Maximum Pressure: Since an air compressor is used for compressing air at a high pressure, its maximum pressure limit is quite essential to check for certain applications. This is due to the reason that 150 PSI air pressure is better than 120 PSI air pressure depending on the type of application. Capacity: You should also check the capacity of an air compressor to get an idea of the amount of air it can store inside it. It can be checked in gallon rating that is given by 6 gallons or 8 gallons, where a higher rating results in a higher capacity. Motor Power: All these air compressors use a motor for compressing air into their air tank. Thus, the motor power of an air compressor is quite important to check. This includes options like ½ HP or 2 HP motors, out of which the latter is more powerful.
If you also want an air compressor, we are here with some of the best air compressors in this article. As we have also mentioned all of the major features and options of these air compressors along with a detailed “Buying Guide”, you can easily buy one by following this article until the end:
Best Air Compressor 2023
Top Air Compressor Reviews
1. California Air Tools Air Compressor
Best 12v air compressors Best 20 gallon air compressors Best 30 gallon air compressors Best 60 gallon air compressors Best Air Compressor For Home Garage Types of Air Compressors
Just per its name, California Air tools is a brand that deals with pneumatic tools and accessories. Thus, it even makes various air compressors, including the one mentioned here in this article. The California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor is the 1st product in this article and it is a great large capacity option out there. You get an 8 Gallon capacity with this air compressor that makes it more ideal for heavy-duty applications where a lot of air is required. As for its air pressure, it can be used to achieve up to 120 PSI of air pressure that is quite decent. This is possible with the help of its 8.5A electric motor. You get a peak power rating of 2 HP and a running power of 1 HP while using this electric motor for filling the air tank. Since this motor is quite powerful, it can fill up the sturdy steel air tank within 165 seconds that is quite fast. Another great thing about this oil-free motor is that it is quite silent at 60 dBA with lower maintenance. You even get a 1-year warranty with this air compressor on its motor. Once the air tank is filled up, you get an airflow rating of 3.1 CFM at 40 PSI and 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI. The inbuilt wheels found in this air compressor can be quite handy for easily moving it around your garage or workshop if needed. Highlights
120 PSI maximum air pressure 8-gallon air tank capacity 2 HP motor power 3.1 CFM at 40 PSI and 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty Steel air tank for extra durability Wheels on the back for ease of use Noise levels of up to 60 dB Oil-free 8.5A electric motor Extra strong steel air tank Slightly large Low air pressure
2. DEWALT Air Compressor
DEWALT is one of the oldest power tools brands out there that is known for its high performance and reliable offerings. You can even find an air compressor from DEWALT for using with its pneumatic power tools. The DEWALT DWFP55126 Air Compressor is the 2nd product in this article and it is the most powerful option mentioned here in terms of its maximum air pressure rating. It can offer up to 165 PSI air of pressure that is more than enough, even for heavy-duty and industrial usage. This is possible due to its highly powerful 10A electric motor. While this motor is a bit loud at 75.5 dBA, it is quite powerful since you get an airflow rating of up to 3.7 SCFM at 40 PSI and 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI that is quite high. It is a pancake-style air compressor that makes it one of the more compact options out there. Even though you can easily fit it in almost any corner of your workshop, you get a decent air capacity rating of 6 Gallons. Its 50 feet extension cord support allows you to use it even if you are away from a power socket. Another great thing about its electric motor is that it can easily start even in cold weather. DEWALT offers a 1-year warranty with this air compressor that is always great to have. Highlights
165 PSI maximum air pressure 6 GAL air tank capacity 0.9 HP motor power 3.7 SCFM at 40 PSI and 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty 10A oil-free motor Weighs 30 lbs. Small and compact design 75.5 dBA noise rating Small and compact High air pressure Decent airflow rating Loud noise emission High electricity consumption
3. PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor
Porter Cable is known for making affordable and high value for money power tools of all kinds. Thankfully, this is also true for its air compressor models that offer a lot of things for the given price. The Porter Cable C2002 Air Compressor is the 3rd product in this article and it is the cheapest option mentioned here that makes it an excellent pick for users who are on a budget. As you would expect from its affordable price tag, this is a pancake style air compressor that comes with a 6 Gallon capacity. While this is not the highest capacity, the size of this air compressor is quite small and compact, which allows you to store it anywhere. It even comes with rubber feet on the bottom for extra grip while using it. Another great thing about this air compressor is that it has a water drain port at the bottom. Its 10A electric motor is able to offer a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI that is quite high for its given price tag. You also get a pretty decent 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI airflow rating for easily using pneumatic power tools. Since this is an oil-free pump along with a 1-year warranty, it does not need much maintenance in the long run. It even supports extension cords so that you can use it away from a power plug if needed. Highlights
