The built-in roll cage protects it from falls or drops while also providing a rubber-padded handle for easy carry. At just over 25 lbs., its easily transported wherever your compressed air needs lay. , Many tools offer cordless options, and portable air compressors are no different. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Its 3-gallon air tank is matched with a 1.5-hp induction motor that has a maximum psi rating of 135 and produces 2.6 cfm at 90 psi. Before purchasing a portable air compressor, consider the power source. When the storage tank reaches its maximum air pressure, the compressor will turn off. Plus, at 48 pounds its still potentially light enough for one person to lift into a truck bed or carry up a set of stairs, though it doesnt have a roll cage for drop protection. Oil Lubricated Portable Vertical Air Compressor at Home Depot, RIDGID 4.5 Gal. In fact, since getting my compact compressor three years ago, I havent moved my 30-gallon one from its cozy corner in the garage.Joseph Truini, Tank Capacity: 1.2 gal. When it comes to keeping a compressor in the car, compact is the name of the game. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Power Equipment Air Compressors. If an air compressor doesnt come with a set of accessories, DIYers can purchase a separate accessory pack that includes the basic tools necessary to set up the air compressor (available here). Bobbi Dempsey is the former owner of a construction and property maintenance business and a die-hard DIYer whose main project these days is her 100-plus-year-old home thats a never-ending series of home improvement challenges and adventures; she has written reviews, product roundups, and shopping guides about drain snakes, all manner of saws, nostalgic toys, and more. Portable air compressors can be a tremendous help and open DIYers up to a whole range of tools for specific DIY situations. productslearn more about This kit can be a great start for DIYers who dont already have a myriad of air tools and fittings in their shop. However, they tend to be a bit heavier than electric model compressors so theyre somewhat less portable. Air compressor motors are measured in horsepower ratings, and the machines power has a lot to do with its capability. mrdiyguy While it may not be the fastest way to inflate a car tire, it is capable of doing so (just keep in mind that its not a good match for truck or RV tires). | Motor Size: 1.5 hp | Max. The best portable air compressors are small, handy machines that help make short work of a to-do list, improving accuracy, workflow, and efficiency. They dont create exhaust, so theyre suitable for indoor use without worrying about carbon monoxide poisoning. This air compressor has a 1-horsepower motor that creates just 60 dB of noise, so using it inside a home or workshop with the doors closed shouldnt be unbearable. This mid-size, 2.5-gallon compact compressor has two side-stacked air tanks and a 1.5-hp induction pump motor that goes from zero to 135 psi in just 82 seconds. This air compressor for painting has a 27-gallon tank and a maximum 200 PSI. Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor, Metabo HPT Air Compressor, Ultra-Quiet 59 dB. homenewtools All air compressors come with a performance rating, measured in SCFM, or standard cubic feet per minute. To be considered portable, an air compressor must be lightweight enough to lift into the back of a truck or onto a shelf or be wheeled about with ease. During testing, it seemed noticeably quieter than any compressor weve ever used. For safetys sake, a reverse polarity alarm will give you a heads up if you make the wrong connection with the jumper cables. Do keep in mind that this model might be too small for air-hungry tools. Flip the power switch to the on position and pull the pull-start cord until it starts. Luckily, its got two wheels. Makita 4.2 Gal. amazeinvent Rolair 1-Gallon Portable Pump Air Compressor, Ryobi 18V One Plus 1-Gallon Air Compressor, Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2-Gallon Compact Quiet Compressor, DeWalt 60-Volt Max FlexVolt 2.5-Gallon Cordless Air Compressor, 4.5-Gallon Portable Silent Air Compressor, 6-Gallon Portable Electric Pancake Compressor, Quiet Series 3-Gallon Electric Air Compressor, 2.5-Gallon Twin Tank Finish and Trim Air Compressor, 6-Gallon Air Compressor with Accessory Kit, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. These machines plug into standard outlets and use an electric motor to pressurize the tank. It features dual couplers for multiple users and scratch-free rubber feet, and only weighs 30 lbs. Portable air compressors run on either electricity or gasoline. The result is our list of the best portable