How to Choose the Right Refrigerator Compressor

Figure 1: Refrigerator compressor pump with air condenser unit.

The refrigerator compressor is the heart and the core component of a refrigerator. If the fridge compressor doesn't work, the whole fridge won't work either.

When you encounter the situation that your refrigerator compressor is damaged and needed to be replaced, or when you are considering buying a refrigerator, but do not know which compressor brand is the best choice, the following content may help you.

If you just want to replace the same model as the old compressor (the model number is on the nameplate of the old compressor) for your refrigerator, then the following content will not help you much.

1. Factors to Consider

Compressor specifications are divided by input power. Generally, there is a difference of about 50W between each specification. In addition, sometimes it is also divided by cylinder volume.

The main performance indicators of the compressor are: input and output power, coefficient of performance, cooling capacity, starting current, operating current, rated voltage, frequency, cylinder volume, noise, etc. To measure the performance of a compressor, it mainly compares the three aspects of weight, efficiency and noise.

Other considerations:

Compressor capacity: The capacity of the compressor should be adapted to the temperature and pressure level of the refrigeration unit.
Refrigerant type: Different refrigerators use different refrigerants. If you have requirements on which refrigerant to use in the refrigerator, please check the type of refrigerant used in the compressor.
Size: This is a key factor in making sure your new compressor is compatible with your refrigerator.

Figure 2: Embraco compressor nameplate.

Type: Common types of compressors used in refrigerators are piston, rotor, and scroll types.
Type of pressure in your system: Your compressor should also match the pressure in your system.
Efficiency and Horsepower (HP) of the Motor: The HP of the compressor is directly proportional to the efficiency of the motor.

The following introduces a method of selecting a compressor with a suitable cooling capacity according to the capacity of the refrigerator (freezer).

1.1 How to Choose a Compressor with the Right Cooling Capacity for Your Refrigerator

According to the capacity of refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerated cabinets (fresh-keeping cabinets), you can choose a compressor with a suitable cooling capacity. If you can't find the cooling capacity parameters of the compressor used in your refrigerator or freezer, you can try this method.

1. Refrigerators (fresh cabinets) require a cooling capacity of 0.4W--0.55W per liter. Less than 350L is considered a small capacity, and more than 350L is considered a large capacity.

Choose a small value for a large capacity. For example, If your refrigerated cabinet is 550L, you need to choose a cooling capacity of 0.4W per liter to calculate, so you need a compressor with a cooling capacity of about 220W.

Figure 3: A refrigerated cabinet.

2. Refrigerators and freezers (with freezing chamber and refrigerating chamber) need a cooling capacity of 0.6W--0.65W per liter. Less than 180L is considered a small capacity, and more than 180L is considered a large capacity.

Choose a small value for a large capacity. For example, If your refrigerator is 220L, you need to choose a cooling capacity of 0.6W per liter to calculate, so a compressor with a cooling capacity of about 132W is required.

3. Freezers (freezing only) require a cooling capacity of 0.6--0.7W per liter. Less than 400L is considered a small capacity, and more than 400L is considered a large capacity.

If the capacity is large, choose a small value. For example, if your freezer is 700L, you need to choose a cooling capacity of 0.6W per liter to calculate, so a compressor with a cooling capacity of about 420W is required.

2. Which Refrigerator Compressor Brand to Choose

If you want to buy a high-quality refrigerator, then you must first choose a good compressor. So what brand of refrigerator compressor is better? Here are several very good brands of refrigerator compressors.

2.1 Panasonic Refrigerator Compressor

Figure 4: Panasonic refrigerator compressor.

Panasonic's strength in the compressor field is very mature. Its refrigerator compressors are developed by itself, and it does not use OEM products from other brands. Panasonic compressors have a very good reputation in the industry, and some models of refrigerator giants such as Siemens and Haier also use Panasonic compressors.

The compressor installed in the Panasonic refrigerator is an inverter compressor. During its operation, the mute effect is very good and it will not produce too much noise. It has stronger power, stable operation, and it is excellent in terms of low noise and energy saving. The Panasonic compressor is very durable.

Design highlights of Panasonic refrigerator:
Its inverter compressor has a good cooling effect and saves power.
Panasonic refrigerators pursue minimalism in product design and discard some unnecessary functions.
The cold room of some models of Panasonic refrigerators can be powered off independently, which can save a lot of electricity during holidays.
The biggest feature of Panasonic refrigerators is that they can keep food fresh for a long time, and they have advanced technologies such as micro-freezing at -3°C, ultrasonic humidification, and nanoe preservation.
The location of the compressor is also different, mainly placed on the top of the refrigerator, so that the storage space of the refrigerator is further increased.

2.2 Danfoss Refrigerator Compressor

Figure 5: Danfoss refrigerator compressor.

Danfoss is a Danish multinational industrial manufacturer. Danfoss is famous for promoting the application of advanced manufacturing technology and paying attention to energy conservation and environmental protection. It is a leading product manufacturer and service provider in the fields of refrigeration and air conditioning control, heating and water control, and transmission control.

2.3 Jiaxipera Refrigerator Compressor

Founded in 1988, Jiaxipera is a professional manufacturer of compressors in China. Jiaxipera compressors is a specific supplier of many well-known brands of refrigerators. The export of compressors it produces ranks first in China's domestic industry, and its comprehensive competitiveness has always maintained a leading position in the industry.

2.4 Zanussi Refrigerator Compressor

Zanussi (ZEL) compressor was originally an Italian brand, which was later acquired by Electrolux. Then it was sold to the Italian ACC company by Electrolux in 2003.

From 2001 to 2010, Zanussi was the compressor brand of choice for major commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturers and enjoyed a great reputation in Europe. Its products are suitable for 220V/50Hz power requirements. Zanussi refrigerator compressor is a well-known brand-name accessory product in the refrigerator market.

2.5 Embraco Refrigerator Compressor

Figure 6: Embraco refrigerator compressor.

Embraco is a global compressor giant in Brazil. Its outstanding compressor has a high quality among many compressor brands in the world. Embraco compressor once ranked first in the world in 2016.

Embraco compressors have outstanding advantages: firstly, the compressor quality can be fully guaranteed, the technology is very mature, the reputation is very high, and the service life is long.

The disadvantage of its compressor is its relatively high price. For example, the six-door refrigerator 301, 331, and 339 series of the famous high-end brand Casarte use Embraco compressors.

2.6 LG Refrigerator Compressor

The compressor of South Korea's LG refrigerator uses a linear inverter compressor. This compressor has the characteristics of high efficiency and low noise.

The linear operation of the linear inverter compressor greatly reduces the frictional force of the piston in the compressor, and only one place is under force, which effectively reduces energy loss, is more energy-saving and environmentally friendly, and also reduces the noise of the compressor. It provides users with a more comfortable and quiet living environment.

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