They are the most popular midsize air compressors which are specially designed for running occasional and low-load air tools. They are suitable for home owners, small works and DIY’ers. Just like any other tool, you have to consider certain factors to purchase the best 20 gallon air compressor. Some of them are mentioned below…
Maximum Air Pressure: It tells you about the maximum air pressure that can exist inside the air tank. Any value of more than 120 PSI is more than enough for most users. Motor Power: All air compressors use an electric motor for compressing air and storing in the air tank. But since the size of the air tank is quite large with high air pressure inside, this process can take a lot of time. Choose higher rating for better results. Single stage compressors come with 1 to 5 HP while two stage compressors come with 1 to 14 HP. CFM Rating: It tells you about the amount of air coming out of the air compressor. CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute that is quite useful for various applications. And a CFM rating of 5 or higher is considered to be great for 20-gallon air compressors.
Check out other factors of how to choose a 20 gallon air compressor in our detail “Buying Guide”. Based on the same factors, we have picked up Best 20 Gallon Air Compressors.
Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor Tabulation
Top 20 Gallon Air Compressor: Reviews
1. DeWalt 20-Gallon Portable Air Compressor
Best portable air compressor Best 60 gallon air compressors Best 30 gallon air compressors Best airbrush compressor Types of Air Compressors
Dewalt is a highly reputable brand that is known for making all kinds of power tools. But as you would expect, it also makes various air compressors, including the one present in this article. The Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 is present in the 1st position in this article as it is the best performing option present in this article. It comes with a 1.9 HP motor that fills up its 20-gallon air tank quickly and easily. This even offers a maximum air pressure of 155 PSI. You get a CFM rating of 7.0 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI. As a result, you can use this air compressor for most applications out there. You can either use it with 120-volt electricity outlets or 240-volt ones by using a converter. Best Features:
155 PSI maximum air pressure 9 HP motor power 0 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty Works with both 120 volts and 240 volts Equipped with quick-set regulator Inbuilt pressure gauge Great build quality
Components:
Air compressor User manual Warranty card
2. Stark USA 65151 Air Compressor
Stark USA is another great option if you are looking for air compressors. And we are here with one of the most popular 10-gallon air compressors offered by Star USA. This air compressor from Stark USA is in the 2nd position in this article as it is a great option if you are looking for a high-performance air compressor. And even then, it can offer a maximum air pressure of 125 PSI and can provide due to its comparatively powerful motor of 3.5 HP. Thus, this compressor is an ideal option to use for a variety of projects. You get a CFM rating of 7.2 CFM at 40 PSI and 3.5 CFM at 90 PSI. The motor is highly-efficient, and its cold start twin capacitor induction motor offers thermal overload protection. Its 10-inch wheel diameter will allow for portability and ease to move around. Whenever the object gets fully inflated then its automatic shutoff stops pumping air for its safe and effective usage. It is 50% quieter than various units, letting you use them indoors without much noise. It offers a 10-gallon horizontal tank, removable durable cast iron cylinder (minimize wear and improve pump life), and a large automotive style industrial air filter for enhanced air intake will provide a user-friendly experience. Best Features:
Maximum air pressure of 120 PSI Motor power of 3.5 HP 2 CFM at 40 PSI and 3.5 CFM at 90 PSI Durable and reliable air compressor Equipped with wheels for easy transportation Automatic shutoff feature Backed by a 1-year long warranty 50% quieter to make it use indoors or outdoors. Portable 10-gallon horizontal tank
Components:
Air compressor User manual Warranty card
3. Industrial 20-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor
As per its name, Industrial Air is known for making all kinds of air compressors. And we are here with one of the most popular 20-gallon air compressor offerings from Industrial Air. Industrial Air’s IL1682066.MN is in the 3rd position in this article as it is an excellent option if you are looking for high-performance air compressors. While it is slightly expensive, this vertical air compressor offers a maximum air pressure limit of 135 PSI. You also get wheels in this air compressor that are quite practical. Its 1 HP motor can offer you a CFM rating of 6.2 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI. Since this is a reputable and reliable brand of air compressors, you also get a 2-year warranty with it. Best Features:
135 PSI maximum air pressure 1 HP motor power 2 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI 2-year warranty Equipped with wheels Reliable air compressor Vertical shape
Components:
Air compressor User manual Warranty card
4. Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
