While purchasing industrial air compressors a lot of factors such as power source, warranty, size, performance and cost have to be considered making the process of selection a bit difficult. To help you get the best industrial air compressor for your tasks, we evaluated 25 different industrial air compressors for 100 hours and consulted 6 experts. After carrying out a number of tests, we found that DeWalt DXCMV5076055 is the best air compressor. In addition to industrial air compressor reviews, if you want to know more before buying the right unit, you can go through our buyer’s guide.
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DeWalt DXCMV5076055
Industrial Air ILA1883054
California Air Tools 6010LFC
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Best All-Around Industrial Air Compressor
Best Portable Industrial Air Compressor
Budget Pick
Pros
Two-year warranty on motor. Highly durable motor with thermal overload protection 5 CFM at 175 PSI.
Mounted on wheels. Portable. 155 PSI maximum pressure. Wired for 120V outlet.
Extremely quiet at 60 dB. Oil-free requires little maintenance. Small size makes it portable and lightweight.
Cons
It does not come with the wiring instructions.
Heavy to lift when moving around. Relatively low air delivery rate.
Oil-free design will limit lifespan with heavy use. one-year warranty. Small tank has to refill frequently.
Most users love this industrial air compressor as it comes from the tried and tested brand DeWalt brand. This compressor is oil lubricated and single stage compressor that has been designed for ultimate durability.
Our team of researchers found out that this five horsepower does come together with thermal overload protection that helps in keeping it from burning out and spins at a lower RPM extending its overall lifespan.
The pump itself has also been designed so that it easily dissipates heat and the wire forms a belt guard that is built into the motor to help in preventing the unit from overheating when in heavy use.
This air compressor also does deliver great performance. It is can handle a maximum pressure of 175 PSI and it has a 60-gallon tank. Most of its users note the tank only takes a few minutes to fill when empty. Since the motor does kick on when its pressure drops to 135 PSI, it never runs out of air. 13.5 CFM air delivery rate at maximum pressure is sufficient to help power tools such as air ratchets and does not exhaust the tank quickly. DeWalt offers a two year warranty on the pump and one year warranty on the tank.
Things We Like
Two-year warranty on motor.
Highly durable motor with thermal overload protection 5 CFM at 175 PSI.
Things We Don't Like
It does not come with the wiring instructions. .
Bottom Line
Compressor does stand upright so that it takes little space in the garage. One issue most of its users had was that it lacks wiring directions that is very important since it does require 240V shop outlet.
2. Industrial Air ILA1883054 – Best Portable Industrial Air Compressor
Industrial Air ILA1883054 is an inexpensive industrial air compressor from the Industrial Air. It is perfect for the handymen who need more portability but are not after sacrificing power.
This oil lubricated two stage compressor is mounted on the pair of pneumatic wheels to offer easy transport as the tank sports a 30-gallon capacity. Its tank is made from cast iron and never expect that the compressor will be light weight and easy to lift since it weighs 185 pounds only.
Our team of testers found out that one great advantage for most garage users and for portability is that it has been wired to plug into the standard 120V outlet instead of the 240V outlet.
Most users do love this compressors power which boasts of having a maximum pressure of 155 PSI despite it being a bit small. Industrial air does offer a two year warranty although there are users who have found a few issues with the compressor after some years of use.
Things We Like
155 PSI maximum pressure.
Portable.
Mounted on wheels.
Wired for 120V outlet.
Things We Don't Like
Relatively low air delivery rate.
Heavy to lift when moving around.
Bottom Line
Its air delivery rate is relatively low compared to other air compressor- 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI. However, this is enough to help power most of the standard garage air tools.
3. Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V – Best Shop Air Compressor
Despite coming at a minimum price, this two stage industrial air compressor from the Ingersoll Rand is considered to be the best 80 gallon air compressor for shops.
According to the research findings from our team of researchers, the Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V was found to have the largest tank from the variety of compressors reviewed. At 80 gallons, it is capable of keeping your tools running throughout the entire project even when you have several experts powering a number of tools at a go.
All these has been powered by the great 7.5 horsepower motor that is oil lubricated so that it is able to last for years to come if well maintained. Its motor needs to be wired to the 240V shop outlet although this will never be an issue for most of the industrial users.
The Ingersoll Rand does cover their motor with either one or two year warranty however; this will be determined by their intended use. One main downside of this industrial air compressor is that it is capable of taking up a lot of space and it is almost impossible to move with any frequency.
Things We Like
Supports needs of heavy-use shop.
80-gallon tank for extended use.
Extremely fast air delivery rate.
Things We Don't Like
Expensive Large and difficult to move.
Bottom Line
This compressor is also in a position to pressurize the air up to a maximum of around 175 PSI to power heavy duty tools. The air delivery rate is one most impressive we have seen – 24.2 CFM at 90 PSI or 23.1 CFM at a maximum pressure.
4. Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC – Top Maximum Pressure Industrial Air Compressor
Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC air compressor is a direct competitor to the well known WeWalt. It does come in a significantly lower price point. Just like its rival DeWalt compressor, this Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC is capable of a maximum pressure of 175 PSI and it does offer a larger 60-gallon tank which keeps enough air to allow one to work with several tools for prolonged periods without having to wait for a refill.
Its air delivery rate is similar – 15.4 CFM at 100 PSI – and it does offer enough air capable of powering tools like the air ratchets and air impact wrenches. This five horsepower motor also features a thermal overload protection that extends its lifespan. It is important to note that you will need a 240V shop outlet in order to power this compressor.
After thorough research by our testing team, it was discovered that this compressor does fall short of the DeWalt model because of its slow customer service and low pump quality.
Several users have reported issues with pump failures within one year. Nevertheless, this is not the case with everybody.
Things We Like
175 PSI maximum pressure.
Thermal overload protection.
Inexpensive compared to DeWalt compressor.
Things We Don't Like
Some users report pump failures.
Mixed customer service record from Quincy.
Bottom Line
This compressor’s design is also a bit bulkier and it is ready for transport since its feet do lack the tie down points similar to those found in the DeWalt compressor.
5. California Air Tools 6010LFC – Budget-Friendly Air Compressor
In case noise and price are your main concerns in an air compressor, as they are for other several garage handymen. It is important that you consider this affordable, quiet, oil free air compressor from the California Air Tools.
This compressor is relatively smaller in size and comes with a six gallon tank and has a maximum 125 PSI pressure that has been powered by the tin one horsepower motor.
Although its small tank means refilling after every few minutes whenever you are using the air hungry tools such as wrenches, its users found that the pump together with the refills are extraordinarily quiet. Producing 60 dB of noise to enable you use it during the night without waking the neighbors.
Our team of testers found out that the compressor’s small size is a great advantage to its users who are interested in portability. In case this is a great concern, then having a 12V air compressor can be the best match. It does come mounted on the wheels for easier transport and it only weights 54 pounds hence much easier to lift.
Although heavy users wont be pleased with the design and its limited compressor lifespan but f
Things We Like
Small size makes it portable and lightweight.
Oil-free requires little maintenance.
Extremely quiet at 60 dB.
Things We Don't Like
Small tank has to refill frequently.
Oil-free design will limit lifespan with heavy use.
one-year warranty.
Bottom Line
This air compressor does require minimal maintenance since it is oil free. Another great benefit of this air compressor to garage users is that it plugs into the standard 120V outlet instead of requiring a 240V outlet.
Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider While Buying The Best Industrial air compressors?
Since you have now learnt more concerning the five top industrial air compressors, it is important to know how to choose between them in order to get the air compressor that is right when it comes to powering tools.
In this buying guide, we will cover everything that you will require when it comes to the industrial air compressors including how they differ from the household air compressors and the important features that you have to pay attention to when selecting an air compressor.
1. The Household vs. Industrial air compressor
The main difference between household and industrial air compressors are in the maximum air pressure and the tank volume that they are capable of. The household air compressors are known to typically have smaller tanks on the order of several gallons. This means that there will be need to have the tank refilled with air and re-compress it after a short period of being used by the tool.
This can lead to a major problem in an industrial setting where waiting for the air compressor is time lost and a major inefficiency source in any shop. At the same time failing to have pressure you need to limit the tool types you will be able to use in your shop.
The industrial air compressors will be capable of compressing the air to 125PSI and 175 PSI where as the 125 PSI or less is the maximum pressure that is found on majority of household compressors. By having more pressure means you can definitely have more powerful pneumatic tools such as air impact wrenches and nail guns.
By knowing the type of features that are important in air compressor, it is important that whenever you are making any choice especially when there are different technical specifications that compete for your attention. Here, we will be highlighting some of the most important features and explaining how they can affect your industrial air compressor performance.
1. Type of Air Compressor
There are a number of important choices you will have to make on the industrial air compressor types you will buy before you even start thinking on the tank volume and maximum pressure.
2. One or Two Tank
One of the first things to consider whenever you are looking at the industrial air compressors is whether the air compressor uses one tank or two tank design. When it comes to the one tank air compressor, the air will be taken into the tank one time only before it is compressed to the final pressure in a single stroke of the piston.
This contrasts the two tanks or two stages air compressor in which air has been compressed by one piston stroke which is then pumped at pressure while it is being cooled at the second tank and compressed to a much higher pressure by the second tank which is then compressed to higher pressure by the second stroke.
One tank air compressors similar to those from Quincy and California Air Tools does provide maximum pressure of up to 150 psi. The two tank air compressors are capable of offering higher pressure like up to 175 PSI pressure that is found on the industrial air compressors and the Ingersoll Rand.
However, the one tank air compressors do have a higher CFM ratings compared to the two tank compressors. Since air is compressed to the final pressure with every engine’s turn, this might not matter if you go for a compressor with a larger tank.
