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Vertical Air Compressors

Get the air capacity you need without losing half your workshop floor to the compressor. 

Vertical air compressors do the same job as equivalent horizontal models, but the upright receiver takes up considerably less floor space. They’re a great option for garages and workshops where space is tight, but plenty of compressed air is still required. 

Not sure which one you need? Call our compressor experts on: 01932 348777 and we’ll point you in the right direction.

A blue Nuair belt driven vertical air compressor stands in a garage which has plain panted walls and other items such a a step ladder and wall mounted tools in the background

Shop Vertical Compressors

Single Phase Vertical Compressors:

Our single-phase vertical air compressors are a popular option for garages and smaller workshops without access to a three-phase electrical supply.

For the first model below, you will need a 16-amp power supply, and for the second model you will need a 20-amp power supply.

Sale!
Product shot with a white background of the 150L vertical air compressor from Nuair which is turquoise

Belt Driven: Nuair Piston

Nuair Pro 150L Vertical Air Compressor | 10 Bar | 16A | S-36HY504FPS149

Original price was: £1,245.00.Current price is: £760.00. (inc.vat £912.00)
Sale!
Product shot with a white background of the Nuair vertical 10 bar air compressor which is turquoise

Belt Driven: Nuair Piston

Nuair Vertical 10 Bar Air Compressor | 20 Amp | 150L | 4Hp | S-36HY684FPS168

Original price was: £1,607.00.Current price is: £964.00. (inc.vat £1,156.80)

Three-Phase Vertical Air Compressors: 

For larger workshops and commercial environments, our three-phase vertical compressors provide higher compressed air output without taking over the workshop floor.

Sale!
Product shot of the Nuair 150L Vertical Workshop Compressor which is Turquoise

Belt Driven: Nuair Piston

Nuair Vertical Workshop Compressor | B3800B-PRO/150V FT3 | S-36HY541FPS158

Original price was: £1,405.00.Current price is: £860.00. (inc.vat £1,032.00)
Sale!
Product shot with a white background of a Nuair Vertical Workshop Compressor which is Turquoise and has the Wite Nuair logo on the side

Belt Driven: Nuair Piston

Nuair Vertical Workshop Compressor | 270L | 11 Bar | 5.5 Hp | S-N5NY701FPS070

Original price was: £2,169.00.Current price is: £1,302.00. (inc.vat £1,562.40)

The Same Air Capacity. A Much Smaller Footprint? 

A decent-sized horizontal compressor can take up a surprising amount of room. When workshop space is already tight, that can leave you stepping around it every five minutes.

A vertical air compressor turns the receiver upright, giving you the same air capacity while taking up much less floor space.

For example, a typical 150-litre horizontal compressor can be around 1.5 metres long. A comparable vertical model may take up roughly a third of that floor space.

You may pay slightly more for the vertical design, but the extra room it gives you can make it well worth the difference.

Gary’s take: 

“Vertical compressors are an excellent choice if you are looking to save some space on your workshop floor, they take up a third of the space as a horizontal compressor and produce the same power.”

Why Choose a Vertical Compressor?

  • Takes up less workshop floor space
  • Provides the same capacity as an equivalent horizontal receiver
  • Fits more easily against a wall or into a workshop corner
  • Available in single-phase and three-phase options
  • Suitable for garages, workshops and commercial premises
  • Leaves more room for machinery, storage and the actual work

You aren’t paying for a more powerful compressor; you’re paying for is the space it gives back to you.

Is a Vertical Air Compressor Better Than a Horizontal One?

No, not necessarily. It’s better if its shape suits your workshop.

A vertical and horizontal compressor can use exactly the same pump, motor and receiver capacity. A 150-litre vertical compressor doesn’t hold any less air than a 150-litre horizontal one just because the receiver is standing on its end.

The main difference is the amount of floor space each machine needs.

If you have acres of workshop space, a horizontal model may suit you perfectly well. If you’re already squeezing between toolboxes and machinery, a vertical air compressor might be the more sensible choice.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Vertical Compressor

The size and shape of the receiver matter, but they shouldn’t be the only reasons you choose a compressor. You also need to make sure it can keep up with the work you’re asking it to do. 

How Much Air Does It Deliver? 

Check the compressor’s Free Air Delivery, usually shown as FAD and measured in CFM. 

This tells you how much usable compressed air the machine can actually deliver. Compare it with the CFM requirements of the tools or equipment you want to run. 

The receiver capacity tells you how much compressed air can be stored. It doesn’t tell you how quickly the compressor can replace the air you’ve used. 

If all of that sounds like compressor bingo, give us a call and tell us what you need to run. We’ll help you work it out. 

Does Your Electrical Supply Match? 

Our vertical air compressor range includes both single-phase and three-phase machines. 

A 150-litre receiver is generally the largest popular option for a single-phase piston compressor. However, you’ll also need to check the electrical requirements because some larger models require a 16-amp or 20-amp supply. 

Don’t order the compressor first and discover the plug situation afterwards. If you aren’t sure what your workshop can support, speak to us before buying. 

What Working Pressure Do You Need? 

Check the operating pressure required by your air tools or equipment. This will normally be shown in bar or PSI. 

A bigger number isn’t automatically better. You need a compressor that provides the correct combination of pressure and airflow for the work you’re doing. 

