An air compressor is indispensable in a garage, at a construction site, in a country house or at a factory. There are a lot of applications for this useful unit - you just need to choose the right device. How to do this and which 5 oil-free compressors can be safely called the best, read below.
CONTENT
- 1 Oil-free compressors: a quick buyer's guide
- 2 Top 5 oil-free compressors
- 3 Popular questions
- 4 conclusions
Oil-free compressors: a quick buyer's guide
Compressors are divided into two types: oil and oil-free. Of course, this is not the only compressor classification, but it is definitely one of the most important. Oil compressors, as the name implies, require special compressor oil for operation: it is poured into the mechanism and serves to lubricate and cool moving parts. Oil-free models do without it. In their design, the air and oil channels are separated from each other, while in oil compressors, these channels intersect. There is some kind of lubrication in the mechanisms of oil-free compressors, but there is no need to monitor the oil level and add it as needed: it does not directly participate in pumping air.
Oil-free compressors are structurally simpler than oil ones. Therefore, they are cheaper, lighter and more compact, it is much more convenient to care for them and maintain them in working order. Unfortunately, there is a downside to this simplicity. In terms of power and performance, oil-free compressors are often inferior to oil-based counterparts. In addition, their service life is significantly lower than that of oil models. Finally, even good oil-free machines, in the design of which modern materials with a low friction coefficient are used, are not able to work continuously for a long time. After 10-15 minutes after switching on, the device begins to overheat, which can lead to premature failure.
Based on the design features, we can conclude about the purpose of oil-free compressors. They are best suited for home use. For example, oil-free air compressors are those that many carry with them in their trunks - just in case. In addition, oil-free units produce much cleaner compressed air compared to oil, without impurities of the same compressor oil, therefore it is recommended to use them for power supply pneumatic tool. One way or another, most of the oil-free models belong to the household class, so they are not suitable for professional or industrial use (although there are exceptions to any rule).
The simple design and high popularity of oil-free compressors among buyers have led to the fact that these devices are produced by a wide variety of companies around the world. Among the leading manufacturers of compressor equipment, one can note, in particular, the German brands Metabo and Fubag, several models of which were included in our independent top 5. Famous Russian brands of oil-free compressors include, in particular, Caliber and Elitech. We will tell you more about the most successful models of oil-free compressors produced under these brands below.
Top 5 oil-free compressors
1. Metabo Power 180-5 W OF
Oil-free reciprocating compressor with electric motor from a major German brand. The device costs almost 14,500 rubles, but this is an acceptable price for very serious characteristics for its class. With a power of 1,100 watts, this device is capable of delivering 8 bar of pressure with a capacity of 160 liters inlet and 90 liters of compressed air per minute out. The receiver is small, 5 liters, and the device weighs only 16 kilograms. A handle is provided for carrying. The compressor is equipped with a pressure gauge, safety valve and pressure regulation function. Somewhere in the garage, this unit will look just fine.
Price: ₽ 14 500
Metabo Power 180-5 W OF
2. Fubag OL 195/24 CM1.5
The price of this device is less than 8500 rubles, but it can do a lot. It is equipped with an oil-free piston single-cylinder electric motor, which is powered by a household power supply with a voltage of 220 volts. It is capable of developing a power of 1100 watts, maintaining a pressure of 8 atmospheres with a capacity of 180 liters of air per minute (at the inlet). The maximum number of revolutions per minute reaches 3400. The volume of the horizontal receiver is 24 liters. The device is equipped with a pressure gauge. For transportation, there is a handle and two wheels. A very decent universal model.
Price: ₽ 8 180
Compressor Fubag OL 195/24 CM1,5
3. Fubag Easy Air
Small portable compressor in a suitcase form factor. The structure weighs only 6.5 kilograms, but this did not affect performance too much. The electric oil-free engine develops a power of 1100 watts and is capable of pumping up to 180 liters of air per minute, maintaining a pressure of 8 atmospheres at 3400 rpm. There is no receiver here, so the device came out very compact. In addition, it is equipped with a monometer, and comes with a spray gun, a hose and a tire inflation gun. It's not a pity to pay 6,000 rubles for such a useful set.
Price: ₽ 6 150
Fubag Easy Air
4. ELITECH KPB 190/24
Elitech is a fairly well-known Russian brand, under which very decent and not too expensive compressors have been sold for several decades. This model is one of those. For over 7,000 rubles, we are offered an oil-free electric unit with a piston engine with a capacity of 1,500 watts. It is able to maintain a pressure of 8 atmospheres. The output is 188 liters per minute. The volume of the receiver is 24 liters. A handle and two wheels are used to transport a 24 kg device. The design includes a pressure gauge.
Price: ₽ 6 899
ELITECH KPB 190/24
5. CALIBER KB-1100M
Another compressor "suitcase" in our selection. This time - from a domestic manufacturer and at a price of less than 4,000 rubles. In terms of technical parameters, this device almost completely repeats the Fubag Easy Air discussed above: power 1100 watt, pressure 8 bar, output capacity 180 liters per minute, maximum speed - 3550 V minute. There is no receiver or wheels, but there is a pressure gauge and a carrying handle, and the kit includes a hose, a blower nozzle and a tire inflation gun. Inexpensive but very decent household oil-free compressor model.
Price: ₽ 3 670
CALIBER KB-1100M
Popular questions
Will the models above be powerful enough to paint a car?
The power of these models for painting a car is quite enough. However, oil-free compressors are not recommended for painting cars: paint from them can bubble.
Can oil-free compressors be used to inflate tires?
Oil-free compressors do more than just inflate tires. They are just for this best suited.
conclusions
Oil-free compressors do not use additional lubrication during their operation. This makes them simple and easy to use, relatively compact and inexpensive compared to oil models. We hope our independent top 5 oil-free compressors helped you make your choice.
