iTem Reviews: Air Compressor Reviews

Air Compressor Buying Guide

Air compressor reviews aren’t worth much if they confuse you. Here are eight things to consider when making your choice.

Air Speed and Volume

An air compressors power is primarily measured in PSI and CFM. PSI measures air pressure and CFM measures air volume. All air tools have strict requirements in terms of both pressure and volume.

Here’s how to calculate what you need:

Single Tool Use:

Write down the PSI and CFM requirements of your most demanding tool. Your new compressor should have:

A PSI that’s equal or greater than what’s listed.

A CFM that at least 1.25 times greater than what’s listed.

Multi Tool Use:

Write down the PSI and CFM requirements of your two most demanding tools. Your new compressor should have:

• A PSI that’s equal or greater than what’s listed on the most demanding tool.
• A CFM that’s at least 1.25 times greater than the sum of both tools.

Example

You want to power an Impact Wrench( 5 CFM @ 90 PSI) and a Cut Off Tool (4 CFM @ 90 PSI) simultaneously.

• The most demanding tool requires 90 PSI.
• The two tools together require a total CFM of 5 + 4 = 9.

You need an air compressor with 90 PSI and (9 * 1.25) 11.25 CFM.

Tank Size

The size of an air compressors tank affects two things; max CFM and max running time. All air compressors have their max CFM listed on the box. So, there’s little reason for you to learn about the relationship between the two. If the CFM is big enough, the tank is big enough.

Max running time, on the other hand, is important to think about. The bigger the tank, the longer the compressor can run without being refilled.

If your tools only require intermittent bursts of air (nailers/staplers), a smaller tank will be sufficient. If they require longer periods of pumping however (sanders/grinders), you may want to consider something larger.

Keep in mind, that the bigger the tank, the heavier the compressor. And you can expect the price to follow the same pattern.

Single Stage v Two Stage

Piston air compressors can be categorized as either one stage or two stage.

• Single air compressors draw air in and compress it to its final pressure in a single piston stroke.
• Two stage air compressors draw air in and first compress it to an intermediate pressure. The air is then cooled down before it is compressed a second time to its final pressure.

Some people argue that two stage air compressors are more efficient, and therefore cost less to run. The primary difference between the two however is that the latter can generate more power.

Single stage air compressors offer a maximum of 150 PSI and 100 CFM. Two stage air compressors can exceed both of these.

Your choice between the two should be determined by your power needs. If they’re met by a one stage compressor, there’s little reason to spend more.

Portability

Air compressors are available in both stationary and portable form. The former is typically bolted down, the latter can be taken with you from job to job.

Just because an air compressor is labelled portable, that doesn’t mean that it can be moved easily. Some are light enough to carry with one hand. Others are heavy enough to require wheels.

Unfortunately, as portability increases, power tends to move in the opposite direction.

Power Source

Air compressors are generally powered by either electricity or gasoline. Each power source comes with its own advantages.

• The primary benefit of electricity is that it’s cleaner. Electric air compressors don’t emit fumes and can therefore be used indoors. They are also better for the environment.
• Gasoline air compressors cannot be used indoors but they are significantly cheaper to operate. You also don’t need access to an electrical socket. They can be used just about anywhere provided you have a tank of gas nearby.

Oiled v Oil Free

Air compressors can be categorised as either oiled or oil free. The most obvious difference between the two is that the former needs its oil changed every now and then.
This takes all of two minutes however and shouldn’t really be used as a reason to go one way or the other. The real differences are:

• Oil compressors are more expensive and heavier. They do however last significantly longer. A well oiled compressor can last decades.
• Oil free compressors are cheaper and lighter. Over time however, they lose their lubrication and because they can’t be oiled, eventually break down.

Noise Levels

Air compressors are noisy machines, there’s no getting around this fact. Your choice of model however can greatly effect just how many decibels you have to deal with.

These days, it’s possible to find air compressors as low as x decibels but most range between x and x decibels. If you plan on working in the vicinity of your new purchase, don’t accept anything above x.

Take the elbow grease out of your next project. Leave the heavy stuff to the air compressor. Or maybe you just need air tools to install trim, inflate your tires and pool, paint your siding or clean a deck? The Home Depot has a large collection of stationary air compressors, portable air compressors, small air compressors, air conditioner compressors, commercial air compressors and quiet air compressors to meet your every need, from small to large.

Need to take the show on the road? Our gas air compressors can easily travel with you. And when you're not exactly sure what air compressor is right for you, you can look to our air compressor buying guide for some help.

The Home Depot carries the most trusted brands to meet the needs of any DIYer - Husky air compressors, Porter-Cable air compressors and Makita air compressors have the compressor to meet your needs. Don't forget to also check out our nail guns, air tools and inflators which will help you to complete any project