Choosing the right freezer in Japan can make a noticeable difference in both daily convenience and long-term food storage. With limited kitchen space, frequent grocery runs, and rising food costs, many households and small businesses are turning to standalone freezers for storing frozen meals, bulk groceries, seafood, and seasonal produce more efficiently.
Unlike standard refrigerator freezers, dedicated freezers offer lower and more stable temperatures, larger storage capacity, and better organization for long-term preservation. In Japan, these appliances are commonly available as chest freezers and upright freezers, each designed to suit different living spaces and usage needs—from compact apartments to restaurants and retail shops.
In this expert review, we’ve carefully selected the best freezers available in Japan for 2025, focusing on performance, energy efficiency, storage capacity, noise levels, and overall value. Whether you need a space-saving freezer for home use or a high-capacity option for commercial purposes, this guide will help you make a confident and informed choice.
If you are in a hurry, you can buy the best item based on your budget, preference, and our recommendation given below. Based on our study, we concluded that-
– The Overall Best – SAMKYO ZC200 Freezer
– The Editor’s Choice – Iris Ohyama IUSN-8A-W Slim Upright Freezer
– The Budget Friendly Product – MAXZEN JF100ML01WH Freezer
The Best Freezers in Japan
1. Haier JF-HSC10A (W) Top Opening Freezer
2. Iris Ohyama IUSN-8A-W Slim Upright Freezer
3. SAMKYO ZC200 Freezer
4. COMFEE’ RCC199WH(E) Freezer
5. Toshiba GF-W14HS (HT) Freezer
6. MAXZEN JF100ML01WH Freezer
Here are the details of each freezer listed above-
Brand: Haier
Model Number: JF-HSC10A (W)
Made in: China
Capacity: 100 Liters
Door Orientation: Top
Special Feature: Quick Freeze, Manual Defrost
Cooling Type: Direct Cooling
Power Source: Corded Electric
Dimensions: 49 x 54.5 x 87 cm
Weight: 22.3 Kilograms
The Haier JF-HSC10A (W) is a compact chest-style freezer designed for households that need extra frozen storage without sacrificing space. With a 100L capacity and a slim footprint, it’s well-suited for apartments, small kitchens, or as a secondary freezer for bulk food storage.
Key Features:
- Direct cooling for stable, long-term freezing
- Quick-freeze function for fresh food storage
- Top-opening design that retains cold air efficiently
- Manual defrost for simple, reliable maintenance
- Slim, compact body ideal for apartments and small spaces
- Hanging basket included for easy organization
- Built-in casters for effortless movement
- Heat-resistant top board for added durability
Why We Recommend It:
This freezer stands out for its space-saving design and reliable freezing performance. The direct cooling system helps maintain stable low temperatures, making it suitable for long-term storage of meat, seafood, and prepared meals. The quick-freeze function adds convenience, while the included casters make it easy to move—an advantage in compact Japanese living spaces.
Brand: Iris Ohyama
Model Name: Slim type
Model Number: IUSN-8A-W
Capacity: 80 Liters
Special Feature: Automatic Defrost
Cooling Method: Fan operated
Certification: Energy Star
Door Orientation: Right
Door Material Type: Stainless Steel
Top Table: Heat Resistance
Wattage: 82 W
Dimensions: 55.5 x 35.6 x 99.6 cm
Weight: 29 Kilograms
The Iris Ohyama IUSN-8A-W is a slim upright freezer designed for households that need organized frozen storage in a limited space. With its narrow width and vertical layout, it fits neatly beside a refrigerator or in tight kitchen areas, making it a practical choice for apartments and smaller homes in Japan.
Key Features:
- Slim upright design ideal for narrow spaces and small kitchens
- Fan cooling system for even temperature distribution
- Automatic defrost for hassle-free maintenance
- Quiet operation suitable for apartments and dining areas
- Front-opening design with clear drawers for easy visibility
- Multiple removable storage cases for neat organization
- Adjustable temperature control with quick-cooling function
- Heat-resistant top surface for placing small appliances
- Anti-tip design compatible with wall-fixing safety belts
Why We Recommend It:
This freezer stands out for its space-efficient design and user-friendly organization. Automatic defrost, quiet performance, and clear storage drawers make it easy to use on a daily basis, while the upright format offers faster access compared to chest freezers—ideal for modern Japanese kitchens.
