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Best Stationary Air Compressors

Updated July 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
EMAX Compressor 10 HP Air Compressor
EMAX Compressor
10 HP Air Compressor
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Best for Industrial Work
Bottom Line

If you need a good compressor for a shop environment, this one stands up well to dust and doesn't make a lot of noise.

Pros

Large 80-gallon capacity. Runs cooler than other compressors. Changing the oil is simple. Magnetic starter helps protect the motor from overload. Includes an automatic start feature. Runs quiet.

Cons

This unit weighs over 900 pounds.

Best Bang for the Buck
Puma Industries Air Compressor
Puma Industries
Air Compressor
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60-Gallon Capacity
Bottom Line

A home unit that is heavy-duty enough to match commercial models.

Pros

Cast iron. Runs quietly. Large capacity at 60 gallons. Runs at 3 horsepower. Lubricated with oil. Company is responsive.

Cons

On-off switch is made from plastic.

Maxair Electric Stationary Compressor
Maxair
Electric Stationary Compressor
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Lots of Power
Bottom Line

A large-capacity tank with the ability to push 170 psi.

Pros

A 60-gallon tank. Includes a belt guard. Heavy-duty pressure switch. Fills up quickly. Cast iron.

Cons

This compressor could use better instructions.

Ingersoll Rand 2-Stage 230 V Three Phase Air Compressor
Ingersoll Rand
2-Stage 230 V Three Phase Air Compressor
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Long-Lasting Quality
Bottom Line

If you are looking for a compressor that can last a long time with heavy use, the Ingersoll Rand delivers

Pros

Pumps up faster. Has a primary and secondary piston to push air faster. 5 horsepower. 2-year warranty. 80 gallon tank. Can go a long time between need for maintenance.

Cons

The price on this is higher than others.

BelAire 2-Stage Air Compressor
BelAire
2-Stage Air Compressor
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Very Reliable
Bottom Line

This compressor will stand the test of time.

Pros

Ships well. 2-stage compressor vertical pistons. Primary and secondary. Comes with a 2-year warranty. Discharge valve. Quieter than some other models.

Cons

This compressor is at a high price point for a home unit.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

40
Models
Considered
120
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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A stationary air compressor is an air compressor designed for power. They are usually heavy-duty and push a lot of air, which makes them a good choice if you work often with pneumatic tools. If you are concerned about having the ability to use your tools longer, choose a higher capacity. A high-volume pump will also require less pump time. The best compressors are belt-driven. They also tend to be quieter than shaft-driven compressors. A 2-stage compressor offers the ability to move a higher volume of air quickly. These units are usually quite large and heavy. Stationary compressors made for residential use sometimes come with wheels and can be moved. They are still much harder to transport than portable models. Stationary compressors can easily weigh several hundred pounds.

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