How do you evaluate the best air compressor? There are many things to consider before you shortlist the product. After analyzing your workshop or domestic requirements, you can decide on the tank size.
If your workshop demands more air output, you need to go for a minimum of an 80-gallon 2-stage compressor, as it will have more tank capacity, which can let you have a smooth running of the business and can run almost all-powerful pneumatic tools.
For a small industry or domestic requirement, a 2-Stage 60-gallon compressor would be more than enough. If you want to select from the stationary and portable model, choose the best model suitable for the requirements rather than running after the brand and cost.
Selection between Single-Stage and Two-Stage Compressor:
Which one would you select out of single or 2-Stage compressors? Contrary to the widespread misunderstanding, both types of compressors come with two air cylinders.
The only difference is, when the single-stage compressor balances the air, the 2-Stage compressor sucks the air and compresses it before pushing the air to the storage tank.
So, in the 2-Stage compressor, it will have more compressed air, which delivers high pressured air for operating powerful pneumatic tools.
The Ingersoll Rand 60-gallon two-stage compressor is ideal for industrial, automotive, and commercial use. The compressor is oil-lubricated and made of cast iron for seamless performance.
To augment its safety parameters, it comes with automatic stop control features by using NEMA 1 pressure switch. Its 60-gallon tank is sufficient enough to accommodate the power requirements of multiple tasks.
The compressor works on 230 Volts single phase motor, which can deliver 14.3 CFM at 175 PSI is perfect for all types of pressure-related jobs.
The compressor comes with a fully covered flywheel, belt, and motor sheave; hence, it is O.S.H.A. compliant.
For high efficiency and performance, the compressor features a high-efficiency intercooler, inlet air filters supported with sound attenuation baffles.
Oversize industrial grade bearings and cast-iron balanced belt wheel offer seamless operation making it one of the most preferred compressors as per the industrial standard.
Pros:
60-gallon compressor
Cast iron construction for durability.
5HP 2 Stage compressor
175 PSI maximum operating pressure
More than 15,000 hours of seamless performance
Individual cast cylinders
Cons:
No-anti vibration pads
No separate oil checking option
Need to use specific synthetic oil.
Package & size:
Weight: 430 pounds
Product dimensions: 24 x 33 x 69 inches
Power source: Electric, Three Phase
Horsepower: 5HP
Warranty: 1 Year
Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor
The Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor is a heavy-duty industrial compressor supported with a Baldor motor, built-in thermal overload protection system, and capacitor starter.
The compressor offers 30,000 hours of uninterrupted service, which is worth the value. The oil carry-over motor design is ideal for delivering 173PSI air pressure, which is enough to meet heavy workloads.
The compressor’s highlighted feature is its Baldor motor, making it a stand-alone model in the 5HP segment.
It is a compact unit in the vertical air compressor segment that consumes very little space for storage. Even though it is compact, it is not portable and needs to mount on the ground to keep it in a stationary position.
It comes with a sizeable balanced cast iron flywheel angled for maximum cooling and smooth operation; hence, the compressor becomes increasingly durable and energy-efficient.
Another critical point is the unique technology used to counterweight the crankshaft for smooth and noiseless operation.
Pros:
2 stage 60-gallon compressors
Built-in thermal load protection
Smooth functioning
Gas-powered
145-175 PSI
Cons:
Not portable
No low oil warning system
Bit noisy
Package & size
Weight: 475 pounds
Power source: Electric
Horsepower: 5 HP
Product dimension: 29 x 21 x 64 inches
Pump life: 30,000
DeWalt DXCMV5076055 Two-stage 60-gallon air compressor
If you are on the lookout for a 60-gallon air compressor capable of handling challenging tasks, then the DeWalt DXCMV5076055 Two-stage 60-gallon air compressor is the right choice for you.
With Thermal Overload Protection features, the compressor equipped with 5HP heavy-duty motor can withstand unpredictable voltage fluctuations, making it a preferred option for industrialists who want to engage with various jobs.
The two-stage compressor offers 175 PSI that can meet almost all challenging tasks for an extended period.
For maximum safety, the compressor tank is equipped with an on and off switch and pressure gauge. It is an excellent feature, especially when people want to use it in an industrial environment.
Besides, the 5HP electric motor features thermal overload protection. Its T.O.P.S. technology can protect the engine from voltage fluctuations.
The compressor can offer 15.3 CFM at 100 PSI, sufficient for undertaking large projects and highly useful for multiple users.
For easy maintenance, it comes with manual oil drain features, and its large oil level sight glass lets the user check the oil easily. It is recommended to use synthetic blend compressor oil.
Pros:
2-Stage 60-gallon compressor
Electronic drain valve
Maximum 100 PSI
Oil Slight Glass
Oil-lubricated
Cons:
Installation needs technical knowledge.
Leak problem with the hose
Package and size:
Weight: 424 pounds
Pump type: 2 stage
Dimension: 40 x 31 x 80 inches
Power type: Electric
Horse Power: 5 H.P.
