This paper evaluates the absorption and desorption rates of a potassium/water binary mixture and compares them to those of lithium bromide/water. The experimental procedure involved small-scale absorption chiller test rig. Extensive instrumentation was used so that identical operating conditions could be obtained for all tests to ensure a good comparison. Analysis of results has shown that the absorption rates for potassium formate/water is approximately 5% lower than lithium bromide/water. The desorption rates of potassium formate/water was found to be higher than that of lithium bromide/water. Heats of absorption and condensation were also recorded.