Question about content non-ferrous metals in household appliances often arises when it is necessary to dispose of an old unit or sell it for scrap metal. Refrigerators of the brand Stinol, popular in the 90s and 2000s, are still found in many homes, and renting them out can bring in a small income. However, many owners mistakenly believe that these devices contain kilograms of pure copper, while reality dictates its own conditions.
In fact, the amount of copper directly depends on the year of manufacture of the model and the type of refrigerant used. In old Soviet and post-Soviet units running on R12 freon, a copper circuit was standard. More modern versions, especially after 2010, are often equipped with aluminum heat exchangers, which significantly changes the final scrap weight. It is important to understand that copper weight is not the total weight of the device, but only a small part of its design.
To accurately assess the potential profit, it is necessary to disassemble the refrigerator into its components. Simply weighing the entire unit will not work, since scrap metal acceptors only pay for the extracted and sorted metal. In this article we will look in detail where exactly to look for non-ferrous metal, how much of it there can be and how to properly dismantle the components in order to get the maximum benefit.
Design features of Stinol refrigerators
Refrigerators Stinol (produced by the plant in Lipetsk, later - Indesit) have a classic layout, similar to most European analogues of that time. The main consumers of copper in the design are the compressor, condenser (rear grille) and internal evaporator. However, engineers were constantly looking for ways to reduce the cost of production, which led to changes in materials.
It is important to note that refrigerator dimensions do not always correlate with the amount of copper inside. Two-chamber models may have one compressor, but different lengths of copper tubes depending on the system No Frost or drip defrosting. In models with a “crying wall” moisture removal system, copper is often present only in hidden elements, while visible parts are made of steel or aluminum.
⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the refrigerator, remember that refrigerant circulates in the system. Although modern freons are not toxic in small quantities, their release into the atmosphere is undesirable. In addition, in older models, the oil in the compressor may contain acidic impurities, so avoid contact with skin.
Particular attention should be paid to the electrical wiring. Although it is not part of the refrigeration circuit, the copper winding in the compressor motor and control wires make up a significant portion of the total non-ferrous metal weight. Dismantling these elements requires care so as not to damage the cores or mix them with the insulation, which will reduce the price of scrap.
Copper content in the compressor
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator and the main source of copper when scrapping. Inside the sealed housing there is an electric motor whose windings are made of copper. The weight of the compressor Stinol usually varies from 9 to 11 kilograms, but the pure copper content there is only about 10-15% of the total weight.
To extract copper, it is necessary to open the housing, which is impossible without damaging the windings. Therefore, compressors are most often sold entirely as “electric motor scrap” or “micromash”, the price of which is lower than for pure copper wire. However, the presence powerful motor makes this node valuable. On average, from one compressor you can get from 0.8 to 1.2 kg of copper wire if you carefully burn or clean the windings.
Why can’t you just smash the compressor with a hammer?
When hitting a steel case, sparks may form, which is dangerous if oil or gas vapors remain inside. In addition, the steel plates of the core will be mixed with copper, and it will not be possible to pass such a mix as pure copper - you will have to pay for cleaning or receive a lower price.
There is a myth that imported compressors contain more copper. In the case of Stinol we used both our own units and licensed models (for example, from Aspera or Secop). The difference in copper content between them is minimal and depends on the year of production rather than the brand. Older models (before 1995) often had more massive windings.
Analysis of the radiator and evaporator
Heat exchange systems are the second most important source of non-ferrous metal. Here the situation is most complex and depends on the specific modification. In refrigerators Stinol three main schemes for constructing circuits were used, and each of them has its own characteristics in terms of copper content.
The first option is a classic copper coil located outside on the back wall (condenser) and inside the freezer (evaporator). This is typical for early models. The second option is aluminum tubes with rolled steel fins, where copper is used only in the soldering joints. The third option is all-aluminum contours, common in the economy segment of the late 2000s.
You can use a magnet to determine the material. Copper and aluminum are not magnetic, steel is. If the magnet sticks to the radiator tubes on the back wall, it means there is steel or bimetal, and there is a minimum of copper there. If it does not stick, there is a high probability of presence aluminum or copper. It is difficult to carry out an accurate chemical analysis at home, so they often focus on the color of the cut (copper is red, aluminum is silver) and the year of manufacture.
