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

Content:

Comparative characteristics
Pros and cons of single compressor models
Pros and cons of two-compressor refrigerators
Which one is better to choose?
Output

For many people who are not very versed in technology, it can be quite difficult to understand which refrigerator is better: with one or two compressors. This is a very difficult question indeed. After all, the home appliance market offers such a variety of models. Each of them has both advantages and disadvantages.

Today we will tell you what are the main differences and help you figure out which refrigerator is ideal for you.

Comparative characteristics

Outwardly, it is almost impossible to distinguish a single-compressor refrigerator from new models equipped with two motor-compressors. To do this, you need to look at the rear panel of the refrigerator. Having done this, you can see 2 control units and 2 separate cooling circuits. While traditional single-compressor models work from a single circuit and to the refrigerator, and to the freezer. The two-compressor refrigerator is powered by two individually installed units. In fact, these are two separate devices, placed one on top of the other. This is the main difference.

However, if you approach the issue more responsibly, you should elaborate on each of the characteristics.

Number of cooling systems

What does this parameter affect? Modern refrigeration units have at least two isolated systems: freezing and cooling. If your refrigerator is equipped with one compressor, then these chambers are connected by a single cooling circuit. With this option, you will not be able to adjust the parameters in them independently of one another.

If the refrigerator has two compressors, the temperature can be adjusted separately for each compartment. This greatly improves the overall performance of the refrigerator.

Noise level

Modern household refrigerators in the bulk have a fairly comfortable noise level. Indicators can vary from 40 to 45 dB. If your apartment has an isolated kitchen and you are not in this room all the time, such indicators are quite normal and the noise will not be annoying.

If you plan to install a refrigerator in a studio apartment, it is better to choose a two-compressor option. Despite the presence of as many as two compressors, they, oddly enough, emit much less noise. If the TV is working in the room or several people are talking, the sound of the working refrigerator may not be heard at all.

Energy saving

No matter how surprising it may sound, but the twin-engine refrigerator “eats” less electricity than its single-compressor counterpart. The fact is that each of the compressors separately is less "voracious" than the one that is installed in a single-circuit system. Since we use a freezer much less often than a refrigerator, you will also spend much less electricity. This is due to the fact that the compressor that controls the freezer turns on very rarely.

Functionality

The set of functions for two-compressor models is often much larger than that of units with one motor. The main “utility” that dual-circuit boilers can boast is that if you want, one of the cameras can be turned off altogether if you do not need it. Another option is also possible. You can make the freezer run more intensely. This is very useful if you need to quickly freeze a large number of berries, herbs or fruits for the winter.

In addition to superfreezing, you should pay attention to such useful "lotions":

No Frost system - with it you do not have to think about how to defrost the refrigerator.
Fresh zone - a compartment for storing products that need to be stored for longer, but do not want to freeze. In it, you can maintain an individual level of humidity and set a lower temperature, up to 0 C.
Super Cool - accelerated cooling of water and other drinks.

Such functions can have both a single-chamber and two-chamber unit. It all depends on the manufacturer, model, and, of course, the price of the refrigerator.

Cost

Of course, two-compressor units are much more expensive than refrigerators with one motor. Sometimes the difference can be up to 25%. And this is in the case when the functional content of the models is approximately the same. Two compressors are most often installed on newer and more expensive models. This means that in this case there is no need to talk about savings.

To decide which is better: 1 or 2 compressors in the refrigerator, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of each of the options.

See also:

Pros and cons of single compressor models

Most people imagine single-compressor refrigerators as units with a capacity of not more than 150 liters. They have a small built-in freezer, and sometimes it is completely absent. Actually this is not true.

Modern refrigerators equipped with one compressor can be quite large and roomy. They have many useful functions, and some are able to switch the compressor operation to only one of the chambers at will. This is achieved by installing a special electromagnetic valve in the system. It cuts off one of the circuits and part of the system ceases to be supplied with refrigerant. Many modern models also have a separate thermal control system. This means that you can independently adjust the temperature in both the freezer and the refrigerator compartment.

Among the shortcomings can be noted such:

a slightly higher noise level due to the operation of a more powerful motor compressor;
the inability to completely turn off one of the cameras, if you need to defrost the refrigerator, you will have to turn it off completely;
a powerful compressor eats up a bit more electricity.

TOP-3 best refrigerators with one compressor

ATLANT XM 4214-000
Bosch KGE39XW2AR
NORD NRT 144-032

Pros and cons of two-compressor refrigerators

The main disadvantage of two-compressor models is their overpriced. The buyer will have to pay immediately for two motor compressors instead of one. In such conditions, making a choice can be very difficult. Indeed, the functionality of a modern “odnushka” may not differ too much. So is it worth paying the increased price?

Pros:

freezing of food is much faster;
it is possible, if necessary, to completely turn off the refrigerator compartment if you are leaving somewhere;
if one of the compressors fails, you can use the second compartment, and do not lose the refrigerator completely;
low-power compressors work most often in turns, so each of them produces much less noise;
only one of the motors is constantly working, therefore such a refrigerator “eats” much less energy.

Minuses:

with the simultaneous operation of two compressors (which happens very rarely), the noise can be comparable to the operation of one powerful compressor;
the likelihood of breakdown increases, because the more parts a device has, the more likely it is that any of them will fail;
the difference in price with the same set of functions can reach 25-30%.

TOP 3 best two-compressor refrigerators

ATLANT XM 6025
Liebherr SBS 7212
Vestfrost VF 910 X

Which is better to choose?

To accurately determine the answer to the question of which refrigerator is worth buying for you, you need to make a small list of working conditions and needs. If you do not perform such an analysis, there is a risk of overpaying a considerable amount for those advantages and functions that you will never need.

How many foods do you usually have in your refrigerator? Buying a huge two-compressor refrigerator “for growth” and storing a pack of oil and a kilogram of sausages in it is clearly not worth it. But if you like to stock up on food for future use and the refrigerator is always packed to capacity, then you definitely cannot do without a double-circuit unit. It will help you save a lot.

Where will the refrigerator stand? If you have a very small kitchen or studio apartment, consider buying a two-compressor appliance. If the kitchen is large and you spend a little time there, then it makes no sense to overpay only for silence.

Are you planning to make preparations for the winter? If you like to freeze vegetables and fruits for the future or a freezer is clogged with fish or meat, you should consider purchasing a two-circuit refrigerator. So, you can easily provide a difference in cameras of up to 30 C. In single-compressor models, such a focus will not work.

How often do you turn off the lights in your area? Many modern models of refrigerators are able to maintain a given temperature for 24 hours after being turned off. But now, after the electricity reappears, the compressor starts to "catch up" the temperature again, which means it works at full strength. And this is not good. If the situation repeats itself once every two to three months, nothing bad will happen. But if the light is “cut off” with enviable regularity, you should think about buying a two-compressor refrigerator. In such a situation, the maximum load on each of the compressors will be less. It turns out that they will serve you much longer.

How often do you have to leave for a long time? If you are at home all the time and never turn off the refrigerator for a short vacation, you should not pay extra for the possibility of each camera working separately. But if you haven’t been at home for weeks, but you want a constant supply of products, then leaving the freezer to work only can be very helpful.

Output

Of course, the presence of a second compressor gives refrigeration technology certain advantages. But are they really so important - this is a purely individual matter. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which refrigerator is better: with one or two compressors. It all depends on what kind of result you want to achieve. We really hope that our recommendations and explanations will help you make the right choice, and the new refrigerator will delight you with all its qualities.