Air Compressors

What Are Air Compressors?

An air compressor converts power into pressurized air stored in a tank or delivered on demand, providing the energy source for pneumatic tools, spray equipment, medical instruments, manufacturing processes, and countless other applications. CompressorPros specializes exclusively in professional and industrial air compressors, carrying units from 3/4 HP portable models for contractors to 200+ HP rotary screw systems for large-scale manufacturing. Whether you are outfitting a home garage, equipping a multi-bay auto shop, or supplying a production line, we at CompressorPros are here to help you find the right compressor by technology, specification, or application.

Reciprocating vs. Rotary Screw vs. Scroll

The three main compressor technologies each serve different duty cycles, capacity ranges, and air quality requirements.

Piston / Reciprocating Air Compressors

Piston air compressors use one or more cylinders to compress air in discrete strokes. They are the most common and most affordable compressor type, available from 3/4 HP portables to 15 HP stationary shop systems. Reciprocating compressors come in single stage (up to 135 PSI) and two stage (up to 175 PSI) configurations and serve home workshops, auto shops, construction sites, and light manufacturing. A unit like the BelAire 4916V 5 HP Two Stage 60 Gallon Air Compressor represents the core of this category for shop use.

Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Rotary screw air compressors use two interlocking helical rotors to compress air continuously, delivering 100% duty cycle operation. They run quieter, require less maintenance, and scale to much higher horsepower than reciprocating units. Rotary screw compressors range from 3 HP single phase shop models to 200+ HP three phase industrial systems and are the standard for facilities that need sustained airflow throughout the workday. The Quincy QGS 15 TMD-3 15 HP Rotary Screw Air Compressor with Dryer is a popular mid-range choice for commercial shops. For field and construction work, portable engine-driven models like the ConX SC70 70 CFM Engine Driven Rotary Screw bring rotary screw performance to remote locations.

Scroll Air Compressors

Scroll air compressors use two spiral elements to compress air with no metal-to-metal contact, producing completely oil-free air at very low noise levels. They are the standard for dental offices, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and clean-room environments where air purity and quiet operation are equally critical. Scroll compressors range from 5 to 40 HP and are rated for 100% duty cycle.

Ways to Shop

CompressorPros organizes its air compressor offering across multiple dimensions so you can find the right compressor regardless of how you approach the decision.

By Application

If you know what you will use the compressor for, Shop by Application narrows the selection to units matched to your environment, from home garages and auto body shops to dental offices, food processing plants, and construction sites.

By Specification

If you already know the specs you need, shop by HP, CFM, tank size, or voltage and phase to filter directly to compressors that match your requirements.

By Portability or Power Source

Shop by Portability separates hand-carry, portable, and stationary models. Shop by Power Source splits electric, gasoline, and diesel configurations.

By Type or Feature

Shop by Compressor Type includes specialty categories such as quiet and silent compressors, enclosed compressors, tankless compressors, oil-free compressors, and compressors with integrated dryers.

Key Specifications

• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): The volume of air a compressor delivers at a given pressure. This is the most important spec for matching a compressor to your tools and processes. Add up the CFM requirements of all tools running simultaneously, then add a 25-30% buffer.
• HP (Horsepower): Drives the pump. Higher HP generally produces higher CFM. Ranges from 3/4 HP for small portables to 200+ HP for industrial rotary screw systems.
• Tank Capacity (Gallons): Larger tanks reduce motor cycling and buffer air supply during high-draw periods. Portable tanks range from 2-30 gallons; stationary tanks from 60-240 gallons.
• Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Single stage compressors typically deliver up to 135 PSI; two stage air compressors produce 175 psi and rotary screw units typically operate at 100, 125 or 150 psi. Verify that the compressor meets the PSI requirement of your highest-demand tool.
• Voltage/Phase: Smaller units run on 115V or 230V single phase power. Units above 10 HP commonly require 208-460V three phase. Gasoline and diesel models require no electrical service.
• Duty Cycle: The percentage of time a compressor can operate within a given period. Reciprocating compressors are typically rated at 50-70% duty cycle. Rotary screw and scroll compressors are rated at 100%.

Brands Carried

CompressorPros carries air compressors and compressed air equipment from over 30 manufacturers. Browse All Brands or shop directly by brand, including Quincy, Elgi, BelAire, Chicago Pneumatic, EMAX, Industrial Gold, C-Aire, Schulz, ABAC, ConX, Jenny, and more.

CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer, saving time and money.

FAQ

How do I choose the right air compressor? Start with your application. Identify the tools and processes you will run, add up their CFM requirements, and determine whether you need intermittent or continuous-duty operation. The Air Compressor Buying Guide walks through the full sizing process.

What is the most common mistake when buying an air compressor? Undersizing. Buyers frequently match the compressor to a single tool's CFM rating without accounting for simultaneous tool use, line losses, or future growth. Always add a 25-30% CFM buffer above your calculated peak demand.

Should I buy a reciprocating or rotary screw compressor? If you use air tools intermittently throughout the day and need an affordable, straightforward system, a reciprocating compressor is a practical choice. If you run air tools continuously for most of the shift, a rotary screw delivers 100% duty cycle, lower noise, and reduced long-term maintenance costs.

Do I need an air dryer? For spray painting, powder coating, food processing, medical, and dental applications, yes. Compressed air contains moisture that can damage finishes, contaminate products, and corrode piping. Browse Dryers and Compressed Air Treatment for standalone dryers, or look for compressor models with integrated dryers.

Does CompressorPros offer free shipping? Yes. All orders ship free, direct from the manufacturer, on every product in the catalog.

Shop Air Compressors at CompressorPros

CompressorPros carries air compressors across reciprocating, rotary screw, and scroll technologies, from portable job-site units to industrial plant systems. Browse by application, HP, CFM, compressor type, or brand. Dryers, parts and accessories, and piping systems are also available. All orders ship free, direct from the manufacturer.

If you need help choosing the right air compressor, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.