How to Use a Countertop Ice Maker: Setup, Cleaning and Storage

To use a countertop ice maker, put it on a level, ventilated surface with about 6 inches of clearance on every side, clean it, fill the reservoir with room-temperature drinking water to the MAX line, and press ON/OFF. Frigidaire’s manual says a cycle takes about 7 to 15 minutes. A countertop machine makes ice but does not keep it frozen, so move the ice to a freezer and drain the unit when you finish.

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The steps and numbers here come from the user manual for the Frigidaire EFIC189 (the same manual covers a family of Frigidaire-licensed models), because it is the most complete manual I could read for this type of machine. Other brands differ in details, so check yours; the troubleshooting guide covers the Silonn manual as well.

Before You Plug It In

• Level, dry and ventilated. The manual says to place it on a dry, level surface away from ovens, heaters and corrosive gases, with about 6 inches (15 cm) of clearance on all sides for ventilation.
• Let it settle. Before the first use, wait 2 hours after the unit has been leveled and positioned, so the fluids in the compressor can settle. If it has been moved since, let it rest for 30 minutes before plugging in. If it is ever overturned, stand it upright for 2 hours first.
• Keep it out of the sun. The full-basket sensor is an infrared light, and the manual lists sunlight as a cause of the ADD WATER and ICE FULL lights coming on together.
• Use the right room. The manual gives an ambient range of about 10 to 32°C (50 to 90°F) and says not to run it below 5°C (41°F). Do not use it outdoors.
• Use its own outlet. Plug it into an exclusive grounded outlet, and avoid an extension cord because it may overheat.

How to Use a Countertop Ice Maker, Step by Step

1. Clean it first. The manual says to follow its cleaning steps (below) before you operate it.
2. Close the drain plug. Check that the plug at the bottom of the water reservoir is seated.
3. Plug it in. The POWER light blinks while the unit is on standby.
4. Fill the reservoir. Lift the lid, take out the ice basket, and pour in drinking water to the MAX mark, no higher. Do not use hot water, which may damage the machine; room temperature or cooler is best.
5. Replace the basket, close the lid and press ON/OFF. The POWER light turns solid.
6. Wait for the first batch. A cycle takes about 7 to 15 minutes depending on room and water temperature. The spec sheet lists nine ice cubes per cycle and about 26 lb (12 kg) a day.
7. Remove the ice when the basket is full. When ICE FULL lights up the machine stops by itself. Lift the ice out with the scoop and it restarts about 5 seconds later.
8. Refill when ADD WATER lights. Pull the basket, add water, and press ON/OFF again. If you forget, the unit restarts by itself after about 20 minutes.
9. Finish up. Press ON/OFF, unplug it, and transfer the ice to a freezer.

Inside, the cycle goes like this: a pump moves water into a tray beneath the evaporator, ice forms on the evaporator over the next 7 to 15 minutes, the tray tilts and drains the leftover water back into the reservoir, and a shovel pushes the finished cubes into the basket before the tray moves back and starts again (Frigidaire EFIC189 user manual).

What the Lights Mean

If a light is on and the machine still will not make ice, work through countertop ice maker not making ice in order.

Storing Ice

The manual is plain about this: the ice maker is not designed to keep ice frozen. After each use, remove all the ice cubes and drain the water, then move the ice to a freezer. That is also why a countertop machine suits parties and a morning’s supply better than a standing stock; my Silonn review covers the same limit on a different model.

Cleaning and Storing the Machine

Frigidaire recommends cleaning once a week and replacing the water weekly. Empty the reservoir and dry it if the machine will sit unused.

1. Press ON/OFF, unplug it and let it warm to room temperature.
2. If water is left in the ice tray, gently push the tray back so it drains into the reservoir.
3. Pull the unit forward and open the drain plug to drain the reservoir.
4. Remove the basket, wipe the interior with a soft cloth soaked in warm water and vinegar, rinse with clean water and drain again.
5. Replace the drain plug. Wash the basket and scoop in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry them.
6. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and mild dish soap if needed.

Two things not to do: the manual says not to use organic solvents, boiling water, detergent, or strong acids or alkalis, and not to clean the evaporator.

Water and Safety

The manual says to fill with drinking water and not to use water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality. It says nothing about juice, soda or alcohol, so I would not put them in; sugary liquids would be hard to rinse out of the pump and tray, but that is my inference, not a maker statement. If you would rather filter tap water first, see my best faucet water filter guide.

Other points from the manual: do not touch the evaporator while it is making ice (frostbite risk), do not immerse any part of the unit in water, unplug it before cleaning and moving it, and supervise children around it. It is for household use only.

How This Guide Was Put Together

Every step, number and warning above comes from the Frigidaire EFIC189 user manual, and the troubleshooting page uses the Silonn SLIM24B manual as well. I have not run these machines myself; this is a manual-based guide. One thing I could not establish is whether other brands share these clearances, cycle times and cleaning limits. The Frigidaire manual also gives two slightly different water ranges (8 to 25°C in one table row and 8 to 28°C in another), so the cooler end is the safe choice.

What to Do Next

If you are still choosing a machine, start with my best countertop ice maker comparison, then read the Frigidaire EFIC189 review for the machine this manual covers. If the one you own has stopped working, go to the troubleshooting guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a countertop ice maker take to make ice?

Frigidaire’s manual says one cycle takes about 7 to 15 minutes depending on room and water temperature, and its spec sheet lists about 8 minutes for nine cubes. The machine stops when the basket is full and restarts about 5 seconds after you remove the ice.

Can a countertop ice maker keep ice frozen?

No. Frigidaire’s manual says the ice maker is not designed to keep ice frozen. After each use, remove all the ice cubes, drain the water, and transfer the ice to a freezer. Treat the basket as a place the ice lands, not somewhere to store it.

How often should I clean a countertop ice maker?

Frigidaire recommends cleaning once a week and replacing the water weekly. Unplug it, drain the reservoir, wipe the inside with warm water and vinegar, and wash the basket and scoop in warm soapy water. Do not clean the evaporator, and do not use solvents or boiling water.

Can I use a countertop ice maker outdoors?

The Frigidaire manual says do not use it outdoors, and not to run it below 5°C (41°F). Keep it out of direct sun, which interferes with the full-basket sensor. It suits a kitchen or bar counter with 6 inches of clearance on every side and a grounded outlet.

Why do I have to wait before using it the first time?

The manual says to wait 2 hours after the unit has been leveled and positioned, so the fluid in the compressor can settle, and 30 minutes after any later move. Tilting or moving the unit disturbs those fluids, which is why the manual builds in the wait.

About Glenn

I'm Glenn, and I started Kitchenware Compare to cut through conflicting product reviews and help readers pick kitchen gear with confidence. I don't own or test the products I write about — these guides are built from verified-purchase reviews, manufacturer specifications, and independent testing where it exists, with the reasoning shown, not just a rating.