Brand: SAMKYO S
Model Number: ZC200
Capacity: 200 Liters
Special Feature: Rapid Freezing, Quiet Design
Cooling Method: Direct cooling
Door Orientation: Top
Door Material Type: Galvalium steel plate
Operating Noise: 24dB
Wattage: 80 W
Dimensions: 56.5 x 82 x 83 cm
Weight: 28.5 Kilograms
The SAMKYO ZC200 is a large-capacity chest freezer designed for households and light commercial use that need reliable bulk frozen storage. With a generous 200L capacity, powerful freezing performance, and quiet operation, it works well as a second freezer for families, small shops, or anyone who frequently buys or stores food in large quantities.
Key Features:
- Large-capacity chest freezer suitable for home and commercial use
- Direct cooling system for strong and stable freezing performance
- Powerful freezing capability down to −28°C for rapid freezing
- 8-level temperature adjustment for precise control
- Top-opening design that minimizes cold air loss
- Quiet operation ideal for home, garage, or back-of-house use
- Includes two storage baskets for better organization
- Durable steel body designed for long-term use
Why We Recommend It:
This freezer is an excellent choice for users who need high-capacity storage with strong freezing power. The chest-style design improves energy efficiency, while multiple temperature settings and low noise make it practical for both residential and small business environments in Japan.
Brand: COMFEE’
Model Name: RCC 2023
Model Number: RCC199WH(E)
Capacity: 198 Liters
Special Feature: Energy Saving
Installation Type: Freestanding
Door Orientation: Top
Door Material Type: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 261 Kilowatt Hours
Dimensions: 55 x 81.6 x 85 cm
Weight: 29 Kilograms
The COMFEE’ RCC199WH(E) is a large-capacity chest freezer built for efficient everyday frozen storage. With a spacious interior, energy-saving design, and simple temperature control, it’s well suited for families, bulk shoppers, or users looking for a reliable second freezer in Japan.
Key Features:
- Large-capacity chest freezer ideal for bulk food storage
- Top-opening design that reduces cold air loss
- Direct cooling system for stable freezing performance
- 6-level temperature adjustment for flexible storage control
- Energy-saving operation designed to reduce electricity costs
- Quiet performance suitable for home environments
- Shallow top case tray for small items and ice trays
- Includes storage basket and defrost accessories
Why We Recommend It:
This freezer offers a good balance of capacity, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Its chest-style design helps maintain consistent temperatures, while adjustable cooling levels and low noise make it practical for daily household use in Japanese homes.
Brand: TOSHIBA
Model Number: GF-W14HS (HT)
Capacity: 137 Liters
Special Feature: Automatic Defrost, Space Saving, Disinfecting Function, Rapid Freezing
Door Orientation: Right
Dimensions: 56.8 x 47.9 x 127.1 cm
Weight: 37 Kilograms
The Toshiba GF-W14HS (HT) is a space-saving upright freezer designed for modern Japanese homes where efficient layout and quiet operation matter. With a slim width, vertical storage layout, and automatic defrost system, it offers organized frozen storage without taking up excessive floor space.
Key Features:
- Slim upright design suitable for narrow spaces
- Automatic defrost for low-maintenance use
- Fast-freezing function for quickly freezing fresh food
- Sensor-based rapid cooling that responds to temperature changes
- Five-tier storage layout for organized food separation
- Quiet operation designed for apartments and shared living spaces
- Built-in interior LED for clear visibility
- Zero-back design allows placement close to the wall
- Heat-resistant top surface for space-efficient appliance placement
Why We Recommend It:
This freezer is ideal for users who prefer easy access and structured organization over bulk storage. Its upright form, quiet performance, and fast-freezing capability make it a strong choice for apartments, small kitchens, and households looking for a reliable standalone freezer from a trusted Japanese brand.
Brand: MAXZEN
Model Number: JF100ML01WH
Capacity: 99 Liters
Special Feature: Space Saving, Key Lock
Installation Type: Freestanding
Door Orientation: Top
Wattage: 59 W
Dimensions: 47.6 x 54.5 x 86 cm
Weight: 21 Kilograms
The MAXZEN JF100ML01WH is a compact chest freezer designed as a convenient second freezer for everyday household use. With its slim footprint and efficient top-opening design, it fits easily into small kitchens, apartments, or utility spaces while providing reliable frozen storage.
