Antarctic Star Crescent Ice Maker review — compact countertop ice maker

Intro

The Antarctic Star Crescent Ice Maker is a compact, countertop unit that the listing says produces 16 crescent-shaped ice cubes in about 15 minutes and up to 27 lbs of ice in 24 hours. It’s sold as a user-friendly, portable option with a one-touch start, a 24-hour timer, and a one-touch self-cleaning function. Owners repeatedly praise the clarity and slow-melting shape of the ice, but they also point out the limited onboard storage and mixed impressions on noise. This review unpacks what the listing and owners actually report, who benefits most from this machine, and the safety and fit checks you should run before you buy.

What it is / first look

The Antarctic Star Crescent Ice Maker is a compact countertop ice maker described in the listing with the model name "Stainless Steel" and the part number 58112RIM0-BLACK-AS25. The listing specifies the unit’s material type as "Plastic, Stainless Steel," and lists key specs that matter for placement and power: an internal capacity of 1.8 liters, operating voltage of 110 volts, refrigerant R600a, and item dimensions of 9.45" deep x 10.1" wide x 15.75" high.

On paper the headline features are clear: 16 crescent-shaped cubes produced in roughly 15 minutes, a daily production rating of 27 lbs, a one-touch on/off control, a 24-hour timer, and a one-touch self-cleaning function. The listing also notes the unit ships with a manual, the ice maker itself, and an ice scoop.

Images and the part number imply at least a black finish and a stainless-steel look (the part number includes "BLACK" and the model name is "Stainless Steel"). Available colors may include black and stainless steel; verify the current listing for the exact colorway you want.

In daily use

Here’s how the Antarctic Star Crescent Ice Maker performs for people actually living with it, based on owner feedback and the listing details.

Production speed and output

The listing touts a rapid cycle—16 crescent ice cubes in about 15 minutes—and a daily output rated at 27 lbs. Owners corroborate the brisk cycle time: several report ice ready roughly every 15 minutes and note that the machine can produce a continuous supply if it’s left running. One owner described getting about 30 pieces in ~30 minutes from a cold start, which lines up with the listing’s 16-per-15-minute claim (two cycles in 30 minutes gives around 32 cubes).

That 27-lb/day rating is the listing’s daily capacity; owners caution that onboard storage is limited, so the unit’s continuous production is best for intermittent demand (topping up a bucket, refilling glasses) rather than heavy-duty service without frequent scooping.

Ice shape, clarity, and melt rate

The listing emphasizes "slow-melting, crescent-shaped" ice made to chill without over-diluting drinks. Owner reports reinforce that pattern: multiple owners call the ice "crystal clear" and say the crescent cubes melt noticeably slower than typical small cubed ice, and that the cubes don’t stick together in the bin. Those are consistent recurring comments and the main reason people buy this style of counter ice maker for cocktails, bottles, or drinks where dilution matters.

Noise and day-to-day convenience

Noise impressions are mixed in owner feedback. Several buyers praise this Antarctic Star model as quieter than previous countertop units they’ve owned and highlight it as the "least noise" machine among their options. A smaller number say it’s louder than other models they've had. That split suggests you should expect normal compressor/ice-machine sound during cycles and be prepared for different subjective experiences based on where you place it (near a sleeping area vs. a bar or kitchen counter).

Small conveniences listed and confirmed by owners: the ice drops into a pull-out bin for easy scooping, the unit includes an ice scoop, and the one-touch controls plus an intuitive on/off button make operation simple. The 24-hour timer and the self-cleaning function are listed features that owners mention as useful for planning and maintenance.

Daily-care habits owners recommend

• Several owners say they run distilled water to reduce impurities and prevent internal buildup—an owner-reported habit, not a manufacturer requirement listed explicitly.
• Emptying the pull-out bin regularly keeps the unit recirculating fresh cubes rather than storing large quantities of ice that can cluster if left for long periods.

Capacity for real households

Owners often describe the Antarctic Star as ideal for one or two people, or as a bar/RV/office appliance. The repeated comment is that it’s not a family-sized ice machine: the internal reservoir and bin are compact, so families who need lots of ready-to-use ice without frequent scooping may find it limiting.

Materials & build quality

The listing’s material statement is straightforward: "Material Type: Plastic, Stainless Steel." The model name is "Stainless Steel," and the part number references BLACK, which combined with the image file hints suggests an exterior treatment that mixes stainless-steel trim or panels with plastic components. If you need a fully metal exterior or a particular finish, verify the live listing photos and product text before buying; the listing copy itself does not break down which parts are plastic and which are stainless steel.

Owners who commented on build quality generally report it feels solid for a countertop ice maker and praise the quality relative to some cheaper competitors. One owner explicitly called the unit "higher quality" than other similar-sized models they had tried. No pervasive reports of broken housing, cracked bins, or missing parts appear in the aggregated owner notes; the included components listed are manual, ice maker, and ice scoop.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety first: here are the safety-relevant facts you can verify from the listing and recurring owner reports.

