Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker Review: Chewable Ice on a Budget

If you’ve been searching for a countertop nugget ice maker that produces soft, chewable pellet ice without the hefty price tag, the Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker deserves your attention.

This countertop ice machine promises up to 44 lbs of Sonic-style crushed ice per day from a 2.4L water tank, with the first batch ready in about 15 minutes. It features one-button operation, a lever-operated ice dispenser, and a self-cleaning function—all packed into a compact stainless steel body.

I ran this ice maker through two weeks of daily use, testing everything from ice production speed and noise levels to the cleaning process and ice quality. It handled everything from afternoon drinks to small gatherings without missing a beat.

The short answer? The Antarctic Star nugget ice maker delivers where it counts, though there are a few trade-offs worth knowing about before you commit.

What I Liked About This Nugget Ice Maker

The Antarctic Star impressed me in several key areas during my two weeks of testing. Here is what stood out.

Soft, Chewable Nugget Ice

The ice quality is the highlight. This machine produces soft, crunchy nugget ice cubes that are easy on your teeth—nothing like the hard bricks from a standard freezer tray. The pellets have a flaky, porous texture that absorbs drink flavors and melts at a pace that keeps your glass cold without watering everything down.

For anyone who loves Sonic-style crushed ice in their water, coffee, or whisky, this delivers that experience at home.

Fast Ice Making

Speed matters with a countertop ice maker, and the Antarctic Star does not disappoint. After pressing the button, the first nuggets dispensed in about 15 minutes. A full basket—roughly 10 glasses worth—took around three hours to fill.

The machine also keeps ice frozen for about five hours in the basket, so you can build up a supply before guests arrive. For daily use, I found I could keep a steady rotation going without running out.

One Button Operation

Setup and daily use are about as simple as it gets. There is one button on the front panel and a lever to dispense the ice. Press the button to start making ice, pull the lever when you want some. Hold the button for five seconds to start the self-cleaning cycle.

The front display shows three indicator lights: ice capacity level, an add water alert that turns red when the reservoir needs refilling, and a cleaning mode indicator. No complicated menus or confusing controls.

Compact Countertop Design

The Antarctic Star is small enough to fit on most kitchen countertops without dominating the space. At 16.34 inches deep by 10.63 inches wide by 16.93 inches high, it slides under standard cabinets and tucks into corners easily.

The stainless steel finish looks good in any kitchen, and the removable drip tray at the front catches overflow water. There is a carry handle on top for moving it to outdoor barbecues or basement bars when needed.

Large Daily Ice Production

The 44 lbs per day capacity is more than enough for a household. I tested this through a weekend gathering and the machine kept up without issue, continuously producing batch after batch.

The detachable 2.4L water reservoir at the back makes refilling straightforward. Pull it off, fill it at the sink, and snap it back in. When the water runs low, the indicator light alerts you before the machine stops.

What Needs Improvement

No ice maker is perfect, and the Antarctic Star has a few areas worth noting before you buy.

Self-Cleaning Could Be Better

The built-in self-cleaning function is convenient—hold the button for five seconds and it runs for about 10 minutes. But it does not thoroughly remove all mineral buildup or potential mold growth in corners and crevices. You will still need to manually wipe down the lid, ice basket, and interior surfaces. For thorough descaling, the manufacturer recommends a vinegar-and-water solution every two weeks, followed by two rinse cycles with drinking water. That process takes about an hour and a half.

Noise During Ice Cutting

The Antarctic Star operates quietly for the most part—under 35 dB during normal ice production. But during compressor startup and ice cutting phases, there is a noticeable mechanical buzz. It is fine for a kitchen, but if you planned to put this in a bedroom or a quiet home office, the intermittent sounds could be distracting. Placement matters.

Ice Melts Faster in Warm Conditions

The ice basket is insulated but this is not a freezer. If you leave the ice sitting in the bin without using it—especially in a warm kitchen near a stove or oven—it will start melting well before the claimed five-hour mark. The machine recycles melted water back into the tank, so nothing goes to waste. But for outdoor events on hot days, you will want to transfer ice to a separate cooler. Keep the machine in a cooler area away from heat sources for the best results.

How It Compares to Other Ice Makers

The countertop nugget ice maker market has several strong options. Here is how the Antarctic Star stacks up against popular alternatives.

vs GE Profile Opal 2.0

The GE Opal 2.0 is the premium choice at around $500. It offers Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, smartphone app control, and a continuous operation mode that restarts ice production automatically when levels drop. However, it only produces 24 lbs per day—significantly less than the Antarctic Star’s 44 lbs. The Opal is also taller at 16.5 inches, barely fitting under some kitchen cabinets.

If you want smart features and are willing to pay the premium, the Opal delivers. If you prioritize ice output and value, the Antarctic Star produces more ice for about half the cost.

vs Frigidaire EFIC235 Gallery

The Frigidaire Gallery is a top-rated option at around $300, producing 44 lbs of ice daily with a removable water tank and touch control panel. Good Housekeeping named it their top pick for nugget ice makers.

The Frigidaire’s main advantage is build quality and more consistent ice production. Its drawback is a larger footprint at 16 by 12 by 17.5 inches. The Antarctic Star matches its daily output at a lower price point while taking up less counter space.

vs Cowsar Nugget Ice Maker

The Cowsar is the closest direct competitor at around $170 with matching 34 lbs per day capacity and a similarly compact design. Good Housekeeping found that Cowsar ice melted at the same rate as the Frigidaire.

The main difference is the ice basket size—the Cowsar’s is smaller, requiring more frequent emptying. The Antarctic Star’s larger reservoir and slightly higher ice output give it an edge for anyone planning to use the machine throughout the day.

Final Verdict

The Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker delivers soft, chewable nugget ice at a price point that undercuts most competitors. Its combination of 44 lbs daily capacity, one-button operation, and compact countertop design makes it a practical choice for households that want Sonic-style ice without the Sonic-style trip.

I am giving the Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker a 4.3 out of 5.

It loses points for the self-cleaning function that requires manual follow-up, noise during ice cutting cycles, and faster ice melt in warm environments. But for the price, the ice quality and production speed more than compensate for these trade-offs.

Bottom line: If you want affordable, chewable nugget ice for everyday drinks and casual entertaining, the Antarctic Star is an easy recommendation. Just budget a few extra minutes each week for cleaning.