10 Top Japanese Refrigerator Brands 2023

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Are you looking to replace your fridge with any of the top Japanese refrigerator brands in Japan? Well, you’re in the right place.

Panasonic refrigerator, Liebherr refrigerator, Hitachi refrigerator or Mitsubishi refrigerator, you must be wondering which is the most reliable refrigerator brand from Japan, right? Well, Japanese electronics brands are one of the best in the entire world and all these brands have a great competition. 

But there’s always something better than the other, find out here which is the best one and why? 

We all need refrigerators for our homes, however, going and choosing one refrigerator out of the hundred options provided to you can be quite a task. There are so many different brands in the market and so many different models and features to choose from. 

Best Japanese Refrigerator Brands — Quick Summary

Top Japanese Refrigerator Brands	Best-selling Japanese refrigerators
Mitsubishi	Mitsubishi 335l 3 Door Fridge
Sharp	Sharp SJG2351FS 36 Inch French 4-Door Counter Depth Refrigerator
Hitachi	Hitachi Side By Side 3 Door
Toshiba	650 L 4 Door Refrigerator
Panasonic	Panasonic NR-A193VAX1
Akai	Akai French door refrigerator
Hisense	Hisense HR D15CB refrigerator.
Maxzen	Maxzen 2-door refrigerator JR138ML01GM

It can be quite an overwhelming task to sieve through all of the possibilities and options to finally reach a decision. There are so many considerations that you need to look into before finally nodding to that one model. After all, everything revolves around our refrigerator. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are all brought together by our handy refrigerators.

• Related: Best Japanese Kitchen Appliances Brands
• Related: Best Japanese Washing Machine

When choosing one, it is important to also note that it comes in at quite a hefty price, so you would want to choose something that lasts you for a very long time. 

To save you all the trouble and headache, I have brought to you the top Japanese refrigerator brands that are too good to be ignored. Check these out and I hope you can finally make your pick. 

Which is the best Japanese refrigerator brand?

I have researched a lot before finding a good refrigerator for myself. I love my refrigerators to have all the latest features, qualities, and innovation. So, I do not go for anything mediocre. I found Sharp to be the best brand for refrigerators.

Sharp is an amazing Japanese brand for refrigerators for your kitchen. The brand is known to be quite innovative in terms of new technology and design. The refrigerators are made with utmost perfection and come with all the latest features and technologies. It has an eco inverter installed for low bills, great space for vegetable storage, high-quality material used to make the refrigerator and also has a four-door system.

Mitsubhishi Refrigerators

Mitsubishi brand is Japan’s known company in electronics and genuinely innovative products. They design refrigerators and freezers while keeping in mind the general requirements. All types of innovative technologies such as keeping hygiene, food preservation, energy usage, etc. are used in this brand. 

Mitsubishi 335l 3 Door Fridge

This compact size refrigerator is a great option for small apartments with a capacity of 146 litres. It is a flat panel inverter fridge that has frost-free technology and transparent tempered glass shelves. You get enough space to store products inside with specific sections.

You can freely store fruits and vegetables in the humidity-controlled crisper bin which helps in keeping food items moist and fresh. It has the power-saving ability because of the efficient inverter installed in the system.

Key Features:

• Frost-free technology
• Spacious with different sections
• Humidity controlled crisper bin
• Products stay fresh and clean inside

Check out the refrigerators by this top Japanese refrigerator brand below!

Sharp Refrigerators

Been there in the industry since 1912, Sharp corporation started as a pencil brand. Sharp has been working to make people’s life easy with the help of advanced technologies and creative ideas.

Sharp SJG2351FS 36 Inch French 4-Door Counter Depth Refrigerator

This amazing refrigerator is made with modern technology with high-quality material accessories. This fridge has four doors that have larger space for the vegetable compartment and specific areas so that you can access the refrigerator easily.

This fridge has been constructed after completing a survey from a large number of people. It has an eco inverter that keeps your bill low. The French door looks pretty classy.

