ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker review — 22G portable bullet ice

Intro

The ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker (model 22G-Black) is a compact, portable ice machine that promises nine bullet-shaped cubes in roughly six minutes and up to 26.5 pounds of ice in 24 hours. It’s built as a plug-and-play counter appliance with a self-cleaning mode, two ice-size settings, double handles for carrying, and an included ice scoop and basket. Owners report it works well for daily use, small gatherings, RVs, and apartments, but there are consistent notes about basket size, where the scoop stores, and how audible the machine can be at certain moments.

What it is / first look

The ZAFRO 22G is a small, freestanding countertop ice maker. The listing specifies a plastic body and gives physical dimensions of 11.57" deep by 8.74" wide by 11.42" high, so it takes up roughly the footprint of a large toaster with a bit more height. The machine runs on 115 volts and 100 watts and uses refrigerant R600a. The manufacturer lists the daily production capacity as 26.5 pounds of ice per 24 hours and advertises production of nine bullet cubes in about six minutes per cycle. The unit ships with an ice scoop, ice basket, and the double handles referenced in the product copy.

Colors: available colors may include Black (default) and Mint Green — owners have posted photos and mentioned a mint green finish in customer feedback. The listing default color is Black.

First impressions from owners

• Set‑up and initial use are uncomplicated: owners report it’s essentially "add water, plug in, press start."
• It’s compact and counter-friendly; several owners bought it for apartments, offices, RVs, or as a stopgap after a fridge ice-maker failed.
• The unit includes an external slot for the scoop and a removable ice basket; owners like having a scoop but some worry about scoop exposure when stored outside the basket.

In daily use

Owners consistently emphasize how fast the ZAFRO 22G makes ice and how easily it integrates into day-to-day routines. Use cases break down naturally into three practical buckets:

Small kitchens, apartments, and RVs

The compact footprint and included handles make the 22G appealing where counter space is limited. Owners say it fits neatly in small kitchens and also travels well for RV or camping setups. Because it’s portable and simply plugs into a standard 115‑volt outlet, owners report it’s a straightforward option when a refrigerator’s ice maker is broken or absent.

Daily drinking, iced coffee, and home use

The machine’s ability to produce bullet ice in a short cycle (the listing claims nine cubes in six minutes) is consistently called out by owners as convenient for daily beverage needs. Several owners mentioned that having fresh ice at hand encourages them to drink more water and makes iced coffee and cocktails easier to manage without refilling a tray several times.

Parties and entertaining

For parties, owners describe the 22G as a solid supplemental ice source. The listing describes the unit as producing up to 26.5 pounds per 24 hours, and owners report using the machine in "batch" mode to make lots of ice before guests arrive. A recurring note: while the daily capacity is substantial, the internal ice basket itself is modest — it’s enough for casual entertaining but might require frequent trips to the freezer or a cooler if you’re serving a large group all night.

How it runs (noise and automation)

The listing claims quiet operation, and many owners back that up, calling it reasonably quiet for countertop use. A common pattern in owner feedback is that the machine is audible at certain points — particularly when a harvest cycle completes — but that it’s not disruptive for most household spaces. A few owners described it as "noisy" during cycle turnover and said they make ice in batches and then shut it off for quieter periods. Owners also consistently praise the automatic on/off behavior: the unit stops automatically when the basket is full and turns back on when ice is removed.

Practical day-to-day notes from owners

• Several owners advise using filtered water if you have hard water to reduce mineral buildup—a practical tip that came up repeatedly in owner feedback.
• Owners appreciate the external scoop slot but some would prefer the scoop to be stowed more hygienically; the scoop sits outside the ice in the provided slot and can catch countertop grime or pet hair if you’re not careful.
• Some owners wished for a larger ice basket; the listing doesn’t give the basket volume, but multiple owners note the basket fills quickly during active use.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists the material type as plastic and the refrigerant as R600a. Specifics about the grade of plastic or any food-contact certifications are not provided in the listing copy, so confirm current manufacturer documentation if material safety certifications are important to you.

