

Foreign debris: Most notably, at least one owner reported finding small pieces of metal at the bottom of the reservoir and expressed worry about potential ingestion and long-term cleanliness.

This is the most serious single concern in the available buyer feedback. Finding metal particles in the water reservoir of a machine that produces ice for consumption is a meaningful red flag. This appears to be an isolated owner report rather than a widespread documented problem — but it's serious enough to warrant specific mention and a practical response: inspect the reservoir upon first use and periodically during the early weeks of operation. If any debris is found, stop use immediately and contact the manufacturer (Curtis / Frigidaire) for resolution.

Material: The unit is listed with a plastic material type. No independent food-contact certifications are explicitly documented in the listing. If specific food-safety certifications are important to your purchase decision, verify with the current manufacturer documentation.

Compressor disturbance: The manual and owner feedback both caution against tipping the unit, as this can disturb the compressor's refrigerant.Owners recommend letting the machine sit upright for 24 hours if it's been tipped or moved aggressively, as compressor/coolant disturbance can affect performance.

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Who It Works Best For

Super Fast: It spits out 9 ice cubes every 6-10 minutes. Easy to Move: This would work well tailgating!

The Frigidaire Efic128amzblk is known for its user-friendly interface, allowing you to easily operate and maintain it without any hassle.

Perfect for:

• Small households and apartments that lack a built-in refrigerator ice maker and want reliable, on-demand ice for daily drinks without a trip to the store
• Occasional entertainers hosting gatherings of 4–7 people who need more ice than the freezer provides, with the workflow of producing and transferring batches to a cooler or freezer
• RV and camper owners with a standard electrical outlet — the portable, compact design moves easily
• Dorm rooms and small kitchens where a mini-fridge ice maker isn't available
• Backup ice source for households whose built-in ice maker fails or is underperforming

Less ideal for:

• Large parties and events requiring continuous, large-volume ice supply — the machine produces up to 26 lbs/day, but producing ice for a 20+ person gathering requires extended operation with continuous basket management
• Buyers wanting silent operation — the compressor hum is consistently audible
• Households that want to stockpile ice without a separate freezer — the non-refrigerated basket requires ice transfer for storage
• Anyone wanting a plumbing-connected, permanent ice source — this is a manual-fill portable unit

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast production: 9 cubes per 5–6 minute cycle delivers usable ice quickly after startup
• Up to 26 lbs/day covers daily household ice needs with substantial margin
• Two cube sizes (LED selector) — small for cocktails, large for longer-lasting ice
• Compact 12"×11"×14.5" footprint sits comfortably on most kitchen counters
• Transparent window allows ice level monitoring without opening the lid
• LED indicators for "Ice Full" and "Add Water" handle the key operational prompts clearly
• Self-draining design (melt water returns to reservoir) supports continuous production
• No plumbing installation required — fill and plug in
• Available in Black, Blue, and Silver
• Strong overall rating: 4.4/5 from 16,900+ Amazon reviews; 91.6 KitchenGearDude score
• Backed by Frigidaire brand recognition; manufactured by Curtis

Cons

• Not a freezer — ice basket is insulated but not refrigerated; ice must be transferred to a freezer for storage, or it will melt during unattended periods
• Drain plug position underneath the unit makes draining somewhat awkward — a specific cleaning workflow is needed
• Noticeable compressor hum during operation — not silent
• Hollow bullet ice melts faster than solid freezer ice, particularly in warm environments
• Plastic build — less premium than stainless-exterior alternatives
• Sensor reliability concerns reported by a subset of owners (water-level and ice-full sensors)
• One serious owner report of metal debris in the reservoir — warrants early inspection
• Manual fill only — no water line connection option
• Some owners report challenges reaching manufacturer support for warranty issues

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Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

Before first use: Wipe the interior basket and reservoir with a clean, damp cloth. Run one or two water-only cycles (fill with water, run without drinking the output) to flush any manufacturing residue.

Daily (when in active use):

• After your last use session, drain the reservoir using the drain plug, remove any remaining ice, and leave the lid open to air-dry the interior. This prevents mould and slime from developing in the humid enclosed environment.

When the machine is stored (not used for a week or more):

• Drain completely, wipe dry, and store with the lid ajar or open to maintain airflow inside.