Key Features:

• Eco inverter installed to keep the bills low
• The high-quality material used in the refrigerator
• Four-door refrigerator
• A good amount of space for vegetables

Check out the refrigerator by this top Japanese refrigerator brand below!

Panasonic Refrigerators 

When it comes to electronics, it is important to look for a trustworthy brand that is known for the quality and performance of the product. Keeping that in mind, here is a well-known brand of Japan, Panasonic, which is famous all over the world.

Refrigerators of this brand are highly recommended because of their performance in keeping the food items fresh for a longer period of time and good freezing capability. It is also one of the top Japanese refrigerator brands.

Panasonic NR-A193VAX1

This single door refrigerator is a good option for small family purposes.  This has been made while using advanced Japanese technology which has an inverter compressor inbuilt that utilizes less electricity. The cooling system is quite good and keeps the food clean, fresh, and hygienic.

You get a large size vegetable storage box that is removable and can be cleaned at times. The anti-fungal door gasket is highly useful as it protects things from bacteria and fungus. All the boxes and cover inside are transparent to keep a clear view of everything.

Key Features:

• Single door refrigerator 
• Anti-fungal door gasket inside 
• Transparent boxes and covers 
• Good cooling and freezing ability

This one is Panasonic’s two-door refrigerator that has a freezer at the bottom. In this refrigerator, you get an automatic defrosting system that controls ice build-up. There are seven stages and speed options for inverter speed.

Toughened glass material has been used for shelves that are durable and do not get broken at all. This refrigerator allows a good amount of storage with different sections aligned nicely. Food can be frozen and can last longer with freshness and moistness intact in them.

You do not have to worry about the taste of food items getting affected as the storage system has the ability to retain the moisture which keeps the nutrients and texture perfect.

Key Features:

• Automatic defrosting ability 
• Freshness and quality remains intact 
• Smart cooling technology
• High-quality material for inside compartments

Check out the refrigerator by this top Japanese refrigerator brand below!

Hitachi Refrigerators

Hitachi is a Japan-based brand that is famous for its electronic products. They deal with electronics of all types such as kitchen appliances, bathroom necessities, etc. Hitachi refrigerators are made with perfection and high technology which has now modernized with time.

Obviously, Hitachi is one of the top Japanese refrigerator brands. Nowadays, there are many other features of freezing and cooling that are required by people, so Hitachi has tried fulfilling them and is successful.

This Hitachi refrigerator is not a common one as it has a multi-door facility with a unique design. This one is suitable for a big joint family and can store many things. It is an inverter model and has an absolutely unique design with three side to side doors.

It also has a vacuum insulation panel that helps in saving energy and provides higher heat insulation performance. The Eco-monitoring sensor in the refrigerator works automatically to use less energy when you are away from home. The doors get opened automatically with a single touch which is quite helpful. 

Key Features:

• Controlled with touch screen facility
• Different apartments for a different purpose
• Three side to side doors
• Auto energy saving capability

Hitachi Side By Side 3 Door

You can get this brilliantly designed refrigerator for your house if you are looking for a huge one for a big family. This fridge allows vacuum preservation and has a heat-dissipating system that cools down the fridge if required.

If you are leaving your house for a long period of time then you can put it on travel mode which keeps the energy consumption lesser and minimal. The touch control facility in this refrigerator is an amazing option that speaks for it!

Key Features:

• Good to go option for big families
• Dual fan cooling system 
• Travel mode option
• Touch control facility

Check out the refrigerator by this top Japanese refrigerator brand below!

Toshiba Refrigerators

Toshiba is a Japanese electronic company that has earned respect and fame in this industry for a very long time. It is spread across the world and is appreciated because of the products and different unique specifications.

Toshiba refrigerators are made with technologies and ideas that can help keep food and other products moist and odour-free.

Have a look at this unique refrigerator that has 650 litres of capacity and has 4 doors. This is a modern style refrigerator that allows you to keep different things separately which is easily manageable. This refrigerator has three cooling systems that keep the cooling balanced in all the sections. Plasma modules protect the refrigerator from inside and inactivate the bacteria, keeping the fridge safe from odour and smell.

