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Head-to-head · Best Portable Ice Makers

Frigidaire EFIC189 vs Frigidaire EFIC452 Clear Ice

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 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about households who want fast bullet-style ice for cocktails and water glasses — read the strengths below before deciding.

Frigidaire EFIC189
Higher ratedRanked #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 EFIC452 Clear Ice
Ranked #3 in Best Portable Ice Makers
Frigidaire EFIC452 Clear Ice
$300

The EFIC452 is the clear-cube pick. Cocktail-grade clear square cubes that the bullet models can't produce. Best for home bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.

Strengths
  • — Clear cube ice (not cloudy like standard ice makers)
  • — Up to 40 lb/day
  • — 24 cubes ready in under 15 minutes
Watch-outs
  • — More expensive than the EFIC189
  • — Heavier and bulkier
  • — Clear ice mode slower than bullet mode
$300 · 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 EFIC452 Clear Ice

Only clear-cube pick. Slower than EFIC189. Cheaper than EFIC255 nugget.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFrigidaire EFIC189Frigidaire EFIC452 Clear Ice
Ice StyleBullet (2 sizes)Clear square cubes
First Batch7 min—
Daily Output26 lb40 lb
Noise55 dB—
24-Cube Time—15 min
Modes—Clear / fast
← See the full ranking of best portable ice makers