13 Best Air Compressors of 2022 | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

Whether it’s a flat tire or some regular carpentry work, you’ll find air compressors topping the list of your much-needed household appliances.

This versatile tool can be used for a ton of different activities, and you can’t underestimate the brilliant performance that this product delivers without having to purchase a variety of tools.

It’s like a complete package which is generally priced within an affordable range. That sounds perfect for us!

Moreover, once you have an air compressor at home, it makes it easier to complete your everyday tasks, be it cleaning or spray painting. After all, it’s a great asset for a homeowner, without an iota of doubt you’ll marvel at the efficiency of your new compressor.

But finding the right unit can be tricky, especially in a market that is flooded with options. Luckily, in the following sections we’ve compiled the best air compressors that are available in 2022; this should help you find the one that will suit your needs.

Best Air Compressors

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor

This is a six-gallon pancake-style air compressor, but don’t let its looks deceive you. It comes with a powerful induction motor that offers optimal performance and longevity. The fast air-up feature and short recovery time makes it suitable for both complex and simple tasks. And it comes with a price tag of $120, which is a great bargain.

Experience

We wanted an air compressor that we could use in the garage for filling tires as well as firing nailers. After checking out the product specifications and its overall weight (34 lbs), we placed an order for this model. It’s a compact oil-free unit with a quick compressor recovery time of 2.6SCFM at 90 psi.

Since the tank pressure can go up to a maximum of 150 psi, we can use this tool for operating other equipment around the house. The overall build is quite sturdy; we haven’t faced any issues with durability. And for better stability, it comes with rubber feet and a water drain valve. 

These features help to enhance the mobility of this air compressor. Plus, this set includes a handle, shroud, cord wrap, and a console cover which makes it easier for us to shift this product from one place to another.

It was essential for us to select an air compressor that doesn’t weigh more than 60-70 kgs; this model suits our needs perfectly coming in at 64 kgs. 

The motor runs on 120V; therefore, it works perfectly fine when we plug it in our household circuit, or sometimes we use an extension cord. We live in a country where it’s pretty cold throughout the year, but starting this air compressor was never a hassle. And we must say it’s a quality product that doesn’t require any maintenance and it’s covered with a 1-year warranty.

2. Senco PC1010 Air Compressor

This is one of the best air compressors in the market that comes with a direct drive motor with optimum efficiency for a wide range of activities. It has a one-gallon capacity that takes around 128 seconds to pump up while it recovers within 35 seconds. Moreover, it can deliver 20 to 44 drives per minute which depends on the application and tools. And it’s covered with a 1-year warranty.

Experience

Finding an air compressor for DIY and home projects was a little challenging. But, one of our friends recommended this product to us, and we must say it’s probably the most lightweight air compressors that we’ve come across. It weighs about 20 lbs; therefore, we don’t have to struggle while moving the tool around while completing our tasks.

Using this product is pretty simple, and that’s because it doesn’t require any oil to function. This helps to eliminate the disturbances that occur with other air compressors when we’ve to lube-up the pump. With this appliance, we can finish up the projects pretty soon without having to worry about the cleaning process. 

It has a sturdy built with aluminum construction and its cylinder-shaped; therefore, it doesn’t consume much space in our storage room. Plus, it has a significantly quieter operation when compared to pancake compressors. 

For the right amount of stability, it also comes with rubber covered feet, which helps to prevent scratches on our marble when we drag it around. And we did read a few reviews on this product stating that it shuts down once it records full power. 

However, after using it for about eight months, we’ve not yet faced such an issue with our air compressor. When it comes to performance and design, there isn’t any compromise made by the manufacturers on such aspects.

3. Hitachi KNT50AB Air Compressor Kit

This brilliant air compressor will not only assist you in cabinetry work but also in giving finishes to your projects. It comes with a high-efficiency pump which delivers 2.8 CFM at 90 psi that offers a multi-purpose usage. And it includes an 18” gauge brad nailer, safety glasses, 25” hybrid hose and pneumatic oil that provides easy maneuverability.  

Experience

This is a 6-gallon air compressor, and the oil-free pump makes it relatively simple for us to use this unit regularly. 

The best aspect about this pump is its oil-free feature due to which we get to eliminate the additional lubrication work. We have been using it for inflating tires, fixing cabinets, checking tire pressure, and a host of similar tasks.

It’s made with quality materials, that aim to provide superior performance. In simple words, we find this tool perfect, and the operation is pretty smooth. Moreover, the compressor has a longer run time because it can run at a maximum of 150 psi. This helps us to get our work done, without the compressor stopping in between.

