After testing for 128 hours, we found that Appion G5TWIN Twin Cylinder Recovery Unit is the best refrigerant recovery machine. It is lightweight, effective and capable of fulfilling commercial jobs. Our choice for runner up is INFICON 714-202-G1 Vortex Dual Refrigerant Recovery Machine. Want to learn more about our other selections, and testing procedure, go through our post.
Top Pick
Top 7 Refrigerant Recovery Machine
1. Appion G5TWIN Twin Cylinder Unit- Best Dual Cylinder Option
The Appion G5TWIN is a twin cylinder recovery unit capable of handling both commercial as well as industrial refrigerant recovery. When you look at its size, it instantly strikes you how small and light it is compared to others. While we were testing we had many different types of refrigerant recovery units, we can say it is one of the lightest units but with incredible power.
If we look inside the machine, it uses 7 inches 10 blade turbine fan, we measure the rpm which is around 3000 rpm. It is capable of blasting cooling air of around 600 cfm. Protection is another major aspect we were looking for the recovery machine. It is durable and well-sealed. Even the existing customers talked about rarely having to service the machine which is a good sign.
- Fastest refrigerant recovery machine in the market.
- Highly durable and rarely requires service.
- Comes with a manual that describes protective measures in detail.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Can handle both industrial as well as commercial liquid and vapor.
- Little noisier than its competitor.
Bottom Line
After testing it thoroughly, we can say that it is one of the lightest and compact refrigerant recovery machine that can handle all kinds of liquid and vapor refrigerant with ease. Also, it is highly durable if used properly.
2. INFICON 714-202-G1 Vortex Dual – Best For High Performance
The INFICON 714-202-G1 Vortex Dual Refrigerant Recovery Machine is one of the most popular refrigerant recovery machine we tested. The scorecard may suggest that there is a difference of few points between G5TWIN and Inficon 714-202-G1, but when you use it, you won’t be able to make out the difference. Of course, the technology used is different for both unit. It uses 1 HP piston compressor.
There is enough inbuilt protection to allow you to use all kinds of conditions. The biggest plus of having this refrigerant recovery machine it has microchannel condenser to lower the discharge pressures.
- Recovers both gases and liquids fast.
- It has inbuilt dryer or filter.
- Light in weight compared to most of its competitor.
- Enough protective features to allow you to use it in hot conditions.
- It doesn’t make much noise.
- Expensive compared to most of the recovery machines.
Bottom Line
Looking at its performance, it is not that different from the G5TWIN. If the working condition of your recovery machines is hot, you must get the INFICON 714-202-G1 Vortex Dual Refrigerant Recovery Machine.
3. Robinair RG3 Twin-Cylinder – Best For Budget Conscious Users
Most of the refrigerant recovery machines we have tested costs more than $500. Not all HVAC technicians are willing to spend that much amount. After going through all the refrigerant recovery machines, we found Robinair RG3 is the most budget-friendly machine among all. It may cheaper be compared to others but after looking at its performance, we can say it right up there with the best.
We also noticed that in hot conditions it works well. It uses high-efficiency crossflow using a fan and condenser. It also has an auto shutdown feature if the pressure crosses 550 PSI making one the most secure refrigerant recovery unit to use.
- Very light compared to most of its competitor.
- Works well in hot conditions.
- Inexpensive.
- Handles all type of refrigerants including both vapor and liquid.
- Automatically shuts down if pressure is above 550 PSI.
- Not as fast the other premium quality recovery machines.
Bottom Line
We would recommend you to get this refrigerant recovery machine if you are tight on budget but still want high-performance unit.
4. Yellow Jacket 95762 Recover XLT – Best Industrial Grade Machine
When you see the Yellow Jacket 95762 Recover XLT, it gives an impression of a beast. And it is. It weighs around 38 lbs. It is one of the heaviest refrigerant recovery units we have tested. Power of the recovery unit is unmatched. During our test, we were able to pump 7.5-ton system in just 30 minutes. Compared to other recovery units, the numbers are high.
The other things we observed with this machine was auto shut off to prevent mishaps. The machine shuts off if the recovering refrigerants the level of 13 inches of vacuum. And in case the pressure continues to accumulate, machines restart. It also has a dedicated indicator to show the recovery complete. The machines hardly make any noise. It is the result of the oil-less compressor.
- Powerful compressor for fast operation.
- Fully automatic operation.
- Oil-free compressor.
- Uses a reusable filter to protect the machine.
