We can all agree that it is frustrating to visit a gas station to get your tires refilled.
That is the fact.
The other solution is air compressors that will provide you all capabilities that you need. Of course, each household must contain a valuable tool for maintenance.
It is stressful always to return to pump your tires at the same place. It is way cheaper to purchase your air compressor.
That is the main reason why we decided to present you best air compressor review and buying guide:
1. PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK – Perfect For Household Use
If you want to find the best portable air compressor, we recommend you to take a look at Porter-Cable C2002-WK air compressor. If you are tired of waiting for the compressor to refill after each use, you should use better one.
The Porter-Cable C2002-WK air compressor can help you handle numerous jobs inside your house and garage. You can also put it outside to do work such as framing or roofing. The compressor kit includes an adjustable regulator that will help you deliver pressure and change the power.
The tank comes with 150 psi max pressure, which is more air when compared with similar products on the market. That will provide you longer run time and faster compression rate. It runs on standard juice as all other air compressors.
Motor comes with 110V, and you just have to plug it in. This is way better than using 220v. The engine also includes eight horsepower, which is excellent for air compressing features. You can enjoy in 2.6 SCFM with 90 psi which is a great power when you compare it with similar air compressors on the market.
The design is pancake-style, and the maximum capacity is 6-gallons. It comes with 13 pieces of accessories so that you can have the more convenient enjoyment of the DIY projects. The motor is also high because you will be able to turn it on even on cold and rainy weather without thinking about hurting it.
It includes an oil-free pump that will provide it maximum longevity without any maintenance. When it comes to safety, you will get an ergonomic console, handle and shroud so that you can carry it easily. It is mobile and convenient for using both inside and outside. The rubber feet are the great feature because it reduces vibrations. This is the excellent way to protect yourself from any fatigue.
We have mentioned above that you will get 13 piece accessory list. It comes with a blowgun, 25-foot hose, tire chuck, quick coupler, tire gauge and Teflon tape. They built it to last for a long time so you can expect extended life when compared to other air compressors.
The main disadvantage is irrigation system because the system looks big, but it won’t provide you enough capacity. That is because the system is pretty big, but still, there are not too many cons. It means that this particular air compressor is the excellent choice for your household purposes.
In overall, Porter-Cable C2002-WK Air Compressor is an excellent choice if you want to have thorough an powerful air compressor. It will help you do lots of things because it contains 13 different accessories. It depends on you.
Pros
- Large Capacity tank
- Affordable price
- Portable and convenient
- Great for both professional and home use
- It features amazing construction
Cons
- Irrigation system is not that efficient
- It may be too loud
2. Bostitch BTFP02012 – Highly Portable Air Compressor
The Bostitch BTFP02012 air compressor is an excellent product that will provide you high-end features that will appeal to you. If you want to purchase oil-less compressor for light to medium-duty use, this is the perfect one. It will provide you 2.6 SCFM of air at 90 PSI, which is excellent for finish nailers, to run brad, for light duty staplers, pinners, air spray guns and framing nailer.
It contains a decent motor with 0.9 horsepower, and that can draw up to 15 amps. Therefore, a circuit that you use is the same as shop radio or any other drill press.
The durability is an essential consideration when it comes to best air compressors. Therefore, it can be affected by numerous factors such as maintenance habits and not exceeding duty cycle. The environmental condition can also change the longevity. According to testing rules, it contains 450-hour lifespan. When you have in mind that you will use for two hours on a weekly basis, that means that you will have it approximately five years.
Another feature that will provide you perfection is portability. It weighs only 33 pounds with a diameter which is just 14-inches. Therefore, you will get durable and portable air compressor which is the best in the price range. The large top mounted handle will help you make compression and move it around the job site. It contains on and off switch which is on the right side of the handle.
The controls are very simple and straightforward. On the top left, you will see pressure gauge, while on the right it is safety and regulator valve. At the same time, you will see outlet pressure gauge flanked by other outlets. The plastic shroud will protect all components.
In case that you want to tote your compressor from and to job site regularly, you will get cord wrap. You will be able to pump up the 6-gallon tank in a few minutes. The pumping time is excellent, and you just have to do it once. After that, it will restart when the pressure falls below a preset pressure.
In overall, you will get through and fantastic air compressor that will stand the test of time. You will be able to move it from place to place without any additional problem. At the same time, the price is affordable which is the main reason for its immersive popularity.
