Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Review

Intro

Antarctic Star's countertop ice maker (model HZB-12U) is built to deliver fast bullet ice without a water hookup. The listing promises up to 26 pounds of bullet ice per day, two manual water-tank options, and a one-touch self-cleaning feature — all in a plastic-bodied unit with a compact footprint. Owner feedback collected over multiple purchases largely praises the speed and convenience, while a handful of consistent complaints point to a small non-refrigerated storage bin, occasionally wet/melting ice, and spotty customer service.

What it is / first look

At baseline this is a plug-and-play countertop ice maker aimed at home, small-office, or outdoor entertaining use. The listing calls out the main specs that define the product: 26 lb of ice production per 24 hours, the first batch ready in 6–13 minutes, and 8 bullet-shaped ice pieces produced each cycle. The machine runs on standard 115V/60Hz power and is listed at 160 watts. Refrigerant is listed as R600a and the material type is given as plastic.

Size and storage are important for anyone planning to fit it on a busy counter: the product dimensions in the listing are 14.88" deep x 6.69" wide x 12.36" high. The internal ice storage basket is listed as 1.1 lb capacity, and the listing describes a dual water-tank system of 0.8 L + 1.2 L for manual refilling with a total listed capacity of 2 liters.

The listing also highlights a user-friendly LED control panel, a one-touch self-cleaning cycle, and two ice-size options (large and small). Included components per the listing are an ice basket and an ice spoon. The product is shown in at least two finishes; the available colors listed are Black and Steel.

Colors

• Black
• Steel

In daily use

Owner feedback clusters around three clear impressions: it makes ice fast, it’s compact enough to live on a counter, and it’s simple to operate — but storage and downstream handling of the ice require some planning. Below I break down how that plays out by use case.

Small apartments, dorms, and tiny kitchens

For kitchens where freezer space is limited, this model’s compact footprint and fast output are the main selling points. The listing dimensions show a narrow width (6.69") that makes it easy to tuck beside small appliances. Owners report that setup is simple and that the machine starts producing in the listed window: the first ice batch appears within roughly 6–13 minutes as stated in the product copy, and each production cycle yields eight bullet ice pieces. That makes it useful for single-person households and students who want ice on demand without sacrificing freezer shelf space.

Two practical caveats for small kitchens come from buyer notes: the machine requires a manual water refill (the listing describes dual tanks totaling 2 liters), and the 1.1 lb internal ice basket is small — owners advise emptying ice into a separate bin or the freezer if you want longer-lasting, harder ice. Several owners said they had to rearrange counters to make room when they underestimated how much space a functioning countertop appliance actually occupies.

Home bars and entertaining

The fast cycle time and the option to choose between two ice sizes are the key features for drinks. Owners consistently praise the speed — multiple reports align with the listing’s 26 lb/day figure when used intermittently through a day. The larger bullet ice option is noted by buyers as slower-melting than very small cubes, which is why several owners recommended using the large setting for spirit-forward drinks where dilution control matters.

One owner’s summary in the internal notes notes that the ice is “slightly wet” out of the machine and that the storage area isn’t refrigerated and will eventually allow the ice to melt. That’s not a defect in the unit’s manufacturing per se — it’s a consequence of countertop ice makers that produce but do not actively freeze or store ice cold long term — but it does mean you’ll want an external holding solution (separate freezer container) if you need rock-hard ice for cocktails later in the evening.

Office, break room, and outdoor gatherings

The listing positions this as suitable for homes, offices, and outdoor gatherings, and owners confirm it works well in small offices and for backyard BBQs when plugged in. The dual water-tank system the listing describes — a 0.8 L plus a 1.2 L option — is helpful for lower-touch use; several owners appreciated that the removable tank(s) cut down on refill frequency versus tiny single-reservoir models.

Owners also reported the one-touch self-cleaning function is a convenience for shared spaces. However, multiple buyers pointed out that the unit will stop when the internal bin is full (an expected behavior) and that the combination of continuous ice production + manual dispense requires someone to tend the machine if it’s servicing a larger group.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists the machine’s material type as plastic. The included components per the listing are an ice basket and ice spoon. The model number called out in the product facts is HZB-12U and the part number is 58212RIM1-BLACK-R14-1; the brand and manufacturer are both listed as Antarctic Star.

Owner feedback on build quality trends positive. Multiple buyers describe the unit as having a solid, finished feel and praise features like a clear viewing lid and removable tanks for easy cleaning. One owner noted that after repeated fill/dispense cycles there were no leaks or sticking buttons. Another buyer listed the construction as feeling “solid” and wrote that it looked and smelled fresh after the listed self-clean cycle.

There are, however, a few recurring mechanical annoyances mentioned by owners that you should factor into expectations: a handful of buyers reported that the small storage tray can eject itself from the machine; others said the storage basket size is smaller than they hoped and that the bin is not actively refrigerated. One buyer explicitly described the storage area as ‘‘small’’ and emphasized that you should plan to empty batches into freezer storage if you want the ice to remain hard.

