Having your air conditioner fail you is one of the worst things to happen, especially if it is the summer and you are sweltering in the heat!
But recovering the refrigerants is not easy. So tricky, in fact, that doing so on your own, by hand, is not an option unless you have obtained the required certification from the EPA. While the eager readers of this article may be more qualified, for those who are not or choose to use a more straightforward, simpler method, the only alternative is acquiring an automotive air conditioning recovery machine or simply a refrigerant recovery machine.
But should you buy a refrigerant recovery machine? Why should you buy such a machine? What benefits will it allow you?
Why You Should Buy an Automotive AC Recovery Machine
A refrigerant recovery machine has many uses, largely for removing impurities from a refrigerant, recycling the machine parts, or recharging them during routine maintenance. You need a recovery machine when your refrigerator breaks down or when a system leak needs to be topped up or repaired.
List of Top 5 Automotive AC Recovery Machine
1. VEVOR Refrigerant Recovery Machine
The first on our list is an exceptionally well-made and well-rounded option for anyone looking into an AC recovery machine. The VEVOR Refrigerant Recovery Machine does exactly what you want a recovery machine to do and does it exceptionally.
VEVOR is an excellent device suitable for all refrigerant machines, including refrigerators, refrigeration units, cars and vehicles, and air conditioners. This portable machine, first and foremost, works well with an oil-less compressor that recovers vapor and liquid refrigerants.
With its dual-pressure gauge, you can know the working pressures of the machine at every time, and the shut-off switch automatically turns the machine off when the pressure is about 558 psi, so you worry less about maintaining the process.
The VEVOR Refrigerant Recovery Machine runs at a voltage of 110V at 60Hz. The recovery machine’s comfortably square shapes and portable design are as convenient for you as possible. Power, safety, ease of use, application, and convenience spell the benefits of VEVOR, all with a reasonable price to boot.
● Capabilities: Push-Pull, Liquid, Vapor
● Compressor: 1/2 HP
● Power: 110V 60Hz
● Liquid Recovery Rate: 2.3 kg/min
● Vapor Recovery Rate: 0.31 kg/min
● High Pressure Shut-Off: 38.5 bar / 558 psi
2. Robinair RG3 Portable Refrigerant Recovery Machine
If you want something with just a bit more power, Robinair has you covered.
As the name implies, the Robinair RG3 Portable Refrigerant Recovery Machine is good at “robbing air.” The first little bonus to purchasing the Robinair RG3 is that it leaves a 40% smaller footprint than most other AC recovery machines, so it is an ideal choice if you want to go green with your recovery machine. With a weight of only 18 lbs., it is also a comfortable and portable recovery machine that can fit anywhere.
Robinair is a premium choice for anyone looking for a recovery machine. Robinair possesses just a little more power than VEVOR’s recovery machine, making your work easier, though VEVOR remains the cheaper recovery machine. Robinair comes with a smart shut-off switch as well. Robinair is a brand with an array of leak-detection tools that make it easy to find why you need a recovery machine.
3. Kozyvacu Portable Refrigerant Recovery Machine
Kozyvacu shows that being a budget option with fewer features is certainly not anything to scoff at.
The Kozyvacu Portable Refrigerant Recovery Machine comes with just what you need to get the job done. However, one neat addition that the prior two items in the top five do not have is a 1HP twin cylinder high power compressor. This feature will guarantee better performance from Kozyvacu and have the job done much quicker.
Kozyvacu is also a recovery machine that will guarantee to work on various refrigerants, including Category III, IV, and V refrigerants, making it suitable for any kind of machine in which you can stick it. Finally, it has a nice and portable design, though it is heavier than the other choices on this list. But between its pros and cons, the Kozyvacu Portable Refrigerant Recovery Machine is not our top choice but it is the top budget choice!
● Capabilities: Liquid, Vapour
● Compressor: 1 HP (Dual)
● Power: 110 – 120V 60HZ
● High Pressure Shut-Off: 38.5 bar / 558 psi
4. Inficon Vortex Refrigerant Recovery Machine
Now here is a machine with a lot of features to play with!