Pros
- Transparent controls and buttons
- Powerful motor
- Durable and portable
- Lightweight
Cons
- The plastic shroud protects controls
3. PORTER-CABLE CMB15 – Lightweight Air Compressor
If you want to purchase a portable air compressor that will provide you everything that you always wanted, we recommend you to choose Porter-Cable CMB15 air compressor. It contains 2.0 SCFM at 90 PSI engine that includes rubber feet and water drain valve. The maximal PSI is 150, which is great when you have in mind the small tank.
At the same time, you will be able to recover it for less time because of the smaller tank. The pump contains standard oil-free features which means that you don’t have to maintain it over the years. It is the affordable and great solution for your household projects because it is simple to carry around. It also comes with accessories such as eight-piece accessory kit and 25-foot coil hose.
Even though the warrant is only one year on compressor components, you will not get any situation that will require using this possibility. The customer support is fantastic and you don’t have to waste too many words by explaining problems.
Noise is also issued that you can handle, but it is not too loud when compared with other types of air compressors. There are numerous tasks that it can handle, but you should have in mind that it isn’t for strong burst.
It is both portable and powerful, which means that you will get one handy and convenient tool to work with. It comes with only 20 pounds and 1.5 gallons which you can fill without any additional problem. The main problem is that it will run off after a while, but you will be able to use it for small jobs.
We have mentioned above that noise could be the downside. But still, you should place it on a flat surface because of vibrations and noise. The sound can reach up to 79 dBA which is not that much of concern for people around you.
You can use it for household jobs, and you will not affect neighbors and people around you. Therefore, you can use it in public places also.
In overall, this particular Porter-Cable air compressor is an excellent tool that will help you enjoy all the way. It also includes various pieces that will help you get everything that wanted in the first place. It doesn’t matter which project you want to finish because you just have to open the manual and read everything. It is simple to use and understand.
Pros
- It is highly portable which is great and convenient feature
- Lightweight
- Enough power when you compare its size and weight
- Clear and thorough user manual
Cons
- Only 1-year warranty
- It provides too much noise
4. VIAIR 400P – Great For Inflating Your Tires
If you need a great and convenient air compressor, you should choose VIAIR 400P air compressor because it contains the possibility to go up to 110 PSI depending on the load.
Even though it is quite expensive when you compare it with other more powerful models, you will still get the air compressor that will save basement storage. You will also get an engine that works with 120V, and you will be able to re-inflate your tires without any additional problem.
The design is robust and it comes with numerous accessories that will provide you the possibility to do lots of things. It includes two air filters, needle attachments, 30-foot segments, 60 feet coiled hose and handheld valve so that you can stand away while filling tires. It also contains air filter wand and screw-on filter. All fittings are standard at ¼-inches, so you will be able to connect anything convenient. The bag is rugged and not that efficient.
It is also more significant when compared with similar products. It contains bulge on the front of the bag so that you can add a coiled hose and on the back another hose. When you have in mind its lightweight and compact features, you will be able to take with yourself wherever you go. Just place it in the trunk, and anytime you have problems with tires you can use it.
It comes with 8-inches long heavy-duty power cord that contains battery clamps. You will get pressure switch on the back that provides on/off switch so that you can turn off motor when it reaches 150 PSI.
You can leave compressor without thinking whether you will damage hoses by over-pressuring them. There is also a motor protection circuit that will shut the motor off in case that it reaches hot temperature. If that happens, we recommend you to disconnect the power and let it cool. As soon as it arrives cold state, you can continue operating.
In overall, you will be pleased with the quality of VIAIR 400P air compressor. You will be able to to use it for your car tires and many more things for years that will come. Of course, in case that it gets warm you should cool it off, but that won’t happen unless you are using it for heavy-duty work. You should have in mind that this particular air compressor is excellent for household use.
Pros
- Motor will provide you excellent performance
- Quality built so that you can get additional longevity
- It comes with numerous accessories for other uses
- It comes with two extra air filters
Cons
- Motor will heat up in case that you work for a long time
5. Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 – Quietest Air Compressor in the Industry
If you want to purchase an air compressor that will provide you excellent power without too much noise, this is the one that you should choose. Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 air compressor. It is perfect because it is the quietest air compressors in the industry. The noise can reach up to 68 dBA which means that you can efficiently use it in public without affecting people around you.
You will get a long life because it is oil-free and the pump is convenient for long-term use. The key components will provide you more extended being up to four times. The dual Piston pump system will give you added durability and performance with 25% more air when you compare it with other air compressors in the same price range.
