TOP—7. The best oil-free compressors for the garage and home. Rating 2021!

The best household compressors

T.n. Garage compressors are designed for short, small jobs. They cannot be connected to pneumatic equipment with high air flow rates, for example, spray guns with HVLP technology. Painting a car for such a unit is a feasible task, but it takes 2–3 times longer. This is explained by the fact that the duration of its continuous operation usually does not exceed 10–15 minutes, otherwise it quickly overheats and, in the absence of a thermal relay, fails. Hence the conclusion - even a high-quality household compressor must be used carefully and requires competent selection of pneumatic tools based on power indicators.

Which brand of air compressor is better to choose?

Compressor units can be screw, piston, oil, or oil-free. Some are good for the garage, others for professional auto repair shops, and others are environmentally friendly. Having decided on the type of device, it is important to choose a manufacturer. The best compressor companies are:

• Fubag is a German brand that produces professional and semi-professional equipment for cars, construction, and welding. The products of this company are famous for their excellent quality. Fubag factories are located in Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy.
• Metabo is a manufacturer with almost a hundred years of history from Germany. Metabo produces electric tools, batteries, and compressors. All development and production are carried out in Nürtingen.
• Caliber is a Russian company founded in 2001. Since then it has been actively developing. The caliber is produced by power tools, garden tools, pumping and battery units.
• Kraton is a manufacturer that began its activities in 1999 with the production of saw blades and cutting wheels for metal. Now it offers modern power tools, automotive products, household air compressors, drilling equipment, and hand tools.
• Denzel is a German brand known for its advanced approach to the production of equipment for construction, repair, automobiles, and garden tools. The entire range has international certificates of conformity.
• F iac is an Italian leader in the production of compressor equipment. Romano Lucchi founded the company in 1977. Now Fiac products are represented in dozens of countries around the world.
• Aurora is a diversified company that produces welding equipment, generators, compressor units, and high-pressure car washes. Aurora products are in greatest demand in European countries and Russia.
• Remeza is a manufacturer of compressor equipment and nitrogen generators. The devices are intended for household and industrial use.
• Wester , a company that began producing burner devices in 1995, has significantly expanded its range. In 2009, Wester put into operation a full-cycle automated plant; work on it is carried out around the clock.
• Fini is an Italian company founded in 1952. At that time, Fini produced electric motors. Now the brand is engaged in the development and production of compressor units.
• A bac is a concern founded in Italy in 1948. Abac produces air compressors. Factories are located in Italy, other European countries, the United States of America, and Southeast Asia.
• Comprag is a German company that has currently opened a plant in the Moscow region. Comprag produces compressor equipment of various designs.

The best semi-professional compressors

Semi-professional compressor equipment in most cases is represented by European and domestic manufacturers and is distinguished by a number of characteristics. They provide a flow rate of over 270 l/min. and pressure 8–12 atmospheres. To support optimal operating mode, the volume of the receiver increases and is approximately 50–100 liters. Non-stop operation of such compressors should not last more than 40 minutes, but this is enough to use them for small service stations and tire shops, car services, and small industries.

Choosing a compressor for the garage

Are you looking for a compressor for a small service or garage? In the store, your eyes run wild, the salespeople can’t give you any sensible advice? Then this text is for you. Specialists in the power equipment department “WORLD OF INSTRUMENT” have compiled a cheat sheet on compressors so that you can safely navigate the offer and choose exactly what suits you.

There are many options for compressors of various designs, but the most common are piston and screw compressors. Screw-type units are serious and expensive units, suitable for large car repair shops where work requires large air consumption. One such compressor can simultaneously connect all tire stations, pneumatic tools, tire inflation devices and much more.

Typically, medium and small car repair shops choose a different type of compressor for work - piston ones. They are widespread and deservedly popular due to their ease of use, reliability and affordable cost. At the same time, the relatively small size and mobility make it possible to organize several compressed air supply lines operating independently of each other.

