Last updated on December 8th, 2024 at 06:22 am
Order the Efic452-ss HERE at the Lowest Price Available:
At the time of this writing, the Efic452-ss Ice Maker is priced at $180 retail, but we were able to find it on Amazon below for as low as $162. A savings of $18.
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Hey there! I’m here to tell you all about the Frigidaire Efic452-ss Countertop Ice Maker, and whether it’s the right pick for you. Maybe you’re tired of running to the store for ice all the time, or maybe your old ice maker just isn’t cutting it anymore. Well, this model has been around for a few years now, but it’s still a favorite for a reason – it makes awesome ice, and it’s super reliable.
We’ve been putting this machine through its paces over the past few months, and we’ve even checked out how it compares to some other top-rated ice makers. Plus, we’ve been using and testing different countertop ice makers for more than 3 years now, so we have a good feel for how they work in general. Basically, I’m here to give you the full scoop based on our own experience.
Keep reading, and I’ll lay it all out for you about this machine. By the end of this, you’ll know if it’s your ideal ice maker, or if it’s better to look elsewhere.
Should You Buy the Frigidaire Efic452-ss Clear Ice Maker?
Pros
- Long-lasting Clear Ice
- Large Ice Production-Storage
- Great Performance
- Schedule Operation
- Water Drain at Rear
Cons
- Dated Design
- Unsuitable Ice Scoop
- Large Size
- Heavy Weight
Buy If
- You need a lot of ice or frequently host gatherings and parties.
- You’re frustrated with the slow ice production of your refrigerator’s ice maker.
- Your refrigerator’s ice maker is broken, and you’re looking to avoid costly repairs.
- You’re done with the hassle of buying bagged ice from the store.
- You enjoy cocktails or whiskey on the rocks.
Don’t Buy If
- Your ice consumption is low or your household doesn’t use much ice.
- Counter space is limited, as it’s somewhat larger than typical bullet ice models.
- You need to move or transport the ice maker often due to its weight.
Efic452 Unboxing: First Impressions and Operation
When we opened the box, we found everything we needed: the ice maker itself, a handy ice scoop, a removable ice bin, and the instruction manual. Our first thoughts? Well, it’s not the cutest ice maker we’ve ever seen, but it doesn’t look bad either. It’s definitely bigger than those bullet-style models, but it still fits nicely on the counter without taking up too much space. The whole body is a nice stainless steel, and it has a durable plastic lid with a clear window so you can see the ice cubes forming inside.
One of the things we love about countertop ice makers is that they’re so easy to set up and use – and this one is no different. You basically just plug it in, add water, and hit the power button.
The control panel is simple to figure out. It has a power button (on/off), 2 buttons (– ,+) to choose how big you want the ice cubes, a timer if you want to set it to run at certain times, and a little LCD screen that tells you important stuff – like how long until the next batch of ice is ready, when the water reservoir is empty, when the ice bin is full, and even what the room temperature is (so you know the machine is working its best).
Quality Ice with Speed and Custom Settings
The absolute best thing about this ice maker is the ice itself. It makes those dense, crystal-clear square cubes, just like you’d get at a fancy restaurant or from those big commercial machines they have in hotels. This kind of ice is perfect for pretty much any drink because it doesn’t melt quickly and water down your drink like other types of ice do. So, if you’re a cocktail enthusiast or love your whiskey on the rocks, this is the kind of ice you want!
We were also really impressed with how quickly it makes ice. How long it takes depends on how warm the water is and the temperature of the room, but it can start making ice within minutes. The default ice thickness is set every time you turn on the machine. The first batch takes the longest, but after that, it takes about 18 minutes to make every batch. You can change the settings to make the ice cubes thicker or thinner. If you choose the thinnest setting (-6M), it only takes about 12 minutes per batch, but the cubes are lighter. The thickest setting (+6M) takes about 24 minutes per batch, but the cubes are super dense. By the way, with the default setting, you can have a full ice bin in about 1 hour and 40 min.
High Output and Storage vs Limited Portability
This ice maker really shines when it comes to production and storage capacity. It boasts one of the largest water tanks and ice bins among countertop models. With an impressive 2.75 L capacity, the water tank is a major advantage, minimizing the need for frequent refills compared to smaller units. The ice bin also offers generous storage, holding up to 2.4 pounds of ice – which, as a reminder, are produced in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Now, on to its ice-making power, they say this thing can churn out 40 pounds of ice a day. While we’re not so sure about that (I mean, you’d have to be constantly refilling the water and emptying the ice all day long to make that happen), I can tell you this: based on our experience, no matter what your ice needs are, we can confidently assert that this machine can handle them without breaking a sweat. It consistently produced ice quickly and efficiently throughout all our testings, making it perfect for when you’re having friends over or just need a ton of ice on hand.