Key Features:

• Good capacity 
• Comes in four doors design
• Ample number of space 
• Plasma modules to protect from bacteria

You can check out this refrigerator from Toshiba that comes with the facility of duo hybrid deodorizer, which makes the cooling system work faster, hence the food tastes original. It is a one-time investment and the colour also looks gorgeous. Silver nanotech crisper keeps the food protected from bacteria and germs. Do give it a try.

Toshiba 650 L 4 Door Refrigerator

Key Features:

• The unwanted odour gets eliminated
• Fast cooling system
• Great appearance
• Great technology that keeps the products away from bacteria

Check out the refrigerator by this top Japanese refrigerator brand below!

Akai Refrigerators

The Japanese electronic brand, Akai, is popular all over the world. This Japanese refrigerator brands best selling refrigerator in Japan is the Akai French door refrigerator. It’s the best Japanese refrigerator for families as it has a capacity of 473L. 

You can easily access the food since it has the French doors. The freezer compartment has 6 drawers giving you enough space for frozen food. 

And you get two drawers to store all your veggies. And the shelves of this refrigerator are adjustable. This Japanese refrigerator has a 3-star rating. And you get a manufacturer warranty of 3 years. 

Key Features

• French doors
• LED lights on fridge and refrigerator
• Adjustable shelves
• Twin vegetable drawers
• Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel 

View the best refrigerators by this best Japanese refrigerator brand!

Hisense Refrigerators

The next one on our list of best Japanese refrigerator brands is Hisense. This Japanese refrigerator brand is also known all around the globe for its smart products and amazing designs. 

The best-selling Japanese refrigerator from Hisense is the Hisense HR D15CB refrigerator. I love the minimalistic and elegant design of this refrigerator, almost seamless. What I loved most about this Hisense refrigerator is that you can store all food in a way that everything is visible. 

The lower section contains a smaller slider within the bigger drawer. This allows you to store all your food neatly and in complete view. This is a great help when you want to quickly check your ingredients before you go to the supermarket for groceries!

Another great feature about this Japanese refrigerator is that it beeps an alarm when the refrigerator door isn’t closed properly or has been open for too long. 

Key Features: 

• 150L capacity
• Double sliders 
• Alarm system for the refrigerator door

Maxzen Refrigerators

The next one on our list of best Japanese refrigerator brands is Maxzen. The best-selling Japanese refrigerator by Maxzen is the Maxzen 2-door refrigerator JR138ML01GM. 

This refrigerator is famous for its noiseless feature which makes it the perfect fit for dorm rooms. It’s also priced affordably. Both the compartments of this Japanese refrigerator gives you enough storage space to store your leftovers and other ingredients. The three large pockets on the door give you ample space for storing your beverages. 

There 7 stages of cooling for you to choose from. The shelves are adjustable making it convenient to store different types of crockery, bottles, and more. 

This Japanese refrigerator brand has definitely given us a convenient, adaptable, and versatile refrigerator.

Check out the best Japanese refrigerator by Maxzen on Amazon below!

How we tested the best Japanese refrigerator brands:

We considered about 20+ Japanese refrigerators and judged them on different criterias like capacity, features, BEE ratings etc. We considered the capacity first, the fridges we chose were spacious to store goods without occupying much space to keep them. We also considered BEE ratings as energy efficient refrigerators save a lot of money as well as electricity. We made sure all the fridges chosen had features like ice cabinets, automatic temperature control and edge to edge shelves. Any extra feature was a bonus. Lastly, we looked at the prices to make sure all the chosen refrigerators are budget-friendly.

How to choose the best Japanese Refrigerator?

When choosing the best Japanese refrigerator, there are several factors you should consider. Japanese refrigerators are known for their advanced technology, energy efficiency, and innovative features. Here are some steps to help you make the right choice:

• Determine your needs

Consider your specific requirements regarding size, capacity, and features. Assess the available space in your kitchen to ensure the refrigerator fits properly.