Table: Approximate yield of copper by nodes
For the convenience of estimating potential income, we present averaged data. Remember that the numbers may vary depending on the specific series of the refrigerator Stinol and the degree of wear.
| Refrigerator unit | Material | Unit weight (kg) | Approximate copper yield (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Steel + Copper (windings) | 9.5 - 10.5 | 0.8 - 1.2 |
| Condenser (grid) | Steel/Aluminium (rarely copper) | 2.0 - 3.0 | 0 - 0.3 (only solder/inserts) |
| Evaporator (inside) | Aluminium/Copper | 1.5 - 2.5 | 0.5 - 1.5 (depending on year) |
| Pipelines | Copper/Steel | 0.5 - 1.0 | 0.2 - 0.6 |
| Electrical wiring | Copper | 0.3 - 0.5 | 0.2 - 0.4 |
The table shows that the main volume of copper is concentrated in the compressor and, possibly, in the evaporator of older models. The total yield of pure metal rarely exceeds 2-3 kilograms from one unit. If your refrigerator Stinol was produced after 2005, these figures may be even lower due to the active use of aluminum.
Dismantling and preparation for delivery
The disassembly process requires a basic set of tools: wire cutters, pliers, a hacksaw and, preferably, a grinder. You should start by dismantling the compressor, since it is the heaviest and most valuable element. Disconnect the tubes by cutting them with wire cutters to maintain the length of the copper sections.
Next you need to remove the back panel and gain access to the capacitor. If the grille is steel and painted black, it may be difficult to separate it from the copper tubes (if there are any). It is often easier to saw off the copper leads than to try to separate the thin tubes from the steel fins. The internal evaporator is located behind the plastic panel of the freezer; it will have to be carefully dismantled to get to the heat exchanger.
☑️ Disassembly checklist
When cutting wires, use the insulation stripping method. It is strictly forbidden to burn insulation on a fire: this deteriorates the properties of copper (it becomes burnt), makes it brittle and reduces its cost, and also pollutes the environment. It is better to use a mechanical method or a special machine for stripping the cable.
Economic feasibility and advice
Is the game worth the candle? If you have one old refrigerator, disassembling it for 2 kg of copper may take 2-3 hours. At current scrap prices, this may not be time efficient. However, if you are engaged collecting equipment in large quantities or you have accumulated 5-10 units, then independent cutting makes sense.
Also keep in mind that some collection points can accept the entire refrigerator as “scrap ferrous metals” or “household appliances”, but the price per kilogram there will be much lower. If you don’t want to bother with dismantling, it’s easier to hand over the entire device, albeit for less money, but quickly.
It is also important to remember about environmental responsibility. The remains of the refrigerator - plastic, polyurethane foam, glass - cannot simply be thrown into a regular container. Polystyrene foam contains gases that destroy the ozone layer, so it is better to take it to a specialized recycling point.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to determine the presence of copper without disassembling the refrigerator?
It is impossible to determine accurately, but it can be indirectly. Look at the year of manufacture: until 1998, copper was the standard. After 2005, the probability of aluminum circuits in Stinol is more than 80%. You can also knock on the tubes from behind: copper sounds duller, aluminum louder, but this requires experience.
Does the No Frost system affect the amount of copper?
Yes, it does. Systems No Frost use a more complex evaporator, which is often hidden inside the housing. In older No Frost models, copper was still found, but in modern ones it is almost completely replaced by aluminum due to corrosion resistance and price. However, compressors in No Frost are often more powerful, which may mean a little more copper in the windings.
Where to find current prices for copper scrap?
Prices for non-ferrous scrap metals are floating and depend on exchange quotations (LME). It is best to find out the current cost in your region by calling 3-4 nearest collection points. Prices may vary depending on the volume of the delivery batch and the degree of metal purification.
Is it dangerous to open the compressor yourself?
Yes, it can be dangerous. High pressure is created inside the compressor. In addition, when sawing the body with a grinder, sparking occurs, which is unacceptable if oil or gas vapor remains in the system. It is safer to hand over the entire compressor or use a hydraulic press in an industrial environment.