Single-Stage Air Compressor Buying Guide

Single-stage air compressors are a great entryway into the world of pneumatic air power for basic home and job site needs. Despite their relative simplicity, they present many choices that are covered here in depth. 

Single Stage vs Two Stage Air Compressor 

The primary difference between single-stage and two-stage air compressors is the number of times the air is compressed. Single-stage air compressors compress the air once using one or more pistons of the same size, while two-stage air compressors compress the air twice using two pistons of different sizes. 

Since the number of compression cycles determines the amount of air pressure, two-stage compressors can produce higher pressures and are designed for professionals who use a wide variety of air tools all day. 

Single-stage air compressors work well for intermittent home and job site air tool needs. For example, if air tools are being used to perform basic maintenance around the house or for a woodworking hobby, a single-stage air compressor should suffice. Even contractors who are not running their tools constantly can save money by choosing a single-stage versus a two-stage air compressor on the job site. 

Choosing the Right Single-Stage Air Compressor 

Once the decision is made to use a single-stage air compressor, there are additional factors to consider. 

Oil vs Oil-Free Piston Compressors 

While traditional air compressors are oil-lubricated, oil-free compressors are coated in special friction-reducing chemicals. These oil-free compressors require less maintenance and provide cleaner, drier air without the need for a filter. 

However, as long as the air compressor is not being used for painting or other sensitive applications, an oil-lubricated unit will work sufficiently. Oil-lubricated compressors also come in higher airflow models than oil-free types, which may be an additional consideration. 

Power Source 

Single-stage air compressors come in gas- and electric-powered models. If the convenience of an electric compressor is desired, the means to power it must be available. 

Many homeowners opt for an electric single-stage air compressor that runs on 115 volts and plugs into any standard wall outlet. However, these compressors are limited in the amount of airflow they can produce. For higher airflows, either a gas-powered compressor or a dedicated breaker to handle higher voltages will be required. If a dedicated breaker is not available, an electrician will need to install one. 

Airflow & Pressure Needs 

A single-stage air compressor must be able to handle the air needs of the tools being used. If only one air tool is used at a time, the compressor should be sized to handle the airflow (CFM) and pressure (PSI) requirements of the most demanding tool in the toolbox. The owner’s manual typically provides these requirements. 

In a small workshop where more than one person uses air tools, add up the required CFM of all air tools being used simultaneously and find a compressor that slightly exceeds that total. Note that CFM and PSI go together; compressors produce airflow at a certain pressure, so the PSI output must be rated high enough for the tool’s needs. 

Other Considerations 

Once the most important factors have been addressed, a few more considerations can help optimize the final selection. 

Loudness 

Quiet air compressors are becoming more popular and widely available, especially for those wanting to use air tools in a home garage. Naturally, electric-powered compressors are quieter than gas-powered ones. Beyond that, sound-dampening enclosures and rubber isolation pads can help reduce noise. 

Orientation 

Single-stage air compressors are available in horizontal and vertical orientations. Space requirements or limitations will determine which style to buy. If a wide area is not available, a vertical compressor is a good choice. Likewise, if the compressor is being stored in a space with limited height, a horizontal model is preferable. There is no difference in performance or utility between horizontal and vertical compressors of equal power. 

Portability 

You can choose between portable and stationary single-stage air compressors. For air power on the go, a portable single-stage compressor can be wheeled to a driveway, deck, or yard. Contractors often prefer them for their ease of movement around a job site. However, they provide more limited airflow than stationary compressors. 

Stationary single-stage compressors are ideal for those who frequently run air tools in a garage or workshop. Most are powered by 208/230 volts (single phase), so those power requirements must be met. Higher voltages allow stationary units to provide more airflow than portable ones. 

Pump Style 

The pump is arguably the most important piece of the machine. If a pump is not designed for the specific application, it can overheat, causing the pump casing to crack. To prevent this, look for a single-stage compressor with a V-design or W-design pump. These styles minimize vibration, improve cooling, and extend the compressor's lifespan. 

Shop Single-Stage 

If you still have questions about choosing the right single-stage air compressor, our knowledgeable experts will be happy to assist you. Contact us today!