Ranking of the best stations for draining and charging refrigerant for 2022

When servicing automotive, domestic or industrial air conditioning systems, additional refrigerant charge is required. Typically, this procedure is performed once every one and a half to two years. However, if freon leaks, the process must be carried out immediately after the problem is fixed. The working circuit is filled with a special set of equipment and tools. This can be done on your own manually or at a service station using automatic filling complexes.

Basic information

The station for draining and refilling refrigerant is a universal technical complex that combines installations, devices, devices for extracting and regenerating refrigerant, evacuating and filling refrigeration equipment with it in a single building.

The industry produces about 40 types of refrigerants. However, for domestic purposes, only those that are safe for humans and the environment are used. Now the most common gas is freon - a mixture of methane and ethane. It is in the cooling circuit in a liquid or gaseous state.

Includes:

• vacuum pump - creating a vacuum, removing air and water from the circuit;
• refrigerant recovery device - pumping out the refrigerant into tanks (a separate container for each brand) with subsequent delivery for processing; if there is a regeneration function, it is possible to process the used gas immediately upon intake from the air conditioner;
• gauge manifold - pressure control;
• oil cylinder - pouring fluorescent dye and compressor oil;
• hoses with quick-release adapters - providing connections between components;
• high-precision electronic scales - dosing of the substance during loading;
• a tank equipped with a heater - collection and storage of refrigerant;
• control panel - for placing pressure gauges, control devices.

Functions

The station is intended for:

• collection, regeneration of waste gas;
• collection of old oil;
• evacuation of the circuit with testing;
• charging fresh refrigerant;
• pouring new oil;
• refills with fluorescent dye.

Kinds

With manual control - any action is performed only on command from the control panel. Electronic scales may be absent, and the process is controlled by the operator on the scale of the cylinder. These are the best budget options for the price.

Semi-automatic - capable of performing several operations at once. The required volumes are set by the operator and controlled by the system.

Automatic - sets programs - how to set the extraction of the substance, the evacuation of the circuit, gas filling and oil filling. The exhaust gas is not vented into the air, but is drained into a tank for reuse. The process is carried out automatically after the operator sets the brand and type of refrigeration equipment. In some cases, the program contains a database of cars, where for each model the volumes of oil and freon are indicated. This provides reliable protection against high and low pressure.

Criterias of choice

Experts advise what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing a station:

• ease of use - modern technologies save time and money;
• performance, speed and price;
• the possibility of cleaning from impurities;
• tank volume - up to 10 liters for servicing cars, more than 20 liters - when installing air conditioners on heavy trucks or buses;
• type of;
• manufacturer's quality assurance;
• availability of technical support;
• maintenance cost.

Most experts believe that when choosing the right equipment, you should not pay much attention to design solutions or appearance.

The main thing is the working functionality.

Where could I buy

Popular models of freon charging stations are sold in stores or at dealers of refrigeration equipment manufacturers.Consultants will give recommendations and advice - which ones are, which company is better, how to choose, features, which one is better to buy, how much it costs.

In the absence of a good choice in the place of residence, a purchase is available in an online store where you can order online goods that are offered by the best manufacturers. The latest news, their description, characteristics, parameters and photos are available there.

The best gas stations

The rating of quality products is based on the opinion of buyers who have left reviews on the Internet pages of stores selling the corresponding equipment. The popularity of the models was determined by performance, versatility, efficiency, cost-effectiveness of operation and maintenance.

The review presents rankings among the best semi-automatic and automatic stations, as well as manual equipment.

TOP 3 best manual stations

JTC-1224

Brand - JTC (Taiwan).
Country of origin - Taiwan.

Professional model for filling any air conditioning systems on trucks or cars. Volume dosing accuracy is achieved by using a transparent filling cylinder housing with a scale in 50 gram increments. The product is mounted on a metal frame with two large wheels for easy movement.

• ease of use;
• refueling of any types of air conditioners;
• compactness and lightness;
• easy movement to the place of work on wheels;
• economic consumption of the substance;
• design reliability.

• short hoses 1.5 m.

ODA-200

Brand - ODA (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Fully functional model with manual control for the maintenance of air conditioners of any brand of cars. Basic operations are performed manually.During operation, it is possible to save refrigerant. Refueling can be done either from its own 12.5 kg tank or from an external tank.

High mobility allows to carry out a complex of works on the road or service stations. Easily placed in an upright position for transportation in a car. Spare parts can be changed without contacting the service center.

• ease of operation and maintenance;
• profitability;
• the ability to connect an external gas cylinder;
• low error of electronic scales;
• mini dimensions in height;
• good maintainability;
• high mobility;
• affordable price.