- Hardly makes any noise.
- Expensive compared to most of the refrigerant recovery machines.
Bottom Line
In case you have the budget, we advise you to get the Yellow Jacket 95762 Recover XLT for its advanced features. The time it takes to recover the refrigerants is also low compared to most of the machines we had in our lab. It is probably the best commercial refrigerant recovery machine.
5. Fieldpiece MR45 – East To Use
The Fieldpiece MR45 Recovery Machine is a revolutionary unit that is probably one of the most advanced recovery machines. Among all the selected recovery machines, it was the only unit with digital display. Other refrigerant recovery machines used only analog dials. In addition to being advanced, it has a powerful compressor with 1 HP motor. It has almost double speed, almost around 3300 rpm. We have compared the speeds with other units, and it is much higher than most of them.
We were also impressed with its design. It is small and compact. The weight is around 22 lbs which is much lighter compared to its competitor. You can easily carry it around from one location to another. Another feature that stands out for it is the ceramic cylinder which adds to its durability.
- Digital display.
- Much lighter compared to its competitor.
- Uses Powerful motor.
- The condenser is powerful enough to cool the unit in hot conditions.
- Highly portable.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Expensive compare to its competitor.
- Could get noisy sometimes.
Bottom Line
If your working environment has fluctuating supplies, but the job requires a powerful recovery unit, then we think they’re no better recovery machine than Fieldpiece MR45 Recovery Machine.
6. Robinair 34988NI AC – Best Automatic Model
If you ask us which is the best commercial refrigerant recovery machine we tested then Robinair 34988NI is the answer. It is designed for big jobs. The machine can handle recovery, recharging, and recycling of refrigerants. This is the updated version of Robinair 34788NI. When you look at the machine, the first thing that attracts you is the big display. The display is simple and easy to use. However, we think a digital display would have been much better.
We did take a close look at the automatic function. It does a leak test and recharges the automatically. It also stores the user’s selection, so whenever it’s time to change the tank it carries out the refrigerant refill on its own. No monitoring is required for this machine which makes a great tool to have for an HVAC technician.
- Fully automatic operation.
- It monitors everything on its own.
- Easy to use and recovers the refrigerant fast.
- Inbuilt printer to print data related to the recovery.
- Could be an expensive tool for an average technician.
- Need good knowledge before using it.
Bottom Line
If you are dealing with commercial refrigerant recovery and have a good budget to get the best machine for recovery jobs, then we recommend you to get Robinair 34988NI.
7. Robinair RG6 – Best Portable Option
Robinair is one of the biggest manufacturers of HVAC tools. It is quite evident from our list that there are so many quality refrigerant recovery machines offer by them. Each machine has its unique selling point. This machine’s biggest selling point is portability. When you want quality performance as well as portability, you must take a look at what RG6 can do for you.
Much like other Robinair recovery machines it also protective features. For example, it has the same auto shut off feature for pressures above 550 PSI and also has a self-purge feature to protect against cross-contamination as far as the built quality is concerned it quite good and durable. A comfortable handle adds to its portability.
- Works with all kinds of refrigerant.
- Easy to use and recovers refrigerants very fast.
- It has a handle to carry it around.
- Works well with automotive HVAC but require separate hoses and adapters.
- Inexpensive compared to other recovery machines.
- Makes little noise.
- It is slightly heavier than other similar units.
Bottom Line
If you are an automotive technician and require a refrigerant recovery unit that is easy to carry around, then Robinair RG6 Portable Refrigerant Recovery Machine is a good machine to have.
Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider?
The refrigerant recovery machine has so many aspects that a user must know. Not just to use the machine more efficiently and safely but also to choose the right machine for the right kind of job. If you are someone who has not much idea about these recovery machines, we advise you to go through this buyer’s guide first before buying one.
1. Type OF HVAC
Most of the recovery machines we have mentioned are suitable for various kinds of jobs. But Mostly machines are categorized in residential and commercial. The units suitable for residential HVAC are generally small and has lower capacity. They can also be used for Automotive HVAC but may require adapter and hoses. The commercial HVAC may use different kinds of refrigerants; hence it requires recovery machines that can handle those liquids or vapors. Fortunately, modern recovery machines are equipped to handle all kinds of gases. But still, you will have to consider the type of HVAC you will be dealing with before buying a recovery machine.
