Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Review — Nugget Ice at Home

Intro

If you like the soft, chewable pellet ice restaurants serve with soda and cocktails, the Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker promises that same texture at home. The listing describes a compact countertop unit (model HZB-20DN Silver) with a 2.4L water tank, up to 20kg (44 lbs) of ice production in 24 hours, and a push-pull contactless dispenser. Owners praise the ice quality and output, but also repeatedly warn about noise, maintenance frequency, and occasional reliability problems. This review pulls together the product specs and owner experience so you can decide whether this nugget ice maker fits your kitchen and habits.

What it is / first look

The Antarctic Star HZB-20DN is a portable pellet (nugget) ice maker listed with a stainless steel finish and a "Classic Silver" color. Dimensions on the listing are 16.34" deep × 10.63" wide × 16.93" high and it runs on 115 volts. The listing highlights fast production — a first batch in 15–20 minutes — with continuous production up to 20 kg (44 lbs) per 24 hours. The water tank capacity is listed as 2.4 liters, and the storage basket holds about 1.5 kg of ice.

Key features called out by the manufacturer in the listing are contactless push-pull dispensing (place a cup under the dispenser and slide the lever), a short-press one-touch self-cleaning function (hold the ON/OFF button for five seconds to start a 10-minute cleaning cycle), smart indicator lights for low water and full ice, and a built-in drain plug for faster water removal. The listing positions the unit as compact and suitable for countertops, RVs, home bars, or office break rooms.

What you get in the box

The listing lists the included component as: Ice Maker. The model/part number is HZB-20DN Silver. The brand and manufacturer are Antarctic Star.

Colors

• Classic Silver

Available colors may include Classic Silver, which is the default color on the listing.

In daily use

Owners’ day-to-day notes fall into three broad patterns: enthusiastic praise for the ice texture and output; acceptance of noticeable noise; and real concern about regular cleaning and occasional failures. Below is a practical synthesis of how the machine behaves during normal use.

Ice quality and production

The unit is repeatedly described by owners as making good nugget/pellet ice — soft, crunchy, and chewable. The listing specifies the nugget size/weight as approximately 1.0–2.2 g per cube and promises quick first batches (15–20 minutes) with continuous production up to 20 kg (44 lbs) per day. Multiple owners highlight that the ice is the product’s strongest point: it pours, it’s chewable, and it’s well suited to whisky, iced coffee, soda, and smoothies as the listing suggests.

Dispensing and handling

The listing describes contactless push-pull dispensing: place a cup under the dispenser and slide the lever to drop ice without scoops. Owners confirm this is convenient and like that they don't have to reach into a cold bin. One note mentions that the largest cups fit when the little drip pan is removed; owners say that drip pan is easy to pull out.

Speed and storage

The listing’s production figures (first batch in 15–20 minutes, up to 44 lbs per 24 hours) pair with a storage capacity of 1.5 kg in the ice basket. Owners report that production is brisk and generally meets expectations for a countertop pellet ice maker, though one owner mentioned the ice dispenses more slowly than expected when filling a large cup.

Noise and sounds

Noise is the single most repeated complaint in owner feedback. Some buyers call the machine "noticeably loud" and a few have used stronger language — one said it sounds like a "jet engine" and compared it to loud shop equipment. Other owners call it "somewhat loud" but tolerable. If you need a whisper-quiet appliance for a studio apartment or a noise-sensitive space, owner reports suggest this machine may be disruptive during ice cycles.

Cleaning and water quality

Owners repeatedly stress that keeping the unit clean is essential. The listing includes a one-touch self-cleaning cycle (short-press ON/OFF for five seconds to run a 10-minute self-clean) and a built-in drain plug, which owners find useful. However, multiple buyers warn that the machine can develop slime or mineral buildup quickly if not cleaned often. A common owner practice described is a vinegar-and-water soak and multiple water flushes — one owner describes a 50/50 vinegar/water soak overnight followed by several tanks of water until there is no vinegar taste or smell. Several owners recommend filtered water to reduce cleaning frequency; one owner says if your tap water has hardness you'll probably need to clean it every other day. The upshot from owners: plan to clean frequently and consider filtered water.

Reliability and customer service notes

Most owners report the ice maker works well, but there are scattered reliability reports. One buyer said their unit quit working after six months; they noted the seller ultimately provided a full refund, and that they repurchased from the same seller because they liked the ice quality. That single failure is an important signal when balancing price and expected lifespan: the listing price sits below the list price but above many budget units, so prospective buyers should factor possible service or replacement into their decision.

Where it sits on your counter

The listed footprint (16.34" D × 10.63" W × 16.93" H) keeps it compact relative to built-in or larger commercial machines. Owners place it on countertops, in basement bars, and in small offices. One owner notes the water chamber is awkward to access and refill, which can be an annoyance during heavy use.

Use-case breakdown

Small apartments and studio kitchens

Why it works: The compact footprint and lack of installation make it easy to add to a small kitchen. The nugget ice elevates drinks and is a nice convenience.

Why to be cautious: Noise is a factor in small spaces, and owners say the unit can be loud during cycles — some loudly enough to be disruptive in open-plan apartments.

Home bars and entertaining

Why it works: Owners like the chewable texture for cocktails and large parties, and the stated 44 lbs/24h production is geared toward frequent entertaining. The contactless dispensing is practical for serving guests.

