Air compressors are multi-functional equipment useful for contractors, handymen, and DIY-enthusiasts. They ease one’s job whether for jackhammering, pumping tires, and other maintenance duties. They are an easily maneuvered source of energy for air-powered tools.
Manual tools can be taxing even for the most experienced contractor. Air compressors allow them to easily and quickly finish jobs such as bolt tightening and roof painting. It also helps in cleaning debris and leaves around your home. Basically, it provides you the usefulness of air to aid in various household chores and other handyman work.
Best Air Compressors Comparison & Rating
Air Compressors | Features |
1. CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor
This air compressor is a great deal for the price. You get a good accessory kit that makes using the compressor for different applications a breeze. It has a 25' x 1/4inches PVC air hose with coupler and plug assembled, tire chuck with plug, blow gun with plug, tire gauge, blow gun with OSHA safety nozzle, rubber tip, and three inflator adaptors. What made this even better is that you know you’re getting quality because it is made in the US. The oil-free construction also ensures longevity and reliability. And considering that it only weighs 32.5 pounds within its 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 inches stature, it can be easily maneuvered and used whenever and wherever you need it. For a high-quality durable air compressor at a great price, this is the best choice.
2. AstroAI Air Compressor
This tiny but mighty air compressor might not have a tank but it still packs a punch. Sporting a max psi of 100, you get good pressure with great portability. It is also very budget-friendly compared to the rest on the list, costing about 15% less than air compressors that have tanks. It also is great for people from countries that don’t use psi because you can easily change the pressure units to either psi, kPa, BAR, and KG/CM with one click. If you want maximum portability and don’t want to break the bank, the AstroAI is for you.
3. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
DeWalt is known for being durable, efficient, and reliable. This air compressor lives up to the quality you expect. You get the highest max psi on the list with 165. It also has a high-quality ball drain valve that ensures all air is emptied from the tank. You also get a low noise rating of 75.5 dBA. This air compressor is a solid investment that will serve you for years to come.
4. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
This air compressor is good for the price as it trades blows with other compressors that cost more with ease. It has a max psi of 150, two factory-installed couplers that allow for two users. You also have rubber-tipped feet that keep the compressor where you want it. For half the price of the DeWalt, this air compressor is a good choice if the other compressors with a tank are too pricey for you.
5. PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Pancake Compressor
This PORTER-CABLE air compressor is a great deal even though it is not the cheapest on the list. It has a great low amp 120-volt electric motor that starts easily in the cold. The motor is also oil-free which means you don’t have to do any maintenance. You get an accessory set and a matching tire gauge which makes this a great air compressor for your garage.
Best Air Compressors - Buyer's Guide
Horsepower is not the same for gas-powered air compressors and electric ones. A 10 HP gas engine air compressor will not pump as much air as a 5 HP industrial electric air compressor. Make sure to choose the right power air compressor for the job. Don’t use a 1 HP 6 gallon compressor to paint your car. For jobs like that, you will need a 5 to 6 HP 60-gallon compressor.
Most power tools need a constant pressure of 90 psi. 2 stage air compressors are the best option because they maintain good pressure before shut off. The pressure builds to 90 psi in the first stage and 175 psi in the second. Most hobby air compressors have a max psi of 120 to 150. This is good for pumping up your tires but not enough for continuous use like power tools. This is because they usually need the compressor to have about 100 psi. Restrictions and leaks might mean you don’t have enough pressure on the tool.
There is very little to gain getting a large tank. The main reason to get a large tank is when you need air continuously but when the compressor is powerful enough you will not run out of air. The only time to get a large tank is when you have a small motor and are using a tool intermittently. Having a large tank will let the motor build up pressure for when you need it. If you have a small tank the downtime will be longer.
For most applications, a quality single-stage compressor is more than enough. Two-stage compressors are ideal for when you need high pressure like industrial work. Most applications don’t need high pressure. Two-stage does not mean better quality, it is made for more taxing applications.
Air compressors that are splash oil lubricated are much more durable than their oil-less counterpart. Most oil-lubed compressors have a working life of 100 to 15000 hours with proper maintenance and regular oil changes. The recommended time between changes is 200 to 500 hours depending on the oil. Oil-less air compressors have a working life of 200 hours with high-end units pushing 2000.
Best Air Compressors - FAQs
An air compressor is powered by an electric motor that runs a piston, rotary vane, or a screw, scroll element that compresses air in a chamber which in turn produces pressure. This pressure is then released and converted to usable power. Some examples of applications that use pressurized air are impact wrenches, nail guns, and riveting guns.
The water can be drained manually or you can purchase an automatic drain valve that removes the water automatically. If the water becomes a major issue, consider investing in a high-quality air dryer.
It all depends on your air compressor The standard sizes that most compressors use are 1/4” or 3/8” hose.
What most small compressors use is around 110 volts. Larger industrial compressors can use as much as 460 volts.