Industries are places of heavy-duty tasks. Most of them are somehow related to compressed air. It is with no doubt that the best industrial air compressors are going to help you greatly here. But there are various definitions of the best depending on the intended use.
Your air compressor may successfully meet the need of a task but fail to do so for another. It is why you should purchase the compressor that only suits the projects you have.
The best compressors we gathered below have such specs that make them ideal for most industrial-duty works. They are compact and durable too.
Best Industrial Air Compressor Reviews
Image | Products | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ingersoll-Rand 80-Gallon Two-Stage Compressor | Voltage: 230 Volts Capacity: 80 Gallons
Max PSI: 175 | |
 | Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor | Voltage: 230 Volts (AC) Horsepower: 5 HP
Item Weight: 475 pounds | |
 | Powermate Vx PLA4708065 80-Gallon Electric Air Compressor | Voltage: 230 Volts (AC) Capacity: 80 Gallons
Max PSI: 155 | |
 | Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 Commercial Air Compressor | Max PSI: 175 Capacity: 80 Gallons
Power Source: Corded Electric | |
 | Industrial Air ILA4708065 80-Gallon Single-Stage Cast Iron Air Compressor | Max PSI: 155 Capacity: 80 Gallons Voltage: 230 Volts (AC) |
01. Ingersoll-Rand 80-Gallon Two-Stage Compressor
For your industrial works, we start with the Ingersoll-Rand 80 Gallon Two-Stage Compressor. It contains every system and mechanism to help you out in your high-demand projects. Working like a beast, this is an item you should look for.
Keeping its promise to be the best, the air compressor provides a maximum air pressure of 175 PSI. You can use this high pressure to prepare and refill the tank quickly. It packs the ultimate performance for a convenient result.
Coping with that, the machine produces 24.3 CFM at 90 PSI. You cannot deny the fact that it is one of the highest airflow ratings you have seen.
Running on a 230 V electric connection at 60 Hz, the motor can effectively provide 5 to 7.5 HP to sustain the high airflow. Thanks to the compressor being dual-stage, it can keep a better ratio between the power and airflow.
To give you an easier repairing process, there is a connecting rod and a crankshaft. Provide it with synthetic oil for lubrication, and it will last for 2000 hours of work time. It is the perfect air compressor for your industrial jobs.
02. Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor
Since you want the best air compressor for your industry, we have added the Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor to our list. From top to bottom, this air compressor is created with complete perfection.
It is not possible to tackle heavy-duty tasks with low pressure. But you can do that with this air compressor using the 175 PSI maximum air pressure. So, do not worry about literally any task at hand.
Giving the quickest and smoothest air to pass into the air tool, this machine lets 15.4 CFM to be made at 90 PSI and 15.2 CFM at 175 PSI.
This air compressor gives you an efficient result. Even with a power of 5 HP, it still successfully generates that high airflow mentioned above. It is insanely long-lasting with a 30 thousand hours pump lifespan. The 60 gallon tank has a manual drain valve.
Quincy added a cast iron belt-driven pump. This machine runs on 230 volts and drains 24 amps. It weighs 475 pounds. As a two-stage vertical air compressor, it is a great deal to spend on this air compressor.
03. Powermate Vx PLA4708065 80-Gallon Electric Air Compressor
Getting a heavy-duty air compressor in your industry is nice. But when it is the Powermate Vx PLA4708065 80-Gallon Electric Air Compressor that makes it over the top. Granting a stable footing, this item has some praiseworthy advantages.
Working like a beast, this air compressor quickly turns the internal air pressure from 155 PSI under your control. It is necessary for the 80 gallon large air tank. The tank is placed vertically, taking less space.
Meanwhile, the 14 CFM airflow at 90 PSI allows for a great outcome, no matter what task you are completing. Go for sandblasting, plasma cutting, spray painting, or similar tasks with no worry and doubt.
Your industry needs a durable air compressor. Hence, Powermate made the air tank with steel. Giving their creative design, it is no wonder that Powermate made this machine capable of producing 4.7 HP. The motor runs on 240 volts while drawing just 15 amps.
Other parts of the body were made of cast iron. Its oil-free pump provides fresher air. Considering all the epic feats that this air compressor shows, experts recommended it for all industrial workers.
04. Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 Commercial Air Compressor
Consider yourself lucky that you have come by the Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 80-Gallon Vertical Two-Stage Air Compressor. It is an air compressor that allows any air-related job that you cast at it. It’s a prime choice of the experts.
Starting your light to heavy-duty projects with such an amazing machine will widen your smile. To fully pack the air tank with air, the compressor sustains a max of 175 PSI. Hence, you can work with 3 times faster than normal air compressors.
With its 14 CFM airflow at 90 PSI, you are free to go for literally all sorts of projects, whether it is livestock operation or sandblasting.
Apparently, the machine can handle over 20 project types. To grant it high protection, it has belt guards of metal. Its motor is so capable. It can operate on 230 volts at 60 Hz and drawing 22 amps at the same time.
Have a long-lasting machine with this oil-lube air compressor that has 12,000 hours to serve you. An electric air compressor like this is what every professional favor. Check it out yourself.
05. Industrial Air ILA4708065 80-Gallon Single-Stage Cast Iron Air Compressor
The brand Industrial Air mostly makes air compressors suitable for industrial usages. Their Industrial Air ILA4708065 80-Gallon Single-Stage Cast Iron Air Compressor makes your work so easier. Coming in black, it has a classic and convenient design.