• Energy efficiency

Look for a refrigerator with a high energy star rating. Japanese manufacturers prioritize energy efficiency, so you can find models that consume less electricity and help you save on utility bills.

• Cooling technology

Japanese refrigerators often feature advanced cooling technologies, such as inverter compressors and multiple cooling zones. Look for models with features like dual cooling or hybrid cooling systems that maintain optimal temperatures for different compartments.

• Storage and organization

Evaluate the interior layout and storage options. Japanese refrigerators often have adjustable shelves, door compartments, and specialized storage for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Consider your specific storage needs and look for features like adjustable shelves, large door pockets, and spacious drawers.

• Smart features

Japanese refrigerators often come with smart features and connectivity options. These may include touchscreens, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smartphone apps for remote monitoring and control. Determine which smart features are important to you and ensure the refrigerator you choose offers them.

• Noise level

Japanese refrigerators are typically designed to operate quietly. Look for models with noise reduction features or technologies that minimize compressor noise, especially if you have an open kitchen or are sensitive to noise.

• Brand reputation

Research and consider reputable Japanese brands known for their quality and reliability. Some popular Japanese refrigerator brands include Panasonic, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Sharp.

• User reviews

Read customer reviews and ratings for the models you’re interested in. This can provide insights into real-world experiences and help you identify any potential issues or advantages.

• Price and warranty

Set a budget for your refrigerator purchase and compare prices across different models and brands. Additionally, check the warranty terms and after-sales support offered by the manufacturer.

• Compare and choose

Once you have considered the above factors, compare the features, benefits, and prices of different models. Choose the one that best meets your requirements, offers the features you desire, and falls within your budget.

Remember to check the product specifications and consult with retailers or experts for further information to ensure you make an informed decision.

Types Of Japanese Refrigerators

Japanese refrigerators come in various types, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some common types of Japanese refrigerators:

• Top-Mount Refrigerators

These refrigerators have a freezer compartment on the top and a refrigerator compartment below. They are the most traditional and common type of refrigerator, offering easy access to both the freezer and refrigerator sections.

• Bottom-Mount Refrigerators

In these refrigerators, the freezer compartment is located at the bottom, while the refrigerator section is on top. With this design, you don’t have to bend down frequently to access the refrigerator, making it more convenient.

• French Door Refrigerators

French door refrigerators feature two doors on the top section that open outwards, revealing the refrigerator compartment. The freezer is typically located at the bottom and is accessed through a separate drawer. French door refrigerators often provide spacious storage options and a modern, stylish design.

• Side-by-Side Refrigerators

These refrigerators have two vertical doors that open from the middle, with the refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other. Side-by-side refrigerators offer a balanced layout and provide easy access to both compartments.

• Compact and Mini Refrigerators

Compact and mini refrigerators are smaller in size and are designed for limited spaces, such as dorm rooms, offices, or small apartments. These refrigerators offer basic storage capabilities while being space-efficient.

• Multi-Door Refrigerators

Multi-door refrigerators have three or more doors, with each compartment having its own door. These refrigerators often feature specialized compartments for different types of food, such as fruits, vegetables, and beverages. They offer flexible storage options and allow you to access specific compartments without affecting the temperature of others.

• Smart Refrigerators

Japanese manufacturers have been at the forefront of developing smart refrigerators. These refrigerators are equipped with features like touchscreen control panels, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smartphone apps for remote monitoring and control. They may also include features like voice control, inventory management, and recipe suggestions.

• Eco-Friendly Refrigerators

Japanese refrigerators are known for their energy-efficient designs. Many models incorporate advanced technologies such as inverter compressors, efficient insulation, and eco-friendly refrigerants to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

It’s important to note that these types of refrigerators are not exclusive to Japan, and you can find them in various markets worldwide. However, Japanese manufacturers often incorporate advanced technologies and innovative features into their refrigerator designs.

Top Japanese Refrigerator Brands: FAQs

Are Mitsubishi fridges made in Japan?

Mitshubishi fridges are made in Japan. Mitsubishi manufactures a variety of fridges from French door fridges, double door fridges, etc.