There are two types of piston compressors:

• coaxial compressors - usually used when repairing a personal car in individual garages or during field work. They have a rather limited working life - approximately 6000 hours;
• belt-driven compressors - for work in a car repair shop, it definitely makes sense to consider this option, since such devices are capable of operating for a long time at full load, without requiring periodic shutdown for rest.

Another characteristic that is important when choosing is the presence or absence of oil in the compressor.

• Oil-free compressors are used in cases where there are special requirements for air treatment, such as the absence of contaminants and oil. In addition, oil-free compressors are easier to start in cold weather because the oil, in turn, thickens, making the equipment more difficult to operate. Most often, oil-free compressors are needed to connect spray guns, since oil particles can mix with the paint, which greatly reduces its quality. However, often the advantages of oil compressors for a car repair shop outweigh, and owners install filters with oil separators in the pneumatic lines.

• Oil compressors require constant monitoring of the level of special compressor oil and its regular replacement. However, these devices are distinguished by high power, have higher productivity, and their parts are less susceptible to corrosion.

Having decided on the design, we move on to the strength indicators of the equipment. The main factors for a compressor are pressure, capacity, receiver volume, and voltage.

• Pressure. It is logical that you choose a compressor taking into account what equipment will be connected to it. On average, a single-acting piston compressor produces an operating pressure of 6-8 bar. If you calculate that the approximate operating pressure of paint guns is 2-6 bar, pneumatic tools - up to 6-7 bar, tire stations - 7-8 bar, then you must immediately take into account the required number of compressors in the workshop for the full operation of the tool. We recommend setting aside approximately 20-40% of the reserve.
• Performance. It must be taken into account that the compressor performance should be slightly higher than the average air consumption, since if there is a small supply of compressed air, the compressor has the opportunity to take a break in operation, which will increase the life of the motor and avoid overheating.
• Receiver volume . The time of continuous operation of the pneumatic tool depends on the volume of the storage tank. Any pneumatic tool has its own declared parameters in the form of standard pressure (usually 5-8 bar) and air flow (from 100 to 500 l/min depending on the type of tool). Accordingly, air consumption and, as a consequence, pressure loss in the receiver will depend on the gluttony of the tool. Speaking relatively speaking, a compressor with a 25-liter tank may be quite suitable for purging work, inflating wheels and small painting jobs. But don’t expect to connect a grinder or impact wrench to such a compressor - they won’t work correctly and quickly consume the air supply in the tank. And the compressor will pump almost continuously, making up for the loss of pressure, which threatens overheating and early failure. For such a tool, you need equipment equipped with a tank with a volume of 50 liters or more.

• Voltage. Compressors can be powered from a 220 V or 380 V network. As a rule, a 220 V network is used everywhere, but if you require a high-power compressor, it makes sense to think about connecting a 380 V network, because High-power compressors are mainly produced for this network parameter, and it will be easier for you to find a model that is suitable for the price and parameters.

We've sorted out the theory, now let's look at examples and choose a compressor model depending on the tool you use. For example, you are working with:

— Gun for inflating tires (pressure (D): 3-5 bar, air flow (RV): 50-80 l/min.),

— Blow gun (D: 4-6 bar, RV: 150-250 l/min.),

— Low-power paint sprayer (D: 3-5 bar, RV: 150-200 l/min.).

This group of tools has low parameters for pressure and air flow, so almost any compressor with a power of up to 2 kW, a capacity of 200-300 liters and a receiver volume of 50 liters can ensure their operation. The pressure request in all three groups will not exceed 8 bar.

It is important to remember that all of these tools require a supply of clean air without impurities, so when using an oil compressor, do not forget about the dehumidifier.

Another example:

— Grinder (D: 6-8 bar, RV: 200-300 l/min.),

— Drill (D: 6-7 bar, RV: 100-300 l/min.),

— Paint sprayer (D: 4-7 bar, RV: 200-350 l/min.)

