You thought about buying a new refrigeration appliance, but the home appliance market is crowded and diverse. Moreover, it is constantly expanding, and choosing something suitable is becoming increasingly difficult. In this article we will figure out which of the refrigerators is better - single-compressor or two-compressor.
Content
What is the difference between refrigerators with different numbers of compressors?
- The number of cooling loops.
What does the number of compressors affect? To begin with, modern household refrigerators often have two or more chambers: a refrigerator and a freezer. They are interconnected by a cooling circuit and are not independently regulated, provided that the refrigerator has one compressor.In a two-compressor device, as you might guess, two compressors and the same number of cooling circuits. And this means that you can adjust the intensity of each of them separately, thereby increasing or decreasing the temperature difference in the chambers.
- Energy saving.
No matter how ridiculous it may sound, the two-compressor refrigerator is less “gluttonous”, due to the fact that it is equipped with two less powerful motor compressors than its one-compressor opponent. And, having the ability to control the freezer and refrigerator compartment separately, it has a smaller power consumption, since the refrigerator itself is used more often than the freezer.
This is convenient because the microcomputer only includes one (low power) compressor to maintain the optimum temperature in one of the cameras.
By the way, therefore, two-compressor refrigerators are more popular in European countries, because their electricity prices are several times higher than domestic ones. - Noise level.
The average "volume" of a single-compressor refrigerator is about 40 dB. She is not uncomfortable for the human ear. Especially when he is standing alone, for example, in the kitchen, and you do not spend most of your day next to him.
However, if you have a studio apartment, then the monotonous buzz of the electric motor throughout the day may seem somewhat annoying. In this case, you should take a closer look at the two-compressor models, since their noise level is slightly lower than refrigerators with one compressor.
- Price.
The price contrast between refrigerators with different numbers of compressors is substantial. A two-compressor unit is about a quarter more expensive than its "one-hearted" counterpart, provided that they do not differ in functionality.
Yes, and are equipped with a second compressor, often not the cheapest models. But among the budget, sometimes, you can find two-compressor refrigerators.
- Functional.
Due to the fact that two-compressor models are more often found in the expensive segment, the range of functions is wider. The main distinguishing feature of the two compressors is the ability to turn off one of the cooling circuits or, conversely, its intensive operation in quick freezing mode. For example, the operating temperature of the freezer is on average -13 ° C, and in the fast freezing mode -24 ° C. Due to the autonomous operation of each of their cooling circuits, this mode is the main "trump card" of two-compressor refrigerators.
In addition to quick freezing, the two-compressor unit can also be equipped with classic functions available to refrigerators with one compressor, including:
- No frost - A useful feature in which you do not have to defrost the refrigerator, as the possibility of an ice “fur coat” growing is excluded due to air circulation.
- Antibacterial - a special, antibacterial coating of the walls, can be made in the form of antibacterial panels.
- Super Freeze is a shock freezing mode inherent mainly in two-compressor units.
- Super Cool - the function of quick cooling drinks.
- Fresh box - a zone of freshness with zero temperature and humidity control. It is used if the product needs to be stored for a long time, but cannot be frozen.
The most important plus is energy saving
Undoubtedly, two compressors are practical.
In some situations, having a second “heart” can help a lot. For example, you decided to relax, leave home for a couple of weeks, and leave the refrigerator to work only because of ravioli and frozen berries - energy-consuming. Having a second compressor will simplify your life. You simply turn off the refrigerator compartment, leaving only the freezer to work, and with a pure soul go on vacation.
In addition to this feature, a good two-compressor refrigerator generally consumes less energy and is quieter. But is it worth paying more for a refrigerator feature that you may never use?
Let's make a comparison. Two refrigerators of approximately the same price category, with an identical set of functions, only one has two compressors (120 W for the freezer and 100 W for the refrigerator), and the other has one (160 W for both chambers).
We put the temperature controls in the middle position, start the refrigerators and set the time before they enter the operating mode. A single-compressor refrigerator enters the set temperature for two hours of continuous operation. An analogue with two compressors goes into nominal mode after forty minutes.
What is the energy consumption of refrigerators during this time?
We use the formula that can be found on the front side of the household electricity meter.
Electricity consumption (kW / h) = P (kW) * t (hours)
For a single-compressor refrigerator, electricity was 0.3 - 0.4 kW / h.
For two-compressor - 0.2 kW / h. At an operating time of 1 hour.
It turns out that a two-compressor refrigerator at the first start-up consumes 1.4 times less than a single-compressor one.
And now you should decide whether the refrigerator with two compressors can "beat off" the difference in cost with a single-engine.
Possible malfunctions
This is the most unpleasant moment. Since there are almost a third more parts in a twin-engine one than in a refrigerator with one compressor, the probability of failure is correspondingly higher. But in case of a malfunction of one of the cooling circuits, the second will work. Is it good or bad? Most likely pointless. Who needs a freezer with a cupboard?
Possible malfunctions include:
- Depressurization of the refrigeration circuit.
- Failure of one of the compressors.
- Refrigerant leak.
- Damage to the thermostat.
Small life hack
If you really want to buy a two-compressor model, but the means are not unlimited, take a look at single-compressor refrigerators with an electromagnetic valve. If necessary, the control system uses this valve and closes part of the refrigeration circuit in order to “drive” the refrigerant only through the refrigerator or freezer. This will save you money during the purchase phase and during the use of the refrigerator.
Output
The presence of a second compressor gives an indisputable advantage - the ability to control each cooling circuit individually. This significantly saves energy. However, refrigerators with a solenoid valve will also save money.
How many compressors are better in the refrigerator - one or two, as well as compressor type - a matter of taste. Can be purchased dear, quiet and powerful drum compressor with the right feature set. Or just such a refrigerator with only one compressor. And the difference in their price is gradually “beat off”.
But you can opt for a mid-priced single-compressor model from a proven manufacturer with solenoid valve and save twice.
