Against comparable models

Each cell is the share of same-size, same-type models that the manufacturer’s typical model beats (50% is typical); the higher score is in bold. Raw medians are underneath for context: they depend on which sizes each one makes, so they are not compared.

HITACHI and Kaden on every ratingPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: every ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of each one’s modelsMeasured against models of the same size and duct type, HITACHI scores higher on 5 of the 6 ratings.

HITACHI
Kaden
Other ranked manufacturers

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of Oct 11, 2026

Average peer percentile, raw median and rank among ranked manufacturers
Rating	HITACHI	Kaden
Efficiency index	68% (higher)median —	61% (higher)median —
COP at 5°F	66% (higher)median 2.13	58% (higher)median 2.00
Capacity retention at 5°F	60% (higher)median 79%	53% (higher)median 72%
HSPF2	70% (higher)median 10.0	64% (higher)median 9.5
SEER2	63%median 21.8	63%median 19.3
EER2	75% (higher)median 13.0	65% (higher)median 12.0
Heating capacity at 5°F	64% (higher)median 18,500 Btu/h	55% (higher)median 19,800 Btu/h
Outdoor models	63	66
AHRI certifications	164	399

Share of models meeting each standard

Percent of each manufacturer’s models with a qualifying certification
Standard	HITACHI	Kaden
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	95.2%60 models	68.2%45 models
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	95.2%60 models	66.7%44 models
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)	17.5%11 models	3%2 models
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)	82.5%52 models	59.1%39 models
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge	17.5%11 models	3%2 models
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate	79.4%50 models	57.6%38 models

Sizes and duct types offered

Models in each peer group, with the efficiency index of those models against the rest of the group.

Side by side, inside each size and duct typeShape: every model of the group · bars: each manufacturer’s middle half, median dot, 10th–90th line · 9 groups where both have models

HITACHI
Kaden
All models of the group

Raw ratings are only placed side by side within one size and duct type, where they are comparable.

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 11, 2026

Models per peer group · efficiency index within the group
Size and duct type	HITACHI	Kaden
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	10 · index 70%	13 · index 72%
Ducted, 2 tons	6 · index 71%	9 · index 52%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	11 · index 74%	16 · index 54%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	6 · index 70%	19 · index 54%
Ducted, 5 tons and up	None	2 · index 63%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	33 · index 70%	13 · index 73%
Non-ducted, 2 tons	12 · index 67%	2 · index 82%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	12 · index 58%	12 · index 59%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	5 · index 58%	6 · index 68%
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up	1 · index 54%	2 · index 59%

Cold-climate and all-around picks, size class by size class

Each manufacturer’s best model on each board in every size and duct type, side by side; the higher score is in bold. Both scores are 0–100 against every model of that size class (the line on each bar is 50, the typical model there), so the two compare fairly even when they make different sizes.

Cold-climate picks

Best cold-climate pick per size and duct type (keeps at least 70% of its heat at 5°F). Qualifies when its capacity retention at 5°F (capacity at 5°F as a share of capacity at 47°F) is at least 70% and Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 are all rated. Score = the equal-weight mean of its peer percentiles on Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100), all from one certified pairing: in each duct type a model is sold in, its qualifying pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
Size and duct type	HITACHICold-climate score, best model	KadenCold-climate score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	79.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-12BLFASDQ1with ducted air handler PPIM-B12UFA1DQ8 of 10 models qualify · AHRI 215359321	85.5(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-HH-UUX18HP-2AAMAwith ducted air handler KIB-HH-UUX18AH3-2AAMA11 of 13 models qualify · AHRI 217970408
Ducted, 2 tons	75.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-24BLFASDQ1with ducted air handler PPIM-B24UFA1DQ6 of 6 models qualify · AHRI 215222823	85.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-HH-PSX24HP-2AAMAwith ducted air handler KIB-PSX24HS-2AAMA6 of 9 models qualify · AHRI 215866654
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	83.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)PAS-30BLFASDQ1with ducted air handler PPIM-B30UFA1DQ9 of 11 models qualify · AHRI 215222843	82.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)KOB-HH-PS436HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-HH-PS536HP-2AAMA9 of 16 models qualify · AHRI 215866690
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	72.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-48BUFASDQ1with ducted air handler PPIM-B48UFA1DQ2 of 6 models qualify · AHRI 213685842	82.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-HH-PS548HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-HH-PS648HP-2AAMA10 of 19 models qualify · AHRI 215866693
Ducted, 5 tons and up	No models in this size class	None on this board (0 of 2 models qualify)
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	91.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-18BLFASDQ1with ductless indoor unit PCI-B18UFA1DQ29 of 33 models qualify · AHRI 215222824	96.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-HH-PSX06HP-2AAMAwith ductless indoor unit KIB-PSX06WM-2AAMA12 of 13 models qualify · AHRI 215866628
Non-ducted, 2 tons	93.8(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)PAS-24BLFASDQ1with ductless indoor unit PCI-B24UFA1DQ12 of 12 models qualify · AHRI 215222825	89.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)KOB-HH-PSX24HP-2AAMAwith ductless indoor unit KIB-PSX24CT-2AAMA2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 215866644
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	97.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)PAS-30BLFASDQ1with ductless indoor unit PCI-B30UFA1DQ9 of 12 models qualify · AHRI 215222826	78.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)KOB-HH-PS436HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-HH-PS536HP-2AAMA10 of 12 models qualify · AHRI 215866691
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	59.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-48BUFASDQ1with ductless indoor unit PCI-B48UFA1DQ2 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 214723262	73.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-HH-PS548HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-HH-PS648HP-2AAMA6 of 6 models qualify · AHRI 215866694
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up	None on this board (0 of 1 models qualify)	None on this board (0 of 2 models qualify)

