Best Air Compressors – An air compressor is a piece of pneumatic equipment that transforms power (utilizing an electric motor, gasoline, or diesel engine, etc.) into potential energy collected in pressurized air or, in other words, compressed air. Using various methods, an air compressor pushes more and more air into a storage tank, raising the pressure. When the tank’s pressure approaches its engineered upper limit, the air compressor shuts off. The compressed air, then, is accommodated in the tank until ordered into use. The energy held in the compressed air can be employed for various applications, using the kinetic energy of the air as it is discharged and the tank depressurizes. When tank pressure approaches its lower limit, the air compressor turns on repeatedly and re-pressurizes the tank. An air Compressor must be distinguished from a pump because it operates for any gas/air while pumps operate on a liquid.
Considerations of Selecting a Proper Air Compressor
Air compressors can be extremely helpful for various applications, including filling tires, pneumatic tools, and much more. Whether you want one for your apartment or a workshop, there are multiple options available out there that can be purchased considering the subsequent factors:
- Capacity: You should review the capacity of an air compressor to get an impression of the amount of air it can collect inside it. It can be controlled in gallon rating given by 6 gallons or 8 gallons where a higher rating results in a higher capacity.
- Maximum Pressure: Since an air compressor is employed for compressing air to high pressure, its maximum pressure limit is actually necessary to check for specific applications. This is because 150 PSI air pressure is better than 120 PSI air pressure for different applications.
- Motor Power: All these air compressors utilize a motor for compressing air into their air container. Therefore, the motor power of an air compressor is truly essential to be checked. This incorporates options like ½ HP or 2 HP motors, which the latter is more powerful.
Here, we introduce some of the best air compressors of 2021. As we are going to introduce all of the significant features and options of the best air compressors, you can readily buy one by following mentioned in this article.
Top Air Compressor Reviews
1. California Air Tools Air Compressor
Specifications
- 8-gallon air tank capacity
- 2 HP motor power
- 120 PSI maximum air pressure
- 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 3 CFM at 40 PSI
- Steel air tank for further stability
- Wheels on the back for the comfort of use
- Noise levels of up to 60 decibels
- Oil-free 8.5-amp electric motor
- 1-year warranty
General Descriptions
As its name implies, California Air tools is a brand that sells pneumatic tools and accessories. Therefore, it even presents various air compressors, including the one discussed here.
The California Air Tools 8010 air compressor is in the 1st position in this report as it is a great large capacity choice out there. You can get an 8-gallon capacity with this fabulous air compressor that makes it more fitting for heavy-duty purposes where a lot of air is needed. Regarding the air pressure, it can be utilized to achieve up to 120 PSI of pretty decent air pressure. This is feasible with the help of its 8.5-amp electric motor. You can get a peak power rating of 2.0 HP while applying this electric motor for supplying the air tank.
Since this motor is really powerful, it can fill up the firm steel air tank within 165 seconds that is really fast. Another exceptional thing about this oil-free motor is that it is almost silent at 60 decibels with lower maintenance. The manufacturer even offers a 1-year warranty with this air compressor due to its excellent engine. Once the air tank is charged, you can receive an airflow rating of 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.00 CFM at 40 PSI. The embedded wheels located in this air compressor can be actually handy for simply pushing it around your garage or workshop if required.
2. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
Specifications
- 30 pounds weight
- 10-amp oil-free motor
- 6-gallon air tank capacity
- 165 PSI maximum air pressure
- 9 HP motor power
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI and 7 SCFM at 40 PSI
- Small and compact design
- 5-decibel noise rating
- 1-year warranty
General Descriptions
DeWalt is one of the greatest power tools brands out there, recognized for its reliable offerings and high performance. You can even obtain an air compressor from DeWalt for use with its pneumatic power tools.
