Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Review

Intro

Small, portable ice makers have become a useful countertop tool for cooks and hosts who want on-demand ice without opening the freezer or constantly topping up trays. The Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker positions itself as a compact, fast, and quiet option: the listing states it produces up to 26 pounds of ice per day, has cycle times in the 6–13 minute range, and includes a removable ice basket, scoop, and a self-cleaning mode. This review walks through what the unit is, how owners report it behaves day-to-day, materials and build notes you should verify, safety considerations, who it best suits, and a practical checklist of things to confirm before you buy.

What it is / first look

At face value this is a plug-in countertop ice maker from Antarctic Star described in the listing as a portable unit for kitchen, office, RV, camping, or party use. Key listing specs and facts to know up front:

• Model name: Countertop Ice Maker (part number HZB-12H)
• Ice production per day: listed as 26 pounds
• Cycle time: listed as making ice cubes in about 6–13 minutes (some owner notes reference 6–8 minutes per batch)
• Dimensions: 11.3" D × 11.42" W × 8.66" H
• Weight: 13.5 pounds
• Wattage / voltage: 136 watts, 115 volts
• Refrigerant: R600a
• Material type (listed): Plastic; listing copy also calls out a "durable ABS shell" and says the unit is made of "food-grade material" (manufacturer/listing claims)
• Included components: Ice maker, ice scoop, ice basket, manual

The unit comes in at a small footprint and is explicitly marketed as a portable, no-installation machine with an outlet and drain plug at the bottom for emptying unused water. The listing highlights an intelligent LED display, alarm light, automatic shutdown, and a large translucent window for viewing ice production.

In daily use

Owner feedback provides the clearest picture of what to expect once the Antarctic Star is on your counter. Across multiple positive reports, three themes keep coming up: speed, noise level, and compact size.

Speed & ice quality

The listing claims batches of cubes in 6–13 minutes and up to 26 pounds in 24 hours. Owners commonly report seeing rapid cycles—many note 6–8 minutes per batch once the machine is up to temperature—and say the first one or two cycles often produce slightly smaller ice bullets while the unit reaches optimal running conditions. After those initial rounds owners report that cubes become larger and clearer.

Several owners phrase the output practically: users who need ice for drinks, small gatherings, or routine daily use find the production adequate. One owner summarized consistent performance for everyday needs and small get-togethers. Another notes you can select cube size in some cycles (small vs larger cubes) and that the machine reliably delivers as long as you keep water in the reservoir.

Noise and practicality

The listing claims a low noise level under 35 dB and owner feedback consistently backs that up—many buyers say the unit is noticeably quiet compared with expectations. Multiple owners described it as "amazingly quiet" or that they barely noticed it running, making it suitable for kitchens, offices, or RV use where a loud compressor would be annoying.

Daily handling and caveats

Owners flagged a few recurring, practical points you should plan for: the ice basket is small, the unit’s water-reservoir/level sensor requires monitoring, and the machine does not keep ice frozen long-term (it collects ice but does not function as a freezer). Several owners said they empty or transfer freshly made ice into a freezer bag for storage if they want to keep cubes for later; otherwise, melted ice water gets recycled by the unit.

Some users call out the "add water" light behavior—one owner contacted customer service and reports the sensor is set to trigger when water falls below roughly halfway. That means you may need to top up water more frequently than you expect if you want continuous 24-hour production.

Self-cleaning and maintenance

The listing markets a self-cleaning function and owners point to a straightforward cleaning routine. One owner notes a monthly self-cleaning run of roughly 30 minutes is useful; the listing also encourages performing cleaning regularly, though it doesn't specify a required frequency. Owners say the removable basket and scoop make manual cleaning and emptying simple.

Use-case snapshots

Small kitchens & apartments

Owners in small homes appreciate the compact footprint and portability. At 11.3" × 11.42" × 8.66" and 13.5 pounds, it fits easily on limited counter space and can be stored when not in use.

RVs, boats & camping

Several buyers specifically bought this unit for RV trips and boat use. They emphasize the small size, portability, and the convenience of on-demand ice while traveling. One buyer recommends using distilled water for cleaner ice and easier maintenance when operating away from home water supplies.

Parties & gatherings

For social events, owners say the unit is capable of keeping a steady supply of ice for drinks during shorter parties. The 26 lb/day figure suggests decent peak daily output for casual entertaining, though owners warn that the internal basket is limited and that you’ll need to transfer ice or empty the basket frequently for continuous service at larger gatherings.

Materials & build quality

Listing facts and manufacturer phrasing are the baseline here. The product page lists the material type as "Plastic" and the bullet copy describes a "durable ABS shell." The listing also claims the unit is made of "food-grade material." Those are manufacturer/listing claims; if material composition or certifications matter to you, verify current listing information or manufacturer documentation.