• insufficient power of the vacuum pump.

Video review ODA-200:

KraftWell KRW134AMS

Brand - KraftWell (China).
The country of origin is China.

An improved model of a classic station for filling car air conditioners. Individual functions are controlled by solenoid valves. The required amount of the refueling substance is set on the liquid crystal display. The pumping and evacuation process is started from the control panel.

The weight of a substance is determined using high-precision electronic scales with an allowable error of ± 10 grams. The gas from the circuit is pumped out into a separate tank with a volume of 10 liters, installed in the back of the unit. Fresh oil is filled manually.

Couplings with hoses are stored in a special pocket. The metal case is placed on a frame with wheels for easy transportation.

• manual control of operating modes using the buttons on the front panel;
• the possibility of reusing gas after filtration and separation of water with oil;
• convenient movement on wheels;
• fast filling of the system;
• high accuracy of electronic scales;
• availability of separate containers for exhaust gas and used oil.

• short hoses 1.5 m.

Video instructions for using KRW134AMS:

comparison table

	JTC-1224	ODA-200	KraftWell KRW134AMS
power, kWt	0.25	0.405	0.55
freon type	R 134a	R 134a	R 134a
Tank capacity, kg	3.2	12.5	10
Scale accuracy, g	-	± 5	± 10
Pumping speed, g/min.	-	300	280
Filling speed, g/min.	-	500	800
Productivity, l/min	70	60	60
Dimensions (LxWxH), cm	95x47x45	56.5x50.5x72	69х58х117
Weight, kg	30	45	60
Length of hose(s), m	1.5	3	1.5
Warranty, months	12	12	12
price, rub.	68715	59000	61 000 – 64 300

TOP 4 best semi-automatic stations

GrunBaum AC2000N

Brand - GrunBaum (Lithuania).
The country of origin is China.

A universal model for servicing any type of auto-conditioning systems. Cycle time is shortened by automating a number of processes, including oil separation from the refrigerant, vacuum programming, filling using electronic scales, as well as self-diagnostics and maintenance counters.

Advanced specialists use advanced settings to run vacuum or leak test modes, as well as enable only the required modes - adding a substance to a filled dispensary, filling without pumping.

• ease of use and maintenance;
• unpretentiousness;
• Russian-language control interface and menu;
• self-diagnosis;
• convenient location of the filter-moisture separator;
• oil removal through a separate hole;
• front placement of cylinders for draining oil;
• maintenance counters;
• quality manufacturing;
• modern engineering;
• industrial testing;
• certified service department;
• availability of spare parts;
• the right price in its segment.

• not detected.

Video review:

CTR Artika

Brand - CTR-Denso (Italy).
Country of origin - Italy.

Multifunctional model for use in service stations when servicing any type of air conditioning systems on cars. The reliability of the installation is ensured by the high quality of components that allow the station to be operated in adverse conditions in the open air, with high humidity or in a polluted place. In case of filling of the built-in cylinder there is an automatic switch-off. Emergency stop button installed.

To calculate the amount of regenerated freon, a new algorithm is used without taking into account the filling of the built-in cylinder with pure gas. The unit is equipped with two drier filters that can be easily replaced by yourself.

The electronic scale has an advanced design for inline tank weighing, allowing for some movement without the risk of miscalibration or damage. A small case made of durable metal is characterized by high reliability. The locking mechanism is installed on the front wheels.

• new interface with Russified menu;
• advanced scales with a locking mechanism;
• increased reliability of new solenoid valves;
• improved regeneration system;
• quick independent replacement of filter driers;
• air filter in front of fresh oil and dye tanks;
• automatic discharge of non-condensed gases from the built-in tank;
• The SD card contains the vehicle database;
• with the function of refueling with freon at the end of the cycle.

• high average price.

Video review of Artika car air conditioning filling station:

Nordberg NF15

Brand - Nordberg (Italy).
The country of origin is China.

Semi-automatic mobile station for a significant reduction in the charging time of car air conditioners in a car service.In addition, it is used in the purification of the refrigerant from oil and water. Equipped with a control panel with control devices and a display, hoses, containers for various small things.

Speed ​​is guaranteed by the high performance of the plant. The accuracy of the built-in scales up to 5 grams clearly demonstrates the results of the work. During operation, the gas is not etched, the tightness is normal.

Placing a metal case on a wheelbase allows you to easily and quickly move the product within the auto center or inside the garage.

• pumping and recirculation of the substance from the air conditioner circuit;
• with system check function;
• electronic measurement of the weight of the extracted gas;
• control of tightness and presence of leaks;
• cleaning, drying, preparation for refilling;
• vacuuming;
• programming the amount of refueling substance;
• mobility of movement;
• durable body material;
• ease of management, operation and maintenance.

