Kismile Countertop Ice Maker HZB-12U review — compact bullet ice maker

Intro

If you want countertop ice without hauling bags from the store, the Kismile Countertop Ice Maker (model HZB-12U) is worth a hard look. The listing positions it as a portable bullet ice machine that produces up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours, offers two ice sizes, and includes a self-clean feature. That puts it in the busy-but-compact class of home ice makers built for apartments, RVs, small parties, and bar carts.

This review pulls together the listing/spec facts (production rate, tank capacity, dimensions, refrigerant, and controls) and patterns from owner feedback: where it shines, what owners repeatedly flag, and what to verify before you buy.

What it is / first look

The product is sold as the Kismile Countertop Ice Maker, model HZB-12U (part number 58212RIM1-BLACK). It’s a plug-in countertop unit (listed voltage: 110 volts) with a compact footprint: item dimensions are 12.36" D x 6.69" W x 14.88" H. The listing states a 2-liter capacity, and the marketing/bullets describe dual water tanks (0.8L inner tank + 1.2L top tank). The unit produces 8 bullet-shaped cubes per cycle and can make up to 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours; the listing says a first batch appears in roughly 6–13 minutes depending on ice size and room temperature.

Controls and features called out in the listing include a smart LED panel with Add Water and Ice Full alerts, a clear viewing window, and a one-touch deep-clean/self-clean cycle. The refrigerant is listed as R600a.

What you’ll see when you pull it from the box

• Compact black exterior (default color listed as Black) with a clear top viewing window and an LED touch panel.
• Ice basket and scoop included (the listing’s included components list: ice maker — owners note that a scoop and basket are present in some packages).
• Two water tanks: a top-fill tank and a smaller inner tank (listing: 1.2L top tank + 0.8L inner tank; spec capacity: 2 liters).

In daily use

Owners repeatedly praise the HZB-12U for being easy to use and fast for its size. The listing promises 6–13 minutes per cycle and up to 26 lbs/day — owner reports back that the first batch often arrives in about 6–10 minutes, with regular cycles producing eight bullet cubes each time and continuing until the ice basket is full or the water runs out.

Speed & production

The listing’s numbers (6–13 minutes per cycle, 8 cubes per cycle, up to 26 lbs/24H) match owner experience: several owners report a first batch in roughly 6–10 minutes and steady production thereafter. Owners also emphasize that the unit performs best if you start the event with full tanks — a filled machine will deliver a steady stream of ice for small gatherings or to refill a cooler.

Ease of use & controls

The LED panel and clear viewing window are called out in the product listing; owners say the touch controls are intuitive and the alerts (Add Water / Ice Full) are helpful. The one-touch deep-clean cycle is frequently praised — several owners describe it as straightforward and effective at reducing scale when used as directed.

Noise, placement, and daily handling

The listing markets the unit as “low-noise.” Owner feedback is consistent: it runs with a quiet hum during freezing cycles, but the sound of ice dropping into the basket is noticeably louder. A few owners mention the larger-capacity model is a bit louder than smaller units — not disruptive, but something to consider if you plan to run it in a bedroom or very quiet space.

Refilling and continuous use

The dual-tank design is meant to extend run time between top-ups (listing: 0.8L inner + 1.2L top tank = 2 liters total). Owners point out you will still need to refill multiple times for longer events: one owner summarized that you might refill it several times over a busy day. If you need continuous, unattended ice supply without manual refills, note that owner feedback and the listing indicate this unit uses on-board tanks rather than a plumbed water line.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists color and size details; it does not provide a full materials breakdown. Owner reports help fill that gap: multiple owners describe the exterior as having a stainless-steel look and say the housing feels solid — in short, an upper-mid quality feel for a countertop unit. Owners also praise the included ice basket and scoop as sturdy and easy to clean.

Important listing/spec facts for build: model HZB-12U, refrigerant R600a, voltage 110 volts, and item dimensions 12.36" D x 6.69" W x 14.88" H. The listing confirms the self-cleaning feature and LED panel.

Because the listing does not specify detailed materials or food-contact certifications, treat material and safety claims conservatively. Owner phrasing is useful: they say the interior plastics resist stains and odors in their experience, but the listing does not specify material grades, coatings, or third-party food-contact certifications.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety first: here are the facts and patterns to note from the listing and owners.

• Refrigerant: The listing specifies R600a as the refrigerant. Verify handling and placement guidance in the manufacturer documentation before service or moving the unit; R600a is listed as the refrigerant on the product spec.
• Voltage: Listed voltage is 110 volts — use appropriate outlets and follow manufacturer setup instructions.
• Ice storage: Owners report the ice basket is not refrigerated (the ice tray/basket does not stay frozen); the listing’s product language and owner feedback make clear this unit makes ice but is not a refrigerated storage compartment. If you need long-term ice storage, plan to transfer cubes to a freezer or cooler.
• Drain & flip caution: An owner mentioned a drain location at the bottom front-left corner but also cautioned not to flip the unit to search for it because tampering could affect the refrigerant system. The listing does not provide detailed drain instructions; check the manual and follow manufacturer guidance when emptying or cleaning.
• Noise & placement: The unit runs quietly overall but the ice drop is louder; place on a stable, level surface to avoid vibration and possible tipping when ice drops into the basket.
• Packaging and shipping: Several owners reported damaged or soaked boxes on delivery — check the unit on arrival for visible damage and test promptly. If you receive a unit with evident shipping damage, follow the retailer/manufacturer return instructions.