DeWalt’s DWFP55126 air compressor is located at the 2nd position in our post as it is the most powerful option suggested here in terms of its maximum air pressure rating. It can give up to 165 PSI air of pressure that is more than adequate, even for industrial and heavy-duty usage. This is feasible due to its profoundly powerful 10-amp electric motor. While this motor is a little loud at 75.5 decibels, it is considerably powerful since you can get an airflow rating of up to 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI and 3.7 SCFM at 40 PSI that is pretty high.
It is a pancake-style air compressor that makes it one of the more compact choices. Even though you can simply fit it in almost any edge of your workshop, you get a suitable air capacity rating of 6 gallons. Its 50 feet extension cord support enables you to utilize it even if you are away from a power socket. Another exceptional feature about its electric motor is that it can simply start even in cold weather. DeWalt gives a 1-year warranty with this air compressor that is always excellent to have.
3. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor
Specifications
- 6-gallon air tank capacity
- 150 PSI maximum air pressure
- 60 SCFM at 90 PSI
- Small and compact
- Water drain port at the base
- Rubber feet for further durability
- Oil-free pump for additional stability
- 1-year warranty
General Descriptions
Porter Cable is recognized for making high-value money and affordable power tools of all varieties. Fortunately, this is also valid for its air compressor models that offer many things for a specific price.
This Porter Cable C2002 air compressor is being in the 3rd position as it is the most affordable option suggested here that makes it an outstanding pick for users who have a limited budget. As you would suspect from its name, this is a pancake shape air compressor that appears with a 6-gallon capacity. While this is not the largest capacity, the size of this air compressor is pretty small and compact, which permits you to store it everywhere. It even comes with rubber feet on the base for extra grip while utilizing it.
Another fabulous thing about this air compressor is that it contains a water drain port at the base. Its 10-amp electric motor can provide a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI that is really high for its given price tag. You also get a notable decent 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI airflow rating for simply using pneumatic power tools. Because this is an oil-free pump, it does not require much preservation in the long run. The manufacturer also offers a 1-year warranty for this product. It even supports extension cords so that you can apply it away from a power plug if required.
4. Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor
Specifications
- 6-gallon air tank capacity
- 125 PSI maximum air pressure
- 4 CFM at 90 PSI
- Steel air tank for more durability
- Soft grip steel handle for simple portability
- 68 dBA noise level
- Compact design
- 1-year warranty
General Descriptions
Campbell Hausfeld is a premium brand of power tools and relevant accessories compared to other options out there. As a result, its air compressor is also a little bit more expensive.
While the Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 air is a little bit more expensive, it can be a great choice to look for a pancake air compressor. Due to its design, this air compressor is pretty small and compact, presenting it as a fabulous portable option if required. Another exceptional thing about this air compressor is that its electric motor has a noise level of just 68 dBA that is really valuable for use indoors. Nevertheless, it is not the most powerful option as you only can get a pressure rating of 125 PSI with this 6-gallon air compressor.
Because of its airflow rating, you can expect 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI while utilizing this Campbell Hausfeld air compressor. An excellent thing about this air compressor is that it gives a great build quality aside from the standard 1-year warranty. It uses a soft grip steel handle to carry it from one place to another easily. The air tank itself is also built out of steel for additional durability. And just like different options present in this post, it employs an oil-free pump for more reliability while applying it.
5. CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor
- Value for money
- Proper performance
Comes with various accessories
Specifications
- 6-gallon air tank capacity
- 6 CFM at 90 PSI
- 150 PSI maximum air pressure
- Oil-free pump
- Simple start-up in cold weather
- Value for money air compressor
- Comes with a wide range of accessories
- Quick recovery time
- 1-year warranty
General Descriptions
Craftsman is another famous brand of power tools and relevant accessories. Its air compressor can be an excellent option for many users because of the features you receive.
You can receive a great pancake air compressor option from Craftsman that is mentioned here. Like various other pancake choices, this air compressor possesses a 6-gallon air tank capacity. This air tank is constructed out of steel for additional strength and reliability in the long operation. Since you get an oil-free pump while utilizing this air compressor, you get a fair 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI rating regarding the airflow proposed by it. You can even get a maximum air pressure rating of 150 PSI that is considerably high compared to other alternatives.
