Archive for the ‘How-To Guides’ Category

How to Choose an Air Compressor

Posted on: October 15th, 2025 by

Mi-T-M

Whether you’re inflating tires, running air tools in your shop, or powering pneumatic systems on the jobsite, choosing the right air compressor can make all the difference. Mi-T-M air compressors are built to handle every application, from light commercial use to heavy industrial performance.

This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when buying an air compressor and help you select the air compressor that best fits your needs.

Understanding Your Application

Before looking at specs or sizes, start with how you’ll use your air compressor. Each job has different air requirements:

Home or light shop use: inflating tires, nail guns, small tools
Contractor or construction use: framing guns, impact wrenches, paint sprayers, multiple air tools
Industrial use: continuous, high-pressure demand for machinery or production environments

Your compressor should deliver enough air (CFM) and pressure (PSI) to power all the tools you plan to use, ideally with a little extra capacity for future growth.

Step 1: Know the Key Terms

When comparing air compressors, these are the most important specifications to understand.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

This measures the volume of air the compressor produces. Add up the air demand (CFM) for each tool you’ll use simultaneously, then choose a compressor that exceeds that number by about 20 %.

PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)

The pressure your compressor can deliver. Most pneumatic tools operate around 90 PSI, but heavy-duty or industrial equipment may require more.

Horsepower (HP)

Determines how much work the motor or engine can perform. More horsepower means faster air recovery and greater capacity.

Tank Size

A larger tank stores more compressed air, allowing tools to run longer before the compressor cycles. For intermittent use, a smaller tank may suffice; for continuous operation, a larger tank is more efficient.

Step 2: Choose Your Power Source

Mi-T-M manufactures both electric and gas air compressors to match your working environment.

Electric Air Compressors

Ideal for indoor use or areas with easy access to power
Quieter operation and zero emissions
Great for workshops, garages, or manufacturing facilities
View Electric Models

Gas Air Compressors

Best for outdoor or remote locations without electrical access
Powerful, portable, and reliable for construction or service vehicles
Durable engines designed to run in rugged conditions
View Gas Models

Step 3: Select Your Stage – Single vs Two Stage

Mi-T-M offers both single-stage and two-stage air compressors to fit your pressure and performance needs.

Type	Compression Process	Typical PSI Range	Best For	Key Benefit
Single Stage	Air compressed once	Up to 135 PSI	Light commercial & residential	Simple, affordable, easy to maintain
Two Stage	Air compressed twice	Up to 175 PSI	Industrial & continuous use	Higher pressure & efficiency

Single Stage Air Compressors
Two Stage Air Compressors

Step 4: Decide on Portability and Mounting

Type	Best For	Benefits
Portable Compressors	Contractors, field technicians, mobile jobs	Easy to move between job sites; available in wheelbarrow, hand-carry, and truck-mount options
Stationary Compressors	Workshops, manufacturing, automotive shops	Larger tanks and continuous-duty power for fixed installations

Mi-T-M’s compressors are built with heavy-duty frames, reinforced tanks, and corrosion-resistant finishes. Whether you’re rolling it across a jobsite or anchoring it in your shop, you can count on years of dependable service.

Portable Air Compressors
Stationary Air Compressors

Step 5: How to Size Your Compressor Properly

A correctly sized compressor keeps your tools running efficiently without overworking the motor.

Formula:
Add up the CFM requirements of all tools you’ll use at the same time, then multiply by 1.25 to allow a 25 % margin.

Example:
Impact Wrench (5 CFM) + Air Ratchet (4 CFM) = 9 × 1.25 = 11.25 CFM minimum

Then choose a Mi-T-M compressor rated slightly above that number at 90 PSI.

Step 6: Quick Comparison Chart

Category	Typical Tank Size	Power Source	Best For	Key Advantage
Single Stage	3 – 30 gal	Electric / Gas	Home, light commercial	Compact and cost-effective
Two Stage	20 – 120 gal	Electric / Gas / Diesel	Industrial, continuous use	Higher pressure and longevity
Gas Portable	8 – 20 gal	Gasoline	Jobsite, mobile service	Mobility and power
Stationary Electric	60 – 120 gal	Electric	Shops & manufacturing	Quiet and efficient operation

Step 7: Good – Better – Best Recommendations

Level	Mi-T-M Model Type	Ideal User	Key Benefit
Good	3 – 8 Gallon Single Stage Electric	DIY & garage users	Plug-and-play simplicity
Better	20 Gallon Two Stage Gas	Contractors & field techs	Portable jobsite power
Best	60 – 120 Gallon Industrial Two Stage Electric	Manufacturing & service shops	Continuous-duty industrial performance

Need Help Choosing? Talk to a Mi-T-M Expert
Our team is here to help you find the right fit based on your needs and budget.

FIND A DEALER

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right air compressor doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your air requirements, power source, and application, you can easily find the perfect fit within Mi-T-M’s lineup.

Whether you’re a DIY user, contractor, or industrial operator, Mi-T-M delivers the reliability, performance, and durability to keep your operation running smoothly for years to come.