air compressors. Bostitch has a well-earned reputation for building rugged, contractor-grade compressors, and this model is no exception, to which I can attest. Makitas MAC2400 features a twin-stacked tank design with 4.2 gallons of air volume. As you might have guessed, the larger the tank, the longer you can run tools before the compressor must turn back on. The benefit, though, is a long-lasting compressor that runs at cooler temperatures. It runs at fewer revolutions per minute (RPM) than most other units, so the pump and motor last longer. Keep in mind that you dont want to stash this jump starter away in your garage for months at a time; ensure its always juiced up and ready to go by charging the unit once a month. The Makita Quiet Series is among the quietest portable air compressors on the market, with a decibel rating of 60. This number is expressed in cubic feet per minute (cfm) or standard cubic feet per minute (scfm). You can use a portable air compressor with a wide assortment of pneumatic tools, like a pneumatic nail gun or paint sprayer. Impact wrenches can apply tons of torque and twisting power in seconds. Built-in roll cages are steel or aluminum frames that protect the compressor. Look for an air compressor that is easy to lift (relative to the users strength). | Motor Size: 0.5 hp | Max. 1 HP Oil-Free Electric Air Compressor, Model 210Q, What to Look for in a Portable Air Compressor. It can pump up to 120 psi of pressure into a car, bike, or lawn tractor tire. Portable air compressors, like their larger predecessors, are relatively simple machines comprised of two main components: an electric pump and an air-storage tank. After considering how to choose the best power source to suit the project at hand, bone up on such important considerations as power, maximum pressure, and tank volume. At 40 PSI, you can expect air flow at a rate of 6.8 SCFMenough to keep pace with the demands of painting using HVLP spray guns. But if youre stuck on your commute, while you're camping, or otherwise cut off from 120V power supply, then this digital compressor readily plugs into your vehicles 12V out. Thats right, you can now buy battery-powered compressors that dont rely on electricity. A ball valve tank drain requires one simple turn to drain the tank of condensation and to prevent corrosion. Our favorite, theMakita MAC2400 Portable Air Compressor, has a generous tank capacity, a robust motor, and is oil lubricated to reduce the risk of overheating. At a decibel level of 78.5 dBA, this compressor operates at just slightly above the noise level of normal conversation. Keep in mind that it does require a charged battery. That said, as a general rule, most compressors with more than 120 psi will typically be fine for projects around the house or workshop. The RYOBI ONE Cordless 1-Gallon Compressor is handy for small projects around the house or job site. Squeezing the trigger on a paint sprayer or nail gun will release the stored air from the tank so that it can provide the force necessary to spray the paint or to drive the nail into the target material. The Oasser Mini Air Compressor is a handheld inflator, capable of inflation up to 120 PSI. And if that werent enough, the machine happens to be one of the quietest compact compressors on the market, operating at just 60 decibels. compressor bostitch Battery and charger sold separately. This really depends on the task. If a portable air compressor seems like it might be a big help for certain projects, but you still want more info, consider the answers to commonly asked questions below. Portable models with larger tanks hold more air, so they dont cycle on and off as often and have greater maximum psi ratings to handle larger pneumatic tools like framing nailers and paint sprayers. This BOSTITCH machine creates only 80 decibels (dB), making it relatively quiet compared to a noisier gas-powered option. This 8-gallon, gas-powered model features a 5.5-horsepower Honda engine that boosts the compressor up to a max pressure of 145 psi and 9.5 CFM at 90 psihigh for a portable model. With an air delivery rate of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, its best suited for projects around the home or light-duty projects at the job site (such as finish or trim work). And this DeWalt model has three vibration-absorbing rubber feet, not four like most compressors. Get the California Air Tools air compressor on Amazon and at Tractor Supply. WEN 2202T 15-Amp 20-Gallon Portable Air Compressor, California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor, Metabo HPT 8-Gallon Portable Air Compressor, Makita MP100DZ 12V max CXT Cordless Inflator, Makita MP100DZ 12V Max CXT Cordless