CFM? Wheelbarrow compressors? PSI?

The language of air compressors can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out which one suits your needs. Buying an air compressor is a big deal, since it’ll probably slash your work time in half.

Here’s an air compressor buying guide to make sure you make the right call.

Your Air Compressor Buying Guide

Before you get started, read up on the initial questions you must ask before diving into your search.

Initial Questions

Before you get started on your search for the right air compressor, you’re going to need to ask yourself a few questions to guide the process.

First, what environment will you be operating the compressor in? Will you be indoors or outdoors? Do you have a dedicated workspace, or are you simply working in your garage?

Next, you’ll need to nail down the amount of power you’ll need from your air compressor. Will you need batteries or fuel, or are there power outlets nearby?

With these answers in mind, you can now move onto the next section.

Consumer, Commercial, or Contractor?

If you’re buying an air compressor simply to make household tasks easier, then you won’t need a very large equipment. Consumer air compressors are typically used to inflate tires and sporting goods. They’re also used to run home machinery, like staplers and brad guns.

Contractor air compressors can handle a bit more. They’re primarily used for nail-guns and other repair tools. This is right for you if you’ve got a big job-site with multiple air tools.

Commercial air compressors don’t mess around. These supply compressed air steadily throughout the day. You’ll find them in manufacturing centers and auto body shops, to name a few.

Stationary Vs. Portable Air Compressor

Next step: to determine whether or not you need portability in your air compressor.

The easiest way to figure this out is to assess your current and future needs of an air compressor. Do you need to move it around the house, or even to a different location, for any purpose? Or do you only plan to use the air compressor in one place, say, your workshop or business?

Keep in mind that stationary compressors tend to pack more power than portable ones, so weigh your needs here carefully.

Gas Vs. Electric Air Compressor

There are two different ways to power your air compressor: gas or electricity.

Gas-powered air compressors are great for portability, since you don’t need to be near an electrical outlet to use them. This can add to the overall weight of your gear, though, since you’ll need to lug the gas around. Gas-powered wheelbarrow compressors are designed to ease this pain point by being easily transportable.

Electric compressors are certainly simpler in that you don’t need to worry about keeping gas handy. It should be noted that, according to safety guidelines, electric compressors should only be used indoors where there’s no moisture in the environment.

Purchasing Your Air Compressor

Now that you’ve read up on your air compressor buying guide, hopefully you feel equipped to buy the air compressor you need without hesitation!

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