Why We Still Sweat the Pipe: The Honest Case for Soldered vs. Press-Fit in Refrigeration

Over the past decade, press-fit technology has gained significant traction across the plumbing and HVAC industries. Manufacturers highlight faster installation, reduced hot works and improved productivity, making press-fit an attractive option for many applications.

At Aker Advantage, however, we've made a deliberate decision to focus exclusively on soldered copper fittings.

Does that mean press-fit doesn't have a place? Not at all.

But when it comes to commercial refrigeration, we believe soldered joints continue to offer advantages that align with the long-term reliability our customers expect.

Here's why.

1. A Permanent Metal-to-Metal Joint

The biggest difference between soldered and press-fit fittings is how the joint is sealed.

Soldered Fittings

A soldered or brazed joint creates a permanent metallurgical bond.

When heated correctly, the filler alloy is drawn into the joint by capillary action, permanently joining the fitting and the copper tube into a single sealed connection.

Press-Fit Fittings

Press-fit systems use a specialised pressing tool to mechanically compress the fitting around the pipe, with an elastomeric sealing ring providing the pressure-tight seal.

Both methods are proven technologies when installed correctly.

For our business, we simply prefer a joint that becomes a permanent metal-to-metal connection without relying on an elastomeric seal.

2. Built for Demanding Refrigeration Environments

Commercial refrigeration systems operate under demanding conditions.

Pipework is continually exposed to:

• Compressor vibration

• Thermal expansion and contraction

• Defrost cycles

• Pressure fluctuations

• Long operating hours

A correctly brazed joint becomes part of the copper pipe itself, expanding and contracting with the surrounding material.

This simplicity is one of the reasons soldered joints have been trusted throughout the refrigeration industry for decades.

3. Long-Term Confidence

One of the biggest advantages of soldered refrigeration systems is familiarity.

Most refrigeration technicians have spent years perfecting their brazing techniques.

When completed correctly, a brazed joint provides:

• Excellent mechanical strength

• Proven long-term reliability

• High pressure capability

• Compatibility across virtually every copper refrigeration system

For contractors, that familiarity often translates into confidence on site.

4. Installation Costs Extend Beyond Labour

Press-fit is often promoted because it can reduce installation time.

In many situations, that's true.

However, installation cost isn't determined by labour alone.

Other considerations include:

• The cost of specialised press tools

• Ongoing calibration and maintenance

• Different jaw sets for various fitting sizes

• Battery management

• Replacement sealing rings

• Stocking proprietary fitting systems

Soldered fittings require comparatively simple tooling that many refrigeration technicians already own.

Every contractor should weigh the total cost of ownership—not simply the installation time.

5. Quality Comes Down to Installation

Neither joining method is foolproof.

Poor preparation can result in failures regardless of the technology being used.

Successful soldering requires:

• Proper pipe preparation

• Correct joint clearance

• Nitrogen purging

• Appropriate filler metal

• Controlled heating

Similarly, successful press-fit installation relies on:

• Correct pipe preparation

• Proper insertion depth

• The correct pressing jaw

• Correct tool calibration

• Manufacturer-approved installation procedures

Ultimately, workmanship remains one of the biggest factors in long-term system performance.

Why We Choose Soldered Fittings

At Aker Advantage, we've chosen to specialise in soldered copper fittings because we believe they're the best fit for the refrigeration industry we serve.

Our customers value:

• Proven long-term reliability

• High-pressure performance

• Traditional refrigeration installation methods

• Compatibility with established industry practices

• A permanent metal-to-metal joint

Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, we've focused on supplying products we genuinely believe in.

The Bottom Line

Both soldered and press-fit technologies have earned their place in today's construction industry.

For commercial refrigeration, however, we continue to believe that a properly installed soldered joint offers an outstanding combination of strength, reliability and long-term performance.

That's why soldered copper fittings remain at the core of everything we supply.