Why to be cautious: The storage capacity is 1.5 kg, so for large events plan for frequent cycles or continuous production. Also, plan a maintenance routine and consider filtered water to reduce mineral buildup during heavy use.

Office break rooms / RVs / secondary locations

Why it works: The listing positions the unit for office break rooms and RVs thanks to compact, portable design and quick production. The drain plug and self-cleaning cycle add convenience for semi-regular use.

Why to be cautious: Owners say the water chamber can be awkward to refill — something to consider if multiple people will be refilling it — and again, noise may be disruptive in shared spaces.

Materials & build quality

The listing describes the exterior as stainless steel (Classic Silver). Beyond that, the listing does not specify detailed construction materials, liner composition, or certification for food-contact materials. Owners describe the machine as "solidly built" in plain terms, but a handful of reliability reports — including at least one failure after six months — temper that praise.

Practical takeaways:

• Finish and look: The listing lists a stainless steel, silver finish, which presents as a countertop-friendly aesthetic.
• Access and ergonomics: Owners report the ice basket and drip pan are easy to use and the largest cups can fit when the drip pan is removed. Conversely, the water chamber is described as awkward to access and refill by some owners.
• Included features that affect maintenance: The listing includes a 10-minute self-clean cycle activated by holding the ON/OFF button for five seconds and a built-in drain plug — both features that owners find useful for upkeep.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety first: any device that holds water and produces ice needs regular cleaning to avoid bacterial or slime growth. The most important safety signals from the listing and owner notes are cleaning frequency, noise/operation, and the presence of moving parts.

• Cleaning is critical. Owners warn that the machine can grow "nasty slimy crud" if neglected. The listing includes a one-touch self-cleaning mode and a drain plug, but owners still recommend manual cleaning with a vinegar solution and multiple flush cycles. Treat microbial growth as a real risk if you don’t clean frequently.
• Water quality matters. Several owners recommend filtered water to reduce mineral deposits and the need for extreme cleaning. The listing doesn’t specify water-filter compatibility or require a filter — that advice comes from owners’ practical experience.
• Noise and mechanical stress. Loud, grinding, or squeezing sounds reported by several owners are worth flagging — extreme noise can indicate strain or a mechanical issue. One owner explicitly reported the device sounding like a jet engine. If your unit becomes louder over time or produces unusual grinding noises, that’s a signal to stop using it and contact the seller/manufacturer.
• Dispensing hygiene. The contactless push-pull dispensing is designed to limit hand contact with ice, which is a hygienic advantage in shared settings.
• Reliability. At least one owner reported the unit stopped working after six months. That kind of failure reinforces the need to register the product (if the listing provides a registration process), keep documentation, and verify the seller/manufacturer policy for repairs or refunds before buying.

Final safety note: The listing does not specify certifications, food-contact material declarations, or tested microbial safety. If you have specific food-safety requirements, verify current manufacturer documentation before purchase and follow the listed cleaning instructions.

Who this is for / who should skip

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker is a practical, mid-size countertop nugget ice maker that targets buyers who want restaurant-style chewable ice without installing a built-in unit. Use this checklist to decide:

Buy if...

• You prioritize chewable nugget/pellet ice for drinks and want a countertop unit with quick first-batch times (listing: 15–20 minutes).
• You need reasonably high output for a countertop model — the listing states up to 20 kg (44 lbs) in 24 hours and a storage basket around 1.5 kg.
• You appreciate a contactless dispensing feature and a one-touch self-cleaning cycle (hold ON/OFF five seconds for a 10-minute cycle) plus a drain plug for faster water removal.

Skip or think twice if...

• Noise is a major concern — owners repeatedly report noticeable to very loud operation, and a few describe extremely loud cycles.
• You can’t commit to frequent cleaning — owners recommend regular vinegar cleaning and multiple flushes; hardness in your water may require daily or every-other-day cleaning.
• You need an appliance with a long, proven track record — there are scattered owner reports of failures (for example, a unit stopping after six months), so factor potential service/repair into your decision.

Verdict

For home cooks and small-scale entertainers who prize chewable nugget ice and want a countertop solution, the Antarctic Star HZB-20DN delivers the core promise: soft, pellet-style ice, quick first batches, and a high daily output according to the listing. Owners praise the ice quality and find the contactless dispensing and self-clean feature practical. That said, repeated owner signals about loud operation and intensive cleaning requirements are important trade-offs. If you want the nugget texture and are prepared to clean frequently and tolerate noise during cycles, this unit is a reasonable mid-range pick. If you need whisper-quiet operation, minimal maintenance, or iron-clad long-term reliability out of the box, you should consider alternatives or verify seller support and return/exchange options before buying.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the listed dimensions (16.34" D × 10.63" W × 16.93" H) will fit your intended counter space and that you can access the water chamber comfortably.
• Plan to use filtered water if you want to reduce mineral buildup and cleaning frequency; owners report filtered water cuts down maintenance.
• Understand cleaning requirements: the listing provides a 10-minute self-clean when you hold the ON/OFF button for five seconds, and owners recommend additional manual cleaning (vinegar soak/flushing) on a frequent schedule.
• Accept that operation is likely to be noticeably loud during cycles; if noise sensitivity is an issue, consider testing location or alternative models.
• Keep purchase documentation and verify the seller/manufacturer customer-service path because owner reports include at least one refund/replacement case after failure at roughly six months.