The question about the number of compressor units in a brand's refrigeration equipment Stinol often arises among owners who are faced with the need to repair or diagnose faults. Understanding how many motors are hidden in the rear bay of your unit is key to properly estimating the scope of work and cost of a rebuild. Many users mistakenly believe that all modern models operate on the same principle, however, the engineering solutions of the Italian plant can vary significantly depending on the year of manufacture and series.
The number of engines directly affects the energy consumption, noise level and autonomy of the cameras. If your unit has two of them, then the failure of one will not lead to complete defrosting of the food, which is impossible if there is only one motor. In this article, we will analyze in detail the design features of the various lines Stinol, help you identify the type of your system and explain why this knowledge is critical when ordering spare parts.
You should not rely only on a visual inspection without removing the protective panel, since the layout of the components for different modifications can be done differently. There are models where two units are located side by side, and options where they have different power and purposes. Having understood the device, you will be able to more accurately formulate the problem for the technician or decide to independently replace the freon and start relay.
Design features of Stinol refrigerators
The brand's engineering philosophy Stinol has historically gravitated towards reliability and ease of maintenance, which was especially valued in the post-Soviet space. The main difference lies in the refrigerant circulation system: it can be common to both compartments or separate. In the first case, one powerful compressor is used, which pumps freon through a complex system of tubes, distributing the cold through special dampers. In the second case, two independent circuits are installed, each with its own motor.
Single-compressor models are often equipped with a system No Frost or drip defrosting, where the cold from the freezer is forcibly or naturally transferred to the refrigeration compartment. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the device and reduce its dimensions, but creates a dependence of temperature conditions on each other. If the main motor fails, both the freezer and the main chamber will defrost, which carries the risk of spoiling a large volume of food.
Two-compressor versions are considered more advanced in terms of functionality. They allow you to independently regulate the temperature, turn on the “super-freeze” mode only for the freezer, or completely turn off one of the chambers during a long absence of the owners. In double-circuit Stinol systems, the pressure in the circuits may differ, so compressors often have different power and marking. Such a scheme requires more precise adjustment of thermostats and high-quality insulation of pipelines.
It is important to note that the visual presence of two motors does not always mean the presence of two cooling circuits, although in 99% of cases with the brand Stinol this rule works. Sometimes a second motor may be part of a dynamic cooling system or used on larger displacement models to increase air circulation, but these are rare exceptions. For an accurate determination, you need to check the technical documentation or the nameplate.
How to determine the number of compressors in your model
The most reliable way to find out the number of engines is by examining the back wall of the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit away from the wall and remove the metal cover covering the engine compartment. In most cases, everything will be visible to the naked eye: one black compressor barrel or two, located in parallel or on top of each other. Before starting any manipulations, do not forget to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
If visual inspection is difficult due to design features or the presence of thermal insulation covering the components, refer to the nameplate. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on the outside rear panel. The sticker contains the device model, which often contains encrypted configuration information. For example, the presence of an index or specific letter designations may indicate a dual-circuit system.
Also a sign of a dual-compressor system is the presence of two separate thermostats or two electronic temperature control panels. If you can independently set the degrees for the freezer and refrigerator, and at the same time you hear that the motors start at different times, then you have just such a model. In single-compressor units, there is usually only one regulator, or an electronic unit controls one motor, distributing the cold through dampers.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the back cover, be careful with the copper condenser tubes. They are soft and easily deformed, which can lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
Differences between single and double compressor systems
The main technical difference is the independence of the cooling cycles. In a single motor system, refrigerant flows through the freezer and main compartment evaporator in series. This means that the compressor is forced to work harder to ensure a low temperature in the freezer, which can lead to excessive cooling of food in the upper compartment if the air damper system is not configured.
Two-compressor refrigerators Stinol do not have this drawback. Each circuit works exclusively for its own chamber, which allows optimizing engine performance. The motors turn on less often and operate for less time, since they do not need to compensate for heat inflows from the adjacent compartment. This has a positive effect on the service life of parts and the level of noise generated, although the total energy consumption may be comparable or slightly higher due to the presence of two motors.
From the point of view of maintainability, dual-circuit systems benefit from diagnostics. If only the freezer has stopped freezing, but there is cold in the refrigerator, the problem is localized in one circuit. In single-circuit models, with such symptoms, it is often necessary to check the entire system, including flow switching valves and the defrost system, which complicates the troubleshooting.
The economic aspect is also important: the initial cost of two-compressor models is higher, but their operation can be more predictable. Replacing one compressor in such a system will cost less than replacing a powerful inverter or two-phase motor in modern single-compressor systems, although the good old Stinol most often have classic piston units, the cost of which is affordable.
The myth about noise
There is a common the opinion is that two compressors are louder than one. In practice this is not the case. Two low-power engines, operating independently and intermittently, often create less constant hum than one powerful unit, forced to work for a long time at high speeds to pump freon through two evaporators.