We tried using this air compressor for heavy-load work, and its excellent performance didn’t fail to surprise us. It comes with a lightweight hybrid hose and many other accessories due to which this unit can support different types of fittings (domestic level or industrial level). Plus, the air hose remains flexible even when we are using this unit in extremely cold weather conditions. 

This pancake air compressor weighs about 47 pounds, which is heavier than other units. But, for a 6-gallon pump, this is a pretty versatile product, and we believe that the overall built is strong enough to last a lifetime.

4. California Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor

If you want an air compressor that is low maintenance as well as efficient, you should consider looking at California Air Tools 5510SE. It comes with a 5-gallon tank that offers an incredibly quick pump up and recovery time. 

It’s one of the quietest air compressors with a sound level of about 60 decibels. And for high performance and durability, this unit comes equipped with a dual-piston oil-free pump system.

Experience

We had initially heard about the quality air compressors that are designed by California air tools. And we ordered this unit for our residential use. The brilliant performance of this model makes it one of our favorite tools at home that we can rely on for every other complex repairing projects. 

Unlike other models, the ultra-quiet motor in this air compressor helps us enjoy our work without having to end up with a headache from the loud noise.

When we talk about the operation, we are quite satisfied with this product because of its oil-free pump, which makes it highly efficient. And it comes with low maintenance without having to worry about lubing the pump or cleaning the oil residues. 

It required minor assembly to put this product together, and it was pretty easy to attach the fittings and the wheels. These added features enhance the mobility aspect, and we can use this tool for both domestic and industrial level work. As for filling up the 5-gallon tank, it takes next to 90 seconds to pump up and what surprises us is the even shorter recovery time.

Overall, this air compressor is highly suitable for small home projects, while its performance and durability make it a value-added product.

5. Bostitch BTFP02012 Air Compressor

This air compressor can be conveniently used to connect two separate tools, the air hose fittings are positioned on either side of this unit. It has a maintenance-free, oil-free pump system which delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi with a fast pump up and recovery time.

The 6-gallon pancake compressor runs on 0.8 HP, and it can maintain its pressure rating pretty well even when used for complex tasks.

Experience

An air compressor that not only makes the regular tasks more simple but it’s also a durable product for its price ($115). The overall built is also pretty sturdy, and it’s made with superior-quality materials. This is our first pancake air compressor, and we generally use it for filing tires, framing nail gun, cleaning, etc. 

We can connect two hoses to the universal couplers, which are convenient, especially when two people are working on separate projects. With this feature, we don’t have to keep connecting and disconnecting the hoses for individual tasks. 

Plus, when we keep the air compressor in one place, we can complete our projects more quickly without getting the hoses tangled or having to drag the compressor around.

The screw-style drain is a challenge to operate because we have to grasp a small plug for draining the unit and then the water shoots out gradually while we’re unscrewing it. It features a maximum of 78.5 dBA; therefore, we have a peaceful experience using this air compressor.

6. VIAIR 0073 70P Air Compressor

This is one of the most affordable 12-volt air compressors, that is priced at about $40. And when it comes to quality and performance, there is hardly any difference between this unit and the other relatively expensive air compressors. The 5.5 lb compressor is very powerful irrespective of its compact size. And this kit also includes a handy carrying accessory.

Experience

We wanted an air compressor for our car because we’ve had some bad experiences with a flat tire in the middle of our camping trips. It is quite expected for the wheels to catch a screw or a nail while we are hitting the road. 

We all need an efficient tool for emergency use, and this makes for an ideal choice. And, after we bought this air compressor, we haven’t left our home without placing this unit in our car. 

It comes along with a sturdy carrying case that helps us avoid any clutter in the trunk. We have also used this model for inflating pools, basketballs, and for many other household tasks. It doesn’t take more than 5 minutes to fill up a car tire, and that’s almost the same time taken by the air compressors that come with a large tank.

But, when we received this product, we were underestimating its efficiency since its very small when compared to the other similar products in the market. And for the best part, from the time we started operating the air compressor, we marvel at its effective compression and simple use despite its small size. 

We don’t generally consider using this air compressor for heavy load task due to its low air capacity. But, when it’s used carefully and maintained well, there is no doubt about the product’s durability and it’s perfect for completing simple tasks around the home. 

7. PORTER-CABLE CMB15 Air Compressor

The dimension and overall size of this air compressor is suitable for small-storage spaces. It’s priced at around $100, and it’s a lightweight compressor that provides the convenience of portability.

On top of that, the operation is relatively simple, especially for airing tasks. And it comes with a medium-sized tank that is about 1.5 gallon. Moreover, the design of this unit is pretty standard and unique. 