If you want to finish your job like a pro, Campbell Hausfeld air compressors will help you do it. They have started creating compressors and high-quality products since the beginning of 19th century. Today, they contain complete line of air tools, air compressor, accessories that will help you maintain your household.
The large wheels are rubber gripped and durable which will mean that you can handle it with simplicity. It is highly portable, and you will be able to place it in the car to use it wherever you want. You should choose it in case that you want to use it for hobby painting, tire inflation, stapling and nailing.
If you want to finish all your projects easier and faster, you should choose convenient air compressor. Finally, it is time to start all your projects with this particular unit. It comes with the decreased noise level and with power that you need to complete the job. It doesn’t matter what you want to accomplish with it because it will provide you immersive capabilities.
If you want to ensure that your air compressor lasts for a long time, you will get maintenance-free operations that will increase the overall life. At the same time, the design is user-friendly which is excellent for adjustment of air pressure and monitoring. The main downside is that you will get an only one-year warranty.
In overall, this particular air compressor can handle all different operations without any additional problem. Therefore, your tool will provide you clear view and capabilities that will stand the test of time. We recommend you to have in mind that it is highly portable and powerful, which is an excellent combination when you compare it with other air compressors on the market.
Pros
- Highly mobile for additional convenience
- Great view capabilities
- Powerful engine that will stand the test of time
- Great for household hobbyists
Cons
- Only one-year warranty
6. Senco PC1010 – The Best Light-Duty Air Compressor
We have to mention Senco PC1010 air compressor that will provide you perfect power in combination with handling convenience. This particular air compressor is ideal for someone who does wood trim work for clients and doesn’t want to carry louder and heavier compressor.
In case that you are nail art specialist and you want to make amazing works on fingernails, you cannot use a commercial compressor in the saloon. Therefore, if you have a small business or if you just want to practice things that we have mention, this is the best alternative to more expensive and more massive air compressors.
If you want to get the better idea of what it can do, you will be able to add numerous accessories so that you can change its use and purpose. It contains ½ HP operating range with smaller than so that you can use it with a gauge which is between 18 and 23.
You can quickly fill the flat tire, but it will take much longer with this compressor than other more powerful models. If you want to purchase it only for loading purposes, we recommend you to choose another one.
Like any other light to medium-duty air compressors, you cannot expect that it will work all day long. In case that you have more substantial work, we recommend you to choose bigger air compressor. You should have in mind that the rest time should be 20 minutes after one hour of use.
You will get a one-year warranty from the manufacturer, which is not that much, but you will get the air compressor that will stand the test of time. The design is high quality when you compare it with other light-use models.
The best thing about it is that you will get small and lightweight air compressor that will provide you the possibility to carry it effortlessly without any additional problem. You can go almost anywhere you want, and because of small footprint, you can place it on the floor or workbench or boat deck.
It comes with safety feature such as overload/reset switch, which means that it will automatically turn off in case that motor becomes too overloaded and overheated. This will protect your engine from any problem that could happen. You just have to press the switch once, and once it cools down, you can continue with the operation.
The small tank can hold up to 125 PSI of compressed air. The tank comes from aluminum with steel sleeve so that you can get air compressor with longevity. The steel means that you will get the potential to corrosion, so we recommend you to drain air after the use.
Pros
- Perfect for light-duty use
- It contains rapid recharge and short pump time
- It is portable
- You can use it in various applications
- Affordable
- Stable while operating
Cons
- The small tank size
- You can attach only one air hose
7. ONTEL Air Hawk Pro
Air Hawk is one of the best air compressors on the market. It features cordless, handheld air compressor that will give you the possibility to inflate tires and other items in a matter of seconds. It comes with built-in pressure gauge and automatic shut-off feature that will provide you with the opportunity to protect it from immersive heat.
It comes with LED gauge and LED light so that you can get more convenience while using it. That way you will be able to finish your job in the dark. It contains rechargeable battery and 12-volt adapter that will help you recharge it without any additional problem. At the same time, the automatic shut-off is an excellent capability that will provide you the possibility to enjoy all the way.
If you want to use Air Hawk air compressor, you just have to attach the nozzle to the item that you want to inflate. Press the button, and everything will start in a matter of seconds. You will get a digital readout of current pressure and how you can set the device to shut off when you reach the desired weight.