Owners report the unit feels compact and well-finished for the category. Positive owner comments point to tidy assembly and a smooth exterior. There are no widespread owner reports in the research notes of cracking plastics or immediate cosmetic failures, but the dataset is more robust on performance (noise, speed, compactness) than on long-term finish details.

Safety considerations

Be aware of a few safety and operational details called out in the listing and owner notes:

• The listing specifies refrigerant R600a. R600a is a hydrocarbon refrigerant commonly used in small compressors; handle and install per the manufacturer's instructions and verify any transport/storage guidance in the manual.
• The listing advises letting the machine stand upright for 4 hours before first use. This is a clear manufacturer instruction in the product copy—follow it to allow the refrigerant and compressor oil to settle after shipping.
• The listing describes an "automatic shutdown" and alarm light; owners confirm the display/alarm signals when water is low or ice should be removed. These protections are useful for preventing dry running and for safe, unattended operation.
• The product listing claims "low noise" (less than 35 dB) and an easy-to-clean ABS shell. Owners corroborate relatively quiet operation; still, place the unit on a stable, level surface and keep the bottom drain/outlet accessible as the listing mentions a drain plug at the bottom.
• The listing calls the material "food-grade"—this is a listing/manufacturer claim. If you need independent verification of food-contact materials, check the current manufacturer documentation or listing details before buying.

Kitchen-safety-first signals to watch for based on owner patterns: make sure to empty or transfer ice promptly if you need solid, frozen storage; monitor the water level so the machine doesn't try to run dry; and follow the 4-hour upright wait after unboxing. The research notes do not show a recall history or consistent reports of electrical failure, but always follow the manual and local safety guidelines for electrical appliances.

Who this is for / who should skip

This unit is designed around portability, quick cycles, and compact convenience. Use the short list below to decide whether it fits your kitchen and habits.

Who this is a good fit for

• Home cooks and hosts who want a compact countertop ice maker for daily drinks, small gatherings, or occasional entertaining—owners say it removes the hassle of trays.
• People in small kitchens, apartments, or dorms where freezer space is limited—the small footprint and 13.5 lb weight make it easy to move or store.
• RV and boat owners who need portable ice on trips; buyers report ease of transport and reliable performance for trips when used properly.
• Anyone who values quiet operation: owners repeatedly call out low noise under normal conditions.

Who should skip it

• Buyers who need long-term ice storage: the unit keeps ice in a basket but is not a freezer—owners recommend transferring ice to a freezer if you need to store it for later.
• Large-party hosts who need nonstop, hands-off ice for many hours: while the daily production is listed as 26 lbs, the internal basket and reservoir require frequent attention if you want continuous service for a big event.
• Shoppers requiring independent third-party material certifications: the listing claims "food-grade" materials and an ABS shell, but those are manufacturer claims; verify current documents if certification matters to you.

Verdict

The Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker is a compact, budget-minded option that owners report is quick, quiet, and convenient for everyday ice needs. Listing specs—26 lb/day production, 6–13 minute cycles, 136 watts at 115 volts, and a small footprint—line up with buyer impressions: steady output, low noise (owners reference sub-35 dB performance), and easy portability. The included scoop, removable basket, and self-cleaning mode are practical extras that users appreciate.

On the downside, the internal basket is small, the unit does not keep ice frozen long-term, and you’ll need to watch the reservoir level for continuous runs. Owners commonly advise planning to transfer ice to a freezer if you want long-term storage, and one buyer recommended using distilled water for cleaner ice when traveling. If you want a quiet, compact ice maker for daily use, RV trips, or small gatherings, this unit is a sensible, budget-friendly pick—but it’s not a replacement for freezer-based ice storage or a large-capacity commercial ice machine.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the listing's material claims and any food-contact certifications if those are important to you—the listing describes the exterior as a "durable ABS shell" and calls the product "made of food-grade material."
• Plan for the 4-hour upright wait after unpacking (manufacturer instructions listed in the product copy).
• Decide whether you need continuous, unattended production for large parties—owners warn the basket/reservoir needs frequent attention for nonstop use.
• Note the refrigerant listed (R600a) and follow the manual for safe placement and handling.
• Expect to manually empty or transfer ice if you want long-term frozen storage; the machine recycles melted water if left in the basket.

Available colors (as shown in the listing and image filenames):

• Black
• Grey

Included in the box (listed components): Ice maker, ice scoop, ice basket, and manual. Those accessories are mentioned in the product spec and owner notes and are helpful for immediate setup and use.

Bottom line: for small kitchens, RVs, and hosts who want fast, quiet countertop ice without installation, the Antarctic Star offers a compelling value proposition—just set expectations around the internal basket size, reservoir monitoring, and the fact that it doesn’t function as an ice-storage freezer.