Head-to-head · Best Portable Ice Makers

Frigidaire EFIC189 vs Magic Chef 27-Pound Portable

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 4.4). The gap is mostly about households who want fast bullet-style ice for cocktails and water glasses — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Portable Ice Makers

Frigidaire EFIC189

4.6

$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 Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Portable Ice Makers

Magic Chef 27-Pound Portable

4.4

$130

The Magic Chef 27-Pound is the budget bullet pick. Slightly slower than the Frigidaire EFIC189 but $20 cheaper. Best for occasional ice needs in apartments.

Strengths

— Well-formed bullet cubes in 10 minutes
— 27 lb/day output
— 2-cube-size selector

Watch-outs

— Slightly slower than Frigidaire EFIC189
— No drain pump
— Smaller capacity than EFIC189

$130 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Frigidaire EFIC189

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

Magic Chef 27-Pound Portable

Cheaper than Frigidaire EFIC189. Same bullet style. Slightly slower.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Frigidaire EFIC189	Magic Chef 27-Pound Portable
Ice Style	Bullet (2 sizes)	Bullet (2 sizes)
First Batch	7 min	10 min
Daily Output	26 lb	27 lb
Noise	55 dB	—
Footprint	—	Compact 9.5" deep

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