• not very long hoses.

Video review of the NF-15 installation:

ODA-350

Brand - ODA Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Semi-automatic model for servicing any air conditioning systems in cars or trucks. The non-condensable gas purge function is started from the front panel control panel setup menu. The pressure gauges have a large diameter with good readability of the division scale. There is an additional manometer to control the pressure of your own cylinder.

You can independently perform self-diagnostics of actuators (vacuum pump, compressor, solenoids), cylinder weight and scale calibration. Switching of the main units is carried out by standard SAE ¼ threaded connections.Accuracy of work is guaranteed by clamps of scales of an internal cylinder.

High mobility is achieved by using large wheels, as well as ergonomic handles. Equipped with a 3 meter charging hose.

The minimum cost in comparison with other models of this class. Sold at a price of 93,900 rubles to 98,900 rubles.

• high filling speed in 40 seconds up to one kilogram of substance;
• full filling on an idle engine;
• clear control menu in Russian;
• comfortable control of pressure gauge readings;
• two-position ball valves;
• easy control;
• convenient filling of the built-in tank;
• simple assembly (dismantling) for maintenance;
• small dimensions;
• mobility;
• long filling hoses.

• the vacuum pump is weak.

Video review of the semi-automatic station ODS-350:

comparison table

	GrunBaum AC2000N	CTR ARTICA	Nordberg NF15	ODA-350
power, kWt	0.18	0.9	0.28	0.405
freon type	R 134a	R 134a	R 134a	R 134a
Tank capacity, kg	10	12	14	12.5
Scale accuracy, g	± 10	± 5	± 5	± 10
Pumping speed, g/min.	168	400	350	> 100
Filling speed, g/min.	960	400	1500	> 500
Productivity, l/min	60	100	60	60
Dimensions (LxWxH), cm	65x63x115	52x68x100	59x55.5x109	65x50x90
Weight, kg	70	60	85	70
Length of hose(s), m	2.5	2.5	1.8	3
Warranty, months	24	12	12	12
price, rub.	103057	183000	136000	93 900 - 98900

TOP-4 best automatic stations

Robinair AC790 PRO

Brand - Robinair (USA).
Producing countries - China, Germany.

Multifunctional model for maintenance of air conditioning systems of trucks and cars, buses, light commercial vehicles. No intervention is required during operation. You can run specific procedures manually.The database stores information about a large number of vehicles with the possibility of additions and updates. Printout of the performed operations is carried out by the built-in printer.

The high performance of the vacuum pump of 283 l/min ensures fast speed and minimum time for operations. The parameters of the volume of the tank for freon 40 liters and oil tanks 2 liters allow you to work with any equipment equipped with air conditioners.

Depending on the country of manufacture, it is sold at prices from 289,900 rubles or 472,125 rubles.

• fully automatic work cycle with the possibility of switching to manual mode if necessary;
• high performance;
• automatic process of separation of oil from freon;
• Russian-language interface of the control system;
• availability of information in the database on the volume of more than four thousand cars;
• with leak test and vacuum programming functions;
• the ability to service any brand of car;
• performance of evacuation and regeneration;
• built-in self-diagnosis with display of information about errors on the display;
• quality performance;
• reliability;
• long service life.

Top-Auto RR700Touch

Brand - TopAuto (Italy).
Country of origin - Italy.

Automatic model for maintenance of ventilation systems of trucks and cars. Digitally developed as an upgrade of the RR400. Equipped with a color graphic 4.3-inch Touch Screen display.

Automotive database with software is provided free of charge by the manufacturer and updated via USB port.Membrane keypad with five buttons duplicates the control system.

The stylish metal case provides reliable protection against external damage. Equipment is provided with additional options to expand the functionality, as well as perform other operations.

• work in fully automatic mode;
• selection of manual operation mode of any stage;
• availability of a USB port for updating the database and software;
• Russified vehicle database "4 in 1" (trucks and cars, agricultural and user equipment);
• creating a custom database;
• work of several operators under personal passwords;
• printout on the printer of any operations;
• automatic control of internal leaks with sound alarm;
• production testing of each station;
• high pump performance;
• convenient transportation on wheels;
• storage of accessories and hoses in a special compartment;
• high accuracy of built-in electronic scales;
• the lowest price for its class.

• not detected.

Ecotechnics ECK NEXT

Brand - Ecotechnics (Italy).
Country of origin - Italy.

