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This Antarctic Star countertop nugget ice maker makes soft, chewable nugget ice at home, and I had ice dropping in about 6 to 8 minutes. It holds 1.2 L of water, makes up to 35 lbs in 24 hours, and cleans itself with one button. The catch is it doesn’t keep ice frozen, so you scoop and use it as it comes out.
If you love nugget ice, you already understand why people want a machine just for it. It’s the texture and the crunch. I tried this stainless steel countertop nugget ice maker at my mom’s house with my sister, and we kept refilling cups just to snack on the ice. This was sent to me for review purposes.
Out of the box, setup felt simple. Everything arrived intact, the protective film came off easily, and it included what I needed to start using it right away.
Quick verdict
- Best for: you want chewable nugget ice fast at home
- Not for: you want ice stored frozen like a freezer
- My favorite feature: the nugget texture and fast first batch
- Would I buy again? Yes
Is This Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Any Good?
If you want fresh nugget ice on demand, this one delivered. I saw ice start dropping in about 6 to 8 minutes, the texture was right, and it stayed relatively quiet while running. It’s compact and doesn’t feel like a bulky appliance on the counter.
Stainless Steel Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
This is best for people who want nugget ice without installing a built-in machine.
You fill it, turn it on, and scoop ice as it makes it.
What Are the Specs of This Nugget Ice Maker?
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Antarctic Star |
| Type | Portable countertop nugget ice maker |
| Finish | Stainless steel |
| Ice production | Up to 35 lbs in 24 hours |
| Water tank | 1.2 L |
| First ice | About 6 to 8 minutes in my test |
| Controls | Power button with ice-full and add-water indicators |
| Self-cleaning | Hold the power button to start the cycle |
| Included | Ice basket, scoop, attachable carry handle |
| Drain | Bottom drain plug |
Who Is a Nugget Ice Maker Best For?
This works well if you want nugget ice at home and plan to scoop and use it as it’s made. It’s also handy if you want something portable for a bar area, office, or occasional trips. If you build iced coffee drinks at home, it pairs nicely with a milk frother for lattes poured over the chewable ice.
First Impressions on the Counter
It looked clean and compact right away. The handle stood out because it made moving it easy. Once running, you can hear it. It’s not crazy loud, but ice keeps dropping into the basket, so I wouldn’t run it all day if that sound would bug you.
Everyday Features That Matter
- Fast ice: Ice started forming within minutes.
- Nugget texture: Soft, chewable ice with a light crunch.
- Indicator lights: Clear signals for ice full and add water.
- Simple cleaning: One button starts the cleaning cycle.
- Portable design: Handle, scoop, and basket store neatly inside.
How Well Does It Work in Real Use?
Setup was simple. Fill the tank, plug it in, and press the button. It ran without much noise and made ice fast. Since the ice isn’t stored frozen, you need to scoop it out and use it instead of letting it sit.
What I Liked About It
- Fast first batch
- Great nugget texture
- Quiet operation
- Compact size
- Easy to move with the handle
- Simple self-cleaning
What I Didn’t Love
- Ice melts in the basket if you leave it. Nothing is holding it frozen, so you scoop as you go or come back to water.
- It melts fast in a drink that isn’t already cold. That’s how soft ice behaves, and it’s the trade for the chewy texture.
How Does It Compare to the GE Profile Opal 2.0?
| Machine | Ice per day | First batch | Water | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This stainless countertop model | Up to 35 lbs | 6 to 8 minutes in my test | 1.2 L tank | Nugget ice on demand without a big footprint |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra | 38 lbs | 10 minutes, per GE | 0.75 gallon side tank | Fewer refills, a 3 lb bin, WiFi and Alexa |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL | 38 lbs | 10 minutes, per GE | 1 gallon side tank | The fewest refills of the three |
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the bigger, connected option. It runs a 0.75 gallon side tank, holds 3 lbs in the bin, reuses melted ice, and works with WiFi and Alexa. The trade is a larger machine on the counter and a first batch closer to 10 minutes.
I tested the stainless countertop model here. Treat the Opal 2.0 as the machine I’d look at next, not one I’ve run. The GE picks in the table link to Amazon, and the current version of the 0.75 gallon model is sold as the Opal 2.0 Ultra.
Portable Nugget Ice Maker FAQs
How fast does it make ice?
I saw ice start forming in about 6 to 8 minutes.
Does it store ice?
No. Ice needs to be scooped and used.
How do you clean it?
Hold the power button to start the cleaning cycle.
Is it easy to move?
Yes. It’s compact and has a carry handle.
Is nugget ice the same as Sonic ice?
Yes. Nugget ice is the soft, chewable ice often called Sonic ice, and that is what this machine makes.
How much ice does it make?
Up to 35 lbs in 24 hours, with the first batch starting in about 6 to 8 minutes in my test.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes. For fresh nugget ice and quick turnaround, it does what I want. If you expect it to store ice like a freezer, this style will frustrate you. If you’re fine scooping as you go, it’s a fun and useful appliance.
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