Industrial Air IV5076055 60 gallon 5 hp Two-Stage Air Compressor
The Industrial Air IV5076055 60 gallon 5 hp Two Stage Air Compressor comes with a patented 2-stage pump, designed to run for an extended period without overheating.
Discussing the compressor technicalities, it uses finned copper intercooler technology for increased valve life, which increases its performance and efficiency.
Its unique piston design delivers enhanced compression for optimum performance.
For a better cooling effect, the patented asymmetrical cooling fins are highly efficient. It can drive the heat away from the cylinders. The fins are extremely large; hence it can cool the pump and reduce the R.P.Ms.
The compressor equipped with thermal overload protection featured motors, which is one of the highlighted features for saving the motor from voltage fluctuations.
It does not require a magnetic starter, as you can connect the compressor directly to the power socket.
The 60-gallon compact A.S.M.E. Air Tank delivers 15.3 CFM at 100 PSI and 13.5 CFM at 175 PSI with the support of a ¾” air outlet.
Comparing to any of its peers, its unique metal belt guard has the designer advantage of 60% more cooling effect.
Pros:
2-stage pump
Solid Cast Iron pump material
Oil Sight Glass
Oil-lubricated
60-gallon tank size
Cons:
Noisy operation
Occasional leaking
Package and size:
Dimensions: 40 x 31 x 80 inches
Weight: 424 pounds
Two years consumer warranty
Power type: Electric
Horse Power: 5 HP
Campbell Hausfeld 60-gallon 2 Stage Air Compressor (XC602100)
The 60-gallon Campbell Hausfeld 2 Stage Air Compressor powered with 3.7 HP heavy-duty induction motor offers the best results to handle many challenging jobs, where compressed air is a must.
It is a versatile unit for nailing, phasing welding joints, spray painting, and rotating wheels.
Its stationary vertical tank consumes less space and hence is suitable for all types of workshop applications. The oil-lubricated cast iron pump can offer 5,000 hours of uninterrupted service with low noise disturbance.
It can offer a maximum of 175 PSI and can deliver 7.6 SCFM at 90 P.S.I. The compressor does not require a starter as it runs directly with electric power.
It features an automatic start/stop pressure switch for maintaining the correct pressure. Similarly, you can monitor the oil level without opening the oil gauge by looking through the oil monitor glass.
Pros:
Cast Iron 2-stage pump
5,000 hours seamless operation
60-gallon tank
Oil-lubricated
Sea through glass for oil level checking.
Cons:
Noisy operation
No power cables
Package and size:
Weight: 255 pounds
Dimensions: 71.75 x 31.75 x 28.25 inches
Tank size: 60 gallons
Power source: Electric
Three years warranty
Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V 7.5hp 80 Gal Two-Stage Compressor
The cast iron-built Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V 7.5hp 80 Gal Two-Stage Compressor is highly dependable and offers extended performance.
The compressor can work 15,000 hours without any significant service requirements.
It features with 80-gallon A.S.M.E. tank, which can accommodate the required compressed air for discharging heavy jobs.
The two-stage compressor works on a 5 or 7.5 HP motor delivering 175 PSI maximum pressure is one of its highlighted features.
The compressor uses all-season select synthetic lubricant for better performance and efficiency.
The compressor required servicing only after every 2,000 hours, which is four times more than the conventional petroleum lubricants.
The manufacture offers an extended pump warranty other than the standard 2-year warranty while purchasing an all-season select lubricant start-up kit.
Under the extended warranty scheme, customers can have all the required start-up parts and free maintenance for the first years.
Because of the one-piece connecting rod, easy to remove separate cast-iron cylinders, well balanced overhung crankshaft, the compressor can deliver smooth performance and easy maintenance.
Pros:
Pump low oil shut off
Oil sight glass viewer
Tank size 80 gallon
2-stage pump
Synthetic oil lubrication
Cons:
Not portable
Expensive
Package and size:
Dimension: 26 x 38 x 70 inches
Weight: 525 pounds
Power source: Electric
Horse Power: 7.5 HP
2-year warranty
Campbell Hausfeld 80-gallon 2 Stage Air Compressor (XC802100), Blue
The Campbell Hausfeld 80-gallon 2 Stage Air Compressor (XC802100) is an engineering marvel for meeting the tough industrial requirement for handling multiple tasks, including painting, heavy-duty nailing, rotating wheels, grinding tough surfaces, phasing, sanding, etc.
The oil-lubricated 2-stage cast iron pump can run smoothly for 5,000 hours without any trouble.
Because of its vertical 80-gallon tank design, it consumes less space, thus reducing the compressor footprint; hence, it is ideal to use in automobile garages where space saving is a priority and can handle heavy-duty tasks.
For a trouble-free performance, the compressor can deliver 175 PSI maximum pressure maintaining 11.3 SCFM and 11.9 SCFM at 90 P.S.I.
Pros:
Oil level viewer glass
175 PSI maximum
2-Stage pump
Oil lubrication
Cons:
Heavy vibration
Leaky parts
Packaging and size:
Dimension: 72 x 35.5 x 30.3 inches
Tanks size: 80-gallon
Weight: 325 pounds
Horse Power: 5 H.P.