The optimal compressor for this group of tools will be a model with a power of 2-2.5 kW and a capacity of 300-400 l/min. and a receiver for 100 liters or more.

Useful note: as a rule, the compressor performance at the air intake is higher than the output capacity by about 20-25%. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, do not forget to take this error into account and take a compressor with a reserve of a quarter of its capacity.

Or for example:

— Impact wrench (D: 7-8 Bar, RV: 350-450 l/min.)

— High-power grinder (D: 6-8 Bar, RV: 300-450 l/min.)

Impact wrenches come in lower power and air consumption, but here we focus on models that will almost completely satisfy the needs of the car enthusiast. And to operate such a tool, the compressor capacity can be up to 500 l/min.

Tools of this (and the previous) group require lubrication of internal parts, so oil lubricators that supply oil into the air are optimal for them. In addition, such a tool has technological holes for direct lubrication. Or (if you are working with an oil-free compressor), you can use an oil lubricator, which is installed on the compressor before or after connecting the hose directly to the tool and also lubricates the tool parts together with air.

The best compressors for professional use

If you paint passenger and truck cars professionally, you will have to forget about inexpensive direct-drive compressors. Car painters need high-power units with a belt drive that do not overheat. They are equipped with similar engines, but due to the difference in pulley diameters, the crankshaft turns much more slowly, therefore, the air injection part does not overheat, and the compressor group has time to be well lubricated. This allows compressors of this category to be used in a more intensive mode, but it must be taken into account that continuous operation is still unacceptable.

Air Compressor Rating

Air compressors have a wide range of applications, as well as a wide variety of models that differ in design. Analyzing devices according to all parameters is not an easy task, but by highlighting a number of main characteristics, a rating of units was compiled. So, the comparison took into account:

• Power;
• Performance;
• Maximum pressure;
• Compressor type;
• Pressure gauge type;
• Receiver;
• Durability;
• Price.

During the study, screw units, oil piston units, and oil-free piston units were examined. In each category, leaders are identified based on a set of indicators.

The best car compressors

Comparison table of characteristics

Based on the technical characteristics of various tools presented above, we have compiled a table that will make it easier for you to understand and understand what is best for you.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing an air compressor, like any other specialized equipment, it is very important not to make a mistake, because the result of the work for which you purchase this equipment and the speed of obtaining the result depend on it. Experts mainly identify two most important selection criteria. This is productivity and pressure , the higher these indicators, the greater your chances of a successful result of your work.

Dimensions and weight matter in terms of mobility; if you plan to frequently transport special equipment, then try to choose among compact models so as not to have to worry about loading/unloading them onto a vehicle.

Decide on the purpose of the compressor , for what work it is required, from this you will understand which type of unit is most suitable for you. We talked about their advantages and disadvantages at the beginning of the article.

These are, perhaps, all the more or less important selection criteria that you should pay attention to if you decide to purchase an air compressor. We hope this article was useful to you.

PATRIOT WO 10-120

• Capacity – 120 l/min.
• Maximum pressure – 8 bar.
• Power consumption – 0.65 kW.
• Receiver volume – 10 l.
• Overall dimensions – 450x250x500 mm.
• Weight – 14.6 kg.

PATRIOT WO 10-120 is a horizontal oil-free piston compressor. Thanks to the absence of lubrication and a built-in air filter, the unit is used to supply pneumatic tools with clean compressed air.

The low-power electric motor provides high performance for its class. Built-in thermal winding and overvoltage protection extend the trouble-free operation of the compressor. To reduce friction during operation, the pistons of the compressor head are equipped with Teflon rings. And the integrated pressure switch automatically maintains the pressure in the receiver at a given level.

Design features made it possible to reduce noise during operation. At a distance of 7 m, this figure barely reaches 55 dB, making it the quietest model in today's review. Compressor control is intuitive. Monitoring devices and controls are arranged in a single unit for greater ease of use.