Key Features:
- Compact chest freezer ideal for small homes or secondary use
- Top-opening design that helps retain cold air efficiently
- Direct cooling system for stable freezing performance
- Multiple cooling levels for flexible temperature control
- Wire basket included to keep small items organized
- Slim, space-saving body suitable for various placement options
- Lockable lid with key for added safety and child protection
- Energy-efficient operation designed for everyday use
Why We Recommend It:
This freezer is a good choice for users who want extra frozen storage without taking up much space. Its compact size, simple temperature control, and added safety lock make it practical for apartments, families, or anyone needing a reliable and affordable secondary freezer in Japan.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Freezer in Japan
Choosing the right freezer in Japan depends on space, usage, and storage needs. With compact homes and varying electricity costs, it’s important to balance capacity, efficiency, and convenience.
1. Freezer Type: Chest vs Upright
- Chest Freezers
- Better energy efficiency
- Stronger and more stable freezing
- Ideal for bulk storage and long-term use
- Slightly harder to organize
- Upright Freezers
- Easier access and better organization
- Slim designs fit well in small kitchens
- Faster access to frequently used items
- Slightly higher energy consumption
Choose chest freezers for bulk buying, and upright freezers for daily household convenience.
2. Capacity: How Much Space Do You Need?
- Up to 100L → Singles, couples, or second freezer
- 100–150L → Small families or apartment use
- 150–200L+ → Large families, bulk shoppers, or commercial/light business use
Always consider available floor space and door clearance before choosing capacity.
3. Energy Efficiency (Very Important in Japan)
- Look for JIS-standard rated models
- Chest freezers generally consume less electricity
- Features like direct cooling and tight seals help reduce power usage
- Annual power consumption (kWh/year) gives a realistic cost estimate
Energy-efficient freezers help reduce long-term electricity bills.
4. Noise Level
- Important for apartments and open kitchens
- Models under 25 dB are considered very quiet
- Fan-cooled upright models are usually quieter than older designs
Quiet operation ensures comfortable daily use.
5. Defrost System
- Manual Defrost
- More energy-efficient
- Requires occasional cleaning
- Automatic Defrost
- Low maintenance
- More convenient for everyday use
Choose based on how often you use the freezer and your maintenance preference.
6. Temperature Control & Freezing Performance
- Multi-level temperature settings offer flexibility
- Fast or rapid-freeze functions help preserve food quality
- Strong freezing (−18°C or lower) is ideal for long-term storage
7. Space & Installation Considerations
- Slim or zero-back designs work well in tight spaces
- Top-opening freezers need overhead clearance
- Upright freezers require door-opening space
- Japan uses AC 100V, so local compatibility matters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are standalone freezers common in Japan?
A: Yes. Many households use a second freezer for bulk shopping, frozen meals, seafood, and seasonal food storage.
Q2. Is a chest freezer better than an upright freezer?
A: Chest freezers are better for energy efficiency and bulk storage, while upright freezers are better for organization and easy access.
Q3. Can I use a freezer in a small apartment?
A: Yes. Many slim upright and compact chest freezers are designed specifically for small Japanese apartments and quiet operation.
Q4. How cold should a freezer be?
A: For safe long-term storage, a freezer should maintain −18°C (0°F) or lower.
Q5. Do freezers consume a lot of electricity?
A: Modern freezers designed for the Japanese market are energy-efficient, especially chest freezers and models with JIS-rated performance.
Q6. Is manual defrost a problem?
A: Not really. Manual defrost models are more efficient and only need occasional cleaning, making them a good option for long-term use.
Conclusion
A reliable freezer can significantly improve food storage, reduce waste, and make everyday life more convenient—especially in Japan, where space efficiency and energy savings matter. Whether you need a compact upright freezer for daily use or a large chest freezer for bulk storage, the right choice depends on your household size, available space, and storage habits.
The freezers featured in this article represent some of the best options available in Japan for 2025, selected for their performance, efficiency, quiet operation, and practical design. By considering capacity, freezer type, energy consumption, and usability, you can confidently choose a model that fits your lifestyle and long-term needs.
The information provided in this article has been published after analysis of the available data from different resources. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. To read more reviews on home appliances and electronic products, such as the best dishwashers, futon dryers, room heaters, humidifiers, air purifiers, blenders, rice cookers, robotic vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, and washing machines, you can check our home appliance or electronic products category articles on the Sakuron Japan website.
– Our editorial team reviewed this article and approved it for publication according to our editorial policy.
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Last update on 2026-02-26 .