Because the listing does not list third-party safety certifications or detailed material claims, verify current manufacturer documentation for any food-contact or safety certifications you require.

Who this is for / who should skip

The Kismile HZB-12U suits specific kitchens and use cases better than others. Below are practical fit notes based on listing specs and owner feedback.

Best for

• Small apartments and condos — compact footprint fits tight counters (listing dimensions: 12.36" D x 6.69" W x 14.88" H).
• RVs, boats, and tailgates — owners call out portability and praise it for RV use; the unit is plug-in and doesn’t need a plumbed water supply.
• Casual entertaining and home bars — produces bullet ice quickly (8 cubes per cycle) for cocktails, iced coffee, and cold drinks.
• Buyers who want a simple, self-cleaning countertop unit — the listing highlights a one-touch deep-clean feature that owners report is convenient.

Skip this if

• You need a plumbed or fully automatic, continuous-feed commercial solution — the unit uses onboard tanks and requires refills.
• You expect refrigerated long-term ice storage — owners report the ice basket is not refrigerated and won’t keep ice frozen for long periods.
• You have very noisy or space-sensitive areas and need near-silence — ice drop noise is noticeable, and a few owners note the larger model is louder than smaller units.

Verdict

The Kismile HZB-12U countertop ice maker is a compelling pick if you want fast bullet ice from a compact, easy-to-use machine. The listing specs (8 cubes per cycle, up to 26 lbs/24H, 6–13 minute cycle time, 2-liter capacity across dual tanks, one-touch deep clean, LED panel, and a clear viewing window) line up with owner experience: owners report the unit makes ice quickly, is straightforward to operate, and the self-cleaning feature is genuinely useful.

On the flip side, plan around the limits owners flagged: the ice basket is not refrigerated, you’ll refill the water tanks during extended events, and the ice drop sound is louder than the baseline hum. A handful of owners also reported shipping/packaging damage on arrival — inspect the box and unit immediately when it’s delivered.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm the listed specifications (model HZB-12U, voltage 110V, refrigerant R600a) match any installation needs you have.
• Decide whether a 2-liter onboard capacity (0.8L inner + 1.2L top tank per listing) fits your typical event length — owners report multiple refills may be needed for long gatherings.
• Prepare for non-refrigerated ice storage: plan to move cubes to a freezer or cooler if you need them to stay frozen long-term.
• Check delivery condition on arrival — several owners reported damaged/soaked boxes in transit.
• Read the manual for drain location and cleaning instructions before attempting to flip or disassemble the unit (an owner warned against flipping the unit due to the refrigerant system).

Overall, for buyers seeking a mid-capacity, portable countertop ice maker with fast cycles and a convenient self-clean feature, the Kismile HZB-12U delivers solid performance and a good value proposition. For people who need continuous plumbed ice or long-term refrigerated storage, look at full-size undercounter or freezer-based solutions instead.

Colors and appearance

The listing default color is Black; owner descriptions and listing images also reference a stainless-steel look for the housing. Available colors may include:

• black
• stainless steel (appearance reported in images/owner notes)

FAQ

1. How fast does the Kismile countertop ice maker make ice?

   The listing states a first batch appears in about 6–13 minutes depending on ice size and room temperature; owners commonly report first cubes in roughly 6–10 minutes and steady cycles thereafter.

2. How much ice will it produce and how many cubes per cycle?

   The product listing specifies up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours and that each cycle produces 8 bullet-shaped cubes. Owners confirm regular 8-cube cycles and that overall production is in line with the listing for home use.

3. How much water does the machine hold before you have to refill?

   The listing gives an overall capacity of 2 liters and describes a dual-tank setup: a 0.8L inner tank plus a 1.2L top tank. Owners note that you will likely need to refill during long, busy events.

4. Can it be hooked up to a water line for continuous use?

   Owner feedback indicates this model uses onboard tanks and is not designed for a constant plumbed water connection; the listing highlights simple water-adding methods rather than a plumbing hookup.

5. Does the machine store ice in a refrigerated compartment?

   Owners report the ice basket is not refrigerated and will not keep cubes frozen long-term; the unit makes ice but the basket is for short-term holding per owner experience.

6. Is it noisy?

   The listing markets the unit as low-noise, and owners generally agree it runs quietly during freeze cycles. Multiple owners note the sound of ice dropping into the basket is louder than the compressor hum and may be noticeable in very quiet rooms.

7. What refrigerant does it use and what is the power rating?

   The product spec lists refrigerant R600a and a voltage of 110 volts. For service, moving, or disposal questions, consult the manufacturer manual referenced in the listing.

8. Are there cleaning features?

   The listing highlights a one-touch deep-clean/self-cleaning function; owners repeatedly praise this feature as useful for reducing scale and making routine maintenance easier.