Brands like Dewalt, Makita and California Air Tools produce the best portable air compressors for home use. Ingersoll-Rand and Atlas-Copco are the go-to brands for industrial air compressors.
Full Answer
What is the highest rated air compressor?
The California Air Tools 6010 is the upgraded version of the very popular CAT-6310. The 6310 was rated best portable air compressor by many of the top consumer publications. The improvements made to the new model certainly puts it in line to achieve the same accolades in 2019. Therefore this model had to be included in our air compressor reviews.
What is the best rated home air compressor?
“Best Value” Small Air Compressor: DeWalt – 6 Gallon Air Compressor
- 6-gallon tank
- Lightweight @ Only 30 lbs.
- 165 max PSI
- High-Efficiency Motor for Cold Sarts
- High Flow Regulators
- 2 – Universal Couplers for Two Users at Same Time
- Rubber Feet to prevent Marring floors
What are the best portable air compressor brands?
View the Best Portable Air Compressor, Below.
- PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor. This Porter-Cable portable air compressor only weighs 34 pounds, making it ideal to use around the home or to take to the job site.
- DeWALT DXCM301 30 Gal Air Compressor. This is one of the highest-capacity portable air compressors on our list. ...
- EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump. ...
What is the best compressor for air tools?
- BEST OVERALL: CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor-6 gallon
- BEST BUDGET: California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor
- BEST FOR INFLATING: EPAUTO 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump
- BEST FOR FASTENING: BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo Kit
- BEST FOR SPRAY-PAINTING: California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor
- BEST FOR AUTO WORK: DEWALT 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor
What brand has the best air compressor?
With its design, build quality, and performance, the Rolair VT25BIG absolutely gets our recommendation as the best portable air compressor for your home garage. Great for: smaller pneumatic ratchets, nailers, and lower-demand air tools.
What are the top 5 air compressors?
DeWalt Heavy-Duty 165-psi Pancake Compressor.Senco 1-Gallon Finish and Trim Air Compressor.Makita Quiet Series 3-Gallon Electric Air Compressor.Senco 2.5-Gallon Twin Tank Finish and Trim Air Compressor.Porter-Cable 6-Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Compressor.Craftsman 6-Gallon Air Compressor with Accessory Kit.More items...•
What type of air compressor lasts the longest?
Though less common nowadays, oil-lubricated air compressors tend to last longer than their oil-free air counterparts due to the routine maintenance they receive.
What is the best air compressor for home shop?
7 Best Shop Air Compressors ReviewsBostitch Air Compressor. First on our list is the Bostitch pancake air compressor. ... Craftsman Air Compressor. ... 3. California Air Tools Compressor. ... Makita Air Compressor. ... Ingersoll-Rand Air Compressor. ... NorthStar Portable Electric Air Compressor. ... Dewalt Air Compressor.
How long do air compressors last?
10 to 15 yearsSGS Engineers states that reciprocating air compressors can have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years (Source). However, our field experience at VMAC suggests that reciprocating air compressors rarely last this length of time, and 5-10 years is a more realistic estimate with appropriate maintenance.
What's the best air compressor for automotive?
Our Top PicksEPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator EPAuto. ... Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor VIAIR. ... DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Tire Inflator, Tool Only (DCC020IB) DEWALT. ... BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Tire Inflator, Cordless & Corded Power, Tool Only (BDINF20C) BLACK+DECKER.More items...•
What should I look for when buying an air compressor?
What You Need to Know Before Buying a CompressorHorsepower (HP)Air Pressure (PSI)Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)Tank Sizes.Single Stage or Two Stage.Direct Drive or Belt Drive, Oil or Oil-Less.Duty Cycle.Moisture Problems.More items...
How do I choose a compressor?
3:537:06How to Choose the Right Air Compressor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply put always select a compressor with a cfm rating greater than your hungriest.MoreSimply put always select a compressor with a cfm rating greater than your hungriest.
Does tank size matter air compressor?
The size of the compressor's tank will help to determine the amount of time that your air tools can run before the air compressor shuts off and has to be turned on again. If you only require intermittent use of air-powered tools, you won't need a compressor with a large tank size.
How much PSI do I need for air tools?
between 70 and 90 PSIMost air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI. Any light-to-medium-duty air compressor can easily handle 90 PSI, but you always want the compressor to supply more flow than needed.
What is better single stage or two stage air compressor?