Experience

When we were searching for a portable air compressor, one of our family members had recently purchased this unit, and she recommended this brand to us. We were quite impressed with its overall features. For a 1.5 gallon tank, it works pretty decently for airing tasks; we often use it for inflating tires, footballs, pools, or even for basic cleaning activities.

It has an oil-free pump, so we don’t need to change the oil from the compressor or even maintain the parts regularly. Since the operation is also relatively simple, we end up saving a lot of time and effort which can be invested in completing the household tasks.

No one wants to invest in a product that doesn’t come with a good shelf life, but we are at ease with the quality of this model.

Moreover, it has a maximum air pressure of 150 psi, which gives it a large air capacity so we can operate this tool for a longer duration. The high-power motor draws in a low-level of power, but it starts fast even when it’s used in cold weather conditions. It also equipped with rubber feet that enhances stability and a water drain valve for more convenience. 

8. VIAIR 85P Air Compressor Kit

If you’re looking for an air compressor to use it for inflating tires correctly, then you should consider the VIAIR 85P Air Compressor Kit. It’s equipped with a tire pressure gauge reader, and it requires around 15 AMP to operate correctly. 

You can get this product for $45, which is a steal considering its overall quality, durability, and user-friendliness. The compact 12-volt compressor makes it quite simple to move it around from one place to another. 

Experience

We wanted a small-sized, primary air compressor for our garage. But we had a limited budget and once we read up the product specification of this product we were quite excited to give it a try. It comes with a thoughtful design and superior quality which makes it suitable  for our needs. 

This model is auxiliary powered, but there isn’t any challenge in operating this product. The tire pressure gauge reader helps to simplify the process, as we can monitor the readings accurately. 

Furthermore, it’s priced at $45, which made it an ideal option for our budget and use. And we trust the quality of this product; the built is pretty sturdy, which helps to eliminate the fear of carrying around a fragile product.

Storing this air compressor in the trunk or even in the backseat of the car hasn’t been much of an issue. But, we have been facing some problems with this unit, especially when we try to use it for filling up massive tires.

And that’s because the motor turns off when the tool gets overheated. However, it’s a great safety feature, but it’s best suited for filling up small to average-sized tires. 

9. Campbell Hausfeld FP2049499AV Air Compressor

This 3-gallon air compressor is ideal for handling multiple projects. It has a compact design weighing just 20 lbs, which makes it very portable. And it comes with a kit that includes around ten different accessories like blower tools and hoses. Moreover, this oil-less pump is easy to maintain, and it operates on 120-volt household current.

Experience

This compact air compressor is perfect for small household tasks, and that’s precisely why we opted for this model. It’s small yet powerful enough to operate standard tools.

But, when we are using multiple devices, we can’t rely on this product for long as it starts to get heated. It has an oil-free pump which means that we don’t have to worry about lubricating and cleaning the tank.

The easy-to-read gauges are conveniently placed just beside the motor. This makes it easy to keep track of the usage and pressure while we continue with our projects. And since it works from a power adaptor, it makes it essential to consider the location correctly when we’re operating this air compressor. 

It is a truly versatile and multipurpose unit that we have been using to pump up the tires of our car as well as power air tools. The instruction manual is pretty simple to follow, so we didn’t face any challenges while setting up the air compressor.

10. Industrial Air ILA3606056 Air Compressor

If you’re in the search for an industrial-grade air compressor this model is going to be perfect for your requirements. This 60-gallon unit is priced at about $660, and it’s designed for heavy-duty use. It’s a 240-volt air compressor that comes with maximum of 155 psi. It‘s also equipped with a power switch and a pressure gauge for more convenience. 

Experience

This is a pretty fine air compressor for heavy-duty tasks. We wanted a solid unit for our business, and the efficiency of this unit took us by surprise.

It has been an integral part of our business for about five months, and there have been no challenges with its operation. The durable construction can withstand even the harshest conditions.

Plus, it comes with a twin-cylinder and it’s made using cast iron, which makes it ideal for most challenging mechanical tasks. It has a thoughtful design with safety precautions; for instance, the cast-iron cylinder construction is thermally stable. Furthermore, the valve plate and the aluminum-made head offers a varied experience.

Since this air compressor has a 60-gallon tank, we can use it for a longer duration without having to load up the pressure in between the task. The 240-volt motor also helps to ensure that we won’t run short of power even when we are operating various tools.

However, we have to maintain this model regularly by lubricating the pump with oil for the compressor to work effectively.

Overall, this is a great air compressor that fills up quickly, and it doesn’t produce a loud, disturbing sound. And it’s perfect for heavy-duty operations without having to recharge it quite often.

