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Head-to-head · Best Portable Ice Makers

Frigidaire EFIC189 vs Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Nugget

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Frigidaire EFIC189 and Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Nugget score essentially the same (4.6 vs 4.6). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Frigidaire EFIC189
Ranked #1 in Best Portable Ice Makers
Frigidaire EFIC189
$150

The EFIC189 is the best-overall portable pick. Frigidaire's tested fast-batch ice maker at $150 — covers most household needs without the cost of a Magic Chef nugget machine.

Strengths
  • — First batch ready in 7 minutes — fastest in this lineup
  • — 5.5-cup water tank for ~26 lb/day
  • — Runs at ~55 dB — quieter than industrial models
Watch-outs
  • — First 5 batches make thin cubes (avoid by leaving machine on)
  • — Bullet-shape cubes only
  • — No drain pump
$150 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Nugget
Ranked #2 in Best Portable Ice Makers
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Nugget
$580

The EFIC255 is the nugget ice pick. Chewable nugget-style ice that the bullet models can't produce. Best for households that specifically want soft chewy ice for sodas and cocktails.

Strengths
  • — Chewable nugget ice (Sonic / Chick-fil-A style)
  • — Up to 44 lb/day capacity
  • — 1.5 lb per hour output
Watch-outs
  • — Most expensive pick
  • — Slower first-batch than bullet machines
  • — Larger countertop footprint
$580 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Frigidaire EFIC189

Best fast-batch pick. Bullet ice (not nugget like EFIC255). Cheapest standard ice maker.

Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Nugget

Only nugget ice pick. Most expensive. Largest daily output.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFrigidaire EFIC189Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Nugget
Ice StyleBullet (2 sizes)Nugget
First Batch7 min—
Daily Output26 lb44 lb
Noise55 dB—
Hourly—1.5 lb
Self-Cleaning—Yes
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