Frigidaire 26 lb Portable Bullet Ice Maker Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Frigidaire countertop ice maker suits everyday drinks if you want two bullet sizes, a viewing window and simple controls. Choose an alternative if a self-cleaning cycle or a larger collection basket matters more.
On this page (9 sections)
- Is the Frigidaire countertop ice maker a good fit for your kitchen?
- How much counter space and ice capacity does it need?
- What kind of ice does it make?
- How does the Frigidaire compare with similar ice makers?
- How should you set up the machine before its first batch?
- Does it keep the ice frozen between drinks?
- What cleaning routine will keep the machine ready to use?
- Which common mistakes make countertop ice makers less useful?
- Which Frigidaire countertop ice maker should you choose?
The Frigidaire countertop ice maker is a good fit for everyday kitchen drinks if you want bullet ice, simple size controls and a window for checking progress. Choose it when you'll use fresh batches regularly and have room to collect extra ice in your freezer.
The biggest buying decision is how you'll use the machine between drinks. Counter space, access for cleaning and the amount of ice you need at once matter more than the daily output figure alone.
Is the Frigidaire countertop ice maker a good fit for your kitchen?
Choose this Frigidaire for regular drink refills and batch collection. Skip it if your main goal is a large supply waiting unattended, or if a self-cleaning cycle is essential.
Frigidaire 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker
- Up to 26 lb of ice per day
- 9 cubes every 7 minutes
- 2 ice sizes
- 2.1 qt water tank
- 1.5 lb basket
Choose this Frigidaire for kitchen drinks when you can collect ice throughout the day. Its viewing window helps you check the basket, and the drain plug helps you empty the tank after use.
Pros
- Two bullet ice sizes
- Viewing window and digital LED panel
- Drain plug for emptying
- Ice scoop included
Cons
- Small basket needs regular emptying for larger batches
- Width needs careful counter planning
- Choose another model if a self-cleaning cycle is essential
The viewing window is useful when the machine sits near your usual drink-making spot. You can check progress without lifting the lid each time, while the digital LED panel lets you choose the ice size.
The drain plug also matters for a machine you'll empty between uses. Plan a spot where you can reach it and drain water safely, rather than leaving the appliance wedged behind other counter items.
This model makes sense for a household topping up iced coffee, water or soda throughout the day. It takes more planning for guests because production happens in small batches that need collecting.
A dedicated place on the counter will make it easier to use regularly. If you'll need to move several appliances every time you want ice, consider whether your fridge or a bag stored in the freezer would serve you better.
How much counter space and ice capacity does it need?
Allow for the machine, ventilation and lid access, then plan separately for finished ice. A countertop footprint alone won't tell you whether the appliance is comfortable to fill and empty.
| Detail | Frigidaire 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 9 x 13 x 13 in |
| Daily output | Up to 26 lb |
| Cycle | 9 bullet-shaped pieces every 7 minutes |
| Ice sizes | 2 |
| Water tank | 2.1 qt |
| Basket capacity | Up to 1.5 lb |
| Controls | Digital LED panel |
| Drainage | Drain plug |
| Power | 120 volts; 105 watts |
| Warranty | Frigidaire specifies 1 year |
Its shallow but wide shape may work on a counter where front-to-back space is limited. Measure the gap beside your coffee maker or sink, and check that an overhead cabinet won't block the lid.
Use the manual's clearance requirements when marking out the space. Don't push the machine against a wall or cover ventilation openings to make it fit.
Match the basket to your busiest serving moment
Basket capacity matters most when several drinks need ice at once. Daily output describes repeated production over time, with water available and ice removed as needed.
For a quiet afternoon, you can take ice as you pour drinks. For a gathering, collect batches ahead so the first round doesn't depend on a newly started machine.
Think about your glasses, too. Tall tumblers filled heavily with ice use a supply faster than small drinks with a few pieces, so plan around your actual serving style.
What kind of ice does it make?
This model makes bullet ice for everyday drinks, rather than soft nugget ice or large solid cocktail cubes. Choose the ice shape first, then decide which machine fits your counter.
Frigidaire countertop ice maker size settings
The Frigidaire offers 2 bullet sizes from the same machine. Try the smaller setting for narrow drink openings or modest portions, and the larger setting when you want more ice in a glass.
Changing the size doesn't turn bullet ice into another style. If chewing soft ice is your main reason for buying, compare our best nugget ice makers for home before choosing this model.
Bullet ice has a hollow center and works well for routine drink refills. It won't give a short cocktail the same appearance or melting pattern as a large solid cube.
Our best bullet ice makers guide covers other machines in this category. If cocktails drive the decision, our guide to ice makers for a home bar helps match ice style to the drinks you serve.
