Oil-less Air Compressors Vs. Oil

There are several types of air compressors, including electric, gasoline powered, uprights, oil free, and two-stage compressors. All have different capabilities. Air compressors provide power, efficiency and the ability to use a wide range of tools that cannot be used by hand.

Types

There are several types of compressors available in both oil and oil-free models: compact, piston-driven, rotary-screw, and centrifugal. Oil compressors can be found in all of the types while oil-free are usually compact and piston-driven compressors.

Oil-free Benefits

Oil-free compressors do not release oil particles into the air. The motor on an oil-free compressor is usually electric and can simply be plugged in for use. These compressors are also quieter than their oil counterparts which employ noisy combustion motors.

Oil Benefits

Oil compressors are capable of higher air pressure numbers and longer duty cycles than oil-free models. Duty cycle is the amount of time a machine can be used before it needs to recharge. Oil compressors also create more power and can utilize more tools than oil-free machines.

Size

Oil-free compressors are generally smaller and require less room for storage than oil compressors. An oil compressor has a large motor that sits on top of the compressor tank. An oil-free compressor might have a small electric motor on top. Generally, oil compressors are larger because the combustion motor is capable of producing more compressed air more quickly than an electric motor.

Considerations

Oil compressors are more expensive to own and maintain due to routine oil changes, but provide greater power. Determine how often and the duration that the compressor will be in use. For residential and hobby applications, oil-free compressors are recommended. Industrial and mechanic shops will use bigger, more powerful oil compressors.

References

• compressor facts
• compressor guide