Head-to-head · Best Portable Ice Makers

Frigidaire EFIC189 vs NewAir Clearice40

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 #5 in Best Portable Ice Makers

NewAir Clearice40

4.4

$350

The Clearice40 is the high-output pick. NewAir's industrial-leaning design with 11-cup water tank — appropriate for party hosts and large families. Best for users who need more ice than a typical countertop machine produces.

Strengths

— 11-cup water tank — largest in this lineup
— 40 lb/day output
— Hybrid industrial-countertop design

Watch-outs

— Larger footprint than every other pick
— More expensive than Frigidaire EFIC189
— Louder than EFIC189

$350 · 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.

NewAir Clearice40

Largest water tank. High output. Louder than EFIC189.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Frigidaire EFIC189	NewAir Clearice40
Ice Style	Bullet (2 sizes)	—
First Batch	7 min	—
Daily Output	26 lb	40 lb
Noise	55 dB	—
Water Tank	—	11 cup
Style	—	Clear cubes
Form	—	Hybrid industrial

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