In this article today, we are going to talk about some of the top and best quality Shop Air Compressors available to buy. We have curated this list after careful consideration with regards to its quality and other factors as such. These include to but are not limited to the following.
HorsePower: The first and foremost thing that you need to look for in an air compressor is its horsepower capacity. Most of the entry-level small air compressors come with about 1 or 1.5 HP capacity but as you go up, you can find good quality machines with about 3 HP power as well. The higher the HP, the better is the choice. Maximum Air Pressure Capacity: The next factor that you need to check for is the maximum air pressure capacity. The maximum air capacity of most of the shop air compressors is about 90 PSI Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) capacity: This refers to the maximum capacity at which the air compressor can dispense air. This could vary from device to device but the higher is the better option. Entry-level devices may give you about 6 CFM or higher as well.
Apart from these, other factors such as the Tank Size or corded, cordless or other factors may also be considered. We have written about that in the “Buying Guide” section of the article. Be sure to give that a read as well. Now let us jump in and review the Best Shop Air Compressors to buy online
Best Shop Air Compressors
7 Best Shop Air Compressors Reviews
1. Bostitch Air Compressor
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First on our list is the Bostitch pancake air compressor. With over a 125 years old company and brand history, Bostitch boasts superior quality, favourable reviews and high ratings. The Pancake compressor listed today is a portable machine that is oil-free in function. Top Features:
Max PSI capacity of the machine is about 150 PSI and the delivery is at 90 PSI pump Comes with a 6 Gallon capacity tank (translates to about 22.7 litres) Low but manageable Horsepower of 0.9 HP CFM capacity stands at 2.5 SCFM delivery High-efficiency motor that can be started even in cold winters with great ease. 78.5 DBA operational noise which is relatively a low noise for work environments High flow couplers and regulators embedded into the machine for maximum performance of the air tool 2 couplers let out two hoses for two users at the same time. Oil-free nature of the machine makes it an ideal buy for long term usage and low maintenance as well. Portable and light in weight at about 29 lbs weight
Warranty: Comes with a 1 year of limited manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. An additional 4-year warranty can also be bought externally Concerns:
Relatively lower HP at the rate of 0.9 HP
2. Craftsman Air Compressor
Next on our list is yet another pancake modelled oil-free air compressor. The Craftsman CMEC6150K portable pancake air compressor comes with a multi-piece accessory kit to aid in all of your air compression related work Top Features:
Comes with a large 6-gallon tank that increases the portability factor of carrying stored air. Has a 0.8 HP maximum horsepower Durable build and oil-free pump for longer use and better performance Max PSI of 150 for heavy-duty function as well as cutting in pressure for various applications as well. Has a decent CFM capacity for air pumping at the rate of 2.6 SCFM No hiccups in starting the machinery even during the winters Comes with a 13 piece accessory piece set as well. These include 25 x 1/4 inches long PVC air hose, coupler, plug assembly, tire chuck with plug, blow gun with plug, blow gun with OSHA safety nozzle, tire gauge, rubber tip and three tyre inflator adaptors as well
Warranty: Comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase Concerns:
None too specific to mention
3. California Air Tools Compressor
Next up, we have a low HP but high yield, high tank capacity and ultra-quiet heavy duty and heavily built air compressor. The California Air tools 8010 is an oil-free and sturdy built steel tank based air compressor. Top Features:
1 HP Horsepower rating and at its peak, the machine can run up to as high as 2.0 HP as well Ultra quiet functionality with a very low noise level of 60 decibels only and this accounts to produce a noise of the levels 30% Less than other Air Compressors of the same cadre. Low amp draw of 8.5 amps of current rating and thus giving an energy efficienrt function Takes just about 165 seconds to fill up the entire tank with compressed air Capacity of the air compressor stands at 3.0 CFM at 40 PSI and about 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI ratings. The maximum PSI of the machine stands at 120 PSI Robust 8 gallon tank capacity will let you store and take around the machine just about anywhere you please too. Comes with 2 pressure control gauges and one quick connector of the size 1/4 inches size Inbuilt thermal overload protector which accounts for less heat dissipation and increases the coolness efficiency. 3000 plus hours of lifecycle thanks to the unique oil free pump design. Also available in aluminium tank designs and not just steel
Warranty: Though there appears to be a warranty, it is not explicitly specified Concerns:
Low Horsepower but high tank capacity may make it great for portability but not for heavy duty. No warranty mentioned
4. Makita Air Compressor
Next on our list is the Makita MAC5200 big bore. A 3.0 HP Air heavy-duty compressor that comes with a significant workshop set up on wheels. Made out of highly durable materials, the Makita big bore air compressor has high performance and faster recovery rate Top Features:
3.0 HP air compressor that is made out of high quality cast iron pump and a big bore cylinder with piston for heavy-duty function. With that, it has a heavy-duty performance 6.5 CFM air production at the rate of 90 PSI Faster recovery time gives improved performance and faster air dispersion Oil-lubricated that will keep the machine cool at its running temperatures and thus reducing the wear and tear of the machine. Easy to remove cast iron cylinder will increase the pump life and easy maintenance. Comes with a built-in storage compartment that can store air fittings, small accessories and stuff as such. The tool hangers can be used to store tools when you are not using any. The handle of the machine is foldable thus making the seemingly large machine a portable air compressor in a fold and easy to store. Air hose wrap can store a 50 feet long of air hose (which can be of 3/8 inches thick) with upright or handle folded The air compressor has a roll cage construction thus it gives it greater protection and easier motor assembly. There is an oil sight glass that will enable efficient maintenance and easy to do so as well. There is also an oil drain present at the front of the pump for this. Has a 1/4 inches large universal quick coupler 2 gallons of tank capacity There is a thermal overload that is built in to provide additional protection to the machine 1800 wattage rated machine.
