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.
Single-compressor refrigerators with two cooling circuits
Not long ago, manufacturers of household appliances presented a new product to consumers - single-compressor refrigerators with two cooling circuits. Such devices have one powerful compressor, which simultaneously maintains the optimal temperature in both chambers.
Refrigerators with a dual-circuit cooling system are produced by brands such as Liebherr and Samsung.
These refrigerators meet most functional requirements - they are powerful, reliable, durable and virtually silent. The only drawback of this technique is that it is not possible to turn off one compartment.
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.
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.
What is better: refrigerators with two compressors or one?
Is 1 or 2 compressors better in a refrigerator?
The purpose of the purchase determines which refrigerator model is better - with one or two compressors? Dual-compressor devices are worth buying for those who need 200-300 liter volume chambers. For those who prefer to store a large amount of food in the refrigerator, such units are also suitable for freezing vegetables and fruits for the winter. Such refrigerators cost more than single-compressor ones. A two-compressor unit is the best option for owners who value extensive functionality. In other cases, there is no point in overpaying for equipment.
Energy efficiency directly depends on the characteristics of a particular device.
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.
Features of two-compressor refrigerators
The presence of a pair of blowers and 2 cooling circuits, which can be seen on the back panel of the device, allows you to more accurately control the temperature conditions of the chambers. This makes the operation of two-compressor equipment efficient and saves electrical energy.
When choosing a refrigerator, buyers are given the opportunity to compare the technical parameters of a device in which two compressors operate. The presence of an additional blower ensures the functionality of household appliances and increases the freezing speed.
The failure of one compressor does not affect the operation of the other. Devices that have 2 compressors are more expensive and consume more electricity. This drawback can be corrected by choosing the correct climate class of equipment and location in the room.
Devices with 2 compressors have a higher noise level, but turning them on alternately allows you to save energy. This type of refrigerator has a high price.
A large number of parts and joints increases the likelihood of breakdown.
Models of this type are equipped with a quick freeze option, the activation of which provides a sharp short-term temperature drop to -40ºC. Using this function allows you to preserve the quality of products, which after thawing take on a fresh appearance.
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.
