Shivaki refrigerators: review of advantages and disadvantages + 5 best models of the brand

The Shivaki company appeared on the technology market about 30 years ago.Initially, this Japanese company was engaged in the sale of small devices such as video players and tape recorders.

Subsequently, large appliances appeared on the market, including Shivaki’s refrigerator, which immediately won the recognition of not only ordinary buyers, but also owners of hotels and catering establishments. What is the secret of the success of this brand? Let's look at all the features in more detail.

Distinctive features of Shivaki technology

The manufacturer lures customers with a huge range of its products. If we talk only about refrigerators, the company offers several dozen carefully thought-out models. Moreover, each has its own unique characteristics.

Shivaki brand refrigeration equipment attracts with its impeccable assembly, long service life, many times longer than the service life guaranteed by the Japanese manufacturer

The list of distinctive characteristics of Shivaki’s equipment should also include:

1. First-class assembly. When ordering products from this brand, you can be sure that they will last for many years. The buyer will not encounter loose bolts and the seal of the refrigerator will not peel off after a couple of months of operation.
2. Cheap repairs. If any problems arise, restoring the functionality of the equipment will cost a modest amount. In addition, finding parts is not difficult.
3. Reliability. Yes, Shivaki compressors are not highly efficient, but they can serve faithfully for many years.

Particularly pleasing is the fact that you can order repairs of Japanese equipment in any, even a very small locality. Many craftsmen have long become accustomed to quickly restoring such equipment.

The manufacturer pays special attention to the appearance of its equipment - Japanese refrigerators are distinguished by elegance and minimalism, which makes their design truly luxurious

You can finally be convinced whether it is worth buying equipment or not only after a detailed familiarization with its advantages and disadvantages. This approach allows you to learn about possible problems and solve them in advance or give preference to another model.

Here is a general list of the pros and cons of refrigeration equipment from Shivaki.

The advantages include:

1. Compact and mobile. Mini refrigerators can rightfully be called a universal household appliance. Thanks to its rather modest size and light weight, you can rearrange it at any time and don’t even have to involve movers.
2. Quality. Even despite its small dimensions, this technique stores a wide variety of products, from meat to drinks, well and for a long time.
3. Energy efficiency. When purchasing Shivaka devices, you can be sure that they will not require a lot of electricity.
4. Price. The manufacturer has done everything possible to ensure that any average buyer can purchase its equipment.

The main disadvantage is the simplicity of the design. Due to this, the devices lack extensive capabilities and cannot offer a number of additional functions. This is the simplest and most durable technique.

Japanese babies are characterized by first-class build quality. Therefore, today it is indeed possible to buy equipment that will not require repairs for the first 5-7 years of operation

Guidelines for wise choice

Simply a huge assortment is a reason to understand in more detail the intricacies of choosing a refrigerator. After all, not every consultant will be able to advise a truly optimal solution in a given situation.

Therefore, you can only rely on yourself and before going to the store, it is advisable to understand the main technical characteristics, which should be given due attention.

Cover type and compartment layout

The predominantly Japanese company Shivaki offers refrigerators where the freezer compartment is located at the top. Therefore, this decision is typical for the brand. It is quite convenient and practical to use.

As for the coating, as a rule, it is black, silver or white plastic or metal. The last option is suitable for those who want to purchase the most reliable equipment and are willing to overpay a little.Well, devices made of plastic are a budget, but extremely short-lived solution.

Preferences by energy efficiency class

Japanese engineers always try to make their equipment as energy efficient as possible. This applies to both premium devices and fairly inexpensive products.

Therefore, it is not at all surprising that the overwhelming number of refrigerator models from Shivaki meet the requirements of category A+ in terms of their energy efficiency.

Inexpensive, but at the same time economical technology is a rarity today. But if you give preference to Japanese products, you can purchase a device that will work 24 hours a day and require a minimum of electricity

Refrigerator control type

Yes, today there is a trend towards modern technologies and touch screens. But such solutions significantly increase the cost of equipment. Therefore, Shivaki refrigeration equipment is equipped with an electromechanical control type. This solution is not a bad option.

After all, the buyer will receive a fairly reliable and trouble-free system that will work for many years.

The Japanese company presents for sale units with both electromechanical and electronic controls. In the lines of mini refrigerators, the bulk are controlled by electromechanical devices

Optimal cooling method

Almost all models of Japanese mini-refrigerators need defrost manually. But thanks to the small dimensions of the equipment, this will not take much time. In addition, due to its small size, defrosting will only be needed 2-3 times a year.

Review of popular units

Small cooling devices are a practical and quite convenient solution.Especially if you know which models to give preference to and what features they have. Let's look at the five most popular mini-devices offered by the Land of the Rising Sun.

Despite its little popularity in the CIS countries, the products of the Japanese manufacturer are worth getting acquainted with. Shivaki offers simply excellent refrigerators, available in mini and full-size formats. The assortment is dominated by compact one- and two-chamber units; there are three-chamber large-sized models.

