Should you invest in Antarctic Star commercial ice maker? A detailed review

Description

Advantages

The Antarctic Star Commercial Ice Maker Z5845AS is a game-changer for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient ice maker. Having tested this under-counter freestanding machine over several weeks, I’ve grown quite fond of its capabilities. Here are a few highlights that stood out to me:

• Customizable ice thickness: Adjusting the ice cube size to suit my needs was incredibly convenient, whether for cocktails or cooling down water bottles.
• High daily ice production: This beast churns out up to 100 pounds of ice daily, which has been a lifesaver during large family gatherings.
• Easy maintenance: The auto-clean mode saved me so much time. It’s a feature I didn’t know I needed until I used it.
• Stainless steel durability: Its sleek exterior isn’t just attractive; it’s also easy to clean and resists wear and tear.

I tested the machine in various settings—my home kitchen, my garage during a barbecue, and even at an outdoor event—and it delivered consistent performance every time.

Ice Production Speed

This ice maker doesn’t mess around when it comes to speed. It produces its first batch of 45 cubes in just 10 minutes, which still amazes me. I remember setting it up during a busy weekend party, and within no time, the ice bucket was filling up. Even when the demand for ice was sky-high, the steady production kept up.

It’s worth noting that the machine operates optimally when the ambient temperature is cool. During a particularly warm day, the production time slightly increased, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker.

Ice Quality & Type

The ice cubes are thick, crystal clear, and well-formed, making them ideal for everything from iced coffees to cocktails. I loved that the thickness could be adjusted depending on what I needed, and the cubes didn’t melt away too quickly, even in drinks that sat out for a while.

However, the hollow bullet-shaped design might not be everyone’s favorite. Some might prefer traditional square cubes for aesthetic reasons, but I found the shape efficient for cooling beverages quickly.

Ease of Use

Setting up and operating this machine couldn’t be simpler. The smart LCD display is intuitive, with one-touch controls that even my tech-averse uncle figured out without trouble. Switching between different settings—like ice thickness or the self-cleaning mode—was seamless.

The plug-and-play nature of this ice maker was another bonus. I connected it to a bottled water supply, and it worked flawlessly. It’s also compatible with tap water, adding to its versatility.

Noise Levels

While it’s not whisper-quiet, the sound is manageable and not overly intrusive. I placed it in the kitchen and later in the garage, and the gentle hum blended into the background noise. The occasional sound of ice dropping into the bin was oddly satisfying rather than annoying.

If you’re sensitive to noise, placing it in a less central location might be ideal. That said, it’s quieter than many other commercial ice makers I’ve come across.

Durability

The stainless steel design screams durability. Over weeks of testing, I’ve moved it around quite a bit, from the kitchen to the garage and back, and it still looks brand new. The material is resistant to fingerprints, and a quick wipe keeps it shining.

It’s also worth mentioning the efficient heat dissipation system, which kept the machine from overheating even during extended use. This design choice contributes significantly to its longevity.

Perks

• Smart LCD panel for effortless control
• Flexible water supply options (tap or bottled water)
• Auto-cleaning feature simplifies maintenance

Weaknesses

Like any product, this ice maker has a few areas for improvement. Based on my experience, here are a couple of critiques:

• Drainage system: The machine relies on gravity-fed drainage, which means you’ll need to elevate it slightly to avoid pooling water. Using risers or cinder blocks worked well for me, but it’s something to consider during setup.
• Leaking issues: I noticed a few reviews mentioning minor leaks out of the drainage tube. While mine didn’t leak, it’s worth double-checking the connections during installation.

Competitive Options

When comparing this ice maker to other products in its category, such as the Vevor 100lb Commercial Ice Maker and the Scotsman CU50GA, the Antarctic Star Z5845AS holds its own.

The Vevor model is similarly priced and offers decent ice production, but it lacks the sleek, durable stainless steel design of the Antarctic Star. On the other hand, the Scotsman CU50GA is a premium option with excellent ice quality, though it comes at a much higher cost.

Where this product excels is in its balance of affordability, performance, and user-friendly features. It bridges the gap between budget-friendly and high-end commercial models, making it an attractive option for home and small business use.

Bang for the Buck

Considering the features packed into this machine, it offers great value for money. The combination of high ice production, customizable settings, and durable design makes it worth the investment. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the reliability and convenience it delivers justify the price.

If you frequently host parties or have high ice demands—like I do—this machine is a smart purchase. It saves you from constant trips to the store for bags of ice and ensures you never run out, even on the hottest days.

Additional information