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Two Stage
Two Stage Air Compressors
Two stage air compressors compress air in two steps with intercooling between stages, delivering higher PSI, greater efficiency, and longer service life under sustained loads than single stage units. CompressorPros carries electric and gasoline two stage models from 5 to 15 HP across vertical and horizontal tank configurations. All orders ship free.
What Are Two Stage Air Compressors?
A two stage air compressor uses two cylinders of different sizes to compress air in two steps. The first (larger) cylinder compresses air to an intermediate pressure, then an intercooler lowers its temperature before the second (smaller) cylinder compresses it to final pressure. This two-step process reaches up to 175 PSI, runs cooler, and delivers more CFM per horsepower than a comparable single stage design. Two stage compressors are the standard workhorse for auto body shops, woodworking studios, manufacturing floors, and any operation that draws compressed air throughout the workday.
Electric vs. Gasoline
Two stage compressors are available in both electric and gasoline configurations.
Electric Two Stage Compressors
Electric two stage compressors are the standard for fixed shop installations. Single phase models (230V) cover the 5-7.5 HP range and serve most auto repair shops, woodworking studios, and small fabrication operations. Three phase models (208-460V) handle 10-15 HP and above for industrial facilities with heavier air demand. The C-Aire A075V080-1230 7.5 HP Two Stage 80 Gallon Air Compressor is a popular single phase shop unit, while the Quincy 4153DS12HCA46 15 HP QT PRO 120 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor represents the industrial end of the electric range.
Gasoline Two Stage Compressors
Gasoline two stage compressors are built for job sites, service trucks, and remote locations without electrical power. They pair a cast iron two stage pump with a commercial gas engine (typically Honda), delivering two stage efficiency in a portable package. The ABAC ABC13-30GH 13 HP Honda Two Stage 30 Gallon Service Truck Air Compressor is a strong choice for contractors who need two stage performance in the field.
Types of Two Stage Air Compressors
5 HP Two Stage Compressors
The most common entry point for two stage ownership. A 5 HP two stage unit typically delivers 15-18 CFM at 175 PSI and pairs with a 60-80 gallon tank. This size handles most pneumatic tools in a 1 - 2 person shop. The BelAire 4916V 5 HP Two Stage 60 Gallon Air Compressor is one of the highest-traffic products in this category.
7.5 HP Two Stage Compressors
A step up for shops that run multiple air tools simultaneously or operate longer duty cycles. A 7.5 HP two stage unit delivers 22-28 CFM at 175 PSI and is well-suited to multi-bay auto shops, cabinet shops, and small manufacturing operations.
10-15 HP Two Stage Compressors
The upper range of reciprocating two stage compressors, delivering 30-50+ CFM at 175 PSI. These units commonly run on three phase power and pair with 120 gallon tanks. They serve larger manufacturing floors, fleet maintenance facilities, and operations that need sustained high-volume air without stepping up to a rotary screw system. The Industrial Gold CI1523E120H-P 15 HP Two Stage 120 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor is a heavy-duty option in this range.
Tank Orientation
Vertical Tank Compressors
Vertical tanks stand upright and occupy a smaller floor footprint, making them well-suited to shops where floor space is limited. They are common in the 5-7.5 HP range with 60-80 gallon capacities.
Horizontal Tank Compressors
Horizontal tanks sit lower to the ground and provide a more stable platform, preferred for larger compressors (10-15 HP) and service truck mounts. They are the standard orientation for 120 gallon tanks and industrial installations.
Key Specifications
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Two stage compressors typically deliver more CFM per HP than single stage units due to their intercooled design. Typical ranges: 15-18 CFM at 5 HP, 22-28 CFM at 7.5 HP, and 35-50+ CFM at 10-15 HP. Add up all simultaneous tool demands and add a 25-30% buffer.
- HP (Horsepower): Available from 5 to 15 HP. Units above 15 HP are typically rotary screw rather than reciprocating, but there are 20 and 25 HP reciprocating compressors.
- Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Two stage compressors deliver up to 175 PSI, compared to 125-135 PSI for single stage. This higher pressure is essential for heavier usage.
- Tank Capacity (Gallons): Common sizes are 60 and 80 gallons for 5-7.5 HP units, and 120 gallons for 10-15 HP units. Larger tanks reduce motor cycling and provide a longer buffer for high-draw tools.
- Voltage/Phase: 5-7.5 HP units are widely available in 230V single phase. 10 HP and above commonly require 208-460V three phase power. Confirm your electrical service before ordering.
Brands Carried
- BelAire: Cast iron two stage compressors from 5 to 10 HP, a long-standing choice for auto and body shops with both standard and full-featured configurations.
- C-Aire: Competitively priced two stage units from 5 to 10 HP in single phase and three phase, with strong performance in the 7.5 HP range.
- Quincy: QT PRO and PRO series two stage compressors backed by one of the longest track records in the industry, available from 5 to 15 HP.
- ABAC: Two stage electric and gasoline models including service truck configurations with Honda engines.
- Industrial Gold: Platinum series cast iron two stage compressors designed for continuous-duty industrial use.
- Schulz: Two stage compressors from 5 to 15 HP with a focus on value and reliability across shop and industrial applications.
CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer and ships direct to you, which saves money.
FAQ
What is the advantage of a two stage air compressor over a single stage? A two stage compressor delivers higher maximum PSI (175 vs. 125-135), more CFM per horsepower, and runs cooler under sustained loads because the intercooler reduces air temperature between compression stages. These advantages add up to longer pump life and better efficiency for shops that use air tools throughout the day.
What is the most common mistake when buying a two stage compressor? Not verifying electrical requirements. Many 5-7.5 HP two stage units require 230V single phase, which means a dedicated circuit. Units at 10 HP and above often require three phase power. Check your panel and available circuits before ordering.
How long does a two stage air compressor last? With regular oil changes, belt inspections, and tank draining, a quality two stage compressor with a cast iron pump can last 15-20+ years in a shop environment. Cast iron pumps typically run cooler and wear more slowly than aluminum, which is why two stage units often outlast single stage models.
Do I need a two stage compressor for spray painting? For occasional touch-up work, a properly sized single stage unit can manage. For production body work, clear coating, or continuous spray applications, a two stage compressor is the better choice because it delivers higher sustained CFM at the pressures spray guns require.
Can I use a two stage compressor for a home garage? Yes. A 5 HP two stage unit on a 60 gallon tank is a popular choice for serious home mechanics and DIYers.. Verify that your electrical panel supports a 230V dedicated circuit.
Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on two stage compressors? Yes. All orders ship free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.
Shop Two Stage Air Compressors at CompressorPros
CompressorPros carries two stage air compressors from 5 to 20 HP in electric and gasoline configurations, with vertical and horizontal tank options from 30 to 120 gallons. For operations that need redundancy, duplex air compressors mount two pumps on a shared tank. Replacement pumps are available in the parts section. All orders ship free, direct from the manufacturer.
If you need help choosing a two stage compressor for your shop, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.