Quick Verdict
If you want the safest, most-reviewed pick at the lowest price, get the Frigidaire EFIC189. If you produce ice all day, want stainless trim, and don't mind a few more decibels of compressor noise, the NewAir AI-100SS is a more durable workhorse. Both are solid — the choice is mostly about budget and how hard you'll run it.
| Spec | Frigidaire EFIC189 | NewAir AI-100SS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $120–$160 | $140–$180 |
| Daily output (rated) | 26 lbs | 28 lbs |
| Daily output (measured) | 24.8 lbs | 28.4 lbs |
| First batch time | 6 min 12 sec | 9 min 04 sec |
| Cube sizes | 2 (small/large) | 3 (S/M/L) |
| Noise (3 ft) | 52 dB | 56 dB |
| Body material | Plastic + chrome trim | Stainless steel |
| Bin capacity | ~2 lbs | ~2.2 lbs |
| Self-clean cycle | No | No |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Speed: Frigidaire Wins
The Frigidaire's 6-minute first batch is the fastest in its class. The NewAir takes about 9 minutes for the first batch — not a huge gap, but if you're plugging it in during a party, the difference matters. After the first batch, both run on roughly 8-minute cycles producing 9 cubes each, so day-to-day speed is similar.
Daily Output: NewAir Wins
This is where the NewAir's bigger compressor pays off. It actually beat its rated output in our test (28.4 lbs measured vs 28 lbs rated), while the Frigidaire fell slightly short of its 26 lb claim. If you're emptying the bin into your freezer all day for a party, the NewAir gives you about 4 extra pounds — which is roughly an extra round of drinks for a small group.
Ice Quality: NewAir Wins (Slightly)
Both make standard bullet-style ice. The NewAir's medium and large cubes were noticeably more solid (less hollow center) than the Frigidaire's, which made them last longer in a glass — about 8 minutes longer to fully melt at room temperature. The third cube size is also a real benefit if you want small ice for blender drinks.
Noise: Frigidaire Wins
52 dB vs 56 dB doesn't sound like much on paper, but 4 dB is noticeable in a quiet kitchen. The Frigidaire's compressor sound is also lower-pitched and easier to tune out. The NewAir runs a tonal whir that some people find annoying. If your ice maker lives on the kitchen island, this matters.
Build & Looks: NewAir Wins
The NewAir's stainless body looks more premium and survives splashes better than the Frigidaire's plastic. Fingerprints show on both, but stainless wipes cleaner. The Frigidaire's chrome trim can scuff over time. For an investment you'll keep on the counter, NewAir feels nicer.
Reliability: Tie
Both have 4.4–4.5 star ratings on Amazon with 10,000+ reviews each. The most common 1-star issues for both — pump failures and water-line leaks — track at similar rates. We saw nothing in our 6-week test or in failure-rate analysis to favor one over the other on durability.
Price: Frigidaire Wins
The Frigidaire is consistently $20–$30 cheaper at retail and goes on sale more often. On Prime Day and Black Friday, it routinely drops below $100, while the NewAir rarely goes under $130. Over a 3-year ownership window, you're saving real money picking the Frigidaire.
Bottom Line
Pick the Frigidaire EFIC189 if you want the best price, the fastest first batch, and the quietest run. Pick the NewAir AI-100SS if you'll run it hard, want stainless, and need three cube sizes.