Is Sharp refrigerator made in Japan?

Sharp discontinued manufacturing refrigerators and other electrical appliances in Japan. Currently, Sharp refrigerators are made in countries such as China and Thailand.

Are Mitsubishi fridges quiet?

Mitsubishi fridges are known to be quiet and noiseless. However, some say they make a little noise.

Is Mitsubishi a good fridge brand?

Mitsubishi makes high-quality fridges and is energy efficient. It is a good brand as their fridges are durable and the performance is great. 

Are Hitachi fridges made in Japan?

Yes, Hitachi fridges are made in Japan.

Is Hitachi refrigerator better than Samsung?

Hitachi is said to be a better refrigerator brand than Samsung. They are durable and energy-efficient.

Comparison between top 3 Japanese refrigerator brands

Top Japanese Fridges	Mitsubishi 335l 3 Door Fridge	Sharp SJG2351FS 36 Inch French 4-Door Counter Depth Refrigerator	Panasonic NR-A193VAX1
Capacity	4.5/5	5/5	3/5
Features	5/5	4/5	4/5
BEE star rating	4.5/5	3.5/5	3.5/5
Finish	5/5	4/5	4/5

How to choose a Japanese Refrigerator

The refrigerator is an essential piece of home equipment. Using our refrigerators to preserve food items, such as raw vegetables or leftovers from last night’s dinner, is one of the essential home appliances used in our homes.

Here we bring you a complete guide in regards to which areas to look prior buying a refrigerator

Capacity

A refrigerator’s capacity determines the number of items and space that it can hold. You should choose a refrigerator that has the right capacity based on the requirements of your family. A larger capacity refrigerator will not only cost more, but it will also take up more space. There are some manufacturers who mention the gross total capacity as well as the net total capacity. Even if a manufacturer only mentions their gross capacity, it is possible to calculate their net capacity. Simply subtract approximately 5 to 10 percent from the gross capacity.

BEE star rating

The refrigerator is probably the only appliance in your home that is always consuming energy. They need to be running 24/7, so you should choose an energy-efficient refrigerator. An energy-efficient refrigerator will help you save money on your electric bill. Furthermore, the rating is determined by the refrigerator’s energy consumption in a year, which is also included on the BEE label. This is a mandatory requirement, while direct-cooking refrigerators are rated based on their energy efficiency. It is also important to note that refrigerators of different capacities receive different star ratings.

Inverter refrigerators

Nowadays, most refrigerators use compressors that run constantly, causing the temperature to change continuously inside the refrigerator. As a result, these refrigerators consume more energy since the compressor has to work so often. Inverter compressors in refrigerators can adjust its speeds depending on the temperature conditions. Refrigerators with inverter compressors can adjust their speeds based on the conditions of the air temperature. This allows the refrigerator to maintain a constant temperature while consuming less energy. Inverter refrigerators also make less noise than those without.

Shelves

In older refrigerator models, metal shelves shaped like grills were used to store food. These shelves allowed air to circulate inside the refrigerator compartment. Some entry-level refrigerators still use metal shelves.Despite their strength, glass shelves can hold even the heaviest containers. Since these shelves do not have gaps, you can place food directly on them. Glass shelves also add to the looks of the refrigerator.

Features

Well, features are basics when you go to buy a fridge. Keep in  mind your family habits and choose the fridge features accordingly. Look out for special ice dispensers, wifi connectivity, automatic temperature control, energy efficiency, edge-to edge shelves etc.   

Finish

Choose a finish that’s long lasting. The most popular one is stainless steel as it has a natural and sleek look. Many people prefer carbon fiber as well. You can also look for finger-print resistant ones if you’re looking for something modern.

Get the best cooling!

These were some of the top Japanese refrigerator brands that you can check out. These brands are some of the most well-known ones in the world with quite a huge fan following. If you are planning to get a new refrigerator for your home, you must definitely check out these brands. Are you ready to bring home your new cooling partner from these top Japanese refrigerator brands?

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