Are you willing to spend most of your day in a noisy environment? Are you willing to risk health hazards due to a dirty environment in your shop? Of course not! But with an oil-lubricated air compressor, you can avoid all these with the added benefits of having a low-maintenance air compressor.
Because of their durability, and affordability, they are one of the most appealing options for both professionals and amateur DIYers. For optimum performance, it is important to select an oiled air compressor.
Based on our research, our team has a list-up of the top 5 finest oiled air compressors, as well as their highlighted features. Furthermore, we discussed some factors to consider when making a purchase decision, as well as answered a few frequently asked questions.
Let us now discuss the most popular oil-lubed air compressors on the present market.
Dewalt Oil Lube Air Compressor
Wen 20 Gallon Air Compressor
DEWALT Oiled Air Compressor
Our 5 Best Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor
An oil-free air compressor is essential equipment for any home with a garage or basement workshop. However, each type of oiled air compressor has its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular air compressors in use today:
01. Dewalt Oil Lube Air Compressor
The new DeWalt DXCMLA1683066 is a Single Stage Oil-Lube Vertical Portable Air Compressor. This 1.6 HP 30-gallon compressor combined with oiled pumps enables maximum efficiency and smooth functionality.
This dual voltage heavy-duty induction motor is designed for both residential or commercial use to meet the demands of your new air compressor needs. Dewalt Oil Lube Air Compressor is designed to deliver 155 psi of power, and this machine can handle daily household projects, most household tasks, and pneumatic air tools.
This product features an easy access tank capacity that simplifies completing jobs quickly by delivering quick fill times and eliminating waiting between tasks. It weighs approximately 171 pounds, and the dimensions are 25 in. x 24.5 in. x 49 in.
This oiled air compressor also features a cast iron pump to provide durability for years to come. It has been built with a high flow regulator that supplies extra torque to demanding tools like impact wrenches. The V-twin cylinder oiled motor is a popular choice for customers because it provides the most efficiency and smooth functionality.
Highlighted Features:
- Heavy-duty oil-lubricated pumps
- Dual voltage motor with a 120-volt outlet
- High flow regulator for demanding tools
- Durable cast-iron V-twin cylinder
02. Wen 20 Gallon Air Compressor
The Wen 2202 20-Gallon Oiled Vertical Air Compressor is the ideal compressor. It is made of top-quality materials that are durable enough to last for years while you’re using them regularly.
This Wen 20 gallon air compressor unit runs on a 15 amp motor with 1.8 HP, which powers the heavy-duty tank capacity. Its airflow rates are 3.8 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI. The built-in auto-shutdown function shuts off the compressor once it reaches maximum pressure for safe and reliable compressing.
With a maximum pressure of 135 PSI, this single-stage compressor is perfect for medium-duty jobs. The included handle makes transport and storage easier than ever, while the 1/4-inch NPT quick coupler makes changing hoses a snap.
This Wen Air Compressor also comes with two pressure gauges, one to monitor the maximum pressure in the tank capacity and the other to regulate the airflow rate, which makes it the best vertical air compressor at the same time.
Measuring 19.5 by 17.5 by 42 inches with a 23-millimeter drain plug, this compressor is built to save you time and money. It uses a corded electric power source, and additional long cords may be required. The unit weighs in at 86 pounds. It’s designed to last for years.
Highlighted Features:
- Top-quality materials
- 1.8 HP, 15 amp motor
- The airflow rate is 3.8 CFM at 90 PSI
- Max. pressure: 135 PSI
- Quick coupler 1/4″ NPT
- Two pressure gauges
03. DEWALT Oiled Air Compressor
The D55151 oiled portable air compressor from DeWalt is a powerful machine with high-quality craftsmanship. This machine includes overload safety while delivering 3.2 CFM of compressed air at 100 psi to the gun while you work.
The oil-lubricated portable motor improves durability and lowers maintenance costs while also allowing for quick recovery same time when working on job sites across the country.
