Air Compressors

Top Brands

Campbell Hausfeld

Campbell Hausfeld started in 1836 by creating agricultural equipment. In 1940, they expanded into developing air compressors, which is their focus today. Their expert knowledge of air power and deep commitment to customer satisfaction is why they offer a wide range of reliable, easy-to-use pneumatic equipment for professionals and hobbyists.

Milton

Milton Industries was founded in 1943 as a family business. Since then, Milton® has invented numerous industry-standard products, including the classic M STYLE® “I/M” KWIK-CHANGE® Coupler and Plug, Window Inflator Gauge, Safety Blow Guns, and the iconic Driveway Signal chimes and bell. They now offer over 1,400 products that cover a broad range of applications in various industries such as automotive, fleet maintenance, construction, and manufacturing.

Buying Considerations

CFM and PSI

How much air the compressor can deliver is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The air pressure the compressor generates inside the tank is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The actual CFM changes depending on the pressure of the air in the compressor. Look for the "CFM at 90-psi" number when comparing ratings.

Smaller tools usually require between 0- to 5-SCFM, while larger tools can require 10- or more SCFM.  Light-duty compressors generally have 90-psi, which is typically sufficient for pneumatic tools for simple household tasks, including nailers. More powerful compressors may generate 150-psi or higher.

To gauge the minimum compressor SCFM rating you need, examine the SCFM requirements of all the tools you intend to use. Multiply the highest tool rating by 1.5 to get the minimum compressor SCFM for your needs. This gives you a little buffer, which is important, since actual SCFM varies during compressor operation.

If you expect to operate multiple pneumatic tools at the same time, you'll need more power. In this case, calculate the minimum SCFM compressor rating by adding up the SCFM requirements for each tool that you'll use simultaneously.

HP

Horsepower (HP) indicates how powerful the motor is. Compressors generally have horsepower ratings between 1-1/2 to 6-1/2 HP. This range is suitable for small to medium-size machines.

Pump Types

Single-Stage vs Two-Stage

Single-stage air compressors have at least one cylinder producing compressed air at the same output pressure.

Two-stage air compressors have at least two cylinders. The first-stage cylinder(s) feed air to a second-stage cylinder that further compresses the air. The second stage cylinder(s) typically increases the tank pressure to around 175-psi.

Oil-Lubricated vs Oil-Free

Oil-lubricated air compressors require oil for the moving parts in the pump to prevent excessive wear. They are generally larger and heavier than oil-free models, and oil must be monitored and changed to prevent premature failure.

Oil-free air compressors typically use piston rings to lubricate the cylinder. They are much smaller and lighter than oil-lubricated compressors, making them a popular choice for applications where portability is important.