To many people, not very well versed in technology, it is quite difficult to understand, which refrigerator is better: with one or two compressors. This is really a very difficult question. After all, the home appliance market offers such a variety of models. Each of them has its advantages, and shortcomings.
Today we will tell you, what are the main differences, and help to understand, which refrigerator is perfect for you.
Comparative characteristics
Externally distinguish single-compressor refrigerator from new models, equipped with two motor-compressors is almost impossible. To do this, look at the rear panel of the refrigerator. Having done that, you can see 2 control unit and 2 individual cooling circuit. While traditional single-compressor models work from one circuit and on the refrigerator, and in the freezer. The two-compressor refrigerator works from two, individually installed unit. Essentially, these are two separate devices, placed one on top of the other. This is the main difference.
But, if you approach the issue more responsibly, it is necessary to dwell in more detail on each of the characteristics.
Number of cooling systems
What is affected by this parameter? 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 each other.
If the refrigerator has two compressors, temperature control can be performed separately for each chamber. This significantly increases the efficiency of the refrigerator as a whole.
Noise level
Modern household refrigerators mostly 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 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 there is a TV in the room or several people are talking, the sound of a working refrigerator can not be heard at all.
Energy saving
Strange as it may sound, but a twin-engine refrigerator "eats" less electricity, than its single-compressor counterpart. The point is, that each of the compressors separately is less "greedy", than that, which is installed in a single-circuit system. Because we use the freezer much less often, than a refrigerator, then you will spend much less electricity. It has to do with that, that compressor, the freezer manager is turned on very rarely.
Functionality
The set of functions in two-compressor models is often much larger, than units with one motor. The main "usefulness", which can boast of double-circuit is, that if desired, one of the cameras can be turned off altogether, if you don't need it. Another option is possible. You can make the freezer work harder. This is very useful, if you need to quickly freeze a large number of berries for the winter, greens or fruits.
In addition to superfreezing, it is worth paying attention to such useful "lotions":
- No Frost system - you don't have to think about it, how to defrost a refrigerator.
- Fresh zone - a department for storing food, which need to be kept as long as possible, but do not want to freeze. It can maintain an individual level of humidity and set a lower temperature, up to 0 WITH.
- Super Cool - accelerated cooling of water and other beverages.
Such functions can be as single-chamber, and a two-chamber unit. It all depends on the manufacturer, models, well and, of course, refrigerator prices.
Cost
Certainly, two-compressor units are much more expensive than single-motor refrigerators. Sometimes the difference can reach 25%. And this is the case, when the functional content of the models is approximately the same. Two compressors are often installed on newer and more expensive models. So, about economy in this case it is not necessary to speak.
To decide, which is better: 1 or 2 compressor in the refrigerator, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Pros and cons of single-compressor models
Most people think of single-compressor refrigerators as units with a capacity of no more 150 liters. They have a small built-in freezer, and sometimes it is completely absent. In fact, this is not the case.
Modern refrigerators, equipped with one compressor, can be quite large and roomy. They have many useful features, and some are able to switch the operation of the compressor to only one of the chambers. This is achieved by installing a special solenoid valve in the system. It cuts off one of the circuits and part of the system ceases to be a refrigerant. Many modern models also have a separate thermostat system. This means, that you can adjust the temperature in the freezer yourself, and in the refrigerator.
Among the disadvantages are the following:
- slightly higher noise level due to the operation of a more powerful motor-compressor;
- inability to completely turn off one of the cameras, if you need to defrost the refrigerator, will have to turn it off completely;
- a powerful compressor "eats" a little more electricity.
Pros and cons of two-compressor refrigerators
The main disadvantage of two-compressor models is their inflated cost. The buyer will have to pay for two motor-compressors instead of one. In such circumstances, it is very difficult to make a choice. After all, the functionality of modern "odnushki" can be very different. So is it worth paying a higher price?
Pros:
- freezing of products is much faster;
- it is possible to turn off the refrigerator compartment completely if necessary, if you go somewhere;
- if one of the compressors has failed, you can use the second branch, instead of losing the fridge completely;
- low-power compressors often work in turn, therefore, each of them produces much less noise;
- only one of the motors is constantly running, therefore, such a refrigerator "eats" much less energy.
Cons:
- at simultaneous work of two compressors (which happens very rarely) noise can be compared to the operation of one powerful compressor;
- the probability of breakage increases, because the more details the device has, the greater the probability, that any of them will fail;
- the difference in price in the presence of the same set of functions can reach 25-30 %.
Which is better to choose?
To determine the exact answer to the question, which refrigerator should you buy, it is necessary to make a short 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, which you will never need.
How many foods you usually have is in the fridge? It is clearly not necessary to buy a huge two-compressor refrigerator "for growth" and store a pack of oil and a kilogram of sausages in it.. But if you like to stock up on food and the refrigerator is always full to failure, then you definitely can not do without a double-circuit unit. It will help you save significantly.
Where will the refrigerator stand? If you have a very small kitchen or studio apartment, you should think about buying a two-compressor device.. 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 the stock of vegetables and fruits or clog the freezer to give up fish or meat, you should consider buying a dual-circuit refrigerator. So, you can easily make a difference in the cameras up to 30 WITH. In single-compressor models, such a trick will not work.
How often the lights are turned off in your area? Many modern models of refrigerators are able to maintain a set temperature during the day after shutdown. But here, after the electricity reappears, the compressor begins to "catch up" with the temperature again, so, works at full capacity. And this is not very good. If the situation recurs every two to three months, nothing terrible will happen. But if the light is "cut off" with enviable regularity, it is worth thinking about buying a two-compressor refrigerator. In this situation, the maximum load on each of the compressors will be less. It turns out, and they will last you much longer.
How often do you have to travel for a long time? If you are at home and never turn off the refrigerator for a short vacation, it is not necessary to overpay for the possibility of separate operation of each of the cameras. But if you are not at home for weeks, but you want, that the stock of products was constant, then the ability to leave only the freezer to work can be very useful.
Conclusion
Certainly, the presence of a second compressor gives refrigeration certain advantages. But whether they are significant or not - it's purely individual. It is impossible to unambiguously answer the question about that, which refrigerator is better: with one or two compressors. It all depends, what result you want to achieve. We really hope so, that our recommendations and explanations will help you make the right choice, and the new refrigerator will please you with all its qualities.