Inflator, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best Airbrush Compressors for Your Studio or Workshop, Top Tips for Choosing and Using an Air Compressor, 6 Beginner Ways to Use a Woodworking Router, The 15 Most Useful Power Drill Attachments, Dual hose ports for running two tools at a time, Built-in roll cage to prevent damage during transport, Runs at cooler temps for improved longevity, Will require keeping an eye on the oil level, Might be slightly undersized for a large job site, Lightweight design; weighs about 25 pounds, Likely too small for sanders, grinders, or impact guns, Large 20-gallon tank for plenty of volume, 135-psi top pressure will run almost all automotive tools, 1.5-horsepower motor can keep up with most shop demands, Scooting the 80 pounds around a shop might be challenging, Large tank but still relatively light at 48 pounds, Dual-piston design improves longevity and performance, Large wheel and handles for rolling about. Read on to learn what to look for in a portable air compressor and why the following models are among the best in their respective categories. Again, its important to consider the power source. The 2202T has a single hose port with a quick-connect fitting for a -inch hose, but with its volume, swapping it over to dual ports shouldnt be an issue. Portable air compressors use a motor to operate a piston. Get the Makita cordless inflator on Amazon, at Acme Tools, or at Ace Hardware. Plus, it pressurizes the tank from empty to full in just 65 seconds. And use an, Lots of features, including onboard storage, Smaller tank requires frequent re-pressurizing, Doesnt include any accessories or other components, Empty tank re-pressurizes in about a minute. Portable Electric Quiet Air Compressor, Model OF45200SS, The 7 Best Home Generators to Have if There's an Outage, Best Cordless: Horsepower can also affect how much maximum pressure a compressor can produce. Its oil-free and maintenance-free, which means users can fire it up when they need it and forget about it when they dont. If your car battery dies, this handy air compressor's jump starter can deliver up to 1,000 amps to get your motor running. For additional questions or concerns, reach out to the air compressors customer service number. This means youll need to perform basic maintenance to keep this compressor running at full power, but there are advantages to oil-lubricated models. It continues doing so until the pressure builds up enough to operate tools and inflate tires. | Motor Size: 1.3 hp | Max. And exposure to loud noises not only affects your hearing, Ive found it incredibly fatiguing. If youre new to air tools or just want an extra. The Bostitch combo kit comes with a powerful six-gallon, oil-free compressor that puts out 2.6 CFM of air and includes a two-coupler design. Of all of the metrics manufacturers provide with their air compressors, airflow may be the most important. Today, every major air-compressor manufacturer offers compact versions that are lightweight and portable but powerful enough to drive most air tools. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Electric Mowers of 2022 for Any Yard, Get the Right Multitool for the Right Situation, The Best Oscillating Tools to Tackle Any Project, The Best Table Saws for DIYers and Professionals. Tank Capacity: 6 gal. It has just under 1 horsepower, which should be enough for most renovation or building projects around the house (though it might be undersized for large construction sites). For gasoline-powered compressors, fill the fuel tank and check that the engine has oil in it. Thats still plenty of power to run most air tools. Theyre usually reasonably lightweight, and electric motors require very little maintenance over the course of their lifetime. Huskys Silent Air Compressor reaches 65 decibels at its loudest, which is quieter than many other compressors and about the same volume as a typical conversation. The Makita MP100DZ cordless inflator is just that: a battery-operated model that doesnt take up a lot of space. Tank Capacity: 6 gal. Best of all, at less than 1-1/2-lbs., you can easily bring it with you to the beach, your kids soccer game or the mountain bike trailhead. oilless hausfeld compressor Portable Electric Quiet Air Compressor at Home Depot, RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1-Gallon Compressor at Home Depot, Best Overall: It has one hose port, rubber feet for vibration dampening, and weighs in at 25.2 pounds. For example, my 18-gauge brad nailer has a recommended operating range between 70 and 120 psi; I typically adjust the compressor to about 95 psi, which is mid-range. Since the mid-1600s, humans have been playing with the idea of compressing air