Single-chamber units in mini format

Single-chamber refrigeration equipment is thoroughly thought out in terms of ergonomics. All details, the location of control knobs, shelves and boxes are carefully thought out. Therefore, the user will get a real pleasure.

The interior space of single-chamber models is well thought out. The height of the shelves that can be moved and trays is designed to accommodate the maximum possible volume of products

Single-chamber Shivaki are distinguished by a top-mounted freezer volume. Usually it does not exceed 10 liters, which is more than enough. And on the right side of the freezer there is a thermostat that allows you to choose one of 8 settings.

The advantages of the model also include:

• interesting body color — gray metal is a universal solution that will fit perfectly into absolutely any interior, be it a luxurious classic or a strict modern style;
• quality — only reliable and durable materials were used in production, so the refrigerator will not be damaged in any way if you accidentally hit it with your foot;
• modern compressor — its service life is about 10 years;
• efficiency — the model allows you to save a lot of money, because compact Shivaki models correspond to energy efficiency class A+.

The disadvantages can be considered the high cost - mini-refrigerators sell from $230, which is higher than the price of competing models. They also cannot offer any additional options.

Compact two-chamber models

The Japanese manufacturer also produces mini-refrigerators for those who require a separate freezer compartment, but are not interested in bulky full-size units.

The line offered for sale includes miniature two-chamber models. The truth is that the manufacturer does not spoil buyers when it comes to color. The shade can be black or silver.

In two-chamber models, the freezer compartment is separated from the main volume and equipped with a separate door, so that when using the refrigerator compartment the microclimate of the freezer is not affected

The volume of the freezer compartment is quite enough to pack a package of dumplings or dumplings, or store 3 kg of meat or fish preparations.

Among all the advantages of two-chamber compact Shivaks, the following should be especially highlighted:

• Cooling chamber volume. Inside the compartment you can fit not only fruits, vegetables, cheese and sausage. If desired, you can rearrange the metal grate and place a whole pan of borscht there;
• Mechanical control. Thanks to this feature, the device can be used in any conditions, even in small and remote settlements. After all, you don’t have to look for a technician who can repair newfangled equipment;
• Price. The models are sold at a fairly modest price that is affordable to everyone;
• Build quality. Absolutely all parts, from the compressor to the rubber seals, are made of decent materials and are distinguished by their reliability.

If necessary, the door can be moved. This makes the compact Shivaki models even more versatile and easy to use.

The only drawback of the manufacturer in relation to the two-chamber and single-chamber compact models is poor sound insulation. Therefore, be prepared that the mini-unit will make quite a lot of noise during its operation.

There is also a zone with a low temperature in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment. Here you can store food that needs more refrigeration.

Miniature bars in refrigerators

This is the best choice when you need to quickly make ice, chill drinks, or store small amounts of food. The interior of the device is divided by two shelves.

Accordingly, the user has three storage zones at his disposal, which is a rather convenient and practical solution. There are also two shelves on the door where you can also store some food or drink bottles.

Owners of a refrigerated baby highlight the following features:

• its modest dimensions allow you to install the device in any convenient place - it is a good choice for a home, office or hotel;
• The device corresponds to class A+ in terms of its energy efficiency, so the buyer will not go broke paying electricity bills;
• If necessary, the door can be reversed, so the device can be installed anywhere and however you want.

Mini bars are equipped with mechanical controls, which significantly increases their reliability and increases their service life. In addition, if necessary, repairs will cost a fairly modest amount.

You can read about the most common causes of refrigerator breakdowns and how to fix them. Here.

The downside is the noise. The manufacturer did not pay enough attention to the soundproofing of the device - the volume is not critical, but it is better not to place it at the head of the bed

Spacious and powerful equipment

In this case, the manufacturing company increased the volume and size of the units. This solution will be ideal for those who need a full-size product necessary for installation in an apartment or country house intended for permanent residence.

The compressor in full-size models is distinguished by its performance, but it is a little noisy. The engine power is enough to drive a sufficient amount of cold inside the cooling and freezer compartments.

Full-size refrigerators from Shivaki have the following advantages:

• Price quality. The materials used are truly durable and pleasant to the touch. Everything is assembled just perfectly, and the price will please absolutely every buyer.
• Ergonomics. The space is well zoned. There are shelves inside that can be rearranged. In addition, the door also has trays in the form of durable “balconies”, which increases the usable volume.
• Electromechanical control. If your home experiences frequent power outages, then Shivaki refrigeration equipment will be the ideal solution. Even with frequent failures and unstable voltage, it will serve faithfully.

The Japanese manufacturer offers a rather convenient and practical option - the ability to hang the door. This kind of function provides the opportunity to install equipment where it is really needed.

Full-size refrigerator models from Shivaki are quite economical to operate. A very small amount of electricity is required to operate. Therefore, the buyer will not be shocked when receiving a bill for electricity

As for the shortcomings, in this case there are no complaints. Shivaki engineers did a great job and were able to come up with convenient, technologically advanced and practical refrigerators. The only thing that deserves attention is manual defrosting. But in the case of Japanese units, such maintenance will be required no more than twice a year.

