About Piston Air Compressors
A piston compressor pulls air into a cylinder, compresses it on the upstroke, and pushes it into the storage tank — exactly like a car engine running in reverse. Single-stage piston compressors top out around 10 bar, while two-stage piston compressors comfortably hit 12–15 bar for tougher tasks.
Choose single-cylinder for DIY use up to 6 CFM, twin-cylinder for serious workshop work up to 15 CFM, and two-stage for sandblasting, spraying and heavier impact tools.
Major UK piston compressor brands include Hyundai, SIP, Clarke, Sealey, ABAC, DeWalt and Bostitch.