10 best air compressors

Reciprocating oil compressors are commonly used both at home and in production. These are universal units of various capacities and configurations, to which pneumatic tools, painting or automotive equipment can be connected. To make the purchase successful, and the choice easy and simple, our editorial staff prepared a rating of the best air compressors and divided them into categories:

1. For summer cottages and garage;
2. The best in combination "price - quality";
3. For professional use.

In the TOP-10, our experts included only reliable compressors with a competent, verified layout, high-quality assembly and a lot of positive reviews. Each model from the rating has its own pros and cons, design features. Having studied them, everyone will be able to choose for themselves the appropriate option for solving the upcoming tasks.

Air compressor of which company to choose

Electric air compressors are highly specialized equipment for specific tasks. Many companies are engaged in its production, however, preference should be given only to proven ones, whose products have established themselves on the market. Reliable manufacturers, in comparison with one-day companies, regularly introduce new, proprietary technologies, provide maintenance of equipment and its full compliance with the declared parameters.

Our editors have prepared a brief overview of the five most popular brands that produce high-end compressor equipment:

• Fubag... The brand name is synonymous with the best quality at affordable prices. The company offers a choice of several lines of equipment of various layouts. Among the Fubag compressors there are modifications of various classes - from household to professional.
• Denzel... In the search for robust and unpretentious technology, experts recommend any compressor from this manufacturer. Even household models can easily cope with small overloads and do not fail in difficult times.
• Wester... Despite the production in the "Celestial Empire", the equipment from Wester fully meets the specified parameters. Even low-power models are equipped with additional options such as anti-vibration feet, overheating protection.
• FiAC... The brand combines Italian technologies and components and Belarusian production. It is this technique, according to customer reviews, that is reliable and stable from series to series.
• Craton... The domestic brand offers users good quality, provides after-sales service and components.

The best inexpensive compressors (household)

Domestic air compressors are used for minor repairs, car maintenance, or various pneumatic tools. Distinctive features of the equipment "for summer cottages and garage" - low productivity, compact dimensions and low weight. They are rarely designed to connect serious devices, for example, anticorrosive devices. The maximum volume of the receiver of the household unit is up to 50 liters.

Important: According to experts, "home" equipment is suitable not only for private use, but also for rare work in industrial conditions.

Below are four of the best air compressor models that you can safely take for your personal use. The quality of workmanship and reliability are guaranteed by the manufacturers and have been checked by the masters more than once. If you are wondering which one is better, pay attention to their characteristics and area of ​​use.

1. Denzel PC 50-260, 50 l, 1.8 kW

One of the best household compressors in terms of reliability, developed by Denzel. This is a sample of quality equipment at a low cost. Thanks to good assembly, the equipment works stably in a domestic environment and can be used in small workshops. All structural parts are tightly docked, the oil sump is protected by a special gasket, which eliminates unwanted smudges. In addition, the unit is equipped with an overheating protection function and a second, by the way, very accurate pressure gauge.

Advantages:

• reliable assembly;
• fast air injection;
• good technical parameters - pressure 10 bar and productivity 260 l / min;
• rubber anti-vibration stops;
• the compressor is lightweight, small-sized for its class.

Disadvantages:

• insufficiently verified design - it is inconvenient to remove the filter and unscrew some screws.

2. Wester W 006-075 OLC, 6 L, 0.75 kW

Model W 006-075 OLC with a receiver of only 6 liters. compact, lightweight and economical to maintain. A small power of 0.75 kW is enough to consistently deliver 8 bar and 126 l / min at the outlet. At the same time, low power consumption will not load the network or a small gas generator. It is the best air compressor among analogs, it is suitable for painting, car maintenance, connecting pneumatic tools. Additional equipment of the compressor - pressure regulation, oil indicator, safety valve, pressure gauge.

Advantages:

• ideal for work within a garage, summer cottage or home;
• small dimensions and weight;
• low price;
• fully complies with the declared technical characteristics;
• simple and unpretentious to maintain;
• stable during continuous operation.

Disadvantages:

• the noise level is above average.

3. CALIBER KMK-2100 / 50U, 50 l, 2.1 kW

A popular home air compressor is able to work smoothly in the country or in a garage workshop. Clean, dry air at the outlet will allow painting and cleaning work, connecting tools and various accessories for car maintenance. With a consumption of 2.1 kW, the CALIBR compressor has an acceptable capacity of 275 l / min and a pressure maintenance of 8 bar.

Advantages:

• forgives small overloads and does not get warm;
• productive;
• long service speed;
• ease of movement;
• solid assembly;
• equipped with steel pistons.

Disadvantages:

• increased vibration and noise;
• It is recommended to change the factory oil in the crankcase immediately.

4. PATRIOT Euro 24-240, 24 l, 1.5 kW

This model is the optimal solution for performing various jobs in everyday life. The inexpensive oil compressor is medium in size and has a capacity of 240 l / min. Its field of application is blowing, flushing, tool connection. With an oil separator, the compressor can be used for painting or airbrushing.

Advantages:

• powerful and compact;
• the presence of 2 manometers for pressure control;
• there is a pressure regulator;
• good stability;
• not demanding in service;
• set pressure no more than 110 s.

Disadvantages:

• not suitable for applying thick varnishes;
• some series models without oil drain hole.

Best air compressors price-quality combination

The optimal combination of price and quality is a "semi-professional" class equipment, affordable for finance. The equipment is devoid of the disadvantages inherent in household models of compressors, has increased productivity and higher build quality.The area of ​​use is wider than that of "household" ones, in addition to blowing and servicing cars, they are suitable for painting cars, applying light plasters, and various types of tools. In operation, this technique is more comfortable, the compressors are more stable and quieter, there is no need for regular maintenance and "fitting" parts.

