I Gambled on the Zbj 1 Ice Maker for My Daily Iced Lattes

My bank statement was a horror show. I realized I was spending nearly $200 a month on iced lattes just because I couldn't stand the taste of my freezer's 'stale onion' ice cubes. My fridge's built-in tray is slow, loud, and produces cubes that smell like the back of a grocery store. I decided to take a flyer on the zbj 1 ice maker, even though the name sounds like a random alphanumeric string generated by a bored warehouse bot.

• First batch drops in roughly 8 minutes.
• Small footprint—about the size of a standard bread maker.
• Produces 'bullet' ice with a hollow center.
• Noise level is a steady hum, similar to a small microwave.

The Hunt for a Cheaper Iced Latte

I was skeptical about buying an appliance with zero brand recognition. We have all seen these white-label machines flooding the market. But after I saw another reviewer put the zbj 1 ice maker on my desk for a home office setup, I figured it was worth the risk for my kitchen coffee station. I needed something that could produce enough ice for two large lattes every morning without requiring a plumber to install it.

The financial math is simple. If this machine survives for three months, it has already paid for itself in saved coffee shop trips. It is a low-stakes gamble for a high-reward caffeine fix.

Unboxing the Zbj 1 (And What the Manual Doesn't Tell You)

This sleek black ice maker arrived with a manual that was clearly translated in a hurry. It tells you to 'rinse it,' but that is bad advice. If you don't run a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water through a full cycle, your first batch of ice will taste like a new car tire. Trust me on this one.

The footprint is genuinely impressive. It tucked right under my upper cabinets with three inches of clearance to spare. The drain plug is located on the bottom, which is a bit of a pain—you have to drag it to the edge of the sink to empty it—but for a budget machine, I can live with it.

Batch Speed: Does It Actually Hit the 9-Minute Mark?

I pulled out the stopwatch to see if the marketing claims held water. On the first run, the machine took exactly 8 minutes and 42 seconds to drop 9 cubes. However, those first cubes are 'ghost ice.' They are thin, translucent, and melt if you even look at them wrong because the water in the reservoir hasn't cooled down yet.

The real performance starts around the 30-minute mark. Once the internal reservoir is chilled, the compressor hits its stride and the 'bullets' get thick and opaque. By the one-hour mark, you have a full basket. It won't actually hit 26 lbs in a day unless you are a robot who empties the basket the second it's full, but it easily handles a 2-person household's needs.

How the Ice Melts (The Most Important Test)

Bullet ice is controversial. It is hollow, which means it has more surface area than a solid cube. If you pour a double shot of hot espresso directly onto this ice, it will vanish. My hack? Brew the coffee, let it sit for two minutes, then pour it over a packed glass of ice. I've tested against other similar models and found that the density here is surprisingly high for a budget unit.

The ice is soft enough to crunch without chipping a tooth, which is a big win for the ice-chewers among us. It isn't 'nugget ice' like you get at the drive-thru, but it is a massive upgrade over the hard, cloudy blocks from a plastic tray.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Actually Buy This?

If you have a massive family or host 20-person parties every weekend, this isn't for you. It is a small-batch machine. But for a home barista or someone with a small apartment, this is a solid choice. It solved my 'onion ice' problem and saved me a fortune in overpriced lattes.

It is a reliable, dedicated countertop ice maker that does exactly what it says on the box. Just don't expect it to be a silent partner; the fan is noticeable in a quiet kitchen, but it's a small price to pay for cold coffee on demand.

FAQ

Does it keep the ice frozen like a freezer?

No. This is basically a cooler. The ice will eventually melt, and the water will drip back into the reservoir to be made into new ice. If you want to store ice, move it to a bag in your freezer.

How often do I need to clean it?

Once a week if you use it daily. Use a vinegar-water mix to prevent scale buildup, especially if you have hard water, or the sensors will start acting up.

Is it loud?

It sounds like a small desk fan. You'll hear the 'clunk' when the ice drops into the basket, which is actually a satisfying sound once you get used to it.