
If you're going to be using it often and for longer periods of time, an oil air compressor might be better.

"So, if you're looking for the best air compressor for you, it would depend on your usage. "While oil-free air compressors are lighter, require less maintenance and are often cheaper, it's important to note that oil-lubricated compressors are more durable," says King. Weighing just 32.5 pounds, the oil-free Craftsman CMEC6150K travels easily. If you have an oil-lubricated compressor, you should change the oil at least once a year. Oil-lubricated compressors also tend to last longer than oil-free compressors - up to 15,000 hours compared to up to 2,000. Again, each kind of compressor has its strengths and weaknesses - oil-lubricated compressors tend to be heavier and more powerful, while oil-free compressors are lighter, cleaner, and require less maintenance.

While all air compressors need lubrication to function, in some, parts are coated with special chemicals designed to reduce friction. They also have smaller motors, which can make them less powerful than their heavier counterparts.Īnother distinction is whether a compressor is oil-free or not.
#220 volt air compressor portable
Portable air compressors must be lighter than stationary air compressors, so their tanks tend to be on the smaller side. You also may prefer a portable air compressor if you want to be able to access compressed air in multiple locations. The size of the tank you need depends on the jobs you want to do larger jobs requiring more powerful tools will be easier if your compressor has a large tank. Typically, air compressor tanks range from one gallon to 60 gallons, though some are even larger, like the Industrial Air model shown above.

Besides larger compressors typically offering higher CFM capabilities, the sizes of their tanks vary as well. California Air Tools/Craftsman/Quincy In what other ways do air compressors vary?Īnother method of differentiating air compressors is by size.
