Struggling to power your air tools with the existing single-stage compressor? Well, I’ve been there too, so I understand how frustrating it can be!
And that’s why I’d suggest replacing it with a two-stage compressor. Believe me, an efficient two-stage unit will ensure that your tools run with full power and will also save a lot of time. I can say this since I have used quite a few single as well as two stage units.
But I understand it’s difficult to make a choice when there are so many options available in the market. So, I am here to help you out with all the knowledge I’ve gathered till now.
Hey there! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’ll be reviewing 5 best two stage air compressor you’ll find out there.
With all said and done, let’s begin!
5 Best Two Stage Air Compressor
1. Ingersoll-Rand 2475N7.5-V
The Ingersoll-Rand 2475N7.5-V will definitely be among my top recommendations as it offers an absolutely brilliant performance. In fact, it is quite popular among professionals engaged in different fields such as automotive services, machine repair, and woodworking.
Product Highlights
To begin with, I was really impressed with how the cast-iron pump of this compressor worked continuously to increase the air pressure. It hardly suffered any wear and tear, so I had to put in very little effort towards its maintenance.
Plus, this unit works very well with a three-phase electric supply akin to industrial-grade products. This feature enhances its efficiency to a great extent and helps deliver consistent and highly-satisfying performance.
Speaking of the overall compressing ability on offer, it has a nominal power of 7.5 HP that’s perfect for professional and industrial use, and features a 100% duty cycle. Hence, it is ideal for a variety of continuous-use purposes.
Its 80-gallon ASME receiver tank works smoothly to deliver a maximum air pressure of 175 PSI, providing the much-needed punch for demanding applications. Long story short, with this unit at your disposal, you can sail smoothly through the most challenging situations during work.
What's There To Like About It?
I found the most impressive aspect of this unit to be the reliable operation on offer. You can run it continuously for about 2,000 hours after each changeout, while the included synthetic lubricant can help boost its productivity. And here’s the best part: you get a full-fledged All-Season Select start-up kit containing 4 quarts of the lubricant and 2 air filter elements in the package.
Also, I loved how easy it was to maintain, primarily owing to its convenient design consisting of an overhung crankshaft, a connecting rod, and the individually cast cylinders.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I wished this unit would weigh lighter as it really took a great deal of effort to move it to the workshop. In fact, I had to rope in my husband to pull it in, but even that was quite tedious! So, make sure you don’t try to carry it all by yourself as it may strain your muscles.
Pros and Cons of Ingersoll-Rand 2475N7.5-V
Pros
Cons
- Long-Life: Durable cast iron construction, long-lasting extended pump life designed for over 15,000 hours of trouble-free use
- Maximum Power and Flexibility: 100% continuous duty, 7.5 hp two-stage air compressor, 175 psig maximum operating pressure and an 80-gallon ASME receiver tank provide plenty of punch for the most demanding applications
- Easy to Service: Individually cast cylinders, overhung crankshaft and one piece connecting rod simplifies maintenance and service
2. DEWALT DXDEWALT DXCMV5048055CMV5048055
Till date, I’ve purchased a range of DEWALT products for different purposes and my trust in the brand has only increased ever since. This unit also lived up to my expectations as it provided incredible power for some cumbersome tasks I had to complete.
Product Highlights
First things first, the superior-quality 5HP, 230V motor provides enough airflow to continuously run several power tools at the same time. Coupled with an 80-gallon receiver, it helps to retain more air, thereby facilitating longer run time. No wonder why my husband was so pleased with this unit! He used it to run quite a few power tools in his workshop, such as sanders and ratchets.
Plus, it can handle large-scale projects equally well, thanks to a durable cast iron pump with a high CMF value of 17.9. Featuring a patented design, it provides an extended service life by delivering a cooler performance without compromising on the compression efficiency.
With such performance on offer, I couldn’t have asked for more! Achieving spotlessly clean floors became a breeze at only half the time than usual. All I had to do was use this unit to pump high-pressure water through my pressure cleaner.
What's There To Like About It?
Voltage fluctuations can be worrisome, but not when you have this unit by your side. Its unique thermal overload protection system safeguards the motor from being affected due to sudden fluctuations in voltage. This feature really meant a lot to me, as the region I live in often experiences voltage fluctuations, and I didn’t face any trouble while using this unit.
Another aspect I loved was the integrated control panel, which had large gauges to facilitate reading the output and tank pressure. As such, I could easily regulate both the pressure of the discharged air and that contained in the tank.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only thing that disappointed me a bit was the warranty offered by the brand as it only covers the pump and not the other parts of the compressor. So, you will have to invest separately in case you face any issue with any other parts.
