Having an air compressor at your workplace when you work with pneumatic tools is significant. However, if you are that guy who keeps moving from one working site to another, you will need to have a small air compressor that you can comfortably carry around.
So, if you are looking for small air compressors that can efficiently work with medium-duty air-powered equipment, our experts from various relevant fields prepared a comprehensive list for you. After conducting personal tests and reviews on the products, we came up with the conclusions of what to offer to you. And for more detailed information about them, don’t forget to click the link under each product.
Best Small Air Compressors Comparison & Rating
1. SKEY Air Small Compressor
Brand | 14.7 pounds |
Weight | 10.83 x 10.59 x 3.54 inches |
Dimensions | Battery Powered |
Power Source | Skey |
This is one small-sized air compressor you can't afford to miss. It has a compression of up to 150 PSI to facilitate the first inflation of your car tires and other air-powered tools. It’s incredible for car tire inflating and for some other household operations like airbrushing. The cordless design makes it easier and more comfortable to carry if you need to move with it. The pressure gauge is of high quality and has an LCD, making it convenient to preset four different units (i.e., PSI, KPA, BAR, and KG/CM2). Also, you can use the gauge to check for car tire pressure levels. It feels so safe using this compressor since it has an automatic shutdown function, and so it will be so hard for an over-inflation to happen.
2. Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 Small Air Compressor
Brand | Campbell Hausefeld |
Weight | 14.7 pounds |
Dimensions | 12 x 12 x 16 inches |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
This 3-gallon air compressor happens to be one of the most incredibly compact and portable compressors anyone could wish to have. With a flow rate of 0.36 CFM, the compressor is good enough to tackle medium-duty operations around your home or the office. Its incredible lightweight and ergonomic design make it even easier to operate and carry. If you are looking for a small air compressor to help you with minor inflation like broad nailing and airbrushing, then Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 is precisely what you need.
3. Bostitch BTFP02012 Oil-Free Small Air Compressor
Brand | Bostitch |
Weight | 31 pounds |
Dimensions | 17 x 17 x 19.25 inches |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
This is an excellent small air compressor and comes with a lightweight to make it easier for you to move around. The compressor is powerful enough to tackle any medium-duty pneumatic tool. The fact that it's smaller does limit its general efficiency. The 22.7 l pump can keep the tool running for long enough and improve its recovery process. With the high flow regulator, the tool performance is boosted. Also, two couplers come with a tool to allow for two people to use them.
4. Craftsman CMEC6150K 6-Gallon Small Air Compressor
Brand | Craftsman |
Weight | 32.5 pounds |
Dimensions | 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 inches |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Its small, pancake-style air-tool comes with an oil-less motor. Its tank can withstand a pressure of 150 PSI which is adequate to handle a variety of functions. The tool also is equipped with an oil-free durable pump that guarantees a long life with zero maintenance hassle. The assembling process is relatively easy and will cost you less than 5 minutes to get it up and running. It's an amazing little compressor with excellent value and furthermore a typical craftsman tool.
5. California Air Tools 8010A Small Air Compressor
Brand | California Air Tools |
Weight | 37.2 pounds |
Dimensions | 26 x 14 x 23 inches |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
This thing is super quiet and could make a perfect deal for those who wish to get an air compressor for office uses. This little California air tool compressor is an absolute game-changer when it comes to filling up. It takes next to no time to fill up the 8-gallon tank to maximum pressure. If you need something to help with topping up your tires, then I believe the California Air Tools 8010A should make an excellent match for your needs. The tool also works great with a brad nailer and will give you zero problems. You will need no special expertise to assemble the device from the box. It’s an easy and fast process that will consume less of your time. The tool fittings are tight enough to keep your small air compressor free from unnecessary leakages.
Best Small Air Compressors - Buyer's Guide
If you are looking for a small air compressor, you must be in need of something you can carry around. Portability is the ability of something to be transferred from one place to another with maximum ease and comfort. Do you need the same for your desired air compressor? If yes, then portability is precisely the factor to look out for.
This is only applicable for piston-type air compressors. The tank size matters depending on the weight of the operation you need to use the compressor on, i.e., a low-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty operation. For instance, if you intend to use your compressor on a low-duty function like brad nailing, then a smaller tank will be enough. Otherwise, you will need a larger tank.
Air pressure will always be stated in pounds per second (PSI). That is the unit standard for air pressure. Most air-powered tools will require a minimum pressure of around 90 PSI to work correctly. To maintain that pressure on the device, your air compressor should have a shut-off pressure higher than 90 PSI. So, it would be best if you were keen on the compressor shut-off pressure. Most small air compressors will have a shut-off pressure range of 125-135. For the industrial air compressors, the range is high enough to run the heavy-duty tools.
Every air tool will require a specific volume of air to keep them up and to run. The air volume produced by an air compressor is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). For smaller air compressors, the CFM rating will show when the air pressure is at 90 PSI. That is the correct rating because it's the standard pressure needed for most air tools to work.
Please don't buy a compressor until you are sure of its durability. Make sure you spend your money on something that will serve for long enough. It is better to spend a lot on something that will serve for years rather than spending a little on something that will last for a few months. The warranty period sometimes will predict the lifespan of your air compressor.
Best Small Air Compressors - FAQs
Two hundred twenty volts will be enough for your compressor. Most of them are designed to run on a 220-voltage electrical power supply. So, make sure you don't connect your air compressor to something with a power output power of more than 220 V.
With a single-stage air compressor, the air is compressed only once, while with the two-stage pump, the air is compressed twice. The two-stage pump gives you a higher CFM, which is more advantageous.
The answer is no. This is not up to the compressed air code. PVC is oil-based and may not react well with heat and vibrations. Also, the PVC can easily bust due to excessive pressure, which is not cool at all.
If you are using a reciprocating air compressor, you might need to get the oil changed once in 3 months.
