Which refrigerator is better: single-compressor or double-compressor?

What is the difference between a single-compressor refrigerator and a two-compressor refrigerator?

There are a huge number of varieties of refrigerators on the market, so it is very difficult to decide on the purchase choice. Moreover, technology becomes more advanced every year. There are several cooling methods that are used in the production of refrigerators. The compressor type of cooling in production is the most common in the manufacture of household appliances.

Technological differences:

• The single-compressor model is characterized by the presence of a single cooling circuit with one blower, controlled by one thermostat.
• A two-compressor device has at its disposal two superchargers that circulate freon through two independent circuits.

The design of a single-compressor refrigerator is based on the principle of using a single cooling circuit for existing storage chambers. In such devices, the temperature in both chambers cannot be adjusted separately. But this does not interfere with the continuous operation of the refrigeration unit.

Double-compressor refrigeration units have two independent units with their own cooling circuits.

Each independent circuit influences a specific department. This feature allows separate control systems to perform the function of temperature control, as well as targeted influence on the compartments.

Pros and cons of single-compressor refrigerators

A refrigerator with one compressor has a refrigerator compartment with a total volume of about one hundred liters and a small freezer compartment (sometimes missing). One refrigerator compressor copes with organizing stable and uninterrupted operation of the cooling system. This type allows you to set the temperature for both operating chambers at the same time.

This type of refrigerator most often does not imply separate shutdown of the freezer and refrigeration compartments. This property cannot be considered negative, since it makes sense from an economic point of view.

In addition, some of the single-compressor models are equipped with a specialized solenoid valve that allows you to regulate the freon flow. The function of this component is to block access of freon to the heat exchanger of the refrigeration chamber, as a result of which cooling stops, but the freezer does not stop its operation.

The disadvantages include the fact that a single-compressor refrigerator creates a lot of noise due to the compressor motor being too powerful. Therefore, these models need to be installed in a place remote from the recreation area (for example, in the kitchen). And electricity consumption increases several times due to the powerful compressor, which works almost all the time.

What factors determine the choice of one or two compressors?

When choosing which is better - a refrigerator with 2 compressors or one - experts recommend focusing not only on technical characteristics.

Important factors when choosing a unit include:

• financial capabilities of the buyer;
• need to save energy;
• noise level emitted by equipment;
• the need for functions included in an expensive model.

A noisy one-room apartment will not suit a family living in a studio, and the built-in function that allows you to send SMS to the refrigerator is unlikely to be useful to a pensioner.

Advantages and disadvantages of two-compressor refrigerators

When choosing a one- or two-compressor refrigerator, you should not get too hung up on their comparison. Each individual buyer will be shown the distinctive features of all models in which he is interested.

The presence of an additional compressor increases the speed of the function responsible for freezing, while simultaneously increasing the overall dimensions of both the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment. This criterion influences the purchase or refusal to purchase, since it may be excessive for one family. Most often, a single-compressor model is chosen for the home, which can perfectly cope with the basic functions of storing food in it.

Pros of buying a refrigerator with two compressors:

• Due to the presence of a separate compressor in each compartment (freezing and refrigerating), the load is evenly distributed across both systems, making freezing of food as fast as possible.
• It is possible to disable any of the two cameras separately. This function is very useful in case of long-term absence and when it is necessary to defrost the main compartment.
• When freezing, each compressor receives less load.
• The failure of one of the two compressors does not affect the operation of the other.

Negative aspects of two-compressor refrigerators:

• The cost is higher than that of refrigerators with one compressor.
• If the climate class of the refrigeration device is incorrectly selected, energy consumption increases.
• Some of the compressors can create a lot of noise.

Number of compressors - impact on performance properties

The heart of the refrigerator is the compressor, which is an energy device designed to pump up pressure and circulate refrigerant in freezing equipment. The operation of the compressor is associated with the formation of low temperatures in closed systems, and this is taken as the basis for the production of refrigerators and freezers for industrial and domestic use. The number of units involved in the latest modifications of refrigerators reaches three.

Video: how a refrigerator compressor works

⚠️ HOW A COMPRESSOR WORKS ⚠️ for a REFRIGERATOR ❄️

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One compressor

The presence of one unit does not imply inferiority of the household device and does not mean that it is bad or that the characteristics are not at the proper level. This assembly scheme does not have the ability to control the cameras separately, that’s all. The common regulator determines the temperature conditions in both blocks - freezing and refrigeration.

This factor cannot be regarded as a minus, as a negative indicator. Single-compressor refrigerators are familiar and convenient. If there is no need to freeze or cool food, the device turns off completely.

Nevertheless, progress does not stand still, and already in some single-compressor models, manufacturers began to integrate a special solenoid valve that regulates the circulation of the refrigerant. The function of the device is to block the access of the working substance to the evaporator of the cooled module.

The freezer, with the electromagnetic limiter turned on, will continue to operate, and the refrigerator compartment will turn off. Such modifications are similar in characteristics to dual-compressor refrigerators, but they are more attractive in cost, which attracts the attention of the consumer. And this is the main advantage.