All-around best

Best all-around model per size and duct type. Score = 50% heating, the mean of its peer percentiles on COP at 5°F, Capacity retention at 5°F, HSPF2, plus 50% cooling, the mean of its peer percentiles on SEER2 and EER2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100). All five ratings are required; there is no minimum heat kept at 5°F. In each duct type a model is sold in, it is scored on its pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher cold-climate score, then the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
Size and duct type	HITACHIAll-around score, best model	KadenAll-around score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	85.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-12BLFASDQ1with ducted air handler PPIM-B12UFA1DQ10 of 10 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215359321	86.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-HH-PSX09HP-2AAMAwith ducted air handler KIB-PSX09LS-2AAMA13 of 13 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866649
Ducted, 2 tons	80.3(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)PAS-24BUFASDQ1-LACwith ducted air handler PPIM-B24UFA1DQ6 of 6 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217450753	78.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)KOB-PSX24HP-2AAMAwith ducted air handler KIB-PSX24HS-2AAMA9 of 9 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866660
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	90.1(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)PAS-36BLFASDQ1with ducted air handler PPIM-B36UFA1DQ11 of 11 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215222841	83.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)KOB-HH-PS436HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-HH-PS536HP-2AAMA16 of 16 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866690
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	85.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)PAS-48BUFASDQ1with ducted air handler PPIM-B48UFA1DQ6 of 6 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213685842	85.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)KOB-PS548HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-PS648HP-2AAMA19 of 19 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866678
Ducted, 5 tons and up	No models in this size class	62.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)KOB-PS555HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-PS655HP-2AAMA2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866681
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	90.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-12BLFASDQ1with ductless indoor unit PCIM-B12UFA1DQ31 of 33 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215359322	96.2(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-HH-PSX06HP-2AAMAwith ductless indoor unit KIB-PSX06WM-2AAMA13 of 13 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866628
Non-ducted, 2 tons	81.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-24BUFASDQ1-LACwith ductless indoor unit PCI-B24UFA1DQ12 of 12 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217450777	86.8(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-PSX24HP-2AAMAwith ductless indoor unit KIB-PSX24WM-2AAMA2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866638
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	93.9(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)PAS-36BLFASDQ1with ductless indoor unit PCI-B36UFA1DQ12 of 12 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215222842	78.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)KOB-HH-PS436HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-HH-PS536HP-2AAMA12 of 12 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866689
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	73.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)PAS-48BUFASDQ1with ductless indoor unit PCI-B48UFA1DQ5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 214723262	75.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-HH-PS548HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-HH-PS648HP-2AAMA6 of 6 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866692
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up	54.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)HVAHP060C23S*1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217036518	58.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)KOB-PS555HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-PS655HP-2AAMA2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215866680

All-around board, every manufacturer

Standout model on each rating

Each manufacturer’s model that beats the largest share of comparable models on the rating; the higher share is in bold.

Top model per rating by peer percentile, with its AHRI-certified value and peer group
Rating	HITACHI	Kaden
COP at 5°F	beats 100% · 2.50PAS-30BUFASDQ1Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	beats 99% · 2.54KOB-PSX24HP-2AAMANon-ducted, 2 tons
Capacity retention at 5°F	beats 100% · 123%RAC-XJ24WHBANon-ducted, 2 tons	beats 98% · 120%KOB-HH-PSX09HP-2AAMADucted, up to 1.5 tons
HSPF2	beats 98% · 11.0RAM-X36N4HAADucted, 2.5–3 tons	beats 99% · 14.8KOB-HH-PSX06HP-2AAMANon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
SEER2	beats 100% · 24.2HVAHP048C23S*Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	beats 97% · 25.0KOB-PS327HP-2AAMAAlso listed as KOB-PS427HP-2AAMANon-ducted, 2.5–3 tons
EER2	beats 100% · 16.8HVAHP036C23S*Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	beats 99% · 18.0KOB-HH-PSX06HP-2AAMANon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
Heating capacity at 5°F	beats 100% · 23,000 Btu/hRAC-XJ18WHAAAlso listed as RAC-XJ18WHBANon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	beats 98% · 54,000 Btu/hKOB-HH-UUX60HP-2AAMADucted, 3.5–4.5 tons

More comparisons

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HITACHI vs Kaden heat pumps