150 PSI maximum air pressure 6 GAL air tank capacity 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty Small and compact Water drain port at the bottom Rubber feet for extra stability Oil-free pump for extra durability Great build quality Oil-free pump Extra stability rubber feet Average airflow rating Heavy construction
4. CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor
Craftsman is another popular brand of power tools and related accessories. Its air compressor can be a great option for a lot of users out there because of the features that you get. The Craftsman CMEC6150K Air Compressor is yet another great pancake air compressor option that we have mentioned in this article. Just like various other pancake options out there, this air compressor also has a 6 Gallon air tank capacity. This air tank is made out of steel for extra strength and reliability in the long run. Since you get an oil-free pump while using this air compressor, you get a decent 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI rating when it comes to the airflow offered by it. You even get a maximum air pressure rating of 150 PSI that is quite high when compared with other options. As per the name of its listing, it comes with a 13 piece accessory kit that includes various useful things for using with an air compressor. It includes things like air hose, various nozzle attachments, different blowguns, adapters, and much more. All these things make this air compressor a great value for money option for a lot of users out there. You also get a 1-year long warranty with the Craftsman CMEC6150K pancake compressor that is quite similar to other options out there. Highlights
150 PSI maximum air pressure 6 GAL air tank capacity 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty Oil-free pump Easy start-up in cold weather Comes with a wide range of accessories Value for money air compressor Quick recovery time Comes with various accessories Value for money Decent performance Large for a pancake compressor A bit loud
5. BOSTITCH Air Compressor
Bostitch makes a wide range of air compressor models that are useful for different kinds of applications. And its pancake air compressor has a high user rating because of the functionality it offers to the user. The Bostitch BTFP02012 Air Compressor offers a highly compact and small design pancake air compressor. As you would expect, you get a 6 Gallon air tank capacity in this air compressor that is similar to various other options out there. While this capacity is not ideal for industrial usage, it is more than enough for most home users out there. One of the best things about this air compressor is that it offers a maximum air pressure rating of 150 PSI that is quite high when compared with other options. All of this is possible due to the highly powerful and efficient motor offered by it. A downside of the electric motor of this air compressor is that it has an operational noise level of 78.5 dBA that is to be expected from any other air compressor in its class. You can even use this air compressor away from a power plug as it offers the support of an extension cord up to 50 feet long. The electric motor of this air compressor provides decent performance that results in an airflow rating of up to 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. And since this is an oil-free pump that comes with a 1-year long warranty, you can rely on it for a long period of time. Highlights
150 PSI maximum air pressure 6 GAL air tank capacity 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty Weighs 29 lbs. Supports up to a 50 feet extension cord Oil-free pump for peace of mind Easy start-up even in cold temperatures Small and easy to store Long power cord Reliable oil-free pump Works even in cold temperature A bit noisy Average airflow rating
6. Senco Air Compressor
Last but not least, we have Senco that is a smaller brand of air compressors when compared with other options present in this article. However, unlike other air compressor models mentioned in this article, this one has a very compact size. Since the Senco PC1010 Air Compressor is a highly compact air compressor, it is made for smaller applications. It is mainly made for using handheld and compact pneumatic power tools. You get a 1 Gallon capacity with the air tank of this air compressor. Thankfully, this air tank is made out of steel that makes it quite sturdy and durable. Although, despite its steel construction, this air compressor is quite lightweight thanks to its small size. This makes it a great pick if you are looking for an air compressor that is quite easy to store as well as easy to transport from one place to another. Despite the extra compact size of this air compressor, it comes with a 1-year warranty that is similar to all other options present in this article. You get a powerful electric motor for the size of this air compressor that is rated for 0.5 HP power and a 1 HP peak power. This motor has an electricity consumption of up to 4A that is also an oil-free mump. As a result, its CSA approved pump is able to produce up to 120 PSI of air pressure that is quite decent for the given size of this air compressor. A great thing about buying this compact and small-sized air compressor is that it weighs just 20 lbs. that makes it perfect for transport whenever needed. Highlights