A 13-piece accessory kit includes several useful things by using with an air compressor. It has stuff like an air hose, different blowguns, various nozzle attachments, adapters, and much more. All these pieces make this air compressor a great value-for-money choice for many users out there. The manufacturer also offers a 1-year long warranty with the Craftsman CMEC6150K pancake compressor, similar to other choices out there.
6. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
Specifications
- 6-gallon air tank capacity
- 6 SCFM at 90 PSI
- 150 PSI maximum air pressure
- Supports up to a 50 feet (15 meters) extension cord
- Weighs 29 pounds
- Oil-free pump for peace of mind
- Simple start-up even in cold temperatures
- Small and comfortable to store
- 1-year warranty
General Descriptions
Bostitch makes a broad range of air compressor types that are beneficial for various kinds of applications. Its pancake air compressor offers a high user rating due to the functionality it provides to the user.
This Bostitch BTFP02012 air compressor proposes a highly compact and small design due to which it is named a pancake air compressor. As you would suspect, you get a 6-gallon air capacity in this air compressor, comparable to various other choices. While this capacity is not perfect for industrial usage, it is more than adequate for most residence users. One of the exceptional things about this air compressor is that it gives a maximum air pressure rating of 150 PSI that is pretty high compared to other alternatives. All of this is feasible due to the highly efficient and powerful motor possessed by it.
An excellent thing about the electric motor is that it has an operational noise level of 78.5 dBA that is similar to many other air compressors in its category. You can even utilize this air compressor away from a power plug as it allows the support of an extension cord up to 15 meters long. The electric motor of this air compressor gives an adequate performance that follows in an airflow rating of up to 2.6 SCFM with 90 PSI pressure. Since this is an oil-free pump that is sold with a 1-year long warranty, you can rely on it for a long period.
7. Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak
Specifications
- 1 HP motor power
- 1-gallon air tank capacity
- 120 PSI maximum air pressure
- 4-amps electric motor
- ¼ inch coupler
- Weighs 20 pounds
- Small and compact design
- CSA approved pump
- Ideal for small and compact pneumatic tools
- 1-year warranty
General Descriptions
Last but not least, Senco company air compressor is a less known brand of air compressors compared with other choices present in this post. Nevertheless, unlike other air compressor models discussed here, this one has a pretty compact size.
Since the Senco PC1010 air compressor is highly compact, it is made for smaller applications. It is largely made for using handheld and compact pneumatic power tools. You can get a 1-gallon capacity with the air tank of this air compressor. Fortunately, this air tank is constructed out of steel that makes it really sturdy and strong although, despite its steel structure, this air compressor is pretty lightweight due to its small size. This makes it a fabulous pick if you are looking for an air compressor that is considerably easy to store and simple to convey from one place to another.
Although this air compressor has the extra compact size, it is sold with a 1-year warranty similar to all other choices present here. You can get a powerful electric motor for the size of this air compressor rated for 1 HP peak power. This motor has electricity consumption of up to 4-amps that is used to power its oil-free mump. As a result, its CSA-approved pump can provide up to 120 PSI of air pressure that is really high for the given size of this air compressor. An excellent thing about buying this small-sized and compact air compressor is that it weighs only 20 pounds, making it ideal for transport whenever required.
Buying Guide for the Best Air Compressor
As you have recognized, all of the principal features and diversity of the broad range of air compressors have been mentioned in this post. Such details can actually be helpful while deciding on the ideal air compressor for your workshop or garage. However, there are lots of things about these air compressors that you should note before purchasing one. Hence, a more detailed purchasing guide related to the most reliable air compressors is presented here. You can discover all of the critical aspects and factors associated with these air compressors in this purchasing guide. As a result, you can solely follow it until the end and pick the ideal one for you.
Capacity
The capacity of an air compressor is pretty vital to check as it informs you of the amount of air it can deposit at once. Any air compressor that suggests large capacity can be utilized for a long time without applying its motor and pump repeatedly. Consequently, you can obtain a broad range of air compressors out there that have various capacity ratings.