Top 5 popular models on the market

It cannot be said that Shivaki refrigerators are widely represented on the domestic market. However, there are models that Russian buyers and consumers in nearby countries have become familiar with.

Let’s look at the practice-tested refrigerators of this brand, which have confirmed the manufacturer’s reputation with impeccable operation.

Refrigerator #1 – Shivaki BMR-1884DNFX

The two-chamber version of the silver refrigerator is an excellent solution for offices, studio apartments and small kitchens.

Its dimensions are 59.5x63x188 cm, while the total volume of Shivaki BMR-1884DNFX is only 295 liters, of which 76 liters are allocated for the freezer.

The refrigerator and freezer compartments are cooled dynamically, i.e. the movement of the air mass inside is stimulated by a fan. Frost and ice crusts do not form inside. Such systems are also called No Frost.

And refrigeration equipment cooled by this method does not need to be defrosted regularly, which greatly simplifies maintenance.

The control type of the model is electric. There is a display that displays the necessary information. Based on energy consumption data, this refrigerator is classified as A+. It produces 40 dB of noise.

Refrigerator #2 – Shivaki SBS-573DNFGW

This format model Side by Side is a real giant in the line of the Japanese manufacturer. Each of the compartments of the two-chamber unit is equipped with a separate door.

The volume of useful space is 570 liters, of which 204 liters are allocated for the freezer located on the side. You can freeze up to 7 kg in it.

Both Shivaki SBS-573DNFGW cameras are dynamically cooled. The air movement inside is stimulated by a fan, due to which there is no difference in temperature on the upper and lower shelves of the unit, so condensation does not fall out or freeze. Defrosting to remove snow build-up is not carried out in such refrigerators.

The model with a French door is controlled by an electronic system. There is a display showing temperature indicators and other operating characteristics.

Equipped with glass doors and shelves. Noisy at 43 dB. The unit makes a sound when the door is open. Capable of super freezing. According to the results of testing for energy consumption, the refrigerator received an A+ class.

Refrigerator #3 – Shivaki BMR-1881NFW

A full-size two-chamber Japanese refrigerator provides potential owners with 295 liters of usable space. Of this, the freezer located below occupies 76 liters.

The unit is capable of super-freezing products, which preserves maximum nutrients and nutritional properties.

The refrigerator and freezer compartments of Shivaki BMR-1881NFW are cooled using No Frost technology, that is, there is no condensation in the chambers and no results from freezing.

This model does not require forced defrosting to remove snow coats; it is carried out purely for sanitary purposes, and quite rarely.

The control is electronic; there is a display on the front surface of the unit, with which it is convenient to monitor the operating characteristics of the device. It makes noise at 40 dB. Energy class A+.

Refrigerator #4 – Shivaki SDR-084W

A single-chamber refrigerator with a low-temperature zone at the top is suitable for summer residents and office workers. One door separates you from the influence of external factors on the contents.

The total volume of usable space is 93 liters, 10 liters are allocated for the freezer box.

The compact unit Shivaki SDR-084W is cooled by a static method, which means it requires forced defrosting. The model is controlled by a simple and reliable electromechanical device.

Miniature equipment is noisy at 42 dB. Based on testing results, the model received class A+ for its economical energy consumption.

Refrigerator #5 – Shivaki SDR-054W

The miniature refrigerator in Shivaki's assortment attracts with its modest body dimensions (47.5x45x49.2 cm) and low weight - only 15 kg.

At the same time, it has a useful volume of 50 liters, of which 5 liters are allocated to the low-temperature compartment.

This Shivaki SDR-054W ​​model is statically cooled, hence it will have to be defrosted manually. Note that with such dimensions this process will not become unnecessarily labor-intensive.

The control of this refrigerator is electromechanical. It is noisy during operation at 42 dB. According to energy consumption data, the minibar received class A+.

Which model would be the best choice?

Not every buyer has the opportunity to purchase equipment that costs over a thousand dollars. Many users are on a very limited budget.

In this case, a compact model would be the ideal solution.It has excellent technical characteristics, and thanks to its miniature size it can fit in any convenient place.

When choosing, be sure to take into account that the device operates quite noisily. In addition, manual defrosting will add problems. But this is where the disadvantages of this solution end.

If we talk about the price-quality ratio, then two- and three-chamber modifications of refrigerators from Shivaki are a good choice. All proposals have the only drawback - a slightly noisy compressor. In all other respects, they have proven themselves to be reliable and easy-to-use equipment.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video recommendations for choosing a refrigerator:

Drawing a conclusion, we can say with confidence that Shivaki brand refrigerators are equipment that undoubtedly deserves attention.

For a fairly modest amount of money, you can expect a first-class build. Yes, devices have their drawbacks, but they are not so significant, especially if you look at the advantages. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that Japanese mini-fridges are in great demand in the current market.

Do you have any questions about the topic of the article, do you have anything to add to the material, or can you share your own experience in choosing a refrigerator for your home? Please write your comments in the block below the article.