Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker - Fast 44 lbs/day

In this review of the Frigidaire EFIC237 countertop nugget ice maker, the bottom line is simple: it is for anyone who wants soft, chewy restaurant-style nugget ice at home quickly and without plumbing. The unit produces the first nugget in about 10 to 15 minutes and can make up to 44 lbs of ice per day, making it a strong choice for households, small gatherings, tailgates, or camping trips where portability and ice texture matter more than absolute silence or industrial durability. The reviewer found the ice quality and compact countertop fit compelling, though noise and long-term durability give pause.

Key Features

• Fast production: You get chewable square crunchy nuggets in roughly 10 to 15 minutes, so cold drinks are ready quickly.
• High daily capacity: Produces up to 44 lbs of ice per day while holding about 3 lbs in the bin for immediate use.
• Portable countertop design: Compact dimensions and a standard 115V plug mean the unit fits most counters and can be moved to tailgates or campsites.
• Auto self cleaning: A one-button CLEAN function simplifies maintenance and helps keep the reservoir fresh between uses.
• Easy operation: Large viewing window and indicator lights show ice and water status, reducing guesswork during use.
• Energy and refrigerant info: Runs at 200 W with refrigerant R134a, useful to know for placement and power planning.

Who It's For

This nugget ice maker is for people who prioritize the soft, crunchy ice texture found in many restaurants and want a compact, plug-in unit that fits on a home countertop or travels to outdoor events. It suits families who entertain frequently and need a steady supply of chewable ice without a dedicated water hookup.

It is less well suited for buyers who need whisper-quiet operation or who expect appliance-grade longevity under heavy daily commercial use. Customers sensitive to noise or who cannot tolerate occasional leaks should consider a different model or an undercounter system with professional installation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Produces true nugget-style crunchy chewable ice quickly for cocktails, sodas, and water.
• High output of 44 lbs per day and a convenient 3 lb bin for short-term storage.
• Compact, countertop-friendly size that plugs into any standard 115V outlet for portability.
• Auto self-clean feature and clear indicator lights make routine maintenance straightforward.

Cons

• Several users report loud operating noise and occasional durability or leakage issues, so expect some risk with long-term reliability.
• Bin capacity is only about 3 lbs, so frequent use during parties may require replenishing or short breaks to produce more ice.

Specifications

Model type	Countertop nugget ice maker
Ice output	Up to 44 lbs per day
Ice basket capacity	About 3 lbs (2.5 quarts)
First ice time	10 to 15 minutes
Power consumption	200 W
Refrigerant	R134a
Unit dimensions	11.65 in x 16.93 in x 20.87 in

Our Verdict

The Frigidaire EFIC237 is a good-value countertop nugget ice maker for anyone who wants quick, restaurant-style chewable ice without a water hookup. It balances fast production and portability with helpful features like auto cleaning, but buyers should be aware of reports about noise and occasional durability concerns before relying on it for daily heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this unit need a water hookup?
No, it uses a built-in reservoir; simply fill the water tank and plug into a 115V grounded outlet.

How much ice does the basket hold?
The ice basket holds about 3 lbs of nugget ice, roughly 2.5 quarts.

Is it noisy to run?
Many users report a noticeable operating noise, so expect it to be louder than a refrigerator and plan placement accordingly.