Power source: Electric
Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 Air Compressor 80 Gallon Vertical Two Stage
Are you looking for a heavy-duty 2-Stage air compressor that can work for more than 12,000 hours without any breakdowns?
Your search should then stop at Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 Air Compressor 80 Gallon Vertical Two-Stage, a working beast with insurmountable performance.
The two-stage compressor pump built with commercial Duty Cast Iron with an 80-gallon pressure tank, which can deliver 175 PSI maximum and 14.0 CFM at 90 P.S.I., is an incredible piece of powerhouse running on electric power.
The plug-in electric motor does not require a starter, and it is an excellent option for handling more than 20 challenging tasks, such as sanding works, spray painting, grinding, phasing, cutting, etc.
You can do the lubrication with petroleum oil lubricants; hence, no need to run for unique synthetic oil and special kits.
Pros:
Tank size 80-gallon
2-Stage pump
175 PSI maximum
14 C.F.P.M. Air Flow Capacity
Oil lubrication
Cons:
Not portable
No power cables
Packaging and size:
Dimension: 31 x 41 x 78 inches
Weight: 429 pounds
Tank position: vertical
Power source: Electric
Warranty: 3-year limited
DeWalt DXCMV5048055 Two-Stage Cast Iron Industrial Air Compressor -80 gallon
The DeWalt DXCMV5048055 Two-Stage Cast Iron Industrial Air Compressor -80 gallon comes with thermal overload protection 5 H.P. electric motor for ensuring efficient and reliable performance.
The TOPS can successfully resist all possible power variations and protect the pump from untoward breakdowns. The heavy-duty industrial-grade air compressor can deliver a maximum of 17.0 CFM at 175 PSI and 17.9 CFM at 100 PSI.
The patented piston is the heart of the 2-stage reciprocating splash lube air compressor with unique design cooling fins and enclosed balanced cast iron flywheel design for efficient cooling; hence, it can deliver seamless service for an extended period.
The vertical tank is a space savor and hence is a recommended air compressor for busy industrial environments and suitable for engaging various tasks like painting, sanding, grinding, etc.
Pros:
2-Stage pump
175 PSI maximum at 17.0 CFM
80-gallon tank size
Synthetic oil lubrication
No starter required
Cons:
Stationary
Bit heavy
Packaging and size:
Dimension: 35 x 32 x 79 inches
Power source: Electric
Horse Power: 5 H.P.
Tank position: Vertical
Warranty: 2 years
Industrial Air IV5018055 80-Gallon 2 Stage Cast Iron Industrial Air Compressor
The Industrial Air IV5018055 80-Gallon 2 Stage Cast Iron Industrial Air Compressor is powerful enough to support more than one tool at a time and comes with ¾ inch outlet. It can optionally generate a maximum of 175 PSI at 16.2 CFM and 17 C.F.M. at 100 PSI.
Usually, the manufacturer offers two years of warranty, but you will have an extended warranty for four years when you purchase the maintenance kit.
The air compressor comes with four patented designs. The patented designs for the 2-stage pump, piston, asymmetrical cooling fins, and cast iron flywheels increase its efficiency.
The asymmetrical cooling fins help drive out the heat from the cylinders. The enclosed flywheels add up safety and help cool the pump and reduce the R.P.M. Its innovative metal belt guard design can reduce more than 60% of pump cooling.
Pros:
2-Stage pump
80-gallon vertical tank
Thermal controlled motor
175 maximum P.S.I.
Splash lube oil system
Cons:
Bit heavy
No oil shut off
Packaging and size:
Dimension: 40.25 x 32.25 x 80 inches
Weight: 570 pounds
Tank position: Vertical
Horsepower: 5 H.P.
2-year warranty
In the review, we have considered both 60-gallon and 80-gallon air compressors of various brands and models. All these models are versatile and popular among customers.
However, examining their features, service, and warranty, we find DeWalt Air Compressors have a better edge over the others, primarily due to their thermal protection features for motor overheating.
From a competitive perspective, the Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor, DeWalt DXCMV5076055, and Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V are neck to neck in performance in the 60-gallon segment.
On the 80-gallon segment, the Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V 7.5HP offers 15,000 uninterrupted services, which will be ideal for an industrialist who wants to use the compressor for an extended period.
However, in the warranty segment, DeWalt beats the rest of the competitors as they offer an extended warranty if the customer goes for their kit package.
Conclusion
We have adopted a neutral approach while evaluating various parameters to select the best 2-Stage compressors after considering their prices, technical aspects, after-sales services, and market feedbacks.
We advise the readers to go through the service contracts before finalizing the purchase as the service conditions, warranty, and price may change without any prior notice. Therefore, take a calculated decision while evaluating various parameters.
For a small-scale industry, a 60-gallon 2-Stage compressor would be ideal, and in the case of a busy large workshop, you should go for an 80-gallon 2-Stage air compressor.
