Ranked by decibels: noise first, airflow secondQuietest we list: CAT-1P1060S · 56 dB
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Refrigerated compressed air dryers

A refrigerated compressed air dryer chills compressed air to condense out water vapor, then drains it automatically. Size it at or above your compressor's CFM. For the 5–7.5 HP shop compressors we cover, a 35 SCFM unit such as the Schulz Refrigerated Air Dryer, 35 CFM has room to spare.

Last updated October 18, 20263 products comparedBy the Silent Air Compressor editors · How we pick

How a refrigerated dryer works

Hot compressed air enters an air-to-air heat exchanger, then an evaporator cooled by a small refrigeration circuit, typically to about 35–40°F. Water condenses and is drained out, and the cold air is re-warmed by the incoming air before it leaves, so lines don't sweat. The result is air with a pressure dew point in the high 30s °F, dry enough for most paint and tool work.

Sizing

  • Match or exceed compressor CFM. Use the compressor's CFM at 90 PSI; manufacturers list dryer capacity in SCFM at standard conditions.
  • Derate for heat. Capacity drops in hot shops and with hot inlet air. If your shop runs hot in summer, size up.
  • Check voltage. Small units run on 115V; larger ones may need 220V.

Installation tips

Install after the tank, with a pre-filter to catch bulk water and oil, and a bypass loop so you can service the dryer without shutting the shop down. Give it ventilation: the refrigeration unit rejects heat.

Refrigerated dryers are a niche purchase, so Amazon listings have few buyer reviews. We picked Schulz because it is an established compressor manufacturer with several sizes listed.

Our picks

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  1. 1
    Schulz

    Schulz Refrigerated Air Dryer, 35 CFM

    A 35 CFM refrigerated dryer that Schulz sizes for 7.5–10 HP compressors. It comfortably covers any 5 HP shop compressor on our list.

    Type
    Refrigerated compressed air dryer
    Rated flow
    35 SCFM

    Pros

    • Refrigerated drying removes far more moisture than filters
    • 35 CFM covers every 60–80 gallon unit we list
    • Established compressor manufacturer

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Few Amazon reviews: refrigerated dryers are a niche purchase

    Suits: Ingersoll Rand 2340L5-V Two-Stage, Quincy QT-54 Two-Stage, California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD, Campbell Hausfeld XC802100 80 Gallon Two-Stage

    Check price on Amazon$600–$1,500 · price checked October 18, 2026
  2. 2
    Schulz

    Schulz Refrigerated Air Dryer, 50 CFM

    Schulz's 50 CFM refrigerated dryer, sized for 10–15 HP compressors. It gives plenty of headroom behind a 7.5 HP two-stage.

    Type
    Refrigerated compressed air dryer
    Rated flow
    50 SCFM

    Pros

    • Headroom for 7.5 HP two-stage units
    • Lets the dryer run below capacity on hot days

    Cons

    • Costs about the same as the 35 CFM model, so only buy it if you need the capacity
    • Very few reviews

    Suits: Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5 Two-Stage, Quincy QT-7.5 80 Gallon Two-Stage

    Check price on Amazon$600–$1,500 · price checked October 18, 2026
  3. 3
    Schulz

    Schulz Refrigerated Air Dryer, 75 CFM

    A 75 CFM refrigerated dryer Schulz sizes for 15–20 HP systems, for rotary screw compressors and multi-compressor shops.

    Type
    Refrigerated compressed air dryer
    Rated flow
    75 SCFM

    Pros

    • Sized for rotary screw and multi-compressor systems
    • Same Schulz platform as the smaller units

    Cons

    • Oversized for any single piston compressor on our list
    • Very few reviews
    Check price on Amazon$1,500+ · price checked October 18, 2026

Compressors these suit

Frequently asked questions

What size refrigerated air dryer do I need?

One rated at or above your compressor's CFM, with extra headroom if your shop gets hot. For a 5 HP two-stage compressor making about 14–15 CFM at 90 PSI, a 35 SCFM dryer is comfortable.

Is a refrigerated air dryer worth it for a home garage?

Usually not. For a home garage, a water separator and a desiccant cartridge at the paint gun cost far less. Refrigerated dryers make sense for 60–80 gallon compressors running daily or for regular spray painting.

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