Included in the product facts: a 1.1 lb storage basket, 8-bullet-ice-per-cycle production, and a dual-tank description (0.8L + 1.2L). Beyond that, the listing does not specify the exact plastics or finishes used — the listing simply lists 'plastic' as the material type. If specific food-contact material claims (for example, any 'BPA-free' or 'food-grade' statements) are important to you, verify those details on the current listing or manufacturer documentation because they are not included in the product facts provided here.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety is a priority. The listing shows a standard electrical rating: 115 volts and 160 watts. The listing also specifies refrigerant type as R600a. The presence of a refrigerant means this is a sealed refrigeration circuit; the listing does not provide certifications or third‑party testing claims in the product facts supplied here, and the manufacturer documentation should be consulted for any handling or servicing guidance.

From owner feedback, the most relevant safety-related signals are practical rather than technical. Owners repeatedly highlight a few user-safety issues:

• Overflow/flooding risk when dispensing water with the machine actively making ice — one owner warned the machine has no automatic stop for water dispensing and advised caution when filling glasses to avoid overflow. That owner called out the possibility of the machine flooding if you’re distracted while dispensing.
• Small, non-refrigerated ice storage — several buyers pointed out the basket does not actively keep ice frozen; ice left in the bin will soften and can clump, which is a food-quality and handling concern more than a mechanical hazard. Plan to move bulk ice to a freezer if you need long-term storage.
• Removable parts and ejecting trays — a few owners reported the tray can pop out, which can be a mess hazard if it occurs while the unit is operating or if it isn’t noticed. Secure placement and routine checks of the basket are wise.

Other safety-relevant owner notes include subjective noise and heat. Several buyers described the unit as fairly quiet and one owner reported it runs under 46 dB (owner-reported). Another owner listed ‘‘low heat exhaust’’ and modest electrical usage as positives, but the listing itself lists 160 watts rather than that owner’s 140-watt figure. These are owner-observed measurements and should be treated as reported impressions rather than verified specifications.

Bottom line on safety: follow the listing/manufacturer guidance for electrical connections and operation, verify any refrigerant handling or servicing questions with the manufacturer, supervise dispensing to avoid overflow, and remember the in-unit ice basket is not a freezer — ice will soften if left there.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use cases where the Antarctic Star countertop ice maker fits well:

• Home bars where you want fast bullet ice on demand and will move batches to freezer storage for long-term holding. Owners praise the fast cycles and two ice-size options for drink prep.
• Small offices, studios, or break rooms that need a steady supply of ice and where someone will manage refills and bin emptying. The listed 26 lb/day output and dual water tanks reduce the time between refills for moderate use.
• Outdoor entertaining where you can plug in a countertop unit temporarily — owners reported successfully moving the unit outdoors for gatherings. The listing positions the machine for home/office/outdoor use.

Who should probably skip this model or consider alternatives:

• If you need large volumes of long-term frozen storage straight from the machine. The listing’s 1.1 lb internal basket and owner reports that the bin is not refrigerated make this a production device, not a freezer replacement.
• If you require guaranteed fast customer service or manufacturer support — at least one owner explicitly said they had trouble getting a response after packaging or parts issues.
• Those wanting very large, single-piece ice cubes (clear, large format ice) — this machine makes bullet-shaped ice in two sizes as described in the listing; owners note the pieces are still relatively small compared with some specialty large-ice machines.

Verdict

What you get: a compact, plastic-bodied countertop ice maker that the listing rates at 26 lb/day, producing 8 bullet ice pieces per cycle with the first batch ready in 6–13 minutes. It runs on 115V power at 160 watts, uses R600a refrigerant, and has a 1.1 lb internal ice basket plus the listed dual-tank manual-fill arrangement (0.8 L + 1.2 L). Owners praise speed, straightforward controls, and the one-touch self-cleaning feature.

What you should mentally budget for: the internal storage is small and not refrigerated, ice can be somewhat wet coming out of the machine, and a few owners reported mechanical annoyances such as the tray ejecting or occasional packaging problems. There are also reports of occasional non-responsive customer service. None of these are universal, but they were repeated enough in owner feedback to matter.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the available color (Black or Steel) you want and make sure the listed footprint (14.88" D x 6.69" W x 12.36" H) fits your counter space.
• Plan how you’ll handle ice storage: the listing shows a 1.1 lb internal basket that is not refrigerated; owners recommend transferring batches to a freezer if you need firm ice for cocktails or long-term storage.
• Decide whether you can manage manual refills — the listing describes dual water tanks (0.8 L + 1.2 L) rather than a permanent plumbing hookup.
• Expect to supervise dispensing during heavy use to avoid overflow. Owner notes describe a flooding risk if water is dispensed carelessly while the unit is running.
• Verify current manufacturer documentation if you need details about materials, servicing, or certifications. The product facts list the refrigerant (R600a) and plastic material type but do not include third-party certification details.
• Factor in customer-service possibilities: at least one buyer reported difficulty reaching the company about a dislodged tray.

Final takeaway: this Antarctic Star countertop ice maker is a convenient, mid-range option for cooks and hosts who want fast bullet ice on demand without a water hookup. It’s a credible solution for home bars, small offices, and weekend gatherings where frequent transfer of ice to a freezer or bin is acceptable. If you need an integrated cold-storage solution or extensive manufacturer support, consider alternatives or confirm current policy before committing.