Recent studies point out various benefits of trochoid-type compressors in vapor compression heat pump cycles and air compression applications. However, the field of small household refrigeration is still dominated by reciprocating compressors. This study comparatively investigates the thermodynamic behavior of a reciprocating and Wankel-type compressor in household refrigerators using the compressor simulation software KVA, which has been developed at the TU Dresden. The results of the KVA calculations are compared to available experimental data of a typical household refrigeration compressor. The comparative investigation reveals the differences between both compressor types regarding internal losses such as flow losses and internal leakages and further phenomena. The results show that Wankel compressors are currently not competitive in domestic refrigeration applications.