Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.
Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Nugget comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about households who want chewable Sonic-style nugget ice at home — read the strengths below before deciding.
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.
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.
Only nugget ice pick. Most expensive. Largest daily output.
Largest water tank. High output. Louder than EFIC189.
| Spec | Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 Nugget | NewAir Clearice40 |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Style | Nugget | — |
| Daily Output | 44 lb | 40 lb |
| Hourly | 1.5 lb | — |
| Self-Cleaning | Yes | — |
| Water Tank | — | 11 cup |
| Style | — | Clear cubes |
| Form | — | Hybrid industrial |