Warranty: Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. Concerns:
Low tank capacity of 2 gallons only
5. Ingersoll-Rand Air Compressor
Next on our list, we have a very high capacity single stage air compressor that has a moderate Horsepower and very large wheels for easier transportation from one place to another. The Ingersoll-Rand U-A9 115/1 comes with impressive reviews and ratings. Top Features:
Heavy duty portable design with a highly ergonomic wheel and handle design. The semi-pneumatic tires make it highly portable whereas the groovy handle makes it easy to push the machine around. Perfect not just for professionals, the machine is great for DIY enthusiasts as well. The machine comes with a considerable low noise level of under 80 dBA level. Automatic start and stop pressure control gives you a superior user experience and also the side drain of the machine is easily accessible. With a 100% continuous duty cycle, the receiver tank is built for heavy and tough applications as well. The oil based machine has an all season select synthetic lubricant. This helps in increasing the efficiency of the machine to a 2000 hours of duty cycle duration; which is about 4 times that of petroleum based lubricants 20 Gallon large cast iron cylinder build with excellent longevity Maximum horsepower rating at 2 HP
Warranty: 1 Year of warranty from the date of purchase Concerns:
Could have had an improved pressure and CFM capacities
6. NorthStar Portable Electric Air Compressor
Next on our list, we have a very high capacity single-stage air compressor that has moderate Horsepower and large wheels for easier transportation from one place to another. It comes with impressive reviews and ratings. Top Features:
Heavy-duty portable design with a highly ergonomic wheel and handle design. The semi-pneumatic tires make it highly portable whereas the groovy handle makes it easy to push around. With a 100% continuous duty cycle, the receiver tank is also built for heavy and tough applications. The vertical design of this air compressor makes it versatile, powerful, and portable. Thus, it is great for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals, as it comes with a considerable low noise level of under 80 dBA level. The oil-based machine has an all-season select synthetic lubricant, which improves the efficiency of the machine to have 2000 hours of duty cycle duration. This is 4 times that of petroleum-based lubricants. It has an automatic start and stop pressure control that offers a superior user experience and also the side drain of the machine makes it easily accessible. ASME certified 20-gallon large cast iron V-style cylinder built with excellent longevity to be used even in commercial shops. It has copper finned inter and after coolers in the V-twin pump for effective heat dissipation and less moisture. A dual voltage induction motor draws low amps and aids in easy starts, while its double-ringed style piston helps for low-oil consumption and longer head life. Offers a maximum horsepower rating of 2 HP and has ball bearings on each side for its smooth running. This belt-driven machine has a built-in regulator for controllable pressure to the air tools smoothly and silently. This corded electric air compressor comes wired for 115V operation with a 6 feet cord and plug.
Warranty: Though there appears to be a warranty, it is not explicitly specified Concerns:
Could have had improved pressure and CFM capacities. Warranty information is not mentioned.
7. Dewalt Air Compressor
Finally on our list is the DeWalt DXCMV5048055. Similar to the Industrial Air compressor mentioned above, this one too is a two stage air compressor with a large gas tank and a 5 HP large machine. Top Features:
Robust build quality with a low pump RPM which provides a very long life for the machine. The pump is of patented design that provides a cool running compared to other pumps. Air compression capacity of the pump stands at a 17.0 SCFM at a 175 PSI maximum capacity. Thermal overload protection will keep all the equipment safe and sound. Internal tank pressure gauge with an auto on and off switch,. Improved compressor cooling through the wire form belt Four tie down holes present at the platform instead of wheels for easier transporting (but not in movement Very large tank capacity at 80 gallons and high flow port air receiver. 5 HP maximum horsepower
Warranty: 2 year of manufacturer’s warranty on the pump and 1 year warranty on all the other parts. Concerns:
Premium Price tag
Buying guide: How to pick a good quality shop air compressor
An air compressor is easily one of the most important tools in an automotive workstation. In this buying guide, we are including all the important factors that you need to consider while buying a shop air compressor.