1.Fubag DC 320/50 CM2.5, 50 l, 1.8 kW

An inexpensive but good compressor with an increased capacity of 320 l / min. suitable for connecting any pneumatic tool. Together with a 50 liter tank, the unit can handle even complex tasks: facade or finishing work, car repairs, as well as finishing metal structures. The compressor delivers compressed air stably, and the enlarged oil sump provides quality lubrication. Fubag is reliable, equipped with overheating protection and a robust filter.

Advantages:

• low noise and ease of use;
• high performance with average power consumption;
• good protection of the mechanism from construction dust;
• anti-corrosion coating of the receiver.

Disadvantages:

• demanding on stress;
• hard plastic casing.

2. Quattro Elementi KM 50-380, 50 l, 2.2 kW

The powerful and efficient twin-cylinder compressor delivers 380 l / min. at the inlet and 290 l / min. at the exit. Thanks to its impressive characteristics, it can be safely used for any household tasks: from blowing out a tool to applying thick paints and varnishes. Users often note that the compressor is quieter than its counterparts.

Advantages:

• condensate drain valve;
• two air outlets;
• high quality workmanship;
• a quick set of pressure - no more than 1.5 minutes.

Disadvantages:

• there is too little factory oil from the kit;
• when the mains voltage is low, the protective relay is triggered.

3. Kraton AC-300-50-OFS, 50 l, 1 kW

The four-cylinder, direct drive Kraton compressor features low noise levels and long service life. The low energy consumption is sufficient for the unit to deliver compressed air without interruption. Productivity is 300 l / min, which is enough for home use, garage or summer cottage work and even use in a small workshop. Any pneumatic tools can be connected to the compressor - airbrushes, grinders, staples, wrenches.

Advantages:

• low noise level
• high quality of assembly and parts;
• long warranty (3 years);
• second handle on the receiver for easy transportation;
• many reviews about smooth and durable performance.

Disadvantages:

• one output for connecting an instrument.

The best professional compressors

When you need equipment for intensive use throughout the working day, the choice should be limited to professional brands and high-performance models. The "professional" class is distinguished by endurance, the ability to connect any removable equipment, the presence of protective functions. Often, these compressors are equipped with spacious receivers for efficient operation and long service life.

There are also design differences - a belt drive, the presence of two or four cylinders, automatic start when the pressure drops. In case of diverse work, it is worth giving preference to quick-detachable connectors - this saves time when replacing detachable equipment.

The best professional compressors forgive the master overloading and do not fail even in harsh conditions. You can also take them for home use, but productive equipment consumes at least 2 kW and often requires connection to a network with a voltage of 380 V.

1.Fubag VCF / 100 CM3, 100 l, 2.2 kW

The VCF / 100 CM3 from Fubag is a professional equipment for use in harsh conditions for a full shift. It is equipped with a belt drive, two cylinders and three wheels for easy transport.The volumetric receiver reduces the duty cycle, which extends the life of the internal mechanisms of the air compressor. The engine is protected from overloads, repeated auto-start is provided.

In terms of power, the device is inferior to analogues, which does not affect performance at all. At its peak, the compressor produces 440 liters per minute, second only to some competitors in its class. The only "fly in the ointment" of an impeccable brand is the increased noise reaching 79 dB.

Advantages:

• no complaints from users;
• reliable and easy to use;
• suitable for intensive use.

Disadvantages:

• high noise level.

2. Denzel PC 3 / 100-504, 100 l, 3 kW

The manufacturer claims for domestic use, but the compressor is able to operate stably in a garage workshop and in an industrial environment. This is the best unit in terms of performance and efficiency. The engine is hardy and unpretentious, produces 504 l / min. even with heavy use. Experienced users note the high-quality assembly, the correct operation of the protective functions, reacting even to a small excess of temperature. As well as precise and constructively convenient pressure regulation. The air compressor is suitable for any type of work - painting, private construction, service station operation, the use of pneumatic equipment.

Advantages:

• quick-detachable connectors;
• effective cooling;
• autostart at a pressure below 6 bar;
• good balancing of the cast iron shaft;
• Includes a 400 V socket.

Disadvantages:

• does not work from a 220V network.

3. FIAC AB 100-360, 100 l, 2.2 kW

The powerful 100-liter compressor of the Belarusian assembly of the "pro" class is designed for intensive use: effective cooling, capacity 360 l / min, operating pressure 10 bar. At the exit, the operator receives about 270 l / min, which makes FIAC inferior to some competitors. However, this is enough to cover 85% of production-scale needs.

To protect against the ingress of foreign objects, a grill is installed on top. The compressor is suitable for both experienced craftsmen and beginners - for use, it is enough to connect it to a 380 V network. The layout is quite competent and provides easy access to all nodes, simplifying maintenance.

Advantages:

• Italian-made piston blocks;
• it is possible to quickly drain the condensate;
• reliability and practicality;
• separate arrangement of the electric motor and the compressor head;
• additional protective functions and precise, sensitive thermostat.

Compressor selection criteria

The main criteria for a successful choice of a good device are:

1. Output performance - it determines which removable equipment can be connected.
2. Working pressure and power.
3. Build quality and materials;
4. The presence of protective functions.

Which air compressor should you buy?

To choose the right reciprocating air compressor correctly, it is important to clearly understand what it is for. Depending on the tasks assigned, you can take:

• Compact and low-power models for small household work - blowing out tools and equipment, painting, cleaning.
• Semi-professional equipment for large-scale private use or small workshops - carpentry, furniture, auto repair.
• Powerful units for intensive use and heavy loads - anti-corrosion treatment, car painting, construction and overhaul.