The Best Air Compressors for 2022
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Best Air Compressor
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The versatility of a compressor makes it an indispensable tool for do-it-yourselfers, contractors, remodelers, and more. The ability to use it for a range of pneumatic tools and accessories makes it suitable for a range of different applications. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best air compressors currently available.
UPDATED: April 20, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K because it offers up to 150 PSI with a six-gallon tank and features a lightweight portable design.
What is an air compressor?
These versatile tools are relatively simple, consisting of an air tank and compressor pump. Typically powered by a standard 120V electric motor the compressor pumps air into the tank until it reaches its maximum pressure then shuts off. This pressurized air can then be used to power equipment such as pneumatic tools, tire inflators, paint sprayers, and more.
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How does a compressor work?
![Brian S. Elliott [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/556b5950e4b07e55e369809c/1568326608167-8HYEDJYYEUGMEGJVT6JW/1024px-Portable_Single_Stage_Air_Compressor.jpg)
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When the air in the tank is depleted the motor automatically turns on and replenishes the used air. This is why the size of the tank is important. If you need more reserve air, for example, if you are working away from a power source, you may need a larger tank.
Here are some features to look out for when selecting a model:
Portability
How will you be most often using the compressor? Hauling it to the job site every day? Always keeping it in the garage?
If you plan on just keeping it in the corner of the garage, a larger compressor can provide the flexibility to use a much greater range of tools. Some models include wheels which can make it easier to move around the same area. However, if it is very heavy the wheels won’t help when loading into a truck.
If you plan on constantly moving it around and your air tool demands are not excessive, go with the lightest, most compact design possible, this will make your life much easier.
Tank shape
Common tank shapes include pancake, vertical and horizontal (also called a hot dog tank).
Vertical tanks are great if there is an appropriate location in the garage or shop as it takes up less floor space, as long as it rarely needs to be moved.
Horizontal tanks offer the ability to be moved around with a set of wheels on one end but tend to take up more usable space.
Pancake compressors offer a great compromise between usability and portability with a compact, efficient design.
Motor size
The motor size is typically measured in horsepower. Note that the motor power isn’t directly related to the performance of the air tools. However the more powerful the motor, the faster it can fill the tank and keep up with high-demand air tools. This is known as the recovery time. Large engines will usually come with a higher cost and increased weight making the compressor less portable.
Noise
Another issue when selecting the motor size is what is the accompanying noise produced? Manufacturers will provide the level of noise as measured in decibels (dB). Most modern electric compressors are in the high 60s to low 80s decibel range. For some comparison, this is approximately the same sound output as a food blender.
The decibel level is an especially important consideration if you are often working inside a confined area or around others, as the noise can be quite annoying.
See also: The Best Ear Plugs
SCFM vs. CFM
The SCFM rating (standard cubic feet per minute) takes the CFM (cubic feet per minute) and applies a standard set of environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity to provide a more accurate value.
The CFM and SCFM are a measure of the compressor’s flow rate. This is the amount of air that it can produce at a specific pressure level. It is listed by the manufacturer as a value along with a particular pressure level, for example, 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
PSI
The Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) rating for a compressor is a measure of the maximum air pressure of the tank. This translates to the amount of force that it can provide to a particular tool or accessory. The standard ratings range from around 100 PSI up to 200 PSI.
TIP: If you need to power a specific air tool, check its SCFM and PSI requirements to make sure you are buying a compressor that can meet the minimums.
What is included?
Check to see what accessories are included with the compressor such as a hose, air chucks, inflation needles, etc. If not, these will need to be purchased separately.
Pump type
All of the air compressors listed below are "oil-less" pumps that generally offer cleaner, drier air with lower maintenance and quieter operation.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Craftsman, Porter-Cable, Campbell Hausfeld, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Air Compressors for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor
The CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K air compressor features a six-gallon pancake design for portability.
Equipped with an oil-free pump for long-lasting durability and minimal maintenance.
Provides up to 150 PSI for a range of tools and accessories.
Features 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI for a quick compressor recovery time.
Includes a 13-piece accessory kit to get started.
Features a lightweight design at just 30 pounds.
Made in the U.S.A.
Runner-up: PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor
The Porter-Cable C2002 pancake compressor features a portable and simple design.
Provides up to 150 PSI for longer runtimes and a range of tools and accessories.
Equipped to deliver 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI allowing for quick recovery time.
Features an oil-free pump for long life and low maintenance.
Equipped with two regulated air couplers for dual use.