Stealth is one of the trusted brands if you are looking for a good quality and durable air compressor. It is equipped with innovative quiet system which ensures 80% less noise compared to the other models. This air compressor has high quality induction motor which generates 1.8 horsepower. It takes just 70 seconds to completely fill the air tank. As its capacity is 20 gallons, you can work continuously for hours without taking a break. It comes with a vertical stand feature with strong construction. So, this model is durable and long-lasting. For easy transportation, rubber reinforced wheels are provided. It offers CFM at 90PSI and 68dBA. It is equipped with oil-free induction motor, so the maintenance costs are pretty less. Best Features:
80% quieter Peak 150 PSI Supports inflation 8-inch rubber reinforced wheels Easy mobility Silent motor Easy maintenance Strong construction High performance Longer life Lifetime warranty
Components:
Air compressor Electric cord User manual
5. NorthStar Air Compressor
NorthStar is a well-known brand that also offers different kinds of air compressor options out there. The NorthStar air compressor option present in this article can be a great choice for those who are going for a premium range of products. One of the best things about this NorthStar air compressor is that it offers a 2 HP motor along with a 135 PSI air tank. Its 20-gallon horizontal air compressor can offer a CFM rating of 5.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.0 CFM at 40 PSI. Thus, it let you use this compressor for different projects/applications. You can either use it with 115-volt electric outlets or 230-volt ones with a converter. It is made of a durable cast iron V-twin pump with cast iron heads for good heat dissipation. The belt-drive oil-lubricated pump will make it run quietly and delivers long pump life. Its ball bearings on the crankshaft offers smooth running. Yet no information is available on its manufacturing warranty. Best Features:
Dual voltage induction motor Offers 5000-hour pump life and bearing life of 20,000-hour. 20-gallon horizontal tank with ASME-certified. Specially designed valves for maximum safety and efficiency Maximum working pressure of 135 PSI 2 HP motor power 5 CFM at 90 PSI and 6 CFM at 40 PSI Operates quietly with an 80 dB noise level Comes with a portability kit with steel wheels and ball bearings. V-twin pump with cast-iron heads for heat dissipation
Components:
Air compressor User manual Portability kit
6. Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor
Campbell Hausfeld is another highly popular brand that makes all kinds of power tools. But it also makes air compressors, including the 20-gallon option present in this article. Since it is made by a highly reputable brand, you get a maximum air pressure rating of 150 PSI. Its 20-gallon tank can easily and quickly fill up at this high-pressure level due to its 1.3 HP motor. And you can use this motor for a long time since you get a 1-year warranty. As for its CFM rating, it offers 4 CFM at 90 PSI due to its oil-free pump. The motor of this air compressor is also quite silent when compared with other similar options. You also get a grab handle and wheels in this air compressor that are quite handy. Best Features:
150 PSI maximum air pressure 3 HP motor power 4 CFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty Inbuilt handle and wheels Easy to store when not in use Oil-free pump design Comparatively silent
Components:
Air compressor User manual Warranty card
7. Porter Cable 20-Gallon Portable Air Compressor
Porter-Cable is also known for making various useful power tools and related accessories. It even makes air compressors for pneumatic tools including the one mentioned here. You get a 20-gallon air tank with a maximum air pressure rating of 150 PSI in this air compressor. And it is a high value for money product due to its affordable price tag. It even comes with a 1.5 HP motor that is quite powerful for its given price tag. A great thing about this air compressor is that it comes with a 1-year warranty. This means that it is a highly reliable option if you are looking for air compressors. You also get a CFM rating of 5 CFM at 40 PSI and 4 CFM at 90 PSI. Best Features:
150 PSI maximum air pressure 5 HP motor power 0 CFM at 40 PSI and 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI 1-year warranty Value for money Durable and Reliable Vertical design with inbuilt wheels
Components:
Air compressor User manual Warranty card
8. Craftsman 20-gallon Oil-Free Air Compressor
Craftsman has become a household name when it comes to power tools and hand tools. The brand is regarded highly for making high-performance tools that have a long lifespan. The 20-gallon capacity air compressor offers one of the highest tank pressure of 175 psi. With 1.8 horsepower and quick compressor recovery time, you can use it to drive a wide range of industrial and household equipment. The durable stainless steel construction ensures long life and the oil-free pump means that you get to enjoy zero maintenance. You can move it easily using the two 8 inches rubber wheels. You get a 1-year limited after-service warranty on this air compressor from the date of purchase. Best Features:
175 PSI maximum air pressure 1.8 HP motor power 4 SCFM at 90 PSI Stainless steel durable construction Works up to 300 hours continuously Oil-free pump Easy to move using two 8-inch wheels 1-year limited after-service warranty
Components:
Air compressor unit 6 feet cord Ball drain valve Plastic filter 2 couplers Rubber wheels Warranty card
How to Choose Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor?
While purchasing a 20 gallon air compressor, you have to consider few things. A detail description of each factor is provided below. Read them thoroughly to understand which one suits best for your requirements.
1. Different Types of Air Compressors
There are two types of air compressors – single-stage and two-stage.
