Compressor Spotlight: BITZER – Engineering in Green

If you have ever walked through a machine room and spotted a solid green compressor, chances are high it was a BITZER. But the color is only part of the story.

From German Workshop to Global Standard
Bitzer was founded in 1934 in Germany and has grown into one of the world’s leading compressor manufacturers for refrigeration and air conditioning.

What makes BITZER unique is that it has remained an independent, family-owned company. This long-term mindset shows in their engineering philosophy: practical, durable, and designed for real-world service conditions. Over the decades, the brand has become a benchmark in both commercial and industrial refrigeration.

Why Are BITZER Compressors Green?
The green color has become part of the brand identity. In technical environments full of grey steel and black components, a BITZER compressor is instantly recognizable.

But the “green” identity goes further than paint. BITZER also developed its global Green Point service network, supporting maintenance, spare parts supply and compressor overhauls worldwide. For technicians and plant operators, this international support structure adds real long-term value.

From Classic .2 Series to Modern Screw Technology 
Over the decades, Bitzer has introduced compressor generations that became industry standards. Many technicians still recognize the well-known .2 reciprocating series — models such as the 4G.2, 4H.2 or 6H-25.2 — which were widely installed from the 1980s and 1990s onwards. A large number of these compressors are still running today.

Alongside these classics, BITZER developed open screw compressors like the OSK and OSKA series for larger industrial and ammonia installations. In more recent years, screw generations such as HSK, HSN and CSH have further improved efficiency and capacity. In our warehouse, it is not unusual to see a 30-year-old reciprocating unit next to a modern screw compressor package. This is a clear sign of how the brand has evolved while maintaining long-term serviceability.

Did you know?
When BITZER introduced its EuroScroll compressors in 1996, it became the only company at the time to offer all three primary compressor technologies: reciprocating, screw, and scroll.

Built for Long-Term Operation 
BITZER produces reciprocating, screw and scroll compressors used in supermarkets, cold storage facilities, process cooling plants and industrial installations.

One of the strengths we see in practice is serviceability. Many models are designed to be maintained and overhauled. It is not unusual for a BITZER compressor to run for decades with proper maintenance. That durability is one of the reasons why the second-hand market remains strong and stable.

Our Experience with BITZER Equipment
At HOS BV, we regularly purchase, test and supply used BITZER compressors and related equipment.

Depending on the customer’s needs, we offer units as-is, tested, or fully overhauled in our workshop. Because of the brand’s strong documentation and parts availability, BITZER equipment is often a reliable and cost-effective solution for companies looking to expand or replace existing installations.

Looking for a used BITZER compressor?
Feel free to contact our team or browse our current stock. We are happy to help you find the right solution for your installation and budget.