In general, two-stage air compressors are more efficient, run cooler and deliver more CFM than their single-stage counterparts. While that may seem like a convincing argument against single-stage models, it's important to realize that they have advantages as well.
Is a belt driven air compressor better?
Many experts believe a belt drive compressor is better because a properly lubricated belt system will run in a more smooth manner, which can be both efficient and quiet. On the other hand, belts can wear down, causing you to repair or replace the belts to ensure the compressor is able to function again.
How do I choose an air compressor?
0:347:26How to Choose an Air Compressor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe more input voltage you're gonna need to run that compressor.MoreThe more input voltage you're gonna need to run that compressor.
How many PSI do I need to run air tools?
Most air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI. Any light-to-medium-duty air compressor can easily handle 90 PSI, but you always want the compressor to supply more flow than needed.
How big of an air compressor do I need to paint a car?
That being said, most air compressors with an air tank capacity of 30 gallons and up can usually handle painting a car. If you're painting a classic full-size car or want to play it safe, a tank of 60 gallons or more should be enough to coat the vehicle in a single pass.
What size air compressor do I need for a nail gun?
A pneumatic nail gun is an intermittent power tool that does not require continuous supply of air. You need short bust of air to drive nails into the wood. So, all you need is a portable air compressor with at least 2 CFM rating and 2 to 6 gallon tank capacity.
What size air compressor do I need for my garage?
This common question is like asking what size engine you need in your car; it depends on what you use it for. By “size,” many buyers focus on the t...
What other specs should I look for when buying?
In addition to tank size, other critical considerations are a compressor’s PSI (pounds per square inch) and CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings. Th...
How much power does it take to operate air tools?
Most air tools require about 70 to 100 psi, which all of our recommended models can deliver. For inflating tires, you’ll need a compressor that can...
Is it worth getting a compressor with a lower noise level?
Yes. After tank size, CFM, and PSI, we believe a compressor’s sound volume is the next most important consideration. The volume of most of the comp...
Should I get an oil-free compressor?
Many portable compressors are now “oil-free” (or “oil-less”), which means they use interior parts with friction-reducing coatings instead of conven...
What else should I know about air compressors?
If the compressor doesn’t reach to where you’re working, add more hose, not more extension cord. Why: Voltage drops off and the compressor won’t de...
What air compressor do I need for a garage tool?
Most air tools require about 70 to 100 psi, which all of our recommended models can deliver. For inflating tires, you’ll need a compressor that can equal the highest recommended psi for your tires. The CFM requirements of tools vary more. According to Garage Tool Advisor, tools that don’t need constant air, such as a nailer or staple gun, require an output of only 2 CFM or less. A drill, half-inch impact driver, ratchet, or air hammer could need about 3 to 4 CFM. An orbital sander can demand 6 to 9. And a disc sander requires as much as 20. Paint spray guns can range from about 4 to 14 CFM, depending on their use.
What is oil free compressor?
Many portable compressors are now “oil-free” (or “oil-less”), which means they use interior parts with friction-reducing coatings instead of conventional oil lubrication. One of the main benefits is less maintenance because you don’t have to change the oil. Among the compressors we researched for garage use, all of the smaller models were oil-free, while it varied among larger, heavier-duty models. So, we’d consider the lower maintenance of an oil-free design to be a good tie-breaker if all of the other specs are similar.
How loud is a compressor?
Yes. After tank size, CFM, and PSI, we believe a compressor’s sound volume is the next most important consideration. The volume of most of the compressors we looked at ranged from 60 to 80 dB. That doesn’t look like much on paper, but remember that for every 10 dB, the sound volume doubles. So, a compressor that emits 70 dB sounds twice as quiet as one that emits 80. And a 60-dB compressor is four times lower than that 80-dB model. Put another way, 60 dB is about the level of normal conversation, 70 dB is about the same volume as a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer, and 80 is about the level of a noisy restaurant or lawn mower. Volumes above about 85 dB are considered harmful to hearing. So, a lower noise level is not only easier on your ears, it can provide a more pleasant overall experience by letting you, say, listen to music or easily chat with somebody while the compressor is running.
What is included in a Bostitch air compressor kit?
An air hose and fittings are also included. This oil-free Bostitch also provides impressive performance, with the capability to deliver 2.8 CFM and 150 PSI. At about 40 pounds, the compressor is also light enough to easily tout around. All this is why it’s one of the best-selling portable air compressors.
What is the max of a Metabo HPT?
Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi) delivers outstanding performance with their “Tank” model. With 4 CFM at 90 PSI and 200 PSI Max, it outperforms most other pancakes by a mile. Capable of running 2 framing or roofing nailers continuously, it doesn’t come with a crazy-high premium either—$199 takes it home.
How quiet is a Makita air compressor?
At 60 decibels, the Makita Quiet Series 3-gallon air compressor is quiet enough to hold a conversation next to, but it’s not just the noise level that made it our choice as the best quiet compressor.
What is duty cycle?
Duty cycle is a rating that tells you the percentage of time your compressor can run. For example, a 50% duty capacity tells you it needs 30 minutes of downtime for every 30 minutes of running. If you’re looking for the best model in a high-use environment, check the duty cycle rating.
What is tank capacity?
Tank capacity is a measure of the amount of air volume your compressor can hold. Each tank has a pressure rating and pairs with a pump. The higher the pressure the pump delivers, the greater the total amount of air the tanks hold, though they constrain to a specific number of gallons until you release it into the tool.
What are the key specs for air compressors?
When you’re shopping for an air compressor, CFM and PSI are the key specs that tell you the most about performance.
What type of power does an air compressor use?
The most common air compressors run on either gas or electric power . Electric models can be either 120V or 240V, depending on the level of performance they have.
How many couplings does an air compressor have?
Most portable air compressors have one or two couplings on board. It’s possible to add a two or three-way splitter, just be aware that you’re sharing the air and your system is going to have to work harder to keep up.
What is the best stationary air compressor for automotive work?
The Quincy QT-54 is just about everything you could want in an air compressor. It's got a huge 60-gallon tank with bottom drain valve and a high (175) max PSI. That power -- plus an efficient build designed to use less energy -- make it the ideal stationary air compressor for automotive work.
What is the best pancake air compressor?
The Craftsman 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor is the best pancake air compressor on the market, boasting 4.8 stars out of five on Amazon with over 7,000 customer ratings. It's also the second-best-selling portable air compressor on the site. Satisfied customers cite the model's ease of use and efficiency when performing smaller operations.
What are air compressors and what do they do?
An air compressor is a machine designed to take air from the ambient environment and , using a power source (typically electricity or a combustible fuel), compress it with a pump to the point where it can be used for specific applications. Since many of these applications have automotive benefits -- like filling tires or powering paint sprayers and pneumatic tools -- many car enthusiasts choose to keep air compressors in their home garages.
How do air compressors vary in terms of power?
For instance, air compressors are rated based on the air volume they can deliver. This measurement is given in either CFM or standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM). The difference between these two measurements is that SCFM is taken when air is at standard pressure, so it can incorporate variables like ambient air pressure, temperature, and humidity. CFM is taken when air is compressed, and so it's always lower than SCFM.
What is a hot dog air compressor?
Like pancake air compressors, hot dog air compressors are also named for their tank's shape -- hold the bun. While hot dog air compressors often have larger tanks than pancake air compressors, this isn't always true, as demonstrated by the Craftsman model above. A lot of the difference, then, is aesthetic.
Why are pancake air compressors called pancake air compressors?
Pancake air compressors are named for the shape of their tank -- although maybe "short stack" would be more accurate. In any case, they're a popular type of small air compressor, with many models affording portability and easy transportation from the garage into the house for when you need to run things like a brad nailer.
How much does a Craftsman 20 gallon compressor cost?
Craftsman's 20-Gallon Air Compressor is the best of all worlds, with a tank large enough to keep your tools running, a max PSI of 175, a peak horsepower of 1.8, and a price tag of $400. It's also portable, with a handle and 8-inch wheels that make it easy to take from site to site as needed.
Who makes an industrial air compressor?
Some of the major manufacturers are Atlas Copco, GE, Ingersoll Rand, Seimens, and Sulzer.
What is Ingersoll Rand?
Ingersoll Rand not only manufactures high-quality industrial air compressors but also provides commercial systems, retail solutions, HVAC systems, and industrial refrigeration.
What is Atlas Copco?
Atlas Copco is also a manufacturer of different types of compressors including reciprocating compressors, turbo compressors, blowers, and portable compressors.
What is the name of the Doosan air compressor?
The two well-know industrial air compressors from Doosan are XHP750WCU-T4F and XHP1170.
What industries require compressors?
From aerospace to Waste Water Treatment, from general manufacturing to agriculture every industry requires compressors to run its operations.
Where are GE compressors used?