The package includes a cast-iron cylinder that enhances the quality and longevity of the overload-protected motor with liquid-cooled bearings. Which keeps it running long after other compressors have ceased to function on site.
In addition, Dewalt oiled air compressor provides a synthetic air compressor oil so that you’re ready to get started working right out of the box. This unit weighs in at just 60 pounds and the 120-volt unit has a horsepower of 1.1 and can operate in both hot and cold weather conditions.
Highlighted Features:
- Oil lubricates cast-iron cylinder motor
- Voltage: 120 volts
- It weighs only 60 pounds
- 2-pole induction motor
04. Industrial Air 30 Gallon Oil Lubricated Air Compressor
The Industrial Air oil-lubricated air compressor is a portable tank capacity of 30 gallons that features a twin-cylinder cast-iron oil-lubricated portable pump. The dual voltage heavy-duty induction motor can be connected to 120-volt outlets and can be converted to 240-volt applications.
Max pressure of 155 PSI assures the utmost performance from the machine and keeps it running smoothly. Running HP of 1.6 offers efficiency at any task, you’re trying to complete and can operate in both hot and cold weather conditions.
The unit is both UL and CSA certified. These Industrial Air 30 gallon oil lubricated air compressors include features of a 1-piece cast iron crankcase, a cast-iron cylinder body, and an aluminum head with a cast iron valve plate.
For added performance, you get automotive-style ball bearings, a durable stainless steel reed valve, an oil level sight glass for easy maintenance, and a quick connection to an industrial air outlet. The dimensions of the industrial air compressor: 25 x 24.5 x 49 inches, and it weighs 154 pounds. There is a vertical portable tank capacity with pneumatic tires.
Highlighted Features:
- Quiet operation
- Less maintenance required
- Lots of power
- Fully UL and CSA certified
- A durable stainless reinforced steel reed valve
05. Metabo Oil Lube Air Compressor
Metabo HPT air compressor is the most popular among DIYers, homeowners, and professionals alike. An oil-lubricated compressor has a cast iron pump which reduces wear and is easy to maintain.
They’re also quieter when running. The motor uses a direct-drive motor that runs at 15 amps. With a locking regulator, you can set it to the exact pressure you need. The motor is oil-lubed. The HPT portable air pump has a twin stack design. This Metabo oil lube air compressor has a portable design. You can transport it easily with the ergonomic handle that is built into the unit.
In addition, it’s equipped with thermal overload protection, which disables the motor in case of overheating. It also comes with reinforced steel-cased industrial gauges and a quick coupler for fast, versatile tool changes.
This product also comes with a pressure switch that has a range of 105 on/135 off. The unit only weighs 52.9 pounds. This makes it user-friendly for users to carry, transport, or fit into tight areas. For safety purposes, the Metabo HPT unit also has pressure gauges that are factory-installed, so you can use them right out of the box.
Highlighted Features:
- Easy to maintain
- Very quiet when running
- Cast iron motor reduces wear
- Quick coupler for fast tool changes
- Reinforced steel-cased industrial gauges
- Compressor only weighs 52.9 pounds
There are a few considerations you need to be clear about before selecting one. Let’s consider a few factors before purchasing one.
Factors Before Buying an Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor
An oil-lubricated portable air compressor is almost always quieter than an oil-free model, and they’re also very easy to maintain because the oil lubricates the bearings. Therefore, here are some factors you should consider when buying an oiled air compressor:
Size
When you’re deciding which oil-lubricated portable air compression unit to buy, make sure it’s big enough for your needs. You should check the unit’s specifications and consider how much space you have available in your workshop or garage.
You also want to look at the tank’s design because, typically, bigger tanks come with a higher price tag. However, you don’t want to get a too big unit because it will be difficult to transport and store.
Weight
An oil-lubed air compressor comes in various weights, something to keep in mind if you plan to transport the unit around or you need to move it constantly.