Pros and Cons of DEWALT DXCMV5048055
Pros
Cons
- Featuring an Industrial Performance Delivering a Maximum CFM at 175-PSI
- Includes a Patented Pump Design Providing a Cooler Running Pump
- Featuring TOPS Motor (Thermal Overload Protection System)
3. California Air Tools CAT-20015HPAD
Here’s yet another all-rounder that I would highly recommend, as it works quite effectively to meet a range of air compressing needs. And it comes at a very budget-friendly price, so brownie points for that!
Product Highlights
Straight off the bat, I was impressed with how the high-quality dual-piston pump worked consistently to facilitate an increase in air pressure. Interestingly, it has a life cycle of 3,000 hours before wearing out and is designed to deliver a more durable performance compared to a majority of standard air compressors.
And here’s another big advantage; this unit doesn’t require oil to function. Sounds great, doesn’t it? In fact, this is another factor that sets it apart from other models since you can derive an efficient performance in different weather conditions and on uneven terrains.
Beyond that, I liked the 20-gallon steel air tank that functions very efficiently and can be easily moved around garages, jobsites, or shops. Finally, the availability of an automatic drain valve in the tank eliminates the need of manual draining.
What's There To Like About It?
Perhaps, the biggest positive of this unit is that it’s among the quietest air compressors that you’ll find out there. It produces only 70 decibels of sound, so you’ll never find it disturbing when it’s at work.
Additionally, it offers users a very easy start-up, thanks to a unique easy-start valve that uses fewer amps for the purpose. It works by releasing a little air from the pump to produce a no-load condition, which, in turn, lets the motor spin freely.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Something that you’ve got to watch out for is the packaging of this unit. At times, the front feet fixed on the unit might be a bit damaged when it arrives, or the paint coat may be worn out. I felt the packaging could be improved as the material used was weak and not adequate for providing complete protection to the unit.
Pros and Cons of California Air Tools CAT-20015HPAD
Pros
Cons
- Ultra quiet - 70 dbs
- High pressure - 175 PSI max
- 20 gallon steel tank with auto drain.Low Amp Draw - 12 Amps
4. BelAire 318VL
Next, I’ve picked this BelAire compressor that I found to be very reliable as it comes with a couple of highly useful features and offers great user convenience. It’s a perfect fit for technicians and mechanics who need to use different types of air tools during work.
Product Highlights
First of all, its single-phase motor with a nominal 7.5HP power delivers a powerful performance, ensuring that it can run for hours at a stretch. So, I could easily use it to inflate the car tires and repaint a room on the same day. What further enhances the consistency in performance is its 80-gallon ASME air tank, which is tested to operate at full pressure.
Speaking of the durability on offer, the stainless steel valves in the unit are worthy of mention as they are sturdy and corrosion-resistant. In addition, the durable two-stage hybrid pump is built to deliver a long-lasting performance.
Not only that, but the unit also comes in an enclosed design that keeps it safe in storage and secures it against any damage while handling or moving around.
What's There To Like About It?
A particular design aspect that I found very useful was the sight glass incorporated in the unit, which makes it easy to monitor the oil level at any time so that you can prepare for a refill accordingly. Additionally, the pressure switch provided on the unit enables easier operation and helps conserve energy.
Unlike the Ingersoll-Rand 2475N7.5-V, the warranty offered by the brand is praiseworthy as it covers all the parts of the compressor, including the valves.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I observed that this unit sometimes produced a slightly disturbing sound, which may persist for a few hours. So, if you are specifically looking for a noise-free unit, my previous pick would be a better choice. That said, I have no significant complaints regarding its efficiency.
Pros and Cons of BelAire 318VL
Pros
Cons
- Start-stop pressure switch control
- ASME safety valves fully enclosed belt guard
- Tank drain and discharge valve
5. EMAX ES07V080V1
This air compressor from EMAX is also a good option if you are looking for an efficient and durable unit that offers considerable convenience. Packed with premium-quality features, it can help you complete a variety of essential tasks without any hiccups.
Product Highlights
What I found most noteworthy was the sturdy construction of this unit which helps extend its service life considerably. While the entire structure is built from highly durable solid cast iron, it also incorporates strong steel rods that provide added strength and great longevity.
Apart from that, I was glad to find that it comes with a belt-drive system, which facilitates a much better performance than the standard compressors on the market. This system consists of a strong belt and pulley that work in unison to increase the motor speed.
Plus, a tension adjuster for the belt offers a faster and easier way to tighten it, thereby reducing vibration and extending the belt life. Last but not least, high-quality gaskets and built-in head unloaders in the pump prevent oil seepage and enhance its overall air compressing ability.
What's There To Like About It?
The strength of this unit primarily lies in its ability to provide a quiet performance throughout. For this purpose, it incorporates an impressive silencing system known as Whisper100. In simple words, this system dissipates the intake noise by channeling the air through several baffle plates and noise filters.
Furthermore, it comes with a top-notch cooling system featuring a built-in intercooler and aftercooler that cools the air at various stages. As a result, the unit operates at 35% lower temperature than other units.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only downside of this compressor is that it is priced much higher than many other models. So, it won’t be the ideal option to go for if you are looking for a budget-friendly unit. However, performance-wise, this product fares quite well as is also evident from the positive customer reviews.