While some of these air compressors have an 8-gallon capacity, others have a capacity of 6 gallons. In comparison with each other, the higher 8-gallon air capacity enables you to manage the given air compressor for a more extended time without stopping. Nevertheless, the smaller 6-gallon air compressor also has a more miniature physical size that we will describe more later in this shopping guide.
Air Flow Rating
The airflow rating of a specific air compressor is another crucial factor that one should examine before purchasing one. As you would suspect, it plainly informs you of the amount of air a given air compressor can output at a particular time. Hence, most air compressor models have an airflow rating provided in CFM or cubic feet per minute.
It should be noted that the airflow rating of an air compressor is different for various air pressures inside it; this indicates that you can obtain airflow ratings such as 3.6 CFM at 40 PSI and 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. But whether you control the airflow rating at 40 PSI or 90 PSI, a higher CFM rating implies that the given air compressor can discharge more air.
Maximum Air Pressure
As an air compressor is employed to compress air to high pressure, the maximum air pressure obtainable by a specific air compressor is considerably necessary to check. This is because while some applications do not require high pressure, others might solely work with high air pressure. Consequently, various air compressors provide distinct maximum air pressure ratings. According to the application, one can attain maximum air pressure options like 120 PSI or 150 PSI pressure. Also, as you would suspect, the 150 PSI rating is the higher one that enables you to apply it for heavy-duty applications if required although you can simply regulate the pressure of your air compressor as demanded.
Motor Power
Virtually all of the air compressor models use an oil-free pump to compress air and collect it into an air tank at relatively high pressure. But in order to operate, this pump also requires power from either an electric motor or a gas engine. After going through this post, you must comprehend that all of the options discussed here use electric power.
Because of this, the motor power of these electric motors can be an exceptional way to get an impression of the air compressor’s performance. This is provided either as 1 HP to 2 HP or 4 amps to 6 amps depending on the type you get. For both of these states, a higher rating ends in better performance while utilizing your air compressor.
Size and Form Factor
Because air compressors get applied for both home and industrial usage, their size and form factor are also very essential to control. This is because compact and small-sized air compressors can simply fit in any corner of your workshop or garage when you are storing them. They are also pretty comfortable to carry from one location to another by loading in the back of your vehicle. And as you would suspect, an 8-gallon air compressor will have a greater size than a 6 gallon one.
Conclusion
If you want to work on your car at home, you comprehend how crucial it is to have the proper tools. Whether you are switching spark plugs or freshening some suspension elements, you won’t get very far without the proper tools. While air compressors are not at the head of every DIYers’ must-have list, these instruments are really useful for a broad range of purposes. The proper air compressor can perform everything from putting the “power” in your power washer to operating pneumatic tools such as air-driven nail guns and paint sprayers to inflating your pool floats and car tires.
Here we have introduced 7 of the best air compressors widely accepted as excellent choices for your workshop or garage. According to your application and budget, you can choose the proper one. We have specified pros and cons along with specifications and general descriptions of these selected air compressors. We have also discussed various crucial parameters of choosing an appropriate air compressor from different perspectives. If you are still doubtful, then you can pick one from our recommendations:
- If you need a high-pressure air compressor, you can select the Dewalt DWFP55126. It gives a maximum air pressure limit of up to 165 PSI that is much higher than other alternatives. You get a capacity of 6 gallons that is pretty adequate for most users.
- Although, if you need a large-sized air compressor with the highest achievable air pressure, the California Air Tools 8010 can be a fabulous choice. Although it is an 8-gallon air compressor, you can get an air pressure rating of 120 PSI. It comes with a 1-year long warranty.
- For those who need an affordable air compressor, the Porter Cable C2002 can be another excellent option. Despite its more economical price, you can get a high 150 PSI air pressure rating with it. As a pancake compressor, you can get up to 6-gallon capacity that is pretty comparable to other alternatives.
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