and putting it to work. Portability, capability, and accessibility meet in these electric compressors. And putting this guide together relied heavily on our experience, allowing us to choose the features we felt mattered the most for these tools. When working in a shop scenario, air compressor shoppers might be better off purchasing a larger air compressor to generate greater volume. By presetting the MP100DZ, it turns off automatically when the tire reaches the desired psi. Gas-powered portable air compressors use internal combustion engines to pressurize their air tanks. Once the pressure has built up to the maximum, the compressor will turn off, indicating that it's time to start working. | Motor Size: 0.8 hp | Max. We also looked for a range of storage tank sizes to suit different tools and projects. For example, one of my favorite (but sadly no longer available) Ridgid models can drive up to 1,200 nails on a single charge. Ethan comes from a custom woodworking, set and prop building and exhibit construction background. Check out quick info on the five best air compressors according to our experts, then keep reading for buying advice and more in-depth reviews of these and other models. While the MP100DZ isnt exactly a compressor (it doesnt have a tank), its more than capable of filling vehicle tires. important to separate the vital characteristics from the mumbo-jumbo, and were here to help. Since the air compressor has no storage tank, it will run continuously to supply air. It weighs 29 pounds and features two hose ports to support two air tools at the same time. AstroAI Portable Air Compressor, The Best Air Compressors for DIYers and Professionals Alike, The 8 Best Jump Starters to Revive a Dead Battery, Best 12V: Some nail guns may also require a bit more pressure. It produces a maximum pressure of 120 psi and 2.2 CFM at 90 psi. California Air Tools designed the 8010 with a dual-piston pump system as well, to help improve longevity and performance. It may not be the most powerful air compressor on the market with modest airflow delivery rates of .7 SCFM at 40 PSI and .5 SCFM at 90 PSI, but it conserves battery energy while providing enough power to operate pneumatic tools like a brad nailer. At 30 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and easy to transport. The high-visibility pressure gauge shows exactly how much air pressure is in the tire. Ideal for transporting to job sites, this air compressor from RIDGID supplies plenty of power but keeps things quiet with a sound rating of 77 decibels. Psi: 150 | Cfm Delivered at 90 Psi: 2.6 | Model: CMEC6150K. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Maximum pressure is important to keep in mind because some tools require more pressure to work properly. It features a 3-year warranty, besting the warranty period of many other budget air compressor picks on the market. A 9-foot power cord and 31-foot air hose make it easier to reach all four tires of your car or SUV. Once you own a portable air compressorand start collecting pneumatic toolsyoull wonder how you ever got along without an air-powered arsenal. However, given the 1-gallon capacity and lower cfm at 90 psi, its best for smaller jobs. Most have permanently sealed, oil-free motors, so theres no need to check, fill, or change the oil. While it provides plenty of airpower, this oil-free compressor also boasts a 78 decibel sound rating, saving some strain on your ears during operation. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Noisy machines can be more than a nuisance; over time, they can cause hearing loss. After every use, open up the drain valve at the bottom of the tank to expel any condensation. Electric portable air compressors are a solid choice for home workshops and renovation projects, as there is generally an electrical outlet nearby to plug into. Husky 12/120 Volt Auto and Home Inflator, Best for Painting: If a DIYer is looking for a compact air compressor with some helpful features, this one from Metabo HPT might be the place to start. Thankfully, times have changed. And with a maximum psi rating of 150, it can handle virtually any air tool. The motor has 2.5 horsepower and produces pressures up to 130 psi and 4.2 CFM at 90 psi. 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. Weighing in at 52 pounds, this professional-grade Makita compressor is slightly heavier than most compact models. While it might be a bit heavy for one person to lift into a truck (158 pounds), its potential output might outweigh its heft. This tool is designed to pull air in, compress it, store the compressed air, and release the compressed air to operate a pneumatic power tool, fill a tire, or blow away dust and debris.