Buying an air compressor isn’t easy, especially one that is certified to operate within normal parameters while being safe at the same time. It is very important to realize precisely what type of air compressor you need before making any sort of purchase, which is why you would do best to educate yourself on the types and characteristics of all the popular air compressors out there.
For instance, air compressors for emergency tire inflations are quite different than professional air compressors or those designed for construction projects. This being said, here are the best 10 small air compressors to choose from once you have determined what type of compressor you actually need.
DEWALT D55140 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Trim Compressor
This heavy-duty 1-gallon trim compressor has a protective roll cage which combined with its cast-iron construction makes it extremely sturdy. It has a 135 psi maximum capacity, a durable oil-free pump, a low 69 dB rating that makes it quite smooth and silent as far as air compressors go, and a low 2.6 amp motor. Needless to say, this air compressor is perfect for carpenters and woodworkers.
Goodyear i8000 120-Volt Direct Drive Tire Inflator
If you’re in need of a tire inflator that does its job quickly than Goodyear’s i8000 might be what you need. It is a 120-volt direct drive inflator with Whisper Soft technology, thus being able to operate efficiently yet quietly at the same time. It includes inflation adaptors to fit a variety of sporting equipment and rafts at a maximum of 150 PSI. It also features a 1-foot rubber air hose, a 17-feet PVC air hose with a quick connect valve, and a 6-feet power cord.
BOSTITCH CAP1512-OF 1.2 Gallon Oil-Free High-Output Trim Compressor
Bostitch’s CAP1512-OF features a high-output oil-free pumping technology that delivers 2.8 CFM at 90 PSI with a 150 PSI maximum operating pressure, allowing a much broader range of uses. Its motor has a 2 HP peak with a 1.5 HP standard running capacity and a 12 amps consumption requirement. It also has a 1.2-gallon compact design which makes it weight 23.5 lbs, making it very easy to carry around.
Master Flow MF-1040 Cyclone High Volume Portable Air Compressor
This portable air compressor can be powered by a standard car 12-volt socket, making it perfect to carry around in the trunk of your car in case you need it. It can accommodate most standard sized vehicles, while able to inflate to a maximum of 150 PSI which is around 30 liters of air per minute. It comes equipped with an integrated pressure gauge, a coil hose with inflating nozzle, a storage bag, and the capacity to be used as a static air compressor for permanent use.
Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow High-Volume 12-Volt Air Compressor
The MV50 SuperFlow air compressor from Q Industries can inflate a regular tire in lass than 3 minutes. It is a 120 PSI air compressor with a 16-foot coiled hose that allows greater maneuverability due to its compact design. Ideal for off-road vehicles, this small air compressor comes with an included storage bag and a 10-foot power cord that gives you the capacity to reach around the vehicle if needed.
Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak, 1/2 hp running 1-Gallon Compressor
This lightweight and portable air compressor has a 1 HP peak force and a 0.5 HP regular operating capacity with a one-gallon overall capacity. Ideal for renovation and home improvement purposes, this small air compressor can deliver between 20 to 44 drives per minute. We should also point out that it comes with a 1-year warranty from Senco, even though you aren’t likely to need it due to its sturdy build.
PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 3.5-Gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor
A low-amp 120V motor powers Porter-Cable’s PCFP02003 air compressor, giving it the capacity to deliver 2.0 SCFM through its 90 PSI pump. This particular air compressor has a 3.5-gallon tank and a total PSI of 135 when operating at maximum capacity. This is particularly impressive considering the fact that it is only 26 lbs, yet just as powerful as much larger air compressors on the market.
VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor
This is yet another portable air compressor and quite a powerful one as well. It has a 1.83 CFM free flow at 120 PSI total, a solid brass twist-on tire chuck, dual battery clamps, a 3 pc. inflation tips kit, and an LED work light / power indicator to help you operate it. It also uses a 10-foot power cord that allows you to move it around any regular-sized room and a 3-foot air hose that allows a much broader range of uses.
PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor
Equipped with a 6-gallon pancake-style tank that facilitates stability, this compact air compressor can deliver a 150 PSI maximum pressure that also features the capacity to store air for long periods of time. It operates a 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI which allows quick compressor recovery, a shroud handle and console cover for added protection, and a factory-installed air couplers with a plug designed to prevent leaks. Furthermore, its low-amp 120-volt motor can operate in any weather conditions due to its tight-sealed exterior.
Kensun D1002 AC (Home 110V) / DC (12V Car) Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator
This multi-function inflator from Kensun uses a 21.7-inch high-quality rubber air hose to deliver up to 40 PSI with an air flow rate of 11 liters per minute. It also has a low-reaching cord with cigarette plug and 6-feet AC plug that allows greater maneuverability. Furthermore, the D1002 AC comes equipped with 3 nozzle adapters that accommodate almost any type of vehicle, but also a handful of household and camping equipment as well. Given its popularity, it would be fair to assume that you aren’t likely to find a better air compressor in this price range.
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