How does the Frigidaire compare with similar ice makers?
Choose an alternative for a specific advantage in care, fit or basket size. All 4 machines have the same maximum daily output, so that figure doesn't separate them.
Euhomy Self-Cleaning Bullet Ice Maker
- Up to 26 lb per day
- 9 cubes in as little as 6 minutes
- 2 ice sizes
- One-touch self-cleaning
- Carry handle
Euhomy suits a shared counter where a carry handle and cleaning cycle make regular use easier. Its narrower shape saves side-to-side room but needs more counter depth than the reviewed Frigidaire.
Pros
- One-touch self-cleaning cycle
- 9 cubes in as little as 6 minutes
- Two ice sizes
- Carry handle
Cons
- Needs more front-to-back room than the reviewed Frigidaire
- Cleaning cycle does not replace basket and scoop care
Euhomy suits a counter you share with other appliances
Euhomy is the stronger choice if a carry handle and one-touch cleaning cycle would make the machine easier to use regularly. Those features help when you move the appliance between its working spot and storage.
It measures 11.74 in deep, 9.46 in wide and 11.19 in high. That narrower shape may fit beside another appliance, but check that the extra depth leaves enough usable counter space in front.
Euhomy specifies 9 pieces in as little as 6 minutes. That timing can help with a quick refill, but it won't remove the need to build a reserve before a busy gathering.
Skip it if your available space is shallow or you expect the cleaning button to handle every surface. You'll still need to care for the basket, scoop and other accessible water-contact areas as directed.
Antarctic Star 26 lb Bullet Ice Maker
- Up to 26 lb per day
- Ice in 6 minutes
- Self-cleaning cycle
- 2 ice sizes
Antarctic Star combines a handle, basket and scoop with a cleaning cycle for use between trips. Confirm its dimensions and electrical requirements before choosing it for an RV.
Pros
- Self-cleaning cycle
- Ice in 6 minutes
- Two ice sizes
- Basket, scoop and handle included
Cons
- Conflicting dimensions complicate tight-space planning
- Electrical requirements need confirmation for travel use
Antarctic Star suits travel only after fit and power checks
Antarctic Star is worth considering for occasional RV use because it includes a handle, basket, scoop and self-cleaning cycle. Its travel appeal depends on a suitable level work surface and compatible power.
The supplied dimensions conflict, and its electrical information needs confirmation before an RV setup. Confirm both with Antarctic Star before ordering; skip it when an exact cabinet fit or known power requirement is essential.
Antarctic Star advertises ice in 6 minutes and sound below 40 dB. Don't choose it solely for the sound claim, since ice dropping into a basket can still interrupt a quiet space.
Frigidaire Retro Bullet Ice Maker
- Up to 26 lb per day
- 2 ice sizes
- 2.2 lb basket capacity
- Digital control panel
The blue Retro model suits a kitchen where appearance and a larger collection basket matter. Its full-bin and empty-water signals help you manage batches, but finished ice needs prompt freezer storage.
Pros
- Two ice sizes
- Larger collection basket than the reviewed Frigidaire
- Digital panel signals a full bin or empty reservoir
Cons
- Does not keep ice frozen
- Higher power specification than the reviewed Frigidaire
- Ice-shape descriptions conflict
Frigidaire Retro suits a kitchen where appearance matters
The blue Retro model suits a coordinated kitchen setup and larger batch collection. Its 2.2 lb basket offers more collection room than the reviewed model, while the panel signals a full bin or empty reservoir.
It measures 11.6 in deep, 8.7 in wide and 11.4 in high. Frigidaire explicitly says this model doesn't keep finished ice frozen, so the larger basket doesn't replace freezer storage.
Its descriptions also conflict on ice shape, referring to both bullet and squared ice. Skip it if a precise shape is central to your choice, or if you need the basket to preserve ice while you're away.
For choices beyond these compact machines, see our best countertop ice makers guide. It compares bullet and nugget styles for different kitchen routines.
How should you set up the machine before its first batch?
Start with a level surface, clear vents and the manual's first-use instructions. Give setup enough time for cleaning and any required upright rest after transport.
Check the machine for packaging inside the basket and tank. Wash or rinse the approved parts as directed, and use the water type Frigidaire recommends.
Keep the appliance upright when moving it. If it has been tilted during transport, follow the manual's waiting period before switching it on rather than guessing.
Place it near a suitable outlet without stretching the cord across a sink or walkway. Check the electrical instructions before using an extension cord or sharing a circuit with other high-demand appliances.
Fill only to the marked limit and seat the basket correctly. Start with enough time to collect several batches before you need to serve drinks.
Keep a clean scoop nearby and use it instead of your hands or a drinking glass. A designated scoop helps keep drink residue out of the basket.