120 PSI maximum air pressure 1-gallon air tank capacity 1/2 HP motor power 4 amps electric motor ¼ inch coupler 1-year warranty Weighs 20 lbs. Small and compact design CSA approved pump for safety Perfect for small and compact pneumatic tools Low power consumption Low air pressure Average motor power
7. Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor
Campbell Hausfeld is a more premium brand of power tools and related accessories when compared with other options out there. As a result, its air compressor is also a bit on the expensive side. While the Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 Air Compressor is a bit on the expensive side, it can be a great option if you are looking for a pancake style air compressor. Due to its design, this air compressor is quite small and compact, making it a great portable option if needed. Another great thing about this air compressor is that its electric motor has a noise level of just 68 dBA that is quite useful for using it indoors. However, it is not the most powerful option out there as you only get a pressure rating of 125 PSI with this 6 Gallon air compressor. As for its airflow rating, you can expect 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI while using this Campbell Hausfeld air compressor. A great thing about this pancake air compressor is that it offers a great build quality apart from the standard 1-year warranty. It uses a soft grip steel handle that allows you to easily carry it from one place to another. The air tank itself is also made out of steel for extra strength. And just like various other options present in this article, it uses an oil-free pump for extra reliability while using it. Highlights
125 PSI maximum air pressure 6 GAL air tank capacity 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty Soft grip steel handle for easy portability Steel air tank for extra strength 68 dBA noise level Compact design Quiet motor design Strong steel tank Small and compact Comes with free accessories Low airflow rating Average air pressure rating
Buying Guide for the Best Air Compressors
As you have realized by now, we have mentioned all of the major features and differences of the wide range of air compressors mentioned in this article. Such details can be quite useful while choosing the perfect air compressor for your garage or workshop. That being said, there is much more to these air compressors that you should know before buying one. Therefore, we are here with a detailed buying guide related to the best air compressors. You can find all of the important aspects and factors related to these air compressors in this buying guide. As a result, you can simply follow it until the end and choose the perfect one for you:
1. Maximum Air Pressure
As an air compressor is used to compress air to high pressure, the maximum air pressure achievable by a given air compressor is quite important to check. This is due to the reason that while some applications do not need high pressure, others might only work with a high air pressure. As a result, different air compressors offer different maximum air pressure ratings. You can find maximum air pressure options like 120 PSI or 150 PSI pressure. And as you would expect, the 150 PSI rating is the higher one that allows you to use it for heavy-duty applications if needed. Although, you can easily adjust the pressure of your air compressor as needed.
2. Capacity
The capacity of your air compressor is also quite important to check as it tells you the amount of air it can store at once in its tank. Any air compressor that offers large capacity can be used for a long time without using its motor and pump again and again. Thus, you can find a wide range of air compressors out there that have different capacity ratings. While some of these air compressors have a tank capacity of 8 Gallons, others have a capacity of 6 gallons. When compared with each other, the higher 8 GAL air capacity allows you to use the given air compressor for a long time without stopping. However, the smaller 6 GAL air compressor also has a smaller physical size that you will learn about later on in this buying guide.
3. Motor Power
Almost all of the air compressor models out there use an oil-free pump to compress air and store it into an air tank at high pressure. But in order to function, this pump also needs power from either a gas engine or an electric motor. And after going through this article, you must know that all of the options mentioned here use electric power. Due to this, the motor power of these electric motors can be a great way to get an idea of the performance of the air compressor itself. This is given either as 1 HP to 2 HP or 4 amps to 6 amps depending on the model that you get. For both of these cases, a higher rating results in better performance while using your air compressor.
4. Air Flow Rating
The airflow rating of a given air compressor is also another essential factor that you should check before buying one. As you would expect, it simply tells you the amount of air an air compressor can output at a given time. Hence, most of the air compressor models out there have an airflow rating that is given in CFM or cubic feet per minute. Although the airflow rating of an air compressor is different for different air pressures inside it. This means that you can find airflow ratings like 3.6 CFM at 40 PSI or 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. But whether you check the airflow rating at 40 PSI or 90 PSI, a higher CFM rating means that the given air compressor can output more air.