Single Stage Air Compressors – They have one cylinder which pumps compressed air directly into the tank. 120 psi is the compression of single-stage air compressor. It is suitable for light work, simple applications, sawing and nailing. Two Stage Air Compressors – As the name implies, they have two cylinders. Air will be moved from cooling tube into another cylinder at 90 PSI and then into the tank at 175 PSI. If you need high pressure, then this is the right choice. Some people think two-stage models are only for professional purpose but that is not completely true. It can be used for some heavy-duty residential tasks as well.
2. Tank Capacity
This is one of the important and confusing things you come across while purchasing an air compressor. To help you out, we have provided a quick through below. It is obvious that 20 gallon air compressor will have an air tank that has the capability to hold 20 gallons of compressed air. But how long the air in this tank can last depends on the pneumatic tools you are using to power up.
3. CFM Rating
All air compressors come with CFM rating which is very essential to consider while analyzing the models. CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute that tells about the amount of air coming out of the air compressor. And this can be quite useful for any kind of pneumatic tools that need a high CFM rating. The CFM rating of any air compressor is different at different pressure or PSI levels. It is usually higher at lower PSI values and decreases as the pressure inside the air compressor’s air tank increases. Most 20-gallon air compressors offer a CFM rating of 5 or higher. Usually, you have to purchase a compressor that can deliver 20% more air flow than the tool you are powering up required. For example, it the tool you have needs 2 CFM at 90 PSI, then you should go for a model at has at least 3CFM at 90 PSI. CFM requirements are usually provided on the package specifications. You can also find them in the brand’s official website.
4. Maximum Air Pressure
It is one of the important things to check as it provides insights on air compressor’s limit and the pressure it can handle inside the tank. This is even more important for people who are looking for high air pressure for certain applications. Maximum air pressure is measured by pounds per square inch (PSI). Most of the air compressors have enough pressure to power up the air tools. For example, ½” inch twin hammer wrench requires 90 PSI. almost all the 20 gallon air compressors have PSI of 120 and more. This makes easy to powerful any tools. But purchasing a higher PSI range provides one benefit – power up as many tools as possible.
5. Motor Power
You should also check the motor power of the air compressor you are buying. A powerful motor in your air compressor makes it quite practical for many users. The motor of an air compressor is responsible for storing the air inside the air tank. But since the size of the air tank is quite large with high air pressure inside, this process can take a lot of time. Based on how quickly you deplete the tank, having high motor power can be quite a bit of use. Keep in mind that air compressor that has higher motor power is capable of filling then tank much quicker than others. However, it can get hotter as well. Single stage compressors come with 1 to 5 HP while two stage compressors come with 1 to 14 HP.
6. Duty Cycle
It is an important consideration while purchasing a compressor. It is usually represents in percentage format, expressing number of times the compressor can run in a 10 minute duration. For example, a low-quality compressor has 50% duty cycle – stating that it can run more than 5 minutes in a 10 minute duration. Most of the industrial range compressors have at least 75% duty cycle. And some can even reach 100% as well which means you can run them continuously without any issues like overheating. To provide clear idea on how duty cycle helps you, we have provided an example below. For suppose, you and your friend have a task of painting a barn using 10 CFM compressor. Your air compressor has 65% duty cycle while your friend’s compressor has 50% duty cycle. So, to complete the task, you can paint for 6 ½ minutes and wait for 3 ½ minutes and repeat the same. When it comes to your friend, he can paint for 5 minutes continuously and wait for another 5 minutes before repainting. To provide another example, a 5HP air compressor that has 100% duty cycle can run continuously than 7.5 HP with 75% duty cycle. So, by spending a little more money, you can purchase a model that runs for more time.
7. Power Source
While purchasing an air compressor, you should consider whether you prefer an electric model or gas-powered one.
Gas-Powered Air Compressors – They are best option for people who want a portable option. And moreover, they can be used easily even when no electrical outlet is available at the site. As they require gas for running, they emit fumes which are very dangerous, especially if used indoors. Electric Air Compressors – Compared to gas models, they are more convenient. However, you will require an electrical outlet close by your working place. They are quieter and less expensive as well. But as they are tethered to an electrical outlet, they are less portable. So, electrical air compressors are not suitable for industrial work and heavy-duty tasks.
8. Power Requirements
Considering amperage of an air compressor is very crucial aspect. 20 gallon air compressors have large motors and need more power than portable compressors. Most of them require at least 120V power and 20A for providing effective performance. If you try to plug a compressor of 20A requirement into a circuit with 15A then this fluctuation can blow the circuit breaker. Apart from that, if you are using an extension cord on high amperage devices, then it can also cause to blow or shorten the motor life. Remember that you should assemble the compressor close to an electrical outlet or fix new ones dedicated for plugging air compressors. In that case, you can use circuits that hold their amperage as well. In certain situations, investing in an expensive heavy gauge for supporting the power requirements of air compressor will also work fine.