The Inficon Vortex Refrigerant Recovery Machine is designed to maintain high recovery while the recovery machine is doing its business. Not only does the machine have the same dual cylinder compressor as Kozyvac does, but it also has:
● A shoulder strap to make it much easier for you to carry around and maintain,
● A filter and dryer that helps with the refrigerant processes,
● And finally, a detachable power cord makes the machine even easier to carry around and makes it portable.
The Inficon Vortex Refrigerant Recovery Machine does not have much in the way of power like VEVOR or Robinair. Still, the many features accompanying the machine that make it much simpler, faster, and better for you to start fixing your air conditioner offset its drawbacks and its premium price! You will not regret getting Inficon!
● Capabilities: Liquid, Vapour
● Compressor: 1 HP (Dual), Oil-Less
● High Pressure Shut-Off: 37.92 bar / 550 psi
5. VIVOHOME Dual Cylinder Refrigerant Recovery Machine
Finally, we have one last recovery machine that balances out the qualities of the last few options.
The VIVOHOME Dual Cylinder Refrigerant Recovery Machine is a machine that promises the utmost in safety, adding in the classic shut-off switch and a considerate and lightweight design (30.8 pounds). The most impressive feature of VIVOHOME is a 1HP 1750 rpm speed motor, which is faster and smoother than the vast majority of compressors, including the ones on the list. Its larger condenser also helps give you a better cooling performance in this shorter amount of time. Finally, VIVOHOME’s valves are in line with what most people are used to, making it easier to work with.
While it comes in last on this list, VIVOHOME makes its case with its functional portable design, safety features, and overall convenience, and it is a machine you would be better off having.
● Capabilities: Liquid, Vapor
● Compressor: 1 HP (Dual), 1750 RPM Motor
● High Pressure Shut-Off: 38.5 bar / 558 psi
Different Types of Automotive AC Recovery Machines
There are three distinct types of refrigerant recovery machines that you can find out there.
- Recovery Machines for Small Refrigerants
Small refrigerant recovery machines handle small air conditioning appliances. Think of the ACs you have in cars or RVs. It also works for portable air conditioners, window air conditioners, and “through-the-wall” air conditioners.
- Residential-Size Refrigerant Recovery Machines
Residential-size refrigerant recovery machines recover or recharge the central air conditioning units in family homes (those you control using the thermostat).
- Commercial-Size Refrigerant Recovery Machines
Finally, commercial-size refrigerant recovery machines are used for large systems such as commercial air conditioning or HVAC systems. Those air conditioners run in retail shops, stores, restaurants, and workplaces.
The VEVOR Refrigerant Recovery Machine and the other items on our top 5 list are most suitable for residential- and commercial-sized air conditioning systems.
This is convenient information, but I’m sure you’re wondering about the specifics of a refrigerant recovery machine. Above, we have listed the different types as well as what features some of our favorite refrigerant recovery machines have, but which features benefit you? What should you look for when buying a refrigerant recovery machine?
What Should You Look for When Buying an Automotive AC Recovery Machine
When buying one from the market, several key aspects of a refrigerant recovery machine should be considered.
The first thing to take into consideration is the strength of the compressor. The compressor of a refrigerant recovery machine does the work of recovering refrigerants, from vapor to liquid, in an effective manner. The typical compressor is oilless and single-cylinder, but some compressors are sparkless and/or have two cylinders.
The second feature worth considering is the cleaning functionality. Some refrigerant recovery machines are self-cleaning and cleaning the remaining refrigerants from the operation, which helps avert damage from leftovers inside of the air conditioner.
Finally, you should consider the recovery machine’s size and shape to safely and easily store it for later use!
Are Automotive AC Recovery Machines Worth It?
We can say that buying an automotive AC recovery machine is worth it. With a robust list of recovery machines to choose from and a better awareness of what you need in a recovery machine, you should have a better time choosing which refrigerant recovery machine you need. After the purchase is made, you will not regret it. Getting a refrigerant recovery machine is positively worth the price tag.
FAQ about Automotive AC Recovery Machines
1. What is required of refrigerant recovery machines and equipment?
All manufacturers of refrigerant recovery equipment, such as the ones we have listed, need to have been tested and approved by an EPA-approved organization. Otherwise, the recovery machines are enough to begin the recovery process.
2. Can you reuse recovered refrigerants?
You can indeed! However, it is only provided if the refrigerant has been properly recycled!