The GE compressors are used in refineries, GT, LNG, petrochemicals, and refineries. Its BCL compressors, RB and VH series compressors, are highly flexible machines and are known for their reliability.
When was Air Compressors founded?
It is one of the market leaders in industrial air compressors and was founded back in 1873. The company is known for designing and manufacturing high-quality compressors. It operates in more than 180 countries dealing in compressors, air treatment systems, mining and construction equipment, power tools, and assembly systems.
Who makes low noise air compressors?
Campbell Hausfeld is a well-established company in the air tool industry, and has been around for more than 150 years! This company recently decided to join the noise reduction race and introduced their low noise air compressors to the market.
What is the biggest 120 volt air compressor?
The Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2 air compressor is built for the serious DIYer or professional looking for a compressor to meet all their demands. This compressor has a 100% duty cycle, ensuring an uninterrupted working experience. This is the biggest 120 Volt unit in our air compressor reviews.
What pressure does a Dewalt compressor tank work at?
The tank operates at 200 PSI and the motor kicks in to refill the tank when the pressure drops below 165 PSI. This ensures that there is always plenty of air to get the job done. Dewalt fitted this compressor with a roll cage for protection. This is an excellent feature, especially when on the job site. The air outlets and gauges are protected from damage by the roll cage, parts that normally break first when confronted with tough job site conditions.
What is a Dewalt 55130 compressor?
The Dewalt DWFP 55130 compressor is an excellent choice for the professional looking for the right model to run nail guns and other air tools or for the average Joe looking for a quiet air compressor for the garage. Dewalt is known for producing quality products, and this model certainly doesn’t disappoint.
What does CFM mean in air compressors?
The CFM of an air compressor is how much air the specific air compressor can deliver per minute. The acronym CFM stands for Cubic feet per minute. This is basically how much air is measured per minute in cubic feet. This reading will give you a good idea of the airflow capacity of the machine.
Do air compressors make noise?
Traditional air compressors create a lot of noise and were never made to operate in a residential area. The noise from these older models often creates animosity between neighbours, not something you want when the aim is to enjoy your hobby.
Is the WEN 2276 a good compressor?
The WEN 2276 Air compre ssor is a great addition to any home workshop. Considering the low price the WEN is selling for, the quality is surprisingly good. With fully functional gauges, switches and valves, this compressor is very easy to use. Very good value for money.
What is the performance rating of an air compressor?
Performance rating All air compressors come with a performance rating, measured in SCFM, or standard cubic feet per minute. This number tells you how much air the compressor can deliver, and you’ll want to compare it against any pneumatic tools you plan to hook up to the compressor. For instance, if you’re planning to use a nail gun with a rating of 4 SCFM, you’ll want to ensure your compressor can deliver this force.
What is the smallest type of air compressor?
Inflators are the smallest type of portable air compressor. Often used for small jobs and quick tasks, keeping a compressor like this one in your car is a good idea in case you need to quickly inflate a tire.
How many PSI does a pancake air compressor have?
For an affordable option to power your next project, consider this pancake air compressor from Ridgid. This model has a 6-gallon tank and 150 max PSI. With an air delivery rate of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, it’s best suited for projects around the home or light-duty projects at the job site (such as finish or trim work ).
What type of power supply do you need for an air compressor?
If you’re looking for a versatile air compressor that can run using a 12V power supply from your vehicle or 120V from an electrical outlet, the Husky 12/120 Volt Auto and Home Inflator is a good choice. If you have easy access to a standard socket in your home, garage, or shed, just plug in this mini air compressor and fill your tires, air mattresses, or other inflatable gear. But if you’re stuck on your commute, camping, or otherwise cut off from 120V power supply, then this digital compressor readily plugs into your vehicle’s 12V out.
How much pressure does an AstroAI compressor have?
Keep in mind that the maximum is 100 PSI for this small air compressor, but that’s plenty for average vehicle tires.
What is an air compressor?
A mini air compressor, sometimes referred to as an inflator , is a handy tool for making quick work of pumping up bicycle tires, sports equipment, or even car tires. The Oasser Mini Air Compressor is a handheld inflator, capable of inflation up to 120 PSI. While it may not be the fastest way to inflate a car tire, it is capable of doing so (just keep in mind that it’s not a good match for truck or RV tires).
How much HP does a Makita have?
Dual air storage tanks and plenty of power from a 2.5 HP motor make this Makita model a solid partner in jobs large or small.