Does it keep the ice frozen between drinks?
Use a separate freezer for ice you want to save. Confirm frozen-storage capability with Frigidaire if that function is a condition of your purchase.
A collection basket and a refrigerated freezer compartment serve different jobs. Don't assume that a machine capable of making ice can hold it frozen indefinitely.
For a gathering, transfer batches to a clean freezer-safe container as they accumulate. Use smaller containers if you want to take out only enough ice for one round of drinks.
Fresh, wet ice can freeze together in storage. Spread it loosely in a shallow freezer-safe container before consolidating it when practical, rather than packing every batch tightly into one deep tub.
Our guide to countertop ice makers that keep ice frozen explains which storage features to check. This distinction matters more than a faster first batch if you want ice ready hours later.
What cleaning routine will keep the machine ready to use?
Clean the water-contact surfaces, basket and scoop, and drain the machine when its instructions call for it. Emptying water is only one part of care.
Unplug the appliance before cleaning. Use the drain plug to empty it safely, keeping water away from electrical parts and following the manual's method.
Cleaning removes residue, while descaling addresses mineral buildup. Follow Frigidaire's directions for the correct product, dilution and contact time instead of using a stronger mixture to speed things up.
Rinse as directed before making more ice. If the manual calls for discarding an initial batch after cleaning, do that before serving drinks.
A self-cleaning cycle on an alternative model can reduce some routine work, but it doesn't make the scoop, lid edges or removable basket maintenance-free. Check those areas separately.
Before longer storage, drain and dry the machine and removable parts as instructed. Don't put it away with leftover water simply because it still looks clear.
Our portable ice maker cleaning guide covers the routine in more detail. Check whether vinegar is suitable for cleaning a countertop ice maker before using it as a substitute for the approved cleaner.
Which common mistakes make countertop ice makers less useful?
The biggest mistakes are confusing production with storage and starting too late. Plan for the amount you need at serving time, then give the machine time to build that supply.
- Buying by daily output alone. Match the basket and collection routine to the number of drinks you'll pour together.
- Squeezing the machine into a tight gap. Allow the required ventilation space and room to fill, scoop and clean.
- Expecting a cleaning cycle to remove everything. Removable parts and mineral scale still need the care described in the manual.
- Leaving old water between occasional uses. Follow the draining and storage instructions when the machine will sit unused.
- Adding juice or other drink ingredients to the tank. Use only water and any cleaning solution expressly allowed for the relevant care cycle.
If production stops, check basic conditions before repeatedly restarting the machine. Water level, basket position, a full bin and blocked airflow are useful places to begin.
Our guide to a countertop ice maker not making ice explains a fuller troubleshooting sequence. Stop using a damaged appliance rather than trying to work around an electrical or water leak.
Which Frigidaire countertop ice maker should you choose?
Choose the reviewed Frigidaire countertop ice maker for everyday kitchen drinks when its width fits your counter and you can collect batches as needed. Its controls, viewing window and drain plug support that routine.
Pick Euhomy if moving the machine and running a cleaning cycle matter more. Choose Antarctic Star only after resolving its fit and power details, or the Retro model if its blue design and larger basket suit your kitchen.
Before ordering, decide where you'll drain the machine and where extra ice will go. Those 2 practical details often determine whether a countertop unit becomes useful every day.
If you're still deciding whether another appliance earns its counter space, read whether a countertop ice maker is worth it and compare the workflow with how you get ice now.
Frequently asked questions
How much ice does the Frigidaire countertop ice maker make?
Frigidaire specifies up to 26 lb of ice per day, with 9 bullet-shaped pieces every 7 minutes. That is ongoing production, not one ready-to-serve batch.
The basket holds up to 1.5 lb, so collecting a large supply means removing ice and replenishing water as needed.
Does the Frigidaire bullet ice maker keep ice frozen?
Plan to use a freezer for long-term storage, and confirm any frozen-storage function with Frigidaire before buying. The reviewed model's basket capacity describes how much ice it collects, not how long it stays frozen.
For parties, transfer batches to a freezer-safe container instead of relying on the collection basket.
What size is the Frigidaire 26 lb ice maker?
The Frigidaire measures 9 in deep, 13 in wide and 13 in high. Those measurements describe the machine, not the full space needed for use.
Leave the ventilation clearance required by its manual, plus room to open the lid, add water and lift out the basket.
How do you clean the Frigidaire countertop ice maker?
Unplug the machine, empty it through the drain plug and follow its manual for cleaning the tank, interior, basket and scoop. Use only approved cleaners and rinse as directed.
Let removable parts dry before storage, and don't assume that draining alone removes scale or residue from water-contact surfaces.
