When an AC system needs evacuation before refrigerant goes in, the vacuum pump and manifold gauge set are the working pair. For refrigerant recovery vacuum service tools, two complete kits are on the table: one at USD 95.99 and one at USD 89.95. Both bundle a single-stage pump with a gauge set, but they differ in displacement, power, and the refrigerants they list.
Quick Verdict
If you want the higher listed displacement and coverage for R134A, R22, R12, and R502, the 4CFM 1/3HP kit is the stronger match. If your work includes R410A and automotive A/C, the 3.5CFM 1/4HP kit is the one to start with. The listed price spread is USD 6.04.
At a Glance
| Kit | Listed Price | Price Bar | Pump Spec | Ultimate Vacuum | Refrigerant Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4CFM 1/3HP Kit | USD 95.99 | 4CFM, 1/3HP | 5 Pa | R134A, R22, R12, R502 | |
| 3.5CFM 1/4HP Kit | USD 89.95 | 3.5CFM, 1/4HP | 5 Pa | R134a, R22, R410A, Auto A/C |
Where the 4CFM Kit Leads
The 4CFM / 1/3HP combo is the higher-displacement option in this head-to-head. The 0.5CFM extra free-air displacement and the 1/3HP motor are right in the listed specs, so you have more pumping speed on the spec sheet. It also lists R134A, R22, R12, and R502, meaning R12 is included in the stated refrigerant lineup. The package lists vacuum oil and the manifold gauge set, so the basic working kit is bundled.
Where the 3.5CFM Kit Leads
The 3.5CFM / 1/4HP kit is priced lower at USD 89.95. It is ETL Certified and lists a 4000 psi burst pressure, which gives you a specific pressure figure to weigh during system diagnostics. Its stated refrigerant coverage centers on R134a, R22, and R410A, and automotive A/C is called out as an application. The included oil and accessories are listed in its feature set.
Product Notes
AC Manifold Gauge Set 3 Ways Vacuum Pump HVAC Kit 4CFM 1/3HP Refrigeration Oil
At USD 95.99, this kit is the higher listed price in the pair, and it pairs a 4CFM pump with a 1/3HP motor. The listed refrigerants include R134A, R22, R12, and R502, making it the one that names R12 among the two. The package includes vacuum oil and the manifold gauge set, so oil and the gauge set are on hand. The oil sight glass and built-in cooling fan are part of its listed design. The trade-off is that R410A is not among its stated refrigerants, so if R410A is the refrigerant you handle most, this kit's listed lineup does not cover it.
3.5 CFM HVAC Vacuum Pump 1/4 HP AC Manifold Gauge Set Kit R134a R22 R410A Auto
This kit comes in at USD 89.95, the lower of the two listed prices. It is ETL Certified and includes a listed 4000 psi burst pressure, details that add a specific pressure figure to consider. The stated refrigerant coverage centers on R134a, R22, and R410A, and automotive A/C is named as an application. The kit also lists oil and accessories in its features. The pump's 3.5CFM and 1/4HP specs are lower than the other kit, so the listed free-air displacement is smaller. It does not name R12 or R502, so older systems are not part of the stated lineup.
Final Choice by Use Case
For HVAC and refrigeration work where R134A, R22, R12, and R502 are on your refrigerant list, the 4CFM 1/3HP kit at USD 95.99 gives you the higher displacement and R12 coverage. For automotive A/C and R410A service, the 3.5CFM 1/4HP kit at USD 89.95 is the better fit. Both kits share a single-stage pump design and list a 5 Pa ultimate vacuum and oil sight glass with cooling fan, so the deciding factors come down to power, refrigerants, and package specifics.