3. Oil vs Oil Free
The piston that is responsible for compressing air and pressurizing it does require lubrication in order to function well. The lubrication can either come in oil form which needs to be added to the air compressor on a regular basis or in the Teflon coating form around the piston that offers permanent lubrication.
The oil based industrial air compressors do weigh more, cost more and require more frequent maintenance compared to their oil free counterparts. However, in case the oil based air compressors are well maintained, they will be able to last for a much longer time and will outlive the oil free compressors since Teflon will wear out after some time.
The oil based air compressors tend to be quieter which can be very important when you are working in a shop in the early morning or at night.
4. Power Source
All the five best industrial air compressors we have reviewed are powered by the AC electrical cord instead of the gasoline since it is much less problematic to use on a day to day basis. However, it is important for you to not that you will need a high powered 240V shop outlet to use with the Ingersoll Rand and the Quincy air compressors.
5. Tank Volume
Tank volume is one main factor in air compressors utility since it is able to determine the amount of air you will be working with after waiting for the air compressor to come to the pressure. In case you do use the air hungry tools such as the air screw drivers or the air impact wrenches on a frequent basis, having the large tank like 80-gallon tank on Ingersoll Rand compressor which is able to make your work more efficient since you will not be waiting on the air compressor to recharge.
In case you are powering a pneumatic gun where firing of each nail does use a smaller amount of compressed air and the compressor has time to compress more air between the nail, the tank volume will not be that important and you will be okay with the small tank like the one that is found on California Air Tools compressor.
6. Performance: PSI and CFM
Maximum pressure which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and rate at which air is delivered which is measured in cubic feet air per minute(CFM) are the main factors that do define the performance of an industrial air compressor.
However, the maximum pressure on the industrial air compressor does vary widely from 125 PSI that is found on the California Air Tools compressor to the 175 PSI that is generated by Ingersoll Rand and DeWalt.
The rate of air delivery does depend on the pressure you are working on. The rate in CFM at 90 PSI is used to help gauge the delivery rate. The delivery and pressure rate that you need will depend largely on the tools that you are planning to use with your industrial air compressor.
In case you are not sure, consider using a more powerful air compressor than the one you think you need since it will help you to power more pressure- hungry tool at a later time when you buy one instead of having to buy an extra air compressor that will go with the tool later.
7. Warranty and Durability
Industrial air compressors are known to be an inexpensive and important purchase. So it is advisable for one to be sure that it will last for years of heavy use in their shop. Almost all the air compressors are constructed from steel with no or few plastic parts.
However, oil-free air compressors never last for long as long as the oil based air compressors and Teflon coating that is around the piston does dry out and crack. It is important that you consider if the air tubing, electrical wiring or the motor itself are durable and in a position to handle frequent tasks near the maximum output.
In order to protect all your investment, it is important that you be sure of checking whether the manufacturer will provide warranty in case there are issues with the compressor.
Majority of the manufacturers are known to offer only one year warranty since most of the compressors do undergo heavy use. However, the Industrial air and DeWalt do offer a limited two year warranty.
FAQs
1. How do I Determine the Type of Pressure I need?
The type of pressure you will need will be determined by the type of tools you are planning to use with your air compressor. It is advisable that you do check your user manual and go for the air compressor that is capable of handling your tool with the highest pressure requirement.
2. What type of oil should I use with the air compressor?
For worse or better, it is important that you do not use the motor oil with your air compressor. Instead, you should go for the specially made synthetic air compressor which lacks detergents that are found in the motor oil.
3. What do we understand by ‘instrument quality’ air?
The instrument quality air is free from moisture which is able to destroy the actuator or control the units in many tools or other types of monitoring systems that do require compressed air. In most cases, the instrument air quality will be compressed to approximately 20–25 PSI.
How Do We Conduct The Tests?
It was our team that was in charge of the process of choosing the best industrial air compressor. We considered up to 25 different models, interviewed a total of 6 experts who undergone 100 hours of testing to come up with the list of the top five industrial air compressors.
We took our time and consulted the brand managers to help us get a complete ides of how the industrial air compressor functions, the type of technology it uses and its features.
The three best industrial air compressors currently available in the market are DeWalt DXCMV5076055, Industrial Air ILA1883054, and the Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V. Ingersoll Rand compressor does stand out thanks to its power and impressive size. The 80-gallon tank is more than enough to help keep the larger shops running air tools the entire day. The compressor also does offer a great air delivery rate of 23.1 CFM when at its maximum 175 PSI pressure.
DeWalt DXCMV5076055- Editor's Choice
4.8
Summary
Compressor does stand upright so that it takes little space in the garage. One issue most of its users had was that it lacks wiring directions that is very important since it does require 240V shop outlet.
Neil is the lead technology reporter and in-house expert for BeOnHome.com.His expertise is in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. In addition to this, he loves experimenting with new gadgets and taking up DIY home improvement projects in his free time.
25 Models Considered
100 Hours of Research
6 Experts Interviewed
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