TOP 5 compressors for the garage and workshop

The brand "Steel" is Ukrainian, but uses Chinese production facilities. This makes it possible to produce inexpensive compressors adapted to the needs of the east european consumer. Buying the KSR-04/50 model will cost only $ 200, but it will be a useful purchase, both for household and professional purposes.

The receiver has a horizontal arrangement, due to which the whole structure does not look bulky (88.5x41.5x72.5 cm). The weight, as for a model with a 50-liter tank, is also not large, only 53.6 kg, besides, there is a handle and a wheelbase for easy movement. The receiver tank has an anti-corrosion treatment. In general, there are no questions about ergonomics and appearance, the assembly is sound, the painting is of high quality.

The heart of the compressor is an electric motor with a power of 2.2 kW, providing a capacity of up to 400 L/min at the inlet and up to 300 at the outlet at a maximum operating pressure of 8 atmospheres. These parameters are enough to ensure work with most pneumatic tools, including HVLP spray guns, although not all. The model supports simultaneous connection of two devices via quick-release connections.

Two pressure gauges help to control the pressure in the receiver and at the outlet, and the reducer helps to adjust its level for a specific device. It is recommended to clean the air filter every 100 hours of operation, and in conditions of high pollution — every 50. But the first time to replace the compressor oil and clean the crankcase should not be forgotten after 10 hours of operation.

The restart system protects the unit from overload, and the resulting condensate is easily removed through the drain valve at the bottom of the receiver.

In general, Stal KSR-04/50 is a performant and easy—to-handle compressor model for little money, which in the professional field will easily serve a period of more than 2 years with daily operation. And there is no need to talk about household needs.

A wide range of various equipment, including compressors, is produced under the Forte brand. V-0.4-51 — a model that can easily cope with most tasks not only in a home garage, but also on a small service station.

With a relatively compact size of 87x43x74 cm, the unit has a considerable weight of 69 kg, which was facilitated by a robust design, stainless steel valves, powerful rubberized supports that ensure stability during operation. Given the weightiness, 4 wheels would not hurt for better mobility of the unit, but there are only two of them.

Forte V-0.4-51 boasts good performance, providing indicators at the inlet up to 420 L/min and at the outlet up to 320 L at a nominal pressure of 10 bar. This is enough to work with most pneumatic tools, for example, two blowing pistols at the same time.

On board we have two pressure gauges at the inlet and outlet, a reducer for adjusting the outlet pressure, 2 quick-release fittings for connecting equipment, a high-quality air filter, a screw for draining condensate. The engine is equipped with overheating protection and automatic restart, and the receiver tank has been anti-corrosion treated for long-term operation in harsh conditions. In general, a complete set.

Forte V-0.4-51 fully meets the expectations in operation. It is quite powerful, practical, reliable, and as for a professional model it is inexpensive — about $ 300. Good reasons to buy.

The AC-50 VG oil compressor is a high—quality tool from the Ukrainian brand Dnipro-M. The device has earned many positive reviews and is considered one of the most balanced in the manufacturer's line.

The 50-liter unit has a light weight of 59.5 kg and compact dimensions of 84x44x76 cm. The transportation process is greatly facilitated by the presence of four wheels and a convenient handle.

The compressor is equipped with a powerful 2.2-kilowatt engine that provides an input capacity of 400 L/min. Output performance is not specified, but in such cases it is recommended to multiply the available parameter by 0.7 or the performance of the pneumatic tool by 1.3.

In general, for pumping tyres, purging, removing paint and rust with sandblasting and even infrequent painting work, the AC-50 VG is exclusively suitable. To meet the needs for large volumes, a similar model with an increased volume of the receiver is recommended — 100 liters.

For comfortable and safe operation, the equipment is equipped with 2 pressure gauges, quick-release fittings, automatic restart, a pressure reducer.

Separately, it should be noted the presence of two air filters with a large resource of 1 year or 500 hours. It is recommended to clean them every 100 hours of operation, and in conditions of increased pollution — twice as often.

The oil level is conveniently checked through a special window, and the condensate is drained through the exhaust valve at the bottom of the receiver.

Subject to the rules of operation, and here it is worth emphasizing that the unit according to the passport is intended only for east european use, the manufacturer gives a guarantee for Dnipro-M AC-50 VG for 36 months and sets a retail sale price of about $ 300. And then I immediately remember the wonderful compressor Stal KSR-04/50 50 L Price from 16 132 up to 22 749 ₴, which is practically no different from ours in terms of characteristics, but it costs as much as $ 100 cheaper, albeit with a one-year warranty.

The Japanese company Matari refers its belt compressors to the line of professional equipment. The M290B22-1 model is a guarantee of high quality, impeccable factory assembly and exact compliance with technical specifications.

The unit is not the heaviest, 59 kg.It is mounted on a 4-wheelbase, so it is easily transported to any place in the workshop or service station. The receiver tank has thick walls and high-quality painting, you can not be afraid that the coating will peel off, and the metal will rust.

The engine is no less reliably protected. The index of protection against dust and moisture corresponds to the IP 54 level. The pressure switch from the German company Condor ensures the smooth operation of the electronics. In short, there is no need to worry about the safety of the equipment and its reliability. Everything is more than on the level.

Including performance. According to the passport, the maximum values are 360 L/min at the inlet and 290 at the outlet at a nominal pressure of 10 bar. That is, we have a fairly high efficiency of 80%. At the same time, the compressor supports multipoint connection of up to 3 devices via quick-release outputs.

To maintain the normal operation of the unit, replacement of the air filter and oil is recommended every 150 hours of operation or after 6 months.

Of course, Japanese technology inspires confidence and confirms expectations in fact. It is, however, not cheap — $ 400. But it serves reliably and for a long time, as befits a real professional.

The equipment of the German brand Metabo is the key to confident and performant work for many years. The MEGA 400-50 W compressor will serve seamlessly in the workshop or garage for several years.

The model is not the most compact and lightweight, a metre in length and 73 kg in weight. Massive transport wheels, guide rollers and a convenient handle with integrated cable winding help out. The parking brake on the rollers securely locks the structure in place.

The 50-liter receiver looks massive and reliable, and in general, inspires confidence, especially when you find out that the manufacturer gives it a 10-year warranty against through-corrosion.

Performance does not disappoint either. 393 liters at the inlet, 300 at the outlet and a nominal pressure of 10 bar allow you to connect a fairly wide range of pneumatic tools, and three at the same time. The unit catches up with a full tank of the receiver in a minute and a half.

Separately, we note the smooth start of the engine, realized thanks to a pressure gauge switch with a discharge valve.

The unit is equipped with a working pressure regulator, and a filter-reducer with a pressure gauge and an oil sprayer that ensures air purity.

It is recommended to clean the filter every 250 hours and change it as it becomes clogged, but you can forget about changing the oil after the first drain for as much as 500 hours of operation.

In general, Metabo MEGA 400-50 W with dignity withstands any criticism, but still not everyone will want to buy it. The reason is simple — the price is almost $1000. For less money, you can buy 2 equivalent compressors, and it doesn't matter that their name won't be Metabo.