2. Recovery speed
The first thing you have to look in a recovery machine is the recovery speed. If the unit is not powerful enough to handle the size of the HVAC system you want to repair, it might take hours to service the system. According to our experts, the fastest recovery machines use twin cylinders. Hence, if the speed is your priority, you must buy the twin cylinder recovery machines like Appion G5TWIN Twin Cylinder Recovery Unit.
Another thing that affects the speed of the machine is the type of compressor it uses. Currently, recovery machines are known to use either oil-less or hermetic compressor. Without going into technical stuff, you must remember that oil-less compressor has much higher recovery speed. So, look for recovery machines with oil-less compressors. However, the higher the recovery speed, higher will be the cost.
3. Portability
Recovery machines come in different shapes and sizes. Weight is the biggest factor that affects portability. While we were testing the products, we had units that weight 18 lbs. To 200 lbs. So you have to find the right unit for your needs. It doesn’t mean that lighter one is the best for transportation and you should only use that. It is quite possible lighter one might not posses the capacity required for the jobs you do. You have to found the right balance between capacity and weight.
For instance the 200 lbs. Robinair 34988NI AC Machine might seem too heavy but it is industrial grade. There is no other unit that can offer industrial grade performance like it. But its design uses a trolley feature that allows the user to carry it around with ease. Similarly for normal recovery tasks something like Robinair RG6 Portable Refrigerant Recovery Machine is really good. It weighs around 33 lbs but comes with a handle to carry around which not many other units has.
4. Compressor
We have already talked about how the compressor affects the recovery speed. But there is more than that to a compressor. We have already discussed oil-less compressors are the best, and you should only consider buying recovery machines with such compressors. But also check with the seller if it uses reusable filters. Filters help maintain the unit more effectively. There is a different capacity of compressors, check the capacity before buying the unit.
5. Warranty and services
Warranty for devices like refrigerant recovery machines becomes crucial. There are a different type of devices. Some are used for residential or Commercial HVAC, and some are more suitable for industrial HVAC. All require a certain warranty on the overall unit as well as the motor it uses. Check with seller or manufacturer about the warranty and services.
How We Conduct Tests for?
We began by selecting 16 recovery machines for tests. The selection of the machines was based on the popularity and the sales numbers. Some of the models were expert recommended. Once we acquired the products, we determined the parameters for tests with the help of 8 experts who have years of experience working with these kinds of machines. The parameters that we determined for the refrigerant recovery machines were recovery speed, safety features, durability, and capacity.
Based on these parameters we had to design tests. Our team designed several tests which included different scenarios a refrigerant recovery machine faces. We made sure that the instruments we use to take various types of reading are of the highest standard and error is minimum. We tested each product one by one and took down several readings and results for further evaluation. We also value customer feedback. Their view helps us to understand how the products perform after using it for months or years. There is some situation that is not possible to create in a lab. The user review helps us to learn about those situations.
Once we had the test results, user review, and expert views, we asked our team to score each model based on the three factors, recovery speed, ease of use and durability. After calculating the overall score, we picked the best machines for certain categories. Categorization is important because not all users have the same need or the same budget. By categorizing we can give all kinds of the user at least one option for their need and budget. Here is the scorecard of the picked products:
| Product | Speed | Usage | Durability | Overall | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appion G5TWIN | 97.4 | 97.5 | 97.1 | 97.3 | CheckPrice |
| INFICON 714-202-G1 | 97.1 | 97. | 96.8 | 97.2 | CheckPrice |
| Robinair RG3 | 96.4 | 97.5 | 97.1 | 97 | CheckPrice |
| Yellow Jacket 95762 | 96.3 | 97.4 | 96.7 | 96.8 | Check Price |
| Fieldpiece MR45 | 96.1 | 97.1 | 96.4 | 96.5 | CheckPrice |
| Robinair 34988NI | 96.4 | 96.4 | 96.1 | 96.3 | CheckPrice |
| Robinair RG6 | 97.4 | 95.8 | 95.4 | 96.2 | Check Price |
Final Thought
A product like refrigerant recovery machines requires a good understanding of the jobs it does. Certain kind of tasks demands a machine with a certain feature or capacity. As a buyer, you must know the enough about the machine before looking to buy one. If you have any doubts, you must go through our buyer’s guide. Once you are through with it, you can look at our list to choose the right product for your need and budget.
Appion G5TWIN Twin Cylinder Unit- Editor's Choice
Summary
The Appion G5TWIN is a twin cylinder recovery unit capable of handling both commercial as well as industrial refrigerant recovery.
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