Quick take
If you're setting up a compressed air system, the first decision is not which brand to pick; it's whether you need a compressor, a dryer, or both. A compressor creates the airflow, but moisture inside that air can cause problems for tools, fittings, and finished work. A refrigerated dryer removes that moisture after compression. This set of four options covers both sides of that equation: one pre-owned package combines rotary compressors with dryers, one new rotary screw compressor stands alone, and two refrigerated dryers are sized for very different compressor outputs. If you already have a compressor, the dryers are the decision. If you need a compressor, the used package and the new screw unit are your choices.
Listed price comparison
| Product | Price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| 30 hp Atlas Copco rotary air compressors w/ dryers Z1-22 | USD 2,900.00 | |
| 21 CFM Compressed Air Refrigerated Air Dryer for 5 HP Air Compressors 110V | USD 999.95 | |
| 34CFM Rotary Screw Air Compressor - 125 PSI, 10 HP, 230V Commercial Use | USD 3,199.00 | |
| LRSD 85CFM REFRIGERATED COMPRESSED AIR DRYER, 15HP & 20HP COMPRESSORS, 110V 60HZ | USD 980.00 |
Decision matrix
- Need both compression and drying in one used package: Atlas Copco Z1-22.
- Need a refrigerated dryer for an existing small compressor: Compressor Source dryer.
- Need a new stand-alone rotary screw compressor: Chery Industrial unit.
- Need a higher-capacity dryer for a larger compressor: LRSD dryer.
Product notes
30 hp Atlas Copco rotary air compressors w/ dryers Z1-22
This is the only item in the group that combines a 30 hp rotary compressor with dryers in one package. The Z1-22 is a horizontal, stationary unit built as a medium-duty electric machine for consistent compressed air supply. At USD 2,900.00, it sits between the two dryers and the new screw compressor in price. The main reason to choose it is simplicity: one used package gives you both compression and moisture removal. The limitation is the used condition; you are buying pre-owned industrial equipment, so your comfort level with a used machine will drive the decision.
21 CFM Compressed Air Refrigerated Air Dryer for 5 HP Air Compressors 110V
This Compressor Source dryer is a purpose-built add-on for compressors that can deliver up to 21 CFM, typically a 5 HP unit. It runs on 110V, uses R134a refrigerant, and includes an automatic timer drain plus an electronic display for dew point and error codes. The 1/2-inch NPT inlet and outlet make hookup straightforward for a small shop. At USD 999.95, it is a component rather than a complete air system. The trade-off is capacity: it is not designed to keep up with a larger rotary screw compressor's output, so match it to your existing compressor's CFM. The 232 PSI maximum working pressure gives it headroom for most small tools and lines.
34CFM Rotary Screw Air Compressor - 125 PSI, 10 HP, 230V Commercial Use
If your need is a new compressor, this Chery Industrial rotary screw unit delivers 34 CFM at 125 PSI from a 10 HP motor that requires 230V three-phase power. The star-delta starter is designed for smooth, low-impact startup, and the unit is built for continuous industrial demand with an intake temperature range of 0°F to 104°F. At USD 3,199.00, it is the most expensive option in this comparison but the only new rotary screw compressor. The limitation is electrical: 230V three-phase is a commercial power requirement, so it won't run from a standard 110V outlet or a single-phase residential panel. This is the pick for a shop with three-phase service that wants a new compressor with a published 34 CFM rating.
LRSD 85CFM REFRIGERATED COMPRESSED AIR DRYER, 15HP & 20HP COMPRESSORS, 110V 60HZ
For larger compressed air lines, the LRSD refrigerated dryer is rated for 85 CFM and matches 15 HP to 20 HP compressors. It operates on 110V/60Hz, uses R134a refrigerant, and is air-cooled with an ambient temperature range of 0°F to 95°F and a working pressure range of 102 to 145 PSI. The 1-inch interface and 1-year warranty are useful for a shop that already has a high-output compressor. At USD 980.00, it is the lowest priced item in the group, which makes it an appealing way to add dry air without buying a compressor. The limitation is that it is only a dryer: you need the upstream compressor, and its 85 CFM capacity is aimed at larger systems rather than small hobby setups.
Final recommendation by use case
If you want a single used package that includes both compressors and dryers, the Atlas Copco Z1-22 is the fit. If you already have a small compressor and need dry air for tools, the Compressor Source refrigerated air dryer is the add-on. If you need a new rotary screw compressor and have three-phase power in your shop, choose the Chery Industrial unit. If your compressor is larger and you want high-capacity moisture removal, the LRSD refrigerated air dryer is the option to pair with it.