Choosing a compressor for car painting

Today, painting compressors are presented on the market in three types of devices:

• Household - low-power devices with a limited operating cycle, designed for spot painting of the body when repairing paintwork. They are not designed to connect powerful pneumatic equipment; they operate slowly and quickly overheat.
• Semi-professional - more productive equipment (up to 270 liters/minute), capable of creating pressure up to 12 atmospheres and operating in a continuous cycle for 40-60 minutes.
• Professional - devices with maximum power and variable drive to protect against overheating. They are capable of working continuously for several hours, are designed for complete painting of a car body, and allow the connection of other pneumatic tools.

Which type is right for you? It all depends on the tasks that the painting compressor will perform. For private use, a household model will be enough for you; for garage repairs and a small workshop, a “semi-professional” is enough, and for a serious service station, naturally, you need powerful and productive equipment. Don't forget that each type of compressor has a significant difference in cost, and there is no point in overpaying for features that you simply won't use.

Which air compressor is best to buy?

You can choose an air compressor by answering the question for what purpose it is needed. The simplest models make everyday life easier; they are suitable for inflating tires or painting a fence. More powerful ones will be effective both in personal and industrial use; they will help paint a car and be useful in repairs. Professional units are suitable for performing large volumes of work.

The leaders among each type of compressor were the following models:

• Abac Spinn 3 10/200 – the most efficient, reliable industrial compressor system;
• Remeza SB4/F-500.LB75 is an expensive but durable device;
• Fubag Handy Master Kit is a universal budget household model that can inflate tires, boats, balls, etc.

Everyone decides which air compressor to choose based on the required functionality of the unit. It is important to follow the operating rules and, in case of problems, contact service offices in a timely manner.

Purpose and principle of operation

A compressor is a device that absorbs air or gas and then compresses it. The air is forced under pressure. Household air compressors are used in conjunction with a variety of pneumatic tools.

They are used for:

• painting a car with a spray gun;
• purging;
• coating surfaces with special protective anti-corrosion compounds;
• operation of grinding and polishing devices;
• operations using a wrench.

All available compressors are divided into volumetric and dynamic. The first type includes units of piston, membrane and rotor design. Their action is based on compressing air after it enters a special chamber. Its size decreases, but reverse exit does not occur due to the action of the valves.

The dynamic type includes jet and turbocompressor devices. During their operation, gas acts on the rotor blades.

What are the basic criteria for painting your car in a chamber?

Before organizing a spray booth of any level, you should describe the main tasks of such a module. Buying devices is much easier if you know in what area they will be used. It is necessary to take into account the range of work performed, the frequency of actions in the chamber and other criteria. Many people prefer to choose equipment based on price, but it is better to take into account the following technical characteristics:

1. Compressor power. Painting productivity is calculated in liters per minute. For a garage chamber, equipment with a capacity of only 130-150 l/min is suitable. But professional painting requires more.
2. Compressor shape and design. For working with cars, the most convenient design is with a receiver. This allows the motor to shut off while maintaining excellent pressure stability. The receiver must be 50 liters or more.
3. Motor type. For the automotive finishing industry, it is better to choose a piston version with a serviceable engine. This equipment will work for years, the compressor will not have to be constantly repaired.
4. Accessories included. You need to choose high-quality and long hoses, but they are most often purchased separately. It is better to buy expensive and reliable products, here cost plays a big role.
5. Additional functions. Some car painting technologies require specific conditions for applying varnish. Therefore, you always need to consider what kind of work on the car will be carried out in the chamber.

Choosing a compressor for painting a car is a complex and specific task. You always need to evaluate the technical parameters and characteristics in order to buy suitable products. Remember that buying a device for a car with low quality work will leave its mark on the level and quality of the tasks performed. For a car, it is better to choose a product with a guarantee of quality and high reliability. The price of the simplest option for a decent camera is at least 10,000 rubles.