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Published on 18 October 2026

4-in-1 compressor or standalone screw compressor - which one to choose?

The same screw compressor, supplied on its own or with its air receiver, dryer and filtration. What each option changes for the installation and for the workshop.

A screw compressor almost never works alone. To get usable air, you also need an air receiver to store the air and smooth out demand, a dryer to remove water, and filtration to trap particles and traces of oil. There are two ways to get there: buy a 4-in-1 compressor with everything already fitted, or a standalone compressor that you combine with your own equipment.

At AIRSTAHL, these are our two series: the K series, the 4-in-1, and the S series, the standalone compressor.

What each option includes

K series, 4-in-1S series, standalone compressor
Screw compressorYesYes
Air receiverBuilt in, 340 or 420 L depending on the modelTo be provided
Refrigerated dryerBuilt inTo be provided
FiltrationBuilt inTo be provided
InstallationOne machine to set down and connectSeveral pieces of equipment to connect
Power ratings7.5, 11 and 15 kW5.5, 7.5, 11, 15 and 22 kW

Same power, same compressor

The K 110 and K 150 use the same compressor as the S 110 and S 150: same flow, same pressure options (8, 10 or 13 bar). The K 75 and S 75 also have the same flow. What changes is everything fitted around it.

PowerModelFlow at 8 barAir receiverDimensions (L × W × H)WeightConnection
7.5 kWK 751.1 m³/min420 L1650 × 850 × 1200 mmapprox. 310 kgG 3/4"
7.5 kWS 751.1 m³/minNo air receiver850 × 650 × 800 mm130 kgG 1/2"
11 kWK 1101.7 m³/min340 L1800 × 730 × 1530 mm400 kgG 1/2"
11 kWS 1101.7 m³/minNo air receiver1050 × 700 × 1000 mm210 kgG 1/2"
15 kWK 1502.2 m³/min340 L1800 × 730 × 1530 mm400 kgG 3/4"
15 kWS 1502.2 m³/minNo air receiver1050 × 700 × 1000 mm220 kgG 3/4"

The dimensions and weight of an S model cover the compressor only. To compare the real footprint, add the air receiver and dryer you will pair it with.

The advantages of the 4-in-1

  • A single machine to install. No connections to make between compressor, air receiver and dryer: you set it down, connect the power and the air outlet.
  • Dry, filtered air straight from the outlet. The dryer and filtration are sized for the compressor's flow: no risk of undersizing one or the other.
  • A compact, grouped footprint. Everything fits on one frame, which makes it easier to place in a workshop where space counts.
  • One unit to look after. A single machine, for the warranty as well as for maintenance.

The advantages of the standalone compressor

  • It fits into an existing network. Already have an air receiver and dryer in good condition? You only replace what needs replacing.
  • You choose each piece of equipment. A large air receiver to absorb heavy consumption peaks, a dryer matched to your air quality needs, an air receiver placed away from the compressor.
  • The range goes higher. The S series goes up to 22 kW with the S 220 PM, and down to 5.5 kW with the S 55.
  • It is more compact and lighter. Handy if the compressor has to go through a narrow door or into a plant room.

How to decide

Your situationRecommended option
First compressed air installation4-in-1, K series
Paint shop or body shop that wants dry air without assembling anything4-in-1, K series
Replacing a compressor on a network that already has an air receiver and dryerStandalone compressor, S series
Need for a large air receiver to handle heavy consumption peaksStandalone compressor, S series, with a suitable air receiver
Need for 5.5 kW or 22 kWStandalone compressor, S series

If you go for a standalone compressor, our consumables include air receivers, dryers and filtration. Our article which air dryer to choose helps you size the dryer, and the air receiver size calculator gives the recommended volume. The configurator directly suggests a compressor, air receiver and dryer package based on your tools.

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