Hoshizaki Corporation (Japan) will expand its range of refrigeration products using HFC-free natural refrigerants by launching 66 upgraded models across four categories. The new models include ice makers, dispensers, undercounter high-humidity refrigerators, and glass-door refrigerator/freezers, all designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in customer value chains. Sales will begin in Japan from mid-December 2025 through Hoshizaki’s 15 domestic sales companies.
The transition replaces HFC refrigerants R-134a and R-404A—previously used in these models and having global warming potentials (GWP) of 1,430 and 3,920 respectively—with natural refrigerants isobutane (R-600a, GWP <1) and propane (R-290, GWP 0.02), reducing GWP by over 99%.
The new product lineup includes:
1. Cubelet and Flake Ice Makers, and Cubelet Ice Dispensers
Using the auger ice-making method, these units produce cubelet and flake ice. New features include a redesigned cabinet door handle to prevent dust and water ingress.
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Cubelet ice maker: 6 models, 60–300 kg/day
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Flake ice maker: 3 models, 120–340 kg/day
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Cubelet ice dispenser: 16 models, 70 kg & 115 kg/day
Example: Cubelet ice maker model CM-100M (100 kg/day) priced at 1,145,000 JPY (approx. 7,580 USD)
2. Cube Ice Maker (1 model)
This unit produces transparent cube-shaped ice (~3 cm). The updated design includes a detachable filter for easier cleaning.
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Model IM-230P: 230 kg/day, self-contained, priced at 1,540,000 JPY (approx. 10,190 USD)
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On sale from January 19, 2026
3. Undercounter High-Humidity Refrigerators
These units cool via four-wall conduction without air flow, stabilizing cabinet temperature and preserving food quality. Improvements include inverter adoption and removal of the top panel to increase internal volume by 2–5%.
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28 models, widths 900–2100 mm
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Example: CT-120SNJ (1500 x 600 x 800 mm) priced at 1,112,000 JPY (approx. 7,360 USD)
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On sale from mid-December 2025
4. Glass-Door Refrigerator/Freezers (Sliding-Door Type)
Designed for space-constrained environments, these models now allow retrofitting of a heater-assisted evaporator pan to reduce wastewater handling.
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12 models, widths 900–1200 mm
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Example: RSC-120F (1200 x 650 x 1890 mm) priced at 1,191,000 JPY (approx. 7,880 USD)
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On sale from mid-January 2026
Hoshizaki aims to raise the proportion of its Japan market models using natural refrigerants from 46% at the end of fiscal 2024 to 87% by the end of fiscal 2027. Since 2009, the company has sold 2.38 million natural refrigerant units globally.