9. Oil Filling or Oil-Free
This is one of the most confusing tasks you come across while selecting the best 20 gallon air compressor. They are available in oil-free and oiling models. Oil-free compressors are the new version in the air compressor market. Teflon coating is used to coat the inner components which make them last for around 2000 hours of usage. When you start using the air compressor, the coating will start wearing off slowly and ultimately stop working. Oil-less units are well-known for their low price, less weight and less maintenance cost. When compared to oil-free models, oiled compressors are less noisy. If you are going to use compressor in residential or quiet environment, then it is better to choose a model that doesn’t make any noise. Moreover, air compressors with oiling feature can withstand higher usage requirements which are also commonly known as duty cycle. So, the bottom line is that to choose the right one you have to analyze the pros and cons of each type. oil-free air compressors are light in weight and require less maintenance. This makes it suitable for residential and non-commercial purposes. Air compressors with oiling features are quieter, durable and coolers, making them suitable for long working hours and industrial purposes.
10. Tank Style
20 gallon air compressors are present in horizontal or vertical style. Horizontal compressors are easier to move around and stable as well. Vertical ones have small footprint so they don’t take much space for storage or in the working area. Vertical compressors helpful in tight spaces and also ensure stability.
11. Tank Material and Models
While analyzing this factor, you have to check out the space requirement and how portable the air compressor has to be. A 20 gallon air compressor has medium storage foot print which satisfies both the above requirements. If you want air compressor that can be installed in a garage and mostly used for vehicle work, then check out the model that is suitable for that particular requirement, rather than the one which has large wheels and sturdy carriage. However, if you have to move around the air compressor to your working place, then choose a model that comes with large wheels and easy mobility. When it comes to sturdiness and durability of the tank, you have to look at the tank material. Some of the materials are solid cast iron, aluminum with cast iron coating and aluminum. We recommend to go for cast iron as it is the most durable option.
12. Control Systems
They help you operate the compressor easily. Some of the control systems often found with different air compressor models are – start and stop system, constant speed controls, and several others.
13. Noise
Air compressors are not whisper silent tools. The noise can also increase or decreased based on the operation and other factors. Electric motors are usually quieter models than gas-powered ones. As gas-powered ones are more powerful so they tend to create more noise. This can have a major impact on where you are going to use the air compressor. If you are going to use for using around the yard, then it is ok to go for an air compressor that is louder. However, make sure you inform your neighbors before-hand. If you are operating in a workshop or garage, then noise is an important factor to consider. It is better to go for a model that generate very less noise.
14. Other Features to Consider
Air Cooling System – It cools down the pumping machinery and also extends the motor life as well. Thermal Overload Switch – It will automatically shut off whenever the motor overheats. This will increase the life span of the air compressor and protect your investment. ASME Certification – It indicates that only high quality materials and craftsmanship is used. This label often states that the unit will meet the standards of American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Roll Cage – It protects the compressor or battery from crushes. If you are planning to use the tools for just one project, then you can rent the air compressor instead of purchasing one.
15. Price
If you are done comparing models and decided which features are necessary, now you can analyze the pricing. This criterion may not be for some individuals. However, for some it can be quite a deal. If you are going to use it frequently, then you should also consider the amount that goes for maintenance and repairs. So, never blindly choose a cheaper one.
Single Stage Air Compressor Price Range – $300 to $2800 Two Stage Air Compressors Price Range – $600 to $3600
16. Durability and Warranty
Since air compressors are used for various kinds of applications, you have to make sure that it is durable and reliable. This ensures that you can use the same air compressor for a long time for different kinds of applications. And the easiest way to know about the reliability of any air compressor is to check its warranty. If it offers a 2-year warranty, then it is a highly reliable product and should last for a long time. On the other hand, any air compressor without any manufacturer’s warranty is not recommended to buy.
Conclusion
Therefore, we have mentioned some of the best 20-gallon air compressors in this article along with their major features and options. You can even find a complete and detailed buying guide for air compressors in this article. All of these things can be quite useful for easily choosing the best air compressor for you. But if you are still not able to choose one, here are some of our recommendations:
If you want one of the best performing 20-gallon air compressors out there, then you can go with the Dewalt DXCMPA1982054. While it is slightly expensive, you get a maximum air pressure of 155 PSI along with a highly powerful 1.9 HP motor. Since this is a reputable brand, you also get a 1-year warranty along with great build quality. You can also go with the Porter-Cable PXCMF220VW if you are on a budget. Despite the lower price tag, it can offer 150 PSI maximum air pressure limit. It uses a 1.5 HP motor for quickly filling its 20-gallon air tank. And despite its affordable price tag, you get a 1-year warranty with it making it a reliable option for a lot of users. The Briggs & Stratton Air Compressor can be another great option if you are looking for value for money option. It offers a maximum air pressure limit at 125 PSI. And this is possible due to its 3.5 HP motor which is quite silent when compared with other similar options. While it does not have any warranty, it comes with a great CFM rating.
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