Head to Head
Frigidaire EFIC189 Countertop Ice Maker vs Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler
Dedicated ice maker vs dual-zone fridge with freezer. Two paths to cold drinks in a summer van.
— VerdictOur Pick
We recommend the Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler
“The Dometic CFX3-45 is a full-time fridge/freezer that also makes ice slowly. The Frigidaire is a dedicated ice machine needing shore power. For full-time van life, the Dometic covers both jobs. Add the Frigidaire only at shore power when you need ice volume.”
Read the full Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler reviewSide-by-side
Specifications
| Frigidaire EFIC189 Countertop Ice Maker | Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Score | 8.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| User Rating | 4.3 (11000 reviews) | 4.8 (740 reviews) |
| Price | $119.99 | $1,099.00 |
| Power | 120W idle, 150W active | — |
| Ice Production | 26 lbs/day | — |
| First Batch | 6 minutes | — |
| Basket Capacity | 1.5 lbs | — |
| Dimensions | 12 x 9.5 x 14 in | 27.4 x 15.5 x 16.3 in |
| Weight | 21 lbs | 44 lbs |
| Capacity | — | 46L / ~64 cans |
| Power Source | — | 12/24V DC + 120V AC |
| Power Draw | — | ~1.0 Ah avg |
| Warranty | — | 3 years (5 on compressor) |
Frigidaire EFIC189 Countertop Ice Maker
Strengths
- 26 lbs of ice per day
- First batch in 6 minutes
- Two ice sizes (small/large)
- Self-cleaning cycle
Trade-offs
- Requires shore power or large inverter
- No built-in freezer — ice melts if not used
Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler
Strengths
- 46L capacity for 4-7 day couples trips
- Same efficient VMSO3 compressor as CFX3 35
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth app control
- 3-year warranty, 5-year on compressor
Trade-offs
- $1100 is real money
- 44 lbs empty — heavy to install
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