Which refrigerant is more suitable for restaurants: R404A or R134A?
Which refrigerant is more suitable for restaurants: R404A or R134A?
2025-07-18
When selecting the refrigeration system of a cube ice machine, R404A and R134A are two common refrigerants. They differ in cooling performance, environmental suitability, and cost. Restaurants should choose based on their actual usage conditions:
✅ Features of R404A:
Powerful low-temperature cooling, ideal for high-capacity ice machines in hot kitchen environments.
Faster cooling speed, providing high ice output—suitable for beverage chains, milk tea shops, and bars.
Better heat tolerance, maintains performance even in environments above 35°C.
Drawback: Higher power consumption and less environmentally friendly than R134A.
✅ Features of R134A:
Suitable for small to medium-sized units, with moderate cooling range and good energy efficiency.
More environmentally friendly, with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), complying with green regulations in many regions.
Quieter and more energy-saving, ideal for cafés and convenience stores with limited space.
Drawback: Performance may drop in high-temperature environments, and ice production speed is slower.
Conclusion:
For high ambient temperatures and large ice demand, R404A is recommended.
For moderate temperatures and eco-conscious operations, R134A is a better fit.
Most commercial ice machines (medium to large) use R404A by default, while compact models may offer R134A options.
Which refrigerant is more suitable for restaurants: R404A or R134A?
Which refrigerant is more suitable for restaurants: R404A or R134A?
When selecting the refrigeration system of a cube ice machine, R404A and R134A are two common refrigerants. They differ in cooling performance, environmental suitability, and cost. Restaurants should choose based on their actual usage conditions:
✅ Features of R404A:
Powerful low-temperature cooling, ideal for high-capacity ice machines in hot kitchen environments.
Faster cooling speed, providing high ice output—suitable for beverage chains, milk tea shops, and bars.
Better heat tolerance, maintains performance even in environments above 35°C.
Drawback: Higher power consumption and less environmentally friendly than R134A.
✅ Features of R134A:
Suitable for small to medium-sized units, with moderate cooling range and good energy efficiency.
More environmentally friendly, with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), complying with green regulations in many regions.
Quieter and more energy-saving, ideal for cafés and convenience stores with limited space.
Drawback: Performance may drop in high-temperature environments, and ice production speed is slower.
Conclusion:
For high ambient temperatures and large ice demand, R404A is recommended.
For moderate temperatures and eco-conscious operations, R134A is a better fit.
Most commercial ice machines (medium to large) use R404A by default, while compact models may offer R134A options.