5. Size and Form Factor
Since air compressors get used for both home as well as industrial usage, their size and form factor are also quite important to check. This is due to the reason that compact and small-sized air compressors can easily fit in any corner of your garage or workshop when you are storing them. They are also quite easy to transport from one location to another by loading in the back of your truck. And as you would expect, an 8-gallon air compressor will have a larger size than a 6 gallon one.
- Which compressor is best for the home? For home usage, electric air compressors are the best as you don’t have to worry about any maintenance, gas and that extra power. They are adequately powered and make significantly less noise than gas-powered compressors. Some popular compressors for home use are: CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor, BOSTITCH Air Compressor, PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor and Makita Electric Air Compressor.
- What is a good CFM rating for an air compressor? CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute is the volume of air an air compressor can deliver in a minute at a particular pressure level (in PSI). Most household air compressors have CFM in the range of 0.1 CFM to 5CFM. Anything over than 5CFM is considered to be commercial air compressor.
- What are the three types of compressors? Air compressors essentially compress air and store it in a tank. Based on how the air compressor achieves this action, they are classified into three types. Reciprocating Air Compressor, Rotary Screw Air Compressor, and Centrifugal Air Compressor.
- Does tank size matter for air compressors? Common household and small garage air compressors usually have a tank capacity of 1 to 6 gallons. If the tank is bigger, then the air compressor can deliver more air before the pressure drops and the motor starts to refill the tank. If the tank is small, then the motor has to continuously run to refill the tank as the air is being used. Hence, air compressors with bigger tank are usually better.
- Is it OK to leave air in a compressor? How long can I leave air my compressor? It is perfectly okay and safe to leave air in the air compressor. If you intend to use the air compressor frequently, then you can leave air in the tank. But if you do not use the air compressor for an extended period of time, then it is better to empty the tank as air inside the tank has moisture and can eventually lead to corrosion.
- What is the quietest air compressor? Air compressors are noisy devices with noise levels usually in the range of 50dB to 100dB. But if you are looking for quietest air compressors, then some models are: California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S, Metabo HPT Air Compressor, Hitachi EC28M, Makita MAC100Q. All these models have noise ratings between 55dB – 60dB.
- Can air compressors explode? Yes. Air Compressors can explode. Putting aside the manufacturing defects, the main cause for explosion of air compressors is corrosion, which happens if you leave compressed air for too long in the tank.
- What is a good size compressor? Air compressors are available from tank capacity of 1 gallon all the way to 80 gallons or more. For home garage needs, the most common tank capacity is 6 gallons. It is a good tank size that can hold a lot of air and the motor can rest after making the tank full (until the pressure starts to drop).
- How much psi do I need for air tools? If you are buying air compressor to power air tools, then it is important to check the psi of air tools as well as the psi that the air compressor can provide. Air tools that run on compressed air usually need air pressure between 70PSI to 90PSI. Most air compressors intended for home garage purpose can easily deliver these pressure values. An important point here is to make sure that the air compressor can deliver higher pressure than what the air tools need.
- Is SCFM higher than cfm? CFM is Cubic Feet per Minute and SCFM is Standard Cubic Feet per Minute. Both indicate the rate of air flow in a minute at a given air pressure. But the main difference is SCFM is measure at a standard temperature (usually between 60oF to 68oF) whereas CFM is measured while the device is operating in normal conditions. As a result of the measuring conditions, SCFM will always be higher than CFM.
Conclusion
You can use an air compressor for different things like filling tires or for powering pneumatic tools in your workshop. As these are quite handy, air compressors come in all shapes and sizes, including the best air compressors present in this article. We have even mentioned their major features and features along with a detailed buying guide. Although, if you are still confused, then you can choose one from our recommendations:
If you want a high-pressure air compressor, you can go with the DEWALT Air Compressor. It offers a maximum air pressure limit of up to 165 PSI that is much higher than other options. You get a capacity of 6 gallon that is quite decent for most users out there. Although, if you want a large-sized air compressor with the highest possible air pressure, the California Air Tools Air Compressor can be a great pick. Even though it is an 8-gallon air compressor, you get an air pressure rating of 120 PSI. It even comes with a 1-year long warranty. For those of you who are on a budget, the Porter Cable Air Compressor can be another great option. Despite its lower price tag, you get a high 150 PSI air pressure rating with it. As it is a pancake compressor, you get a capacity of up to 6 gallon that is quite similar to other options.
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