I was having a lot of fun looking around some of the different portable air compressors out there because I happen to be in the market for one myself and thought it would be a good experience to share what I found out and which model really is the best portable air compressor out there. When I noticed about a lot of these portable compressors, was the fact that some of them were made for different purposes and were probably going to be better suited for particular tasks then other models would be.
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In other words, I found different models that would serve different purposes such as the best rated compressor, the most affordable model, one of the quietest ones and so on and ended up having six different products that represented their "category " the best. Here's what I found...
Best "Budget Friendly" Portable Air Compressor:
The General International Power Products AC1200 Portable 3 gallon Oil Free Air Compressor, unlike other compressors, has several advantages at a comparatively lower price. The lightweight and simple design of this air compressor is perfect for lighter duty tasks, not really recommended for anything to hard-core.
The General International AC1200 is oil free for low maintenance and is pretty easy to use. The horse power rating for this amazing air compressor is somewhere around 1/3HP.
The compressor can run both 1/4 and 3/8 size hoses and it works quite well with brad nailers and other light-duty nailers and staplers. When it comes to pressure, this air compressor, which generates its power from a 3700 RPM motor, delivers 0.6 CFM (cubic foot per minute) at 40 PSI (pounds per square inch) and it pumps out 0.5 CFM at 90 PSI and a maximum pressure of almost 100 PSI. In addition to this, the General International Power Products AC1200 has a built-in quick hose couple which allows the compressor to be ready whenever the user wants.
This general air compressor comes equipped with a user-friendly panel that enables easy operation. There are minimum issues of mess and spills because the motor is oil-free. For making sure that the air compressor is stable and reliable, the manufacturer has added the heavy duty 4 rubber feet. This air compressor can easily be carried wherever the consumer wants because of its lightweight and simple design. The one-piece manifold design of the air compressor makes it durable for work in all kinds of jobsites. This air compressor also comes with a 2-year limited warranty. After learning about all its features, it looks pretty clear that the AC1200 is a great value air compressor.
The Best "CFM" Portable Air Compressor:
Makita has been manufacturing some of the best quality industrial and commercial machinery for several years now. The producer is popular among the buyers for their high quality equipment that actually performs. The Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP air compressor delivers less noise and higher output for better job site performance.
This air compressor has a large 1,720 RPM pump that not only lowers noise levels substantially but also allows improved displacement at lower RPMs. The low AMP draw by the compressor reduces voltage drop and instances of tripped breakers, which can result in motor failure and can just be a pain to deal with.
The Makita MAC700 is equipped with Big Bore engineered piston and pump with cast iron cylinder for maximum output, faster recovery, better compression and performance. The 2.0 HP Air Compressor delivers industrial power with improved durability and stability under all kinds of job site environments. The air compressor is powered by a 2.0 HP motor.
Another unique feature to this Makita air compressor is its large automotive style filter and an oil-lubricated pump for greater efficiency and higher air intake. This air compressor runs at half the RPM range of other competitive compressors and results in longer pump and motor life. Also, the MAC700 comes with a roll bar handle that makes it portable and pretty easy to carry because it is centered directly over the machine itself. Other features of this air compressor are a tank drain valve for easier maintenance, a convenient oil sight glass and oil drain, and finned discharge tubing for dissipating heat quickly. This also comes with a one year warranty from the manufacturer.
The Best "Compact" Portable Air Compressor:
Another compressor that made the list is also a Makita. It's the AC001 Compact Air Compressor that utilizes a powerful induction motor for improved performance. Compressors made by Makita are mostly popular among the buyers for their lower noise, consistent performance, longer motor and pump life, and faster recovery time.
The Makita AC001 is a compact size air compressor that is powered by a 1/6 maximum horsepower induction motor. With a lightweight – only 23.1 lbs. – design, the compressor offers around 125 PSI.
This air compressor is best for home/indoor use because it produces lower noise levels– only 72dBA. The roll cage construction of the compressor provides protection for the motor assembly and the pump. In addition to this, the Makita AC001 has a low AMP draw which minimizes the instances of tripped breakers, like the other Makita model listed. For low maintenance fans, this compact air compressor uses an oil-free pump.