Two compressors

In refrigerators with two compressors, you can control temperature conditions

modularly. With this separation, the efficiency of the equipment increases. It is very comfortable. For example, if one of the branches fails, the second will remain operational. Such a division is also advisable during long-term departures. When you want to keep food frozen, but at the same time reduce energy costs by temporarily turning off the cooling unit.

Good to know! If you want to purchase a large refrigerator to store a large amount of food, it is better to opt for a two-compressor model. Tanks filled to capacity require increased energy costs, which can affect the wear and tear of the refrigeration unit. If overloaded, it may fail. Two compressors will cope with this task easily.

A significant advantage of two-unit refrigeration systems is that they are equipped with a super-freezing function. Its activation affects a sharp short-term decrease in temperature, which can reach: -40 C°. Products that are quickly deep frozen do not lose their beneficial properties. Vitamins are preserved and tissue structure is not destroyed. After thawing, they regain their fresh appearance. Accordingly, the benefits from such food supplies will be much greater.

Another useful feature is the super cooling function. It promotes (in special compartments of the refrigerator - Fresh zone) the rapid cooling of drinks and the preservation of freshness in fruit and berry crops for a long time. This is a good and very necessary functionality, especially for the summer period.

An important parameter should be the low noise level of two-unit models. This is due to the fact that the electrical power of the compressors installed in them is less, and they operate alternately. When used correctly, the energy efficiency of such devices is higher than that of their counterparts designed with a single pressure blower.

Convenient features:

• No Frost – spontaneous removal of ice;
• Antibacterial – antibacterial coating of walls in refrigerator compartments;
• Super Freeze – shock freezing;
• Fresh zone – freshness zone;
• Super Cool – zone for accelerated cooling of drinks.

Like any other equipment, breakdowns can occur in the refrigerator. And since the number of parts in two-compressor devices is almost a third greater, this means they are more likely to fail. The most possible malfunctions that can happen:

• depressurization of the refrigeration circuit;
• failure of the thermostat;
• breakdown of the pressure blower;
• refrigerant leak.

What to consider when choosing a one- or two-compressor refrigerator

The large size of the refrigerator is most attractive to buyers, but it is worth considering the moment of real need for such a size. If a person is accustomed to filling his refrigerator entirely with various products, then its purchase may be justified. But if you use a refrigeration device only to store a couple of types of products, you can safely be content with one compressor.

Carrying a huge amount of product places an increased load on the refrigeration unit because the door is held open much longer and the heat that gets inside requires the chiller to work harder. Subsequently, such moments lead to an increase in the load on the units and components of a refrigerator with one compressor, and subsequently to its breakdown.

A refrigerator with two compressors is most useful for housewives who prepare fresh fruits, berries and vegetables for further use in the winter. Since even a completely filled freezer in such a device will consume a very small amount of electricity. And super-frozen will allow you to enjoy fresh whole berries during the coldest time of the year.

Purchasing a two-compressor refrigerator becomes unprofitable if the potential buyer’s home experiences frequent power outages. This may disrupt the stable operation of the refrigeration unit, and you will have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket. In this case, savings and other advantages are completely eliminated, since constant defrosting will require frequent turning on and off of the freezer.

Comparison of characteristics of one- and two-compressor refrigerators

Different refrigeration units have different characteristics, one of which is noise. In a compressor unit, freon, which consists of gas and passes through a heat exchanger, absorbs heat in the operating compartment. After which the compressor pumps the heated steam into the condensate trap, in which the process of cooling and turning the gas into a liquid occurs. Exposing the refrigerant to low pressure causes it to boil and revert to gas. It then returns to the heat exchanger. This process occurs continuously, so there is no noise.

There are no completely silent compressors, but running two compressors creates less noise than running one (due to constant operation at full power).

Dual-compressor models often have a digital control mechanism, the interface of which is user-friendly.

The display shows current temperature values ​​in various compartments and chambers, as well as information about the processes occurring inside the refrigeration unit. The control system is located on the front panel of the door or in an application on a smartphone. You can upload your shopping list, photos, graphics, and more.

The electronic control system is the most vulnerable part of a refrigerator with two compressors, which is considered a significant drawback. A single-compressor refrigerator with mechanical control fails much less frequently, but is also significantly inferior in functionality. In such refrigeration units, the temperature in the compartments is regulated, the refrigerator compartment has a lockable shelf for perishable goods, a stand for eggs and bottles, and the freezer has a narrow shelf for a container with ice and two lockable shelves for freezing.

For ease of operation, two-compressor devices are used. Two independent circuits are configured in such a way that it is possible to set their own temperature values ​​in different chambers. Such devices have extensive functionality. Refrigerators with the “No Frost” function are able to operate without the formation of an ice crust, so there is no need to defrost every few months.

The “Low Frost” function prevents the formation of ice, thanks to which the products do not lose excess moisture.

