Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Makers With Handle and Self-Cleaning

Best for
Watch parties needing steady supply

Best for
Quiet desk-side ice for streamers

The Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine in black is the quiet generalist. Antarctic Star lists 26 pounds of bullet ice a day and chilled drinks in six minutes, with eight bullet cubes per batch in two sizes according to the highlight line. It is rated under 40dB, and the brand claims an optimized motor cuts energy use by 30 percent, though the listing does not say what that is compared with.

The self-cleaning cycle is one-touch, and Antarctic Star suggests running it weekly or after two weeks without use. The footprint is 8.74 by 11.47 by 11.57 inches, and the box includes the ice maker, a basket, a scoop and a handle, with a one-year warranty. The spec table lists 88 watts and 28 volts; the voltage figure looks like a data error for a plug-in appliance, so check the label. It suits a desk-side setup where noise matters; if you want the quietest rating here, the HZB-12/H below lists under 35dB.

• 26 lbs of bullet ice per day, first cubes in about 6 minutes
• Two cube sizes
• Rated under 40dB
• One-year warranty

The Antarctic Star Ice Maker Countertop (HZB-12/H) is the quietest bullet model on paper, rated at less than 35dB. The title promises nine cubes in six minutes and 26 pounds a day, while the feature text gives a batch time range of 6 to 13 minutes, which is a more realistic expectation as conditions change.

An LED display tells you when to add water, with an alarm light and automatic shutdown, and it restarts ice-making when you remove the cubes. It measures 11.22 by 8.66 by 11.73 inches, weighs 13.5 pounds and has a drain plug at the bottom. The box includes a scoop, basket and manual. The title mentions a carry handle and self-cleaning, but the feature list does not describe how the cleaning cycle works. Pick it for a bedroom or streaming room where every decibel counts.

The Antarctic Star Countertop Ice Maker Machine in black and grey (HZB-12/Q) is the most detailed listing in the bullet group. It makes eight bullet cubes in 6 to 13 minutes with a 26.5-pound daily capacity and a 1.4L water tank, in two ice sizes, S and L. An infrared sensor and LED display give “ICE FULL” and “ADD WATER” alerts.

Self-cleaning is triggered by holding ON/OFF for five seconds after adding water, running a 30-minute cycle. It measures 11.42 by 8.74 by 11.57 inches, weighs 16 pounds, runs under 35dB and draws 170 watts. The shell is ABS with food-grade materials and a large viewing window. The listing describes a removable basket and scoop, though its included components field names only the scoop. At 16 pounds it is the heaviest bullet model here, so it is better as a fixed countertop unit for watch parties than a grab-and-go machine.

• 26.5 lbs per day, 1.4L tank
• S and L cube sizes
• 30-minute self-cleaning cycle
• Under 35dB

The Antarctic Star Ice Makers Countertop (HZB-12/H) is the portable pick. It produces nine bullet cubes in six minutes and up to 26 pounds a day, weighs 14.56 pounds and has an integrated carry handle. Antarctic Star pitches it for RVs, camping, boating and offices.

Auto-cleaning starts by holding the ON button for five seconds, and the panel has three indicator lights for Ice Full, Add Water and Making Ice, plus a viewing window. It draws 120 watts at 115 volts. The trade-off is noise: it is rated below 42dB, the highest figure among the bullet models, though still quieter than casual conversation according to the listing. Choose it if you move ice between the living room, the game room and the patio.

Best for
Nugget ice in compact kitchens

Best for
Chewable ice fans hosting groups

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop (HZB-15NB/S) switches to soft, chewable nugget ice, sometimes called sonic or pebble ice, which absorbs drink flavor and is easy to chew. The title claims 35 pounds per day, while the spec table lists 34 pounds per day, so expect roughly that range. First ice arrives in about eight minutes.

It has one-touch self-cleaning, a carry handle and includes a basket, scoop and manual. It measures 11.42 by 9.06 by 12.99 inches and draws 139 watts at 110 volts. The title calls the finish stainless steel silver, while one feature line calls it stainless steel black, so confirm the color on the listing. It suits groups that love chewable ice in sodas and iced coffee.

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Countertop (HZB-15N/S) offers the same 35 pounds per day of nugget ice. Its feature list says the first batch arrives in as little as six minutes, while its highlight line says eight minutes, so plan around the longer figure.

Self-cleaning runs when you add water and press the cleaning button. It has a transparent viewing window, a removable basket and scoop, and alerts for adding water and a full basket. The listing does not give dimensions, and the handle appears only in the highlight line. It draws 139 watts at 110 volts. It fits apartments and dorms that want nugget ice; for listed dimensions, the HZB-15NB/S is better documented.