Noise Level
The noise level of the unit is also important for two reasons: first, you don’t want your workshop or garage constantly filled with loud noises from the machine; and second, if the unit is too loud, you won’t be able to use it at certain times of the day.
Pump Design
Pump design matters because a good-quality pump life will last a longer lifespan and keep your oil-lubricated system running smoothly. You should look for pumps made out of cast iron so that they can stand up to heavy usage without wear or chipping.
Power Source
Generally, oil-lubricated air compressors are powered by electric motors. Electric units are good for small shops and garages; however, they may struggle if too much use is put on them.
CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)
CFM is an important indicator of how powerful your particular air compressor will be. The higher the CFM, the faster it can fill up a tank capacity with air. A single-stage air cylinder is the most common type on the market. These machines fill an air tank capacity with available power, and as a result, they can typically produce more CFM than two-stage units.
Direct or belt drive
Direct drive oil-lubed air compressor comes with gears as part of the motor design, which transfers power to the crankshaft. These machines are easy to maintain and clean. However, they can be extremely loud when running.
A belt-driven oiled air compressor uses a belt wrapped around the crankshaft to transfer power. These units are not as loud as direct-drive best oil-lubricated units, but they can wear out more quickly due to the belt design.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle of a machine is a very important factor to consider because it determines how much power the unit can put out before cooling down. Low-duty cycle units are best for light usage, whereas medium and high-duty cycle machines are better for heavy use, such as for construction sites or industrial applications.
Moisture Problems
Some oil-lubed portable air compressors come with a built-in moisture trap to protect the unit. However, not all of them constantly clean the moisture.
Life Expectancy
When deciding on an oil-lubricated air compressor, it’s important to consider its potential life expectancy. Although some machines are more expensive upfront, they can save you money in the long run if they outlast other cheaper units.
Extra Features
The majority of oiled high-capacity air compressor comes with extra features, such as pressure regulators or quick couplers for tools. These are generally not the main selling points of the unit, but they do make it easier to use, so consider whether you need any of these additional features when making your purchase.
If you have gained all of the knowledge needed for choosing the ideal oil-lubricated air compressor, then you are ready to purchase one. But before we do that, let us discuss some common questions that people are most concerned with.
FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions that people are most concerned about:
01. How Are Oil-Free Air Compressors Lubricated?
The lubrication of oil-free air compressors is often accomplished using a piston, which is coated with or contains a very thin layer of Teflon.
02. Can You Oil an Oilless Air Compressor?
The short answer is, no. You lubricate an oiled air compressor, not an oil-free compressor. However, oil-free compressors still use oil to lubricate the moving parts and cool the unit.
03. Which is Better Oil-Lubricated Air Compressors or Oilless Air Compressors?
That depends on the specific situation, but oil-lubricated air compressors are generally more reliable because they have an oiled reservoir that provides the best oil lubrication to the mechanism.
04. What is a Duty Cycle?
A duty cycle is a percentage that indicates how long a high-capacity air compressor can run at full capacity before you need to let it cool down.
05. Do I Need a Moisture Trap with My Unit If It’s Outdoors, or Near Water?
You should consider getting a moisture trap because it will prevent the unit from clogging up and requiring regular maintenance.
06. What is the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of Your Compressor?
The CFM of an oil-lubricated air compressor is the cubic feet per minute that it can produce. This means that if your unit produces 4 CFM, it will be able to fill up a 4 cubic foot tank in one minute.
07. Can the Machine’s Motors Be Replaced If They Break Down In The Future?
Yes. If the motor on your oiled air compressor breaks down, you can easily have a new one installed without replacing the entire unit.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best oil-lubricated air compressor, there are many features that you need to consider before making your final decision on which unit to purchase. To make the best choice, consider what the machine will be used for and how often it will be used.
With this information, you now know what to look for in an oil-lubricated air compressor. Keep in mind that oil-lubricated compressors are usually quieter and more reliable, so they’re usually worth the extra money. Hopefully, this article has helped you to find out more about oil-lubricated air compressors.