Includes a 13-piece accessory kit for a variety of inflation and cleaning tasks.
Weighs just 30 pounds for easy portability.
Best Value: Bostitch BTFP02012 Air Compressor
The Bostitch BTFP02012 features a lightweight and portable design.
Features an oil-free pump that reduces the required maintenance.
Equipped with a six-gallon tank for a range of tool uses.
Provides up to 150 PSI for long air tool runtimes.
Delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI for a quick recovery.
Equipped with a high flow regulator and two universal couplers that are designed to supply two users.
Weighs only 29 pounds to easily carry and load up for transport.
Offers a noise level of 78.5 DBA when in operation.
Best for Tires: PORTER-CABLE CMB15 Air Compressor
The Porter-Cable CMB15 features a compact fully enclosed design for protection from motor components.
Includes a compact one and a half gallon tank.
Provides up to 150 PSI for longer tool runtimes.
Runs at 2.0 SCFM at 90 psi allowing for quick compressor recovery time.
Equipped with an oil-free pump for low to no maintenance.
Includes an eight-piece inflation accessory kit.
Creates a noise level of 79 dBA when in operation.
Equipped with rubber feet to reduce floor scratches and vibration.
Weighs just 20 pounds for easy portability.
Best Quiet Operation: California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor
The California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S offers quiet operation at just 56 Decibels.
Features a one-gallon tank for a range of small applications.
Delivers up to 1.2 CFM at 90 PSI.
Equipped with easy-to-read gauges mounted on the top of the unit.
Features a compact, lightweight design at just 29 pounds that makes it easily portable.
Equipped with an oil-free pump for low maintenance.
Takes approximately 50 seconds to completely fill the tank.
Best Pancake Design: DEWALT DWFP55126 Air Compressor
The DEWALT DWFP55126 is equipped with a large capacity six-gallon tank for a range of applications.
Provides up to 165 PSI to power an array of tools and accessories.
Equipped with a pump that provides 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI.
Includes an oil-free pump for reduced maintenance.
Features two universal couplers to offer dual hookups at the same time.
Equipped with a ball drain valve to quickly drain the tank.
Includes rubber feet to reduce vibration and floor scratches.
Features a noise level of 75.5 decibels.
Weighs just 30 pounds for easy transport and moving around.
Best Compact Design: Makita MAC700 Air Compressor
The Makita MAC700 features the “Big Bore” pump cylinder and piston that runs at a lower than typical 1,730 RPM for improved pump durability.
Powered by a 2.0 HP motor with a 2.6-gallon tank.
Features an engineered pump with greater bore and stroke for faster recovery and increased compression.
Features an oil-lubricated pump and a large filter for greater efficiency.
Includes a roll bar handle and oil sight glass.
Features an operating pressure of 130 PSI.
Delivers at 40PSI (3.8 CFM) and 90 PSI (3.3 CFM).
Operates at a noise level of 80dB.
Best for DIY: Senco PC1010 Air Compressor
The Senco PC1010 features a compact one-gallon capacity which is ideal for small DIY projects around the house.
Features a direct drive motor for efficient operation.
Equipped with an oil-free pump for reduced maintenance.
Offers the ability to provide 20 to 44 drives per minute.
Equipped with feet covered with rubber to reduce noise and vibration.
Features aluminum cylinders for lightweight durability.
Creates a noise level of 68 decibels.
Best Portability: DEWALT DWFP55130 Air Compressor
The DEWALT DWFP55130 features a lightweight portable design at just 36 pounds.
Equipped with an oil-free pump provides maintenance-free operation.
Provides up to 200 PSI to power tools and accessories.
Equipped with a 2.5-gallon tank.
Provides up to 3.0 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) at 90 pounds per square inch.
Includes a top-mounted handle for easy transport and storage.
Offers the ability to be used and stored either horizontally or vertically.
Features a noise level of 71.5 decibels.
Best Portable Large Tank: Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 Air Compressor
The Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 features a relatively quiet operation at just 68 decibels.
Equipped with an eight-gallon horizontal tank
Provides up to 125 PSI for a range of air tools and accessories.
Offers 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI.
Features a dual-piston pump that provides a high volume of air given the small motor size.
Produces 25% more air compared to other 1.0 HP air compressor motors.
Equipped with an oil-free pump to reduce the required maintenance.
Features large wheels for easy maneuverability around the site or shop.
Includes a rubber-grip steel handle.
I hope this list of the best air compressors was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
