COWSAR Z5820DN Nugget Ice Maker vs Frigidaire Compact Countertop Ice Maker

Buy the COWSAR if you want chewable nugget ice and hands-free dispensing; buy the Frigidaire if you want a proven, simple cube maker with a large owner base. The COWSAR makes more ice per day, drops it with a pull of a lever instead of a scoop, and holds a small built-in bin. The Frigidaire makes standard cubes in two sizes, has a see-through window and a bigger water reservoir, and its 4.5 rating comes from over 5,000 owners against 444 for the COWSAR. Build on both is plastic-bodied countertop gear; the COWSAR's dispenser lever is the extra part that can wear or jam.

• Choose the COWSAR if you want soft nugget ice for chewing and drinks, and you would rather pull a lever than dig with a scoop.
• Choose the Frigidaire if you want familiar cube ice, two cube sizes, and a long track record from thousands of owners.