It is great that you will be able to turn the pressure up to 155 PSI with the amazing regulators. Since it has an 80-gallon tank, you may need to use that high pressure while refilling it. It turns any task swifter.
As most heavy-duty tasks need an airspeed of over 10 CFM, manufacturers carefully made it able to generate 14 CFM at 90 PSI. With that amount, even the high-demand tasks will feel so easy.
Seeking the solution for not having enough protective means, the manufacturers added a metal belt guard. Even a novice will be able to control the whole system, thanks to the well-detailed control panel. It includes a high-flow regulator and two pressure gauges.
The motor needs 230 volts to offer 4.7 HP to the machine. It even provides additional accessories. Buy it soon to experience its wonder.
Buying Guide for Finding Top Industrial Air Compressors
Do you want to look for the perfect air compressor for your industry? That is an impressive idea. However, to perform that task, you are in for long work. You cannot just call an air compressor as the best with just looking at the units.
There are multiple factors that define the overall quality of an air compressor. Some of them are unique and only applicable to certain tasks. But it is not impossible. All you have to do is research a little on these factors.
For that, you do not need to go elsewhere as we clumped up the points you must analyze to get a top-tier air compressor for industrial needs.
Pressure and Airflow
Industrial jobs will need so much airflow and pressure naturally. To be honest, some of them may even need more than 10 CFM to continue. As a result, you should see the airflow rate of the air compressors you are checking. Check out tire inflator gauge article if you are interested.
Avoid air compressor below 5 CFM at 90 PSI for your industry. Meanwhile, you also need high pressure for your tasks. For a steady outcome, the machine needs a 60 gallon or larger tank. And to fill that up, it needs more than 150 PSI air pressure.
Size
Speaking of a large tank, check the amount of air you will need for the job you have. If you get an air compressor with a smaller tank, you will have to refill it repeatedly. It will slow you down. Avoid that situation by grabbing the large air compressors.
60-gallon is an ideal size. But some tasks may need 80-gallon or even bigger air compressors. Not to mention, you should also see whether the compressor will fit the space in your industry. Regarding that, vertical air compressors take less space.
Finally, it should be light enough to be easily carriable for two to three people. A wheel would nullify the weight greatly.
Motor, Battery, or Engine
Whether you buy an electric air compressor, a cordless compressor, a gas one, there is a part that offers the whole device with enough power. For electric air compressors, check how much strong the motor is. Battery-powered air compressors should have a large mAh battery power.
Meanwhile, see the engine model if it is a gas air compressor. Whatever one it is, it must make at least 3 HP for industrial usages. It must have an easy start-up during cold weather too.
Working Type
There are three types of air compressors based on how they work. However, not all of them are for industries. Firstly, there are the reciprocating air compressors. These ones push and compress the air using the pistons they have inside. They are suitable for light-duty tasks.
For industrial works, rotary air compressors are the best. Rotary air compressors first take the air inside and force them into a rotary motion to compress them. Afterwards, they are sent to the output valve. Rotary air compressors have two types as well. Between them, the rotary van air compressors are better.
Additional Accessories
A good air compressor comes with a lot of additional accessories to help you in your setting-up process. But first, you should know how to set-up an air compressor. As you researched the installation process and doing it, you will know the benefits of those accessories.
Air hoses and pressure gauges are musts to use the compressor. They mostly come with the machine, but you need to buy them separately if they do not. Aside from them, there are also plugs, couplers, connectors, connecting rods, crankshafts. All of these are necessary to improve the performance of the air compressor.
Check out Industrial Air compressor Video Guide
FAQ's
What is industrial air compressor?
Industrial air compressors are a machine that produces compressed air by forcing the air into a sealed cylinder under high pressure. Its goal is to remove gases, liquids and solid particles from a medium. Compressed air is commonly used in industrial applications, such as air tools and air cylinders.
Which compressor is used in industry?
The most commonly used industrial compressor is a reciprocating piston compressor. The main advantage of this type of compressor is that it generally has the highest power to size ratio. It's designed with pistons that compress air within a cylinder and then transfer the air to a storage tank.
How do I choose an industrial air compressor?
There is no single air compressor that is suitable for all purposes. Basic of all, you need to know the functions of industrial air compressor. The air compressor works as a booster to provide high pressure for the industrial equipment. It’s the most important one for industrial purposes.
Conclusion
Buying an air compressor for your industry is a large purchase. So, it is imperative that you get the best product. That is why we ask you to choose one from our reviewed products above. They were tested thoroughly and proved to be reliable.
If you need more than one air compressor, you can pick two of the same products. However, if their intended usages are different, then you should check differently for each. It may take some effort, but it will not be boring.
Olivia Archer provides in-depth coverage of air compressors, air compressor accessories, tire inflators and all things related to air compressors. She is a mechanical engineer and air compressor expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.
Olivia’s articles are informative, well-researched and provide readers with valuable insights and information to help them make informed decisions when purchasing air compressors and accessories. She is passionate about the industry and is always looking for new ways to share her knowledge and expertise with readers. When she’s not writing for the website, Olivia can be found working on her own DIY projects, experimenting with different tools and techniques, and expanding her knowledge of the industry.