What owners report about build quality:

• Many owners describe the unit as "well-built" and "looks great on the counter." Several specifically like the finish and overall fit-and-finish for the price point.
• There are no repeated complaints in the owner feedback about structural cracking, major leaks, or plastic parts failing during the first months of use; most owners describe reliable operation for regular household use.
• Owners note the double handles (one on the machine and one on the ice basket) make it easy to move, though the listing does not provide the machine’s shipping or operating weight.

What the specs tell you

• Power: the listing specifies 100 watts and 115 volts — this is plug-normal household power in North America.
• Size: the external dimensions are 11.57" D x 8.74" W x 11.42" H, so plan counter clearance accordingly.
• Output: the listing claims up to 26.5 pounds of ice per 24 hours and individual cycles of nine bullet cubes in about six minutes.

Safety considerations

There are no listing-sourced claims in the product copy about specific safety or third-party electrical certifications, and owner feedback doesn’t report fires, overheating, or recalls. Still, the listing does include details buyers should note before purchase.

• The listing specifies refrigerant R600a and electrical ratings (115 V, 100 W). Verify the manufacturer documentation and installation guidance for safe use and follow the included instructions for ventilation and placement.
• The material type is listed simply as plastic. The listing does not specify food-contact certifications or claims such as "BPA-free" or "food-grade plastic," so confirm current manufacturer or seller documentation if those certifications matter to you.
• Owners point out the external scoop storage: the scoop is convenient but exposed. If surface sanitation is a priority, plan to clean the scoop regularly or store it separately—owners raised this as a hygiene consideration.
• As with any countertop appliance, place the unit on a stable, level surface and keep electrical cords away from water sources. The listing doesn’t specify a weight or a dedicated anti‑tilt feature.

When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The listing mentions a self-cleaning mode — owners report using it as part of routine maintenance.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use-case guidance is straightforward based on listing specs and owner feedback.

Who this is a good fit for

• Apartment dwellers or small kitchens that need quick, fresh ice without the footprint of a built-in unit. The compact dimensions make it an easy counter option.
• RV owners and travelers who want a portable ice maker that runs on a standard 115 V outlet — owners specifically mention using it in RVs and small living spaces.
• People who entertain small groups or want a backup ice supply for parties. Owners report the machine can make a lot of ice over a day (the listing claims up to 26.5 lb/24h), so it’s useful as a supplemental source.
• Anyone who wants bullet-shaped ice quickly for cocktails, iced coffee, smoothies, or everyday drinks — the listing highlights the two-size option (S/L) and approximately six-minute cycles for nine cubes.

Who should skip or think twice

• Large gatherings where you need a continuous, high-volume supply without refilling water or transferring ice regularly. The daily capacity is good, but owners note the internal basket is modest and fills quickly during active serving.
• Users who need fully enclosed, sanitary scoop storage — the scoop stores externally in the provided slot and that prompted hygiene concerns among some owners.
• Buyers who require verified material safety claims (BPA-free, NSF, etc.) from the product page — the listing does not specify such certifications, so verify current manufacturer documentation if that’s a requirement.

Verdict

At its price point and size, the ZAFRO 22G countertop ice maker offers a compelling mix of speed, portability, and easy operation. The listing claims nine bullet cubes in around six minutes and up to 26.5 pounds of ice per 24 hours. Owners back up the speed and the automatic on/off behavior and call out the self-cleaning feature as useful. The main trade-offs, based on repeated owner feedback, are the modest size of the internal ice basket (it fills quickly under heavy use), the scoop-storage design that leaves the scoop exposed, and occasional moments of louder operation during cycle turnover.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm you have a 115 V outlet nearby (the listing specifies 100 W, 115 V).
• Plan counter space for an 11.57" D x 8.74" W x 11.42" H appliance and some clearance for ventilation.
• Decide whether an exposed scoop slot is acceptable or whether you’ll store the scoop separately for hygiene.
• If you have hard water, consider filtered water for the reservoir — multiple owners recommend this to reduce mineral buildup.
• Verify any required safety or material certifications on the current manufacturer listing if such documentation matters to you (the product lists "Plastic" for material type but no food-contact certifications are specified).

Bottom line: owners consistently praise the ZAFRO 22G for being fast, compact, and easy to use. It’s a solid pick for apartments, RVs, and small gatherings. If you need larger in‑basket capacity or enclosed scoop storage, look at bigger models or an additional freezer stash for active entertaining.