The Makita AC001 is the most recent addition to the expanding line-up of air compressors made by Makita. The air compressor is perfect for trim and finish carpentry, case and base installation and cabinet and furniture construction because of its reliable and powerful induction motor. The compact size of the air compressor makes it ideal for portability and the lower noise allows indoor use. When it comes to performance, comfort, durability and portability, the Makita AC001 Compact Air Compressor is the right choice. Moreover, this air compressor comes with a one year warranty. The user would require only one lithium ion battery for using this air compressor.
The Best "Quiet" Portable Air Compressor:
The California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor is arguably one of the quietest air compressors in the market today, with only 56 decibels of sound. The manufacturer, California Air Tools, designed this air compressor in a way that it is both lightweight and ultra quiet.
This air compressor weighs only 29.5 lbs. that allows you to very easily move it around. For low maintenance and less costs, the California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S comes with an oil-free pump, which eliminates all probabilities of spills and mess.
The powerful 0.6 HP motor of this air compressor operates at just 1680 RPM, creating less wear and less noise.
For better performance and higher durability, the new oil free and ultra quiet motor is engineered in a single piston pump design. The 1.0 gallon steel air tank is just 29.5 lbs. that makes it lightweight and easier to transport. Further, this air compressor has a single piston pump that is designed to have a long life cycle, of around 3000 plus hours. This is quite impressive in comparison to other air compressors, which have a life cycle of 250 hours or even less. The oil-free pump also enables the consumer to use the air compressor in a variety of different temperatures. This air compressor produces 1. 2 CFM at 90 PSI that lets the consumer use finish nail guns, blow guns, Brad nail guns, Staple guns, nail guns, and airbrushes.
The CAT-1P1060S is ideal for cleaning bike and car tires and for inflating beds, tires, sport balls and toys. This air compressor is great for use in places where noise is the major problem, like garage, indoors, etc.
Finally, The Best "Rated" Portable Air Compressor:
The PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor is a good option for those of you that really like other people's reviews. This air compressor which comes with a 13-piece accessory kit and is ready to go out of the box.
It uses a pancake style tank for better stability and reliability. The higher pressure design of the air compressor offers longer performance of air tool. Moreover, for quick recovery time, the PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK features a 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
The PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK comes with an oil-free pump a popular option nowadays, it seems. Starting it up in colder weather is fairly easy too, according to reviewers. The low AMP 120V motor is ideal for tough job site environments. In addition to this, the upgraded shroud with console and hand cover protects all the important components of the air compressor, ensuring long life of motor and pump. This amazing air compressor contains cord wrap with a 6 gallon capacity and it is especially made for easy transporting.
With a powerful induction motor that offers extended life as well as improved performance, the PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK is great for inflating bike and car tires, toys, and sport balls. Also, it is perfect for firing a nailer. In order to increase the lifecycle of motors, the motor of this air compressor features replaceable brushes. The motor features maximum pressure of 150 PSI to increase the run time. The PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK includes a 13-Piece Accessory Kit with a tire gauge, Teflon tape, plugs, tire chuck, blow gun and attachments, quick coupler, and a 25-foot nylon hose. This much recommended oil-free UMC pancake compressor comes with a one year limited warranty.
The Best "Twin Tank" Portable Air Compressor:
The CAT-4610AC is another great air compressor by California Air Tools. The manufacturer of this air compressor designs one of the ultra silent air compressors in the industry. This air compressor has only 60 decibels of sound, which in comparison to most air compressors is pretty low and just slighty louder than the other model we looked at.
Just like the California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S, the powerful 1.0 HP motor of the California Air Tools CAT-4610AC operates at 1680 RPM, which not only creates less wear but also less noise.
The new “SP” series of the oil free and ultra silent air compressor motors have been designed to hike up duty cycle and enable much longer run times. For better durability and higher performance, this air compressor comes equipped with an Oil-Free Dual Piston Pump System.
In comparison to other air compressors, which have a life cycle of 500 hours or even less, the Oil-Free Dual Piston pump of the CAT-4610AC Air Compressor is designed to have a life cycle of 3000 plus hours (about six times more than most air compressors). The oil-free pump of the CAT-4610AC can be used in uneven terrains and in a variety of temperatures. The California Air Tools CAT-4610AC is easily portable because of its 4.6 Gallon Aluminum Air Tank that weighs just 45.5 lbs. The air tank is lightweight as well as rust free. This air compressor is ideal for people who work indoors and have problems of high noise. As for warranty, the buyer can request it through customer service.