A mobile professional-class model for refueling vehicle ventilation systems with the function of flushing the working circuit of the car air conditioner. The automatic station has a built-in thermal printer, a USB connector for entering software and updating the database, as well as a 5-inch color touch screen display with a Russian-language menu. In manual mode, non-condensable gases can be vented.

The use of a proprietary gas extraction system "High precision" ensures the regeneration of up to 95% of the substance.Detection of possible leaks is carried out by continuous monitoring of internal highways with the help of internal control. In the event of an increase in pressure or another abnormal situation, an audible alarm is triggered. The mobility of the unit and ease of transportation are provided by four wheels.

• automatic functions of the main procedures performed;
• high-quality component base;
• high mobility;
• long filling hoses;
• simple maintenance;
• patented gas sampling system;
• reduced power consumption;
• built-in printer;
• stylish design.

• the performance of the vacuum pump is somewhat reduced compared to other models in this class.

Video review:

TEXA Konfort 712R

Brand - TEHA (Italy).
Country of origin - Italy.

High-performance automatic model of the middle class for pumping out freon, evacuating, recirculating and filling refrigerant into air conditioners of trucks or cars. Available in R 134a or R1234yf versions. The configuration may vary depending on the set of options. All mechanisms are housed in a robust housing that provides protection against mechanical stress.

Automatic or manual modes of operation are provided. In automatic mode, a complete service cycle is carried out from draining the gas from the air conditioner to refrigerant recovery, evacuation, leak testing, and filling with new substance and fresh oil. In manual mode, you can run any workflow procedure individually.

An identification kit can be installed for use with REC+, TEXA's innovative refrigerant recovery device.

• high performance;
• compatibility with two types of gas R 134a and R1234yf;
• ease of operation and maintenance;
• multilingual, incl. Russian-speaking, interface;
• good visibility of the control menu on the blue backlit LCD screen;
• service and database management using an SD card;
• built-in cylinder of 10 liters;
• vacuum pump with two stages;
• bracket with screen and pressure gauges;
• excellent pumping efficiency (more than 95%);
• with two hose control valves;
• automatic signaling of the warning about the need for maintenance.

• slightly reduced scale accuracy ± 15 grams.

Video demonstration of the device:

comparison table

	Robinair AC790 PRO	Top-Auto RR700Touch	ECK NEXT	TEXA CONFORT 712R
freon type	R 134a	R 134a	R 134a	R134a, R1234yf
Tank capacity, kg	35	12	12	10
Scale accuracy, g	± 5	± 1	± 10	± 15
Pumping speed, g/min.	?	375	300	330
Productivity, l/min.	283	113	51	100
Dimensions (LxWxH), cm	69x69x127	47x55x88	68x66x108	59.8x74.9x106.4
Weight, kg	120	60	63	90
Length of hose(s), m	5	3	3	3
Warranty, months	12	24	12	24
price, rub.	289 900/472 125	172500	204285	326856

Self-refueling car air conditioner

If the performance of the car air conditioner worsens, you can contact a service station with a willingness to pay a round sum or try to save money by filling the system with your own hands.

First you need to clarify the amount of refrigerant in the car in order to buy the right number of cans. To do this, there is usually a plate under the hood indicating the type and amount of freon in the circuit.

For work you will need:

• vacuum compressor;
• container with freon;
• adapters;
• pressure regulators;
• hoses.

The step-by-step instruction provides for the following actions:

1. Find a low pressure line under the hood (a small wide pipe with a narrower pipe at the bottom) with a filling fitting under a protective cap, thoroughly clean them of dirt.
2. Open the cap, put the hose on the fitting.
3. Start the engine, maintain 1500 rpm to pump gas through the lines (you will need outside help or an overlay on the gas pedal).
4. Turn on maximum air recirculation.
5. Slowly open the valve of the refrigerant canister upside down, and at the same time turn the line switch.
6. Constantly monitor the readings of the pressure gauge, which should not exceed 275 kPa in order to avoid damage to the compressor.
7. The correctness of the procedure is visually observed through the window of the filter-drier in the form of liquid transparency with no bubbles.
8. Complete the process when cold air appears (up to 10⁰ C) and the hose near the fitting is deeply cooled.

Experienced tips:

1. The working circuit is not checked for leakage using a vacuum. Nitrogen pressure test is used to check the tightness.
2. To remove oil, flush or completely disassemble the system, including removing the compressor.
3. Vacuuming effectively removes moisture from the circuit during the procedure for at least 40 minutes, and not 15 minutes provided for this at the service station.
4. The air conditioner operates with PAG (polyalkyl glycol) oil. It is not recommended to fill in inexpensive synthetic POE (polyester) oils instead.

Enjoy the shopping. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!