You will get the possibility to inflate tires in a matter of seconds, which is way better than other similar products. It is a convenient way to add some air to your vehicle’s tires or pump up bicycle tires. It comes with battery, which means that you won’t get that much power and speed as other air compressors. But still, for most users the portability, convenience and size are the reason for purchasing.
You should have realistic expectations when it comes to battery-operated air compressors. They cannot process the same power as other ones, but still, you will be able to use it for light-duty. The best thing about it is that it is environmental-friendly so you will protect the nature by taking it.
Even though it is difficult to handle the more powerful air compressors, this particular one is simple to use. You will be able to use it for your household reasons which are indispensable for each garage.
In overall, we recommend you to purchase this particular air compressor in case that you want to have the possibility to add air to tires for your vehicle.
However, you should have in mind that battery-powered air compressors will not provide you the same efficiency as electrical or gas-powered ones. Therefore, we recommend you to have in mind this feature and to write down all uses and reasons for purchasing before you do. That way you won’t regret afterward.
Pros
- Environmental-friendly
- Simple to handle
- Lightweight
- Compact
Cons
- It is not that powerful because it runs on battery
Best Air Compressor Buying Guide
Before you decide to purchase convenient and best air compressor, you should have in mind how they work and what you should have in mind. There are some features that you must consider before purchasing.
That is the main reason why we decided to present you through air compressor buying guide.
Types of Air Compressors:
1. Pancake Compressors
They have round, flat storage tanks at the bottom of the units. The design will provide you additional stability, and it will take less space than any other.
2. Hot Dog Compressors
They have horizontal design with one cylindric tank
3. Twin-stack Compressors
They contain two cylindrical tanks. The stack design will add the air capacity without increasing the floor space.
4. Wheelbarrow Compressors
They have twin cylindrical tanks so that you can handle simple mobility
Power Supply
1. Electric-Powered Air Compressors
The most common models work on electricity. They are convenient because you don’t have to maintain them as gas-powered air compressors. At the same time, they are much quieter and you can work in any dry area without any additional problems.
They are also suitable for indoors working. They function on 120V household current. However, larger models have different specifications. If you want to use air compressors outside, we recommend you to avoid electric models.
2. Gas-powered Air Compressors
They will provide you more power and possibility to work both indoors and outdoors. They can quickly generate more PSI.
The Horsepower (HP)
The horsepower is the primary rating that indicates the power of engine or motor. The higher HP it will create more air pressure, which we measure in PSI.
When you purchase air compressor with higher PSI, you will get the possibility to store more air in the tank. That will help you operate longer and more efficient.
CFM and SCFM
CFM (Cubic feet per minute) and SCFM (Standard cubic feet per minute) will describe the volume of air that delivers at specific PSI.
The value of CFM will change as well as PSI. When you lower the PSI output, CFM will increase. In case that you want to purchase an air compressor that can deliver more air, you should choose ones with higher CFM rating.
Size of Storage Tank
If you want to purchase the air compressor with smaller tank between 4 and 6 gallons, you will be able to enjoy numerous projects such as operating nail guns or brad nailers and airbrushing
On the other hand, larger tanks are more suitable for higher pressures. They are great for more significant tasks that will need constant air flow such as remodeling projects and automotive work.
Air Tools
Powering tools is the primary function of the compressor. You should consider which types of tools your compressor can handle so that you can get a versatile tool that will stand the test of time. The best air compressors can work as:
Impact Wrenches
Nail and staple guns
Air hammers
Ratchets
Rotary Tools
Paint Sprayers
Other Features
Additional features are also important because it will help you choose the model that will handle all jobs. Therefore, you should select oil-free pump feature because it will reduce maintenance so that you don’t have to mix oil into the compressed air. The belt-drive system is also a great feature because it will reduce the noise and provide you direct-drive system.
Thermal protection is also an essential safety feature that will stop the motor in case of overload and overheat. That way you will get additional protection that you wanted in the first place.
Conclusion
We have presented your thorough review and buying a guide on best air compressors on the market. All of them that we have mentioned on the list are high-quality models that you should have in mind in case that you don’t know which air compressor is the best for you.
At the same time, it is important to investigate a lot before purchasing air compressor because this investment will pay itself off. It doesn’t matter, if you are a professional or hobbyist, you will be able to enjoy your DIY projects all the time.
In case that you want to add something or tell your own experience with air compressors, you should comment in the section below. We will try to answer you on short notice. Cheers.