• Refrigerant: The listing specifies R600a. That’s the refrigerant the listing names—verify the manufacturer documentation and follow manufacturer instructions for placement, transport, and service when refrigerant handling is a concern.
• Power: The listing shows 110 volts as the operating voltage. Make sure the outlet you intend to use matches that requirement and is rated for the appliance load.
• Self-cleaning: The listing includes a one-touch self-cleaning function. Owners mention it as convenient; follow the manufacturer’s directions for the self-clean cycle and for any chemical recommendations in the manual.
• Food-contact materials: The listing supplies material type (Plastic, Stainless Steel) but does not provide independent certifications in the product copy. If material food-contact claims (for example, food-grade plastics or certifications) are important to you, verify the current listing or manufacturer documentation—those specifics aren’t provided in the core product text.
• Noise and placement: owners give mixed reports about noise. If you plan to place the unit near a sleeping area or in a small enclosed space, be aware that subjective noise levels vary and may matter to you.

As always, follow the included manual and the manufacturer instructions for installation, cleaning, and transport. The listing includes a manual with the unit.

Who this is for / who should skip

This section breaks down the most common use cases owners report and the situations where this unit is less suitable.

Small kitchens, apartments & RVs

If your kitchen or living space is tight and you want on-demand clear, slow-melting ice without a built-in line or bulky cabinet, this machine matches that need. Owners frequently mention using it in RVs, on bars, and in small apartments. The compact dimensions (9.45"D x 10.1"W x 15.75"H) make it a countertop-friendly footprint.

Home bars, offices & occasional parties

For cocktail lovers and casual entertainers who want a continuous trickle of clear crescent cubes to top up glasses, this unit is well-suited. Owners praise the slow-melting shape for spirits and mixed drinks and describe using it on home bars or in mancaves. The listing’s 27-lb/day rating supports occasional entertaining or steady use for small gatherings, with the caveat that you’ll need to empty the bin periodically.

Who should skip

Skip this model if you need a family-sized ice solution that leaves a large bank of ready ice without frequent scooping. Owners consistently describe limited onboard storage and suggest the unit is best for one to two people or as a supplement to a larger source of ice. Also, verify the R600a refrigerant and 110V requirement if your installation or service expectations differ from the listing.

Verdict

The Antarctic Star Crescent Ice Maker presents a compelling value proposition for buyers who want compact, clear, slow-melting crescent cubes on a countertop. The listing’s headline numbers—16 pieces in 15 minutes and up to 27 lbs per day—are supported by owner reports of brisk cycle times and clear ice. Owners repeatedly praise ice clarity, slow melt, and the convenience of a pull-out bin and included scoop. Noise impressions are mixed, and the limited internal storage makes this a better match for one- to two-person households, bars, RVs, or offices rather than heavy family use.

If you need a compact, attractive countertop ice maker that emphasizes cube clarity and melt control for drinks, this model is worth considering. Confirm the finish you want and the exact material breakdown on the current listing if stainless-steel surfaces vs. plastic components matter. Also verify the voltage and refrigerant details for placement and service planning.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the color/finish on the live listing (images and the part number hint at black and stainless-steel finishes).
• Verify the listed dimensions (9.45"D x 10.1"W x 15.75"H) will fit your counter or shelf space and that you have a nearby 110V outlet.
• Double-check the daily production rating (listed as 27 lbs/day) and the cycle spec (listed as 16 crescent cubes in ~15 minutes) versus your household needs.
• Review the listing’s material statement (Plastic, Stainless Steel) and any manufacturer documentation if you need specific food-contact assurances.
• Note the refrigerant listed as R600a and confirm any transport/service considerations with the manufacturer or seller documentation.
• Remember the unit ships with a manual and an ice scoop—confirm these are included if they’re important for you.

FAQ

• Q: How much ice does this machine make in a day?
  A: The listing states a daily production capacity of 27 lbs.
• Q: How many pieces and how fast are they made?
  A: The listing says the machine produces 16 crescent-shaped ice cubes in about 15 minutes. Owners report seeing ice ready on roughly that schedule and note continuous production when the machine is left running.
• Q: What are the unit’s dimensions and reservoir capacity?
  A: The listing gives item dimensions as 9.45" deep x 10.1" wide x 15.75" high and a capacity of 1.8 liters.
• Q: Does it have a self-clean function?
  A: Yes. The listing describes a one-touch self-cleaning function and a 24-hour timer for planned production.
• Q: Is the ice clear and slow-melting?
  A: The listing markets "slow-melting crescent-shaped" ice and owners repeatedly describe the cubes as crystal-clear and slower to melt; those owner impressions are a recurring pattern in reviews.
• Q: Is this suitable for a family that uses a lot of ice?
  A: Owners commonly say the machine is best for one or two people and note limited onboard storage. If your household needs large quantities of ready-to-use ice without frequent scooping, the listing and owner feedback suggest this model may be too small.
• Q: What refrigerant and voltage does the unit use?
  A: The listing specifies refrigerant R600a and an operating voltage of 110 volts.
• Q: What’s included in the box?
  A: The listing lists included components as: manual, ice maker, and ice scoop.