Symptoms of a compressor malfunction and diagnostics
Understanding how many motors are in your refrigerator helps to quickly identify the problem. If you have a two-compressor model and one of them stops starting, you will hear characteristic relay clicks or a hum, but the start will not occur, while the second chamber will continue to operate normally. In the case of one motor, complete silence or a continuous hum without cooling indicates a critical breakdown of the main heart of the system.
Among the main signs of compressor failure are:
- 🔊 Extraordinary noise: metallic clanging, knocking or an excessively loud hum that was not there before.
- 🌡️ Lack of cold: the temperature in the chambers rises to room temperature, despite the operation of the motor.
- ⚡ Frequent shutdown: the refrigerator turns on, runs for a few seconds and turns off (the thermal protection relay is triggered).
- 🔥 Case overheating: the back wall in the area of the motor becomes excessively hot, sometimes to the point of being impossible to touch.
For initial diagnostics, you can use a multimeter to check the motor windings for open circuits or short circuits. The resistance between the contacts of the starting and operating windings must be within certain limits, usually from 10 to 30 Ohms, and between the housing and the windings - infinity (there should be no continuity). However, an accurate diagnosis, especially regarding the pressure and condition of the valve group, can only be made by a specialist with a pressure gauge station.
Often the problem lies not in the compressor itself, but in the start relay or thermostat. If the engine hums, but does not start, and after a while a shutdown click is heard, first of all, change the starting device. This is a consumable material that is inexpensive and can be easily replaced with your own hands if you have basic skills.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
Table of popular models and their configuration
Below is reference information on common refrigerator models Stinol. Please note that over a long period of production of the same series, the configuration may have changed, so always check the specific unit by serial number.
| Refrigerator model | Number of compressors | System type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinol 101, 102, 103 | 1 | Single-circuit | Drip defrosting, a classic of the genre |
| Stinol 104, 105, 106 | 2 | Double-circuit | Independent control, No Frost in the freezer |
| Stinol 107, 110, 115 | 2 | Double-circuit | Full No Frost, increased volume |
| Stinol 205, 206 | 1 | Single-circuit | Budget series, drip system |
| Stinol 232, 234 | 2 | Double-circuit | Modern models with electronic control |
The table shows that simpler and older models were most often equipped with one motor, while the transition to systems with full No Frost and increased volume was almost always accompanied by the installation of a second compressor. This made it possible to effectively cope with large thermal loads.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the sales market. The information in the table is for reference only. Always check the markings on your device.
Replacing a compressor: what you need to know
If diagnostics have confirmed a motor malfunction, the question of replacing it arises. In dual-compressor models, it is important not to confuse the units if they have different capacities. Usually they are marked with the letters L (Low) and H (High) or have different cylinder volumes. Installing a less powerful compressor in the freezer circuit will cause it to stop freezing, and the engine will run without interruption.
The replacement process requires special equipment: a burner, a vacuum pump and a filling station. You cannot simply “re-solder” the tubes and fill in freon “by eye” - the system must be perfectly cleared of moisture and air, and the amount of refrigerant must correspond to the grams indicated on the nameplate. An error in the amount of gas will lead either to insufficient cooling or to freezing and breakdown of the compressor.
When replacing one of the compressors in a dual-circuit system, it is recommended to also replace the filter drier in the second circuit, if available, or at least in the one being repaired. The old filter could have accumulated moisture and oil breakdown products, which would negatively affect the performance of the new engine. In addition, it is also better to replace old starting relays with new ones that correspond to the power of the new motor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn off one compressor in a Stinol refrigerator with two compressors?
Yes, in most two-compressor models you can turn it off independently cameras. To do this, it is usually enough to unscrew the thermostat of the corresponding camera to the “0” or “Off” position, or turn off the power button for a specific zone if the model is electronic. The motor of this chamber will stop starting, and the second one will operate normally.
Why are both compressors humming at the same time?
The simultaneous operation of both motors is possible after the initial switching on of the refrigerator, after defrosting or loading a large amount of warm food. In normal mode they should work independently. If they turn on synchronously all the time, perhaps one of the thermostats is faulty or the seals of the chambers are broken, which forces the system to work at the limit.
What is the service life of Stinol compressors?
With proper operation and compliance with ventilation conditions, the service life of original compressors (often Danfoss or their analogues) is 10-15 years or more. Double-compressor systems often last longer than single-circuit ones, since each motor experiences less load and is more often at rest.
Is it possible to replace one compressor with an analogue from another company?
Yes, it is possible, but it is necessary to strictly comply with the power (cylinder volume), type of refrigerant (R134a or R600a) and overall dimensions seat sizes. It is also important to choose the correct starting relay, since the electrical characteristics may differ from different manufacturers.