11. DEWALT DWFP55126 Air Compressor

DEWALT DWFP55126 is a pancake air compressor that weighs about 30 pounds. This means that you can quickly move it around and it’s pretty compact.

It operates on a 120-volt outlet, and it can store air at a maximum of 165 psi. You can use your tools for an extended period before this air compressor starts to pump again. It doesn’t require any maintenance as it comes with an oil-free compressor pump.

Experience

We purchased this unit for simple tasks around the house. It has been an extremely handy tool, and its small size makes it easy to move it around without having any issues with storage.

This durable oil-free pump comes with very less maintenance because it doesn’t require any lubrication. But, we ensure to keep it clean from the excess accumulation of dust and debris.

It has a convenient wrap that helps us to store it correctly without causing any damage to the product. This air compressor is rated at 2.6 CFM at 90 psi, which is sufficient for small tools and infrequent usage. 

We can’t use this compressor for the heavy grade items like water blasters, sand blasters, ratchets, angle grinders, etc. But, it delivers a brilliant performance when we use the air hose for inflating tires, cleaning electronics, or work surfaces.

The 6-gallon tank is the highlight for this portable compressor which we can use to operate tools for a longer duration. It doesn’t produce any alarming loud sound like the other portable compressors. Moreover, the overall construction of this product is sturdy like plastic grille, handle, or the metal tank, and it’s suitable for long term use. 

12. Campbell Hausfeld DC080550 Air Compressor

This cylindrical air compressor has a simple operation, and it produces just 68 dBA making it suitable for indoor use. It comes with a pair of quality wheels, so you can easily move this unit around from one place to another. The key features (oil-free, dual-piston pump, and maintenance-free) of this model helps to enhance its overall durability. 

Experience

This particular air compressor has all the qualities that we were searching for, such as long term use, smooth operation, quiet operation, and reliable power. The unit is ideal for operating it in our small-sized home, and a one year warranty comes of great use.

Moreover, when we face any issues with this air compressor, we can call up the customer service, and they are always ready to help.

The tank fills in quickly; it’s also oil-free, and it provides maintenance-free operation. With the sturdy construction, we can rest assured that the key components will last for many years if we handle it carefully. It has a maximum PSI of 125, but we mostly consider using this unit for small tasks.

It’s quite a versatile product, and we generally use this for stapling, fastening, inflation, and bolting projects. And the 8-gallon tank helps us complete the projects faster than the other portable models that need to be recharged in between tasks.  

The dual-piston pump system makes it convenient for us to carry out multiple projects at once. It also produces a larger quantity of air when compared to the other air compressor motors of 1.0 HP. Nevertheless, this product keeps up to its promise for delivering reliable and efficient operation.

13. DEWALT DWFP55130 Air Compressor

This DEWALT unit features a 2.5-gallon tank that has a low operating sound level of 71.5 dB. It delivers 3.0 SCFM with an operating level of 90 PSI. The oil-free equipment requires very less maintenance which is an added advantage. Moreover, it weighs about 36 pounds making it easy to carry it around. 

Experience

With a wide range of air compressors in the market, it was quite challenging to find the right one for our home. But, after using DEWALT products over the past few years, we can trust the quality and efficiency of their tools.

This unit is a heavy-duty air compressor in terms of the construction rather than the application. But, for simple tasks around the house, this was the best option that was available to suit our needs.

If we operate this compressor for more than 30 minutes while doing heavy-load work, it starts getting heated. But that’s the case with other portable models too. However, when we use this tool for small trim jobs, we haven’t faced problems with overheating.

This unit has been designed in a user-friendly way, where the roll cage can also be used as a handle. And we can place this product either vertically or horizontally that allows for better storage and operation. 

The power cord that comes along with this unit is about 56” long, so we have to stay somewhat close to the electrical outlet to ensure that the product functions efficiently.

Furthermore, this compressor is relatively quiet when compared to the other units. We can operate it even in small-sized rooms without being disturbed from the loud noise.

We are satisfied with this product, and there isn’t much that we can complain about. And we have done a lot of hassle-free repair work by using this air compressor. Moreover, it delivers a brilliant performance, and the build quality is pretty good for the price range.

Conclusion

When you’ve got the option of selecting from the best air compressors then why look around? This tool is all set to make your life easier by letting you complete your chores more quickly and efficiently.

And when it comes to investing in an air compressor, you should focus on the quality of the product as it ensures better reliability, longevity, and durability.

You might find a plethora of different appliances for completing your small or complex tasks. But, with an air compressor and a little know-how, you’re good to go with a single tool. Now that we’ve come to the end of our guide we hope it has helped you decide on the air compressor that you want to purchase.

Until next time!

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