Of course, with all that storage and ice-making power comes a drawback – it’s not the most portable machine. It doesn’t need to be hooked up to a water line, which is nice, but it weighs around 26 pounds. That’s pretty heavy. While you could technically move it around, it’s not something you’ll want to do very often. So, if you’re looking for something to take on the go or want to move it easily, the weight of this machine is something to think about.
Frigidaire Efic452 Performance and Sound Level
Like we do with all the machines we test, we wanted to make sure this ice maker kept working perfectly, just like it did on day one, even after weeks of use and long hours of running it non-stop. We checked everything – if it kept making ice just as fast, if it filled the bin in the same amount of time, if it kept dumping the ice out efficiently, and even if it was still recycling the water properly. We also made sure all the different functions continued to operate flawlessly, like the auto shut-off, the ice size settings, the timer, and all the little symbols on the LED display. And let me tell you, this ice maker is a real champ! It passed every single test with flying colors, performing consistently throughout our entire review process.
Let’s talk about noise. Some people get really annoyed by the noise that ice makers make, while others don’t mind it so much. This machine isn’t the quietest one we’ve ever used, but it’s not super loud either. You definitely notice it while it’s making a batch of ice, but it gets quiet once the bin is full. The loudest part is when the ice cubes drop into the bin, but even that isn’t bothersome enough to interrupt whatever activity you’re doing, like watching TV or talking on the phone.
Ice Dispensing Insights and Intelligent Functions
One thing to keep in mind is how the ice comes out. The machine makes one big sheet of 24 connected cubes, so you do have to separate them by hand. The included plastic scoop works, but it can be kind of difficult, especially if you make thicker ice. We’d suggest either buying a metal ice scoop or putting the sheet of ice in a plastic bag and hitting it 2 or 3 times on the counter to break it up.
This ice maker has a really useful feature – it shuts itself off when the ice bin gets full. As you use the ice or if it naturally melts a bit, the machine will sense this and automatically start making more. Plus, the water resulting from the melted ice drains right back down into the water tank to be used for the next batch, so you don’t have to worry about wasting any.
Ice Preservation and Drainage
It’s important to know that countertop ice makers aren’t freezers, meaning the ice won’t stay frozen indefinitely. However, Clear Ice Makers excel at preserving ice for a considerable time due to their great insulation – a feature we truly appreciate! To verify this, we conducted a test, similar to ones we’ve done on other Clear Ice makers, where we left the basket full of ice inside the machine. The outcome mirrored our previous tests: the ice level barely changed for over 4 hours. This is incredibly handy when you’re busy or unable to use or put the ice into the freezer before it starts melting.
Other feature that we really appreciate is the drain plug in the back of the machine. This makes it way easier to get rid of extra water than those models where you have to try and find a tiny plug on the bottom. It’s a small detail, but it really does help with cleaning and keeping the machine in good shape.
Score Breakdown
- Look-Size: 6/10
- Easy to Use: 7/10
- Type of Ice: 10/10
- Production: 10/10
- Storage: 7/10
- Performance: 9/10
- Noise Level: 8/10
- Easy to Clean: 8/10
- Portability: 6/10
- Features: 7/10
Our Overall Rating: 7.8
For better use and care, here is the Frigidaire Efic452’s Instruction Manual PDF to download.
Our Final Thoughts on The Frigidaire Efic452-Ss
So, after trying out the Frigidaire Efic452-ss ice maker, we have to say, it’s a pretty cool machine that’s got a lot going for it. While it may not have the most modern design out there, it’s still a good-looking machine that would fit right in on most kitchen counters. And sure, it’s a bit on the large side, but if you’re someone who really needs a lot of good ice, this one delivers!
Now, is it the best option compared to other similar ones out there? To be honest, we’d say no. There are newer models with sleeker designs (like the Euhomy Im-Fp or the Ecozy IM-SS440A) that make the same high-quality ice, and they even make more of it, faster, and have more storage. Plus, most of those newer models also have a self-cleaning feature, which this one doesn’t, and some even let you add water from the top with a bottle, which this one can’t do either.
But here’s the thing: even though it’s been around for a while (since 2018) and has to compete with those newer options, this machine is still super popular. People buy it like crazy, and most of them seem to really love it. It sells out all the time! So, even though it might not be the absolute top choice on paper, it’s definitely a safe bet.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a reliable ice maker that makes a lot of awesome ice, we’d say go for the Frigidaire Efic452-ss! We definitely recommend it!
Order the Efic452-ss HERE at the Lowest Price Available:
At the time of this writing, the Efic452-ss Ice Maker is priced at $180 retail, but we were able to find it on Amazon below for as low as $162. A savings of $18.