What About the Noise? 

A vertical air compressor isn’t automatically any louder than a horizontal model. 

If the two machines use the same pump and motor, the noise level will be much the same. The receiver standing upright doesn’t suddenly make the motor shout louder. 

If noise is an important consideration, check the stated decibel rating or have a look at our dedicated silent air compressors.

Where Can You Put a Vertical Air Compressor?

Single-phase belt driven air compressors are commonly used in smaller garages, workshops and trade environments with access to a 230V electricity supply.

They provide a practical middle ground for businesses that need something more capable than a light-duty direct drive compressor but do not have three-phase power available.

Some more powerful single-phase compressors may require a dedicated electrical supply, so always check the requirements before ordering. Plugging it in and hoping for the best isn’t an electrical installation strategy we recommend!

Does a Vertical Compressor Need to Be Fixed to the Floor?

Usually, no.

Vertical compressors have legs welded to the bottom of the receiver to keep them stable during normal use. If the compressor is positioned against a wall and well away from anything likely to knock it, it generally won’t need to be fixed down.

However, the motor and pump sit on top of the receiver, which makes a vertical compressor top-heavy. If it’s going into a particularly busy part of the workshop where equipment or vehicles could catch it, additional securing may be worth considering.

We don’t often see vertical compressors bolted to the floor, but every workshop is different. Follow the installation guidance supplied with the individual machine.

Can You Lay a Vertical Air Compressor Down?

No. Keep it upright.

Oil-lubricated compressors contain oil that can move into areas where it shouldn’t if the machine is laid on its side. That can make a mess and potentially cause damage.

Vertical air compressors should remain upright when they are being used, stored and transported. They’re called vertical compressors for a reason.

Are Vertical Air Compressors Portable?

Not really. Vertical air compressors are designed to save space, rather than travel around the workshop. 

The receiver has supporting legs at the bottom, while the motor and pump are mounted on a plate at the top. This makes them top-heavy and a bit wobbly if you attempt to move them. 

Unlike portable compressors, they don’t normally have wheels and a handle. If you regularly need to move your air supply between work areas or take it out on jobs, a portable air compressor will probably be the better option.

Looking After Your Vertical Air Compressor

Maintaining a vertical compressor is no more complicated than looking after a horizontal one.

Depending on the model, regular maintenance may include:

  • Checking and changing the compressor oil
  • Cleaning or replacing the air filter
  • Checking the drive belt
  • Inspecting hoses and connections
  • Draining condensate from the receiver
  • Following the recommended servicing schedule

A little routine maintenance is far cheaper than waiting until the compressor makes a horrible noise and stops working on your busiest day. Metro Sales offers air compressor servicing if you need, along with compressor repair,, compressor installation or our design and fit service.

Is a Vertical Compressor More Difficult to Drain?

No. The drain is still located at the bottom of the receiver, just as it is on a horizontal compressor.

Moisture naturally collects inside the receiver as the compressed air cools. This condensate needs to be removed regularly to help protect the inside of the tank from corrosion and prevent water from reaching your air supply.

You can drain it manually or fit an automatic drain to take care of the job at regular intervals.

Is an Automatic Drain Worth Having?

An automatic drain is particularly useful in a busy workshop because you don’t have to rely on somebody remembering to drain the receiver. 

It works on a timer, opening at set intervals to flush accumulated condensate from the tank. 

An automatic drain can help: 

  • Prevent water from building up inside the receiver  
  • Reduce the risk of internal corrosion  
  • Keep excess moisture out of your airline  
  • Make regular compressor maintenance easier  
  • Remove one more job from the workshop to-do list  

The condensate removed from an air compressor can contain oil, so it shouldn’t simply be poured onto the ground or tipped straight down the nearest drain. 

An oil/water separator can remove oil from the condensate before the separated water is disposed of. Smaller compressors can often use relatively inexpensive disposable separator units. 

Disposal requirements can vary, so check with your local water company or relevant environmental authority before discharging treated condensate. 

Vertical Air Compressor FAQs:

It takes up less floor space. You can have the same air capacity as a comparable horizontal compressor without having a large receiver stretching across the workshop.

No. A 150-litre vertical compressor stores the same volume of air as a 150-litre horizontal compressor. The receiver is simply positioned differently.

Not always, but it’s a very useful option when floor space is restricted.

You still need to check that the compressor provides enough CFM, pressure and receiver capacity for your tools. There’s no point saving space if the compressor can’t keep up with the job.

No.

Air compressors generate heat and require sufficient airflow to cool the pump and motor. Tucking one into an unventilated cupboard is asking for trouble.

No. A vertical model with the same motor and pump as a horizontal compressor will produce a similar noise level.

Vertical compressors aren’t designed to be portable. They are top-heavy and need to be kept upright, so moving them regularly isn’t recommended.

You don’t necessarily need one, but it can make life easier. An automatic drain removes collected condensate at regular intervals, helping to prevent moisture building up when somebody inevitably forgets to drain it manually.

Not Sure Which Vertical Air Compressor You Need?

There’s a little more to choosing a compressor than finding one that fits in the available gap.

Tell us which tools or equipment you need to run, how often you’ll use them and which electrical supply you have. We’ll help you choose a vertical air compressor that fits your workshop and delivers enough air for the job.

01932 348777 | sales@metrosales.co.uk