Pros and Cons of EMAX ES07V080V1
Pros
Cons
- POWERFUL 7.5HP PERFORMANCE - Delivers 31 CFM with a 1-Phase 2-Stage design, providing reliable and consistent airflow for demanding industrial applications.
- SILENT AIR TECHNOLOGY - Reduces noise levels by up to 50%, operating at a conversation-level sound to improve workplace comfort and reduce the risk of hearing damage.
- ADVANCED PRESSURE LUBRICATION - Ensures precise oil delivery to critical parts, extending pump life and reducing maintenance with more efficient oil recycling.
Buyers Guide
From my experience with two stage air compressors, I’ve very well understood that a suitable unit cannot be chosen by just looking at the specifications of a few high-performing models. It is essential to keep in mind some key factors that would impact the performance of a unit. And in this section, I’ll be briefly discussing those points with you.
1. Voltage
At first thought, this may not seem to be a very important factor, but it actually determines the performance of a unit to a great extent. After all, the electric power that a unit draws affects its compressing ability and even impacts electricity consumption.
So, it’s best to know about the type of electric supply and ideal voltage range of your location before proceeding to choose a compressor. Accordingly, you can select a unit that would work efficiently in that voltage range. Generally, the more heavy-duty two stage compressors run well with a three-phase electric supply, and hence are useful for large-scale applications.
On the other hand, compressors that are suitable for domestic purposes work fine with single-phase electric supply that is more prevalent in residential areas.
2. Style
In the context of two-stage air compressors, style actually refers to the overall structure of a unit. Usually, they are available in two different styles, viz., horizontal and vertical, based on how the air tank is positioned. While units with horizontally styled tanks need a wider area to fit, those with vertically styled ones can fit easily in smaller areas.
Hence, do keep in mind the size of the space where you’ll be using it so that you can choose one that fits that area perfectly.
3. CFM And Horsepower
You must consider the values of both these variables while going through the details of a unit as they have a major impact on its performance. However, when it comes to horsepower, most two-stage units come with a value of 7.5, so just ensure that the model you’re considering has a motor with the same horsepower.
Coming to the CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute rating, it refers to the volume of air that a tool or machine needs to function in the right way. As such, both the air compressor and the air tools that are powered by it have a certain CFM requirement. So, an air compressor with a higher CFM rating will be able to power multiple tools.
Well, this does make it tricky to figure out whether a unit has the ideal CFM. But to simplify things, here’s a simple calculation you can make: add the CFM ratings of the tools you'll use and make sure the compressor can handle the total workload.
Notably, tools that require constant power such as sanders or grinders will need more CFM to function compared to those like nail guns, which utilize sporadic power.
4. Tank Size
Another important factor that most users tend to overlook is the tank size as it somewhat influences the extent of use, which may not be the same for everyone.
For instance, if you only have to use it intermittently, going for a unit with a small to medium-sized tank, such as that of about 20 to 60 gallons will be perfect. However, in case you need to use the unit for several jobs at a stretch, going for a unit with a capacity of about 80 gallons will be ideal.
5. Durability
This is also a key factor to consider since compressors need to be sturdy enough to produce the power required for a variety of tools. So, remember to go through the details regarding the construction of the unit and materials used for each model you consider.
Cast iron is the most commonly used material for air compressors and such models can last for several years if maintained in the right way. On the other hand, some units utilize other materials such as stainless steel, which help in enhancing their sturdiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is possible since the pressure in a compressor tank will help increase the volume of air stored in the tank. For instance, at a pressure of 175 PSI, an 80-gallon tank can store more cubic feet of air than one of the same volume at 100 PSI.
Hence, to choose between two units with the same tank volume, you may use the maximum operating pressure of the tank as the differentiating factor.
Compressors are quite flexible equipment, but you must take some precautions in choosing the right site to install it. First of all, it’s important to ensure that the floor of the space is level. On a side note, let me tell you that I’ve used a vibration mounting pad for installing all the compressors I’ve purchased till now.
Additionally, make sure that the room is well-ventilated, and the compressor has at least 24-inch clearance from the walls to facilitate the programmed airflow.
My Final Recommendation
As I’ve almost reached the end of my guide, I hope you’ll find it much simpler to choose the best two stage air compressor for yourself. Do keep in mind the primary purpose for which you’ll need it, so that it can deliver the desired performance.Â
But before I call it a day, let me take you through my personal favorites from the list. If you’re searching for a high-performing and versatile product that’s also priced moderately, the DEWALT DXCMV5048055 will be a good option to go for.Â
However, the California Air Tools CAT-20015HPAD is an excellent choice if you prefer going for a piston compressor.Â
With that, I bring down the curtains for now. Till next time, take care!