Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.
Magic Chef 27-Pound Portable and NewAir Clearice40 score essentially the same (4.4 vs 4.4). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.
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.
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.
Cheaper than Frigidaire EFIC189. Same bullet style. Slightly slower.
Largest water tank. High output. Louder than EFIC189.
| Spec | Magic Chef 27-Pound Portable | NewAir Clearice40 |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Style | Bullet (2 sizes) | — |
| Daily Output | 27 lb | 40 lb |
| First Batch | 10 min | — |
| Footprint | Compact 9.5" deep | — |
| Water Tank | — | 11 cup |
| Style | — | Clear cubes |
| Form | — | Hybrid industrial |