To study the applicability of a scroll type compressor to small capacity refrigerators, a R600a scroll compressor with algebraic scroll wrap has been designed. Its size and performance have been compared to a reciprocating type of the same displacement volume. By employing scroll wrap based on algebraic curve, high compression ratio can be accomplished without increasing the wrap angle much so that compact scroll may be obtained. Compared to a reciprocating one, the designed scroll compressor has diameter and height reduced by about 50% and 80%, respectively. By numerical simulation, it has been estimated that the scroll compressor provides 38.6% more cooling capacity than reciprocating type with 8.9% more power consumption, resulting in 27.3% increase in COP for ASHRAE low back pressure condition. With increasing the operating pressure ratio from 9.5 to 15.3, the overall compressor efficiency of the scroll compressor decreases from 72.6% to 65.2%, while that of the reciprocating compressor increases from 55.7% to 59.8%.