Which makes better ice for cocktails?

The Frigidaire Gallery. Nugget ice is soft and chewable and chills drinks fast, which is why bars use it. The Igloo makes standard cubes that are fine but ordinary.

Is the Frigidaire worth more than twice the price?

Only if nugget ice matters to you. At $174.00 versus $71.99 as of November 7, 2026, you pay about $102 more for nugget ice, more output, and a bigger bin.

The Igloo. It lists a first batch in about 7 minutes, while the Frigidaire takes 10 to 15 minutes to the first nugget.

Hard to say from the data. The Frigidaire has an aluminum body and a much larger review base at 3.9 out of 5, while the Igloo is plastic with only 34 ratings.

Do either need a water line?

No. Both are manual-fill countertop units. You add water yourself and neither needs a drain.

Which fits under kitchen cabinets?

Both are close in size. The Frigidaire is 9.4 in wide and 14.8 in tall; the Igloo is 10.51 in wide and 15.28 in tall, so check your clearance.

Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker vs Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker

Buy the Frigidaire Gallery if you want soft, chewable nugget ice for cocktails and sodas. Buy the Igloo if you want cheap, fast, standard ice cubes and don't care about nugget texture. The Frigidaire is $174.00 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026, and the Igloo is $71.99 at Kohl's as of the same date, so the Igloo costs less than half as much.

Today the Igloo Automatic Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker costs $220.51 less at its best price.

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