When cubes start coming out smaller than normal:

• This is the signature sign of mineral scale buildup on the ice-making spikes (the thin rods that ice forms around). Run a cleaning cycle with diluted white vinegar (1:3 vinegar to water), then run 2–3 flush cycles with clean water. Multiple owners confirm this resolves the small-cube problem.

Inspect the reservoir regularly:

• During the first several weeks of ownership and periodically thereafter, look at the reservoir floor and water. If you see any debris, particles, or discolouration that shouldn't be there, stop use and contact the manufacturer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the EFIC128AMZBLK keep ice frozen in the basket? No. The ice basket is insulated but not refrigerated — the machine maintains a cooler ambient temperature inside the basket, but ice will gradually melt if left unattended in a warm kitchen. This is by design: the machine produces ice on demand; for storage, transfer ice batches to your freezer.

How long does the first batch of ice take? The first batch of 9 cubes typically takes 5–9 minutes from a cold start, as the machine needs to bring its internal temperature down initially. Subsequent cycles run at the standard 5–6 minute pace once the machine has been operating for 10–15 minutes.

What size ice does it make? The EFIC128 makes hollow bullet-shaped ice cubes (similar to convenience store ice) in two selectable sizes via the LED control panel. Even on the "large" setting, these cubes are smaller than standard ice cube tray output — approximately 1 inch in length. Bullet ice is softer and more chewable than solid freezer ice.

Can I connect it to a water line? No. The EFIC128 is a manual-fill machine — you fill the reservoir by hand using a pitcher or cup. There is no water line connection option on this model.

Why are my ice cubes getting smaller over time? Small cubes are the most common sign of mineral scale accumulation on the ice-making spikes. Run a cleaning cycle with diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), then flush with clean water through 2–3 cycles. Using filtered water instead of hard tap water prevents scale from forming as quickly.

What should I do if I find debris in the reservoir? Stop use immediately. Do not consume ice produced by the machine until the issue is identified. Contact Frigidaire / Curtis customer support with proof of purchase to initiate a warranty claim or replacement process.

How do I empty and clean the water reservoir? Use the drain plug on the bottom of the unit while keeping the machine upright — tipping the unit to access the drain should be avoided, as this can disturb the compressor. Alternatively, use a microfiber cloth or turkey baster to extract remaining water from the reservoir after removing the drain plug cap. Leave the lid open to air-dry after draining.

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Final Verdict

The Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK is my go-to for quick, easy ice. It's fast, looks good, and doesn't break the bank. Sure, it won't freeze ice forever or work when the lights go out without help, but for everyday use — it's nice to have. If you're done wrestling with trays or hunting for ice bags, this might be your fix. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

In conclusion, the FRIGIDAIRE EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker has exceeded our expectations in terms of performance, efficiency, and design. Its compact size, user-friendly features, and fast ice production make it a must-have appliance for any household.

The Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK is a well-designed, fast, and accessible countertop ice maker that delivers its core promise consistently: reliable, on-demand ice production for household use, starting within minutes of plug-in and requiring no installation whatsoever.

The caveats are real but manageable with correct expectations and good maintenance habits. Understanding that this is a producer rather than a freezer is the most important shift in thinking — once you adopt the "make and transfer" workflow, the machine integrates seamlessly into daily life. Regular draining, occasional vinegar cleaning when cube size drops, and periodic reservoir inspection are the ongoing habits that protect long-term performance.

For the small apartment, the summer kitchen, the RV, the dorm room, or the household whose built-in ice maker just gave up — the EFIC128AMZBLK earns its 4.4-star rating through genuine daily utility at an accessible price.

Rating: 4.3 / 5 — Recommended with important owner context. Fast, compact, and affordable ice production for everyday household use. Adopt the correct workflow (produce and transfer, not produce and store), maintain the drainage and cleaning routine, and inspect the reservoir early — and this machine delivers genuine convenience for years.

Ready to enjoy fresh ice anytime?

The FRIGIDAIRE Compact Countertop Ice Maker delivers fast ice production, reliable performance, and convenient countertop use for every occasion.  Check the latest price on Amazon and bring home this Countertop Ice Maker.