A prototype refrigerating system was developed; it uses the small-channel technology for the condenser and a compact evaporator so that the refrigerant quantity was reduced drastically. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that it is possible to reduce until to 90% the refrigerant charge of low capacity refrigeration units (less than 15 kW refrigeration capacities) with HFC refrigerant, by using compact heat exchangers, low capacity liquid receivers and small diameter pipes. Experimental measurements were performed and compared to measurements on a same capacity refrigerating system using traditional diameters for the evaporator, condenser, pipes... The mass reduction is mainly due to a 90% reduction of internal volume between the two systems. The performance of both systems and their impact on the environment using the TEWI criteria were compared. The results tend to prove the potential of the application of the small-channel technology compared to the traditional technology: 10% COP enhancement due to the enhancement of the internal heat transfer coefficients, 66% TEWI reduction.