A similar function to the one already discussed is quick (shock) freezing, which allows you to instantly freeze foods without compromising the micro- and macronutrients they contain. Due to the special conditions of air distribution, which evenly distribute the cold, around zero temperature, the most favorable conditions for keeping food fresh are achieved. Cold storage devices help increase food storage time. Cold storage batteries are needed in places with unstable power supply.

In devices with two compressors, it is often possible to turn off one chamber without turning off the entire refrigerator due to the ability to turn off one of the device circuits. Unlike a two-compressor refrigerator, in a single-compressor refrigerator the flow of freon along the circuit is stopped by a special valve, thanks to which it is possible to turn off one chamber without turning off the thermostat of the device. The price range of double-compressor refrigerators is on average 25% higher, however, due to the obviously lower power consumption of the devices, electricity consumption is also reduced. This is due to the fact that the compressor does not need to cool one large circuit, and the dependence in energy consumption works according to linear laws.

Top 5 best refrigerators

Beko RCNK 310KC0W. This two-chamber Beko brand refrigerator features low energy consumption (281 kWh/year) and antibacterial protection. The total volume of the two chambers is 276 liters. The parameters are adjusted here using the electronic control panel.

Biryusa 139 KLEA. This high-quality model from a domestic manufacturer allows you to save on your purchase. When answering the question whether two compressors in a refrigerator are good or bad, you must first take into account the cost of the device. Despite the fact that this refrigerator is inexpensive, it has a large volume of 320 liters, and its freezing capacity is 6 kg/day.

Liebherr SBS 7212. This is one of the largest NoFrost refrigerators, with a total internal volume of 651 liters. There is a temperature display, audible alarm for changes in temperature, and a freshness zone. Additional functions include super freezing and super cooling.

Pozis RD-149. If you don’t know better about 1 or 2 compressors in a refrigerator, then it’s better to buy this model, which has a chamber volume of 240 liters and 130 liters. The manufacturer has provided here a temperature indication and electronic-mechanical regulation of the main operating parameters.

Atlant XM 6325-101. The freezer compartment of this device with a volume of 139 liters is located at the bottom. The minimum temperature there is -18 °C. The refrigerator compartment has a special freshness zone and a super cooling mode.

Tips for choosing

So, which refrigerator is better to choose: with one compressor or with two? It is worth relying on the purpose of its acquisition:

• If there is a need for a device with a large volume of chambers, from two hundred to three hundred liters, you should concentrate only on refrigerators with two compressors.

  
  A device with one compressor is not able to cope with such volumes of cooling chambers.

• If a minimum set of goods will be stored in the refrigerator, then you need to choose a single-compressor unit.

  
  And if there is a need to prepare a large number of products, then it is worth taking a closer look at two-compressor devices.

• If you need to freeze food for the winter, then you should choose a refrigerator with two compressors, and, conversely, if there is no such need, choose one compressor.
• If there is a need for multifunctionality, then two compressors are what you need. But if such a function is not a priority, then you should not pay a higher price, but give preference to one compressor.
• And the last piece of advice: having a second compressor gives a refrigeration unit many significant advantages, but before making a decision, each buyer should think carefully about how important they are for him and whether he is willing to overpay for functionality.

Based on all of the above, it becomes clear that single-compressor and double-compressor devices differ not only in cost, but also in functionality, principle of operation, power consumption, operating volume threshold, and control method. In the process of selecting a suitable refrigerator, experts recommend relying not only on your financial indicators, but also on the necessary functionality of the device and operating conditions.

Models with one compressor are not suitable for lovers of perishable goods and those who store semi-finished products and drinks in the working chamber. Single-compressor devices, although they have the advantage of low cost, over a long period of time cause a blow to the pocket through a serious increase in energy consumption. Dual-compressor devices are often chosen by larger families in which long-term storage of products is a direct necessity.

Advantages and disadvantages of 2-compressor models

Advantages:

• Productivity. 2 independent units quickly cool the inside of the refrigerator. This is true if there are a lot of foods that need to be frozen or refrigerated as soon as possible. With a two-compressor model, you can quickly achieve low temperatures during a temporary power outage.

• Cost-effective. Oddly enough, the energy efficiency of a refrigerator with two working units is higher. Firstly, if there is no food to store in the refrigerator or freezer compartment, you can simply turn it off. Secondly, the refrigerator compartment uses a smaller compressor, so the electricity consumption for cooling is lower.

• Less noise level. This is logical: the lower the power of the unit, the quieter it operates. And synchronous operation of both nodes is a rather rare phenomenon.

• Possibility of flexible control of the operating mode (independent configuration of each compartment). This is not possible with single-compressor models.

Flaws:

• High price. The compressor is the most expensive component of a refrigerator (up to half the price of the entire device). Therefore, a two-compressor device is 20-50% more expensive than an analogue with 1 unit.

• Less reliability. The rule works here: the more complex the device, the more unreliable it is. Because components tend to fail. Here the probability of breakdown is clearly higher. True, the other compartment will be operational, but this is little consolation.

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