1. Horsepower
This refers to the amount of work the engine of the air compressor can perform and how efficiently the machine works. This could be a measurement of the power of the machine too. A The horsepower of the compressor you choose will determine how powerful it is and your choice should be based on how much use it is. Basic entry-level air compressors come with a horsepower of about 1 HP or sometimes 2 HP. Good quality machines will also have as high as 3 HP too. While there are higher powered machines available, you might not need such really high powered machines for regular activities. HP is also CFM and max PSI pumping dependent too. Higher HP machines are also known to be a bit more energy or fuel-efficient as well. For example, a 1 HP machine with a PSI rating of about 100 PSIG would produce a 4 CFM air.
2. CFM and PSI
The CFM and PSI of an air compressor are the crucial elements to consider. These two metrics of measurement will give you the idea behind how much air is being pushed out and the maximum pressure till which they can go.
PSI: Standing for Pounds per square inch, this will give you the idea of how much is the pressure in the air that is being pumped out. The maximum you want the compressor to go out and about is about 90 PSI. Higher would mean that the capacity of your air compressor is higher to store more. CFM: This stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This again is also a metric of the air being pumped out. CFM will give you the idea of HOW MUCH OF AIR IS BEING pumped out. It has nothing to do with the pressure of the air but will give you the idea of how much air you can expect to come out at a defined horsepower and PSI rating.
3. The capacity of the tank
A very important consideration point, the tank capacity, as the name suggests gives you an idea of the total amount of air your machine can store within it. Please do not get confused this with the max PSI. While Max PSI gives you an idea of how much air you can generate, the capacity of the tank is the limit of storing the generated air. Large tanks are preferred as they will store the required air and are readily available for use but shorter tanks are preferred as they are more mobile and user-friendly in nature. Depending on how frequently you need and the ready availability of electricity for generating, you can pick small or large tank capacities.
4. Size and portability
Shop air compressors are available in various sizes and shapes. While there are portable air compressors, there are also heavy-duty air compressors in mini-sized cylindrical shapes as well. Depending on how large your job is or how small your workshop is, you can choose the size (but would have to compromise the size of the machine for horsepower and much more)
5. Corded or Cordless
Most of the times, shot air compressors are heavy-duty in nature. And heavy-duty machines are more or less corded most of the times. But at the same time, there are quite a few machines that are cordless as well. While cordless machines give you greater mobility and portability advantages, they compromise on the horsepower of the machine. Corded machines might not give you the portability you want but they will give you heavy-duty performance.
6. Oil-Free or oil-based Tanks
Oil-based tanks are known for their hight and efficient performance. They will give you a higher and longer durations of durability. Oil-free tanks, on the other hand, are known for their low maintenance costs, noiseless performance and better adaptability and environmentally friendly nature. They, however, fail in terms of packing a punch in terms of power.
7. Duty cycle
The final thing to consider is the duty cycle of the machine. The duty cycle of a machine refers to the amount of time the machine can go on without any need to turning off. Average air compressors come with and need about 50% of duty cycles for long term usage. There are a lot of machines with higher duty cycles as well. Your choice should be to pick a machine with a high duty cycle and the garage’s motor capabilities and power ratings should also be kept in mind before zeroing down on a choice.
8. The noise of the machine
Air compressors are also known for their noisy performance. Heavy-duty machines by default tend to make more noise than a normal pancake model. But recent models fo heavy-duty versions also are coming with lower than 80 dB as well.
9. Twin stack vs Pancak
Basically, there are two types of shop air compressors. The twin stack or the pancake model. While the twin stack is a heavy-duty machine with higher capacity and higher Horsepower, a pancake machine is a relatively smaller machine with lower horsepower. People who need more horsepower and heavy-duty performance prefer twin stack machines whereas people who want a portable machine but a relatively smaller performance, they choose a pancake model
Conclusion
Light, portable, high capacity yet decent in performance, the Bostitch air compressor wins our list as the best shop air compressor to buy online. This 6 gallon air compressor has a 150 max PSI capacity, low noise operation, comfortably high reviews and ratings along with a neat design and most importantly, 1 year of manufacturer’s warranty (with 4 years additional add on option). All of these make it a great choice. While those were our picks, we are interested in what you think. Did you like our list? Or do you want us to add or remove something from this? Or is it that you have any questions for us regarding air compressors? If so, feel free to write to us in the comments section below and our team will write back to you as soon as possible. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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