Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 04:03 am
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of damage to the world. But every dark cloud has a silver lining. While the lockdown was harsh on some people it was an opportunity to work harder for others. Many industrial and manufacturer developments require compressors.
So, a lot of people started looking for decent air compressors for their home shop. If you are one of those people or just looking to buy one without a similar background story.
4.9/5
☞Quiet Operation
☞Reliable Power
☞Oil-Free
We have compiled a list of the 8 best air compressors for home shop.
What defines a great air compressor?
Get expert-level insight on what makes an air compressor worth your money. Consider the factors listed below to make an educated decision and finalize a product that meets your demands.
SCFM and CFM
The first and most crucial thing to consider while choosing an air compressor is CFM and SCFM. Both just have a slight difference of standardization. CFM stands for ‘cubic feet per minute’. This is a measure of the rate at which your air compressor can be filled.
But since the temperature has an impact on a gas’s pressure i.e. the higher the temperature, the more the gas particles get excited, and hence, the pressure increases. That is why CFM isn’t a standard measure of gas. It is weather dependent and can vary due to it.
That is where SCFM comes in. You guessed it right! The “S” is SCFM stands for standard and thus it states temperature specific pressure. This makes it easier to compare different products and different temperatures.
So, what exactly should be the values of these measures? It is a straightforward answer, the more constant air supply is required by your machinery the higher CFM or SCFM value you require. It also needs to be considered if your work requires heavy airflow you’ll need to refill too but your refill rate decreases as the air pressure go up.
You just need to know to understand the demand for your work.
- Gas vs Electric Air Compressors
The second thing to consider when it comes to air compressors is whether you want a gas-powered or electric compressor.
Electric air compressors are very common and preferred by most people for being inexpensive and having low operational costs. They are also a lot safer as they don’t produce any fumes, unlike the gas-powered air compressor.
But obviously, if you do not have a reliable electrical source near you then you will have to go with an electric air compressor. But as we mentioned before, be careful to not operate one of these in closeted areas as the fumes can be very dangerous.
List of 8 best air compressor for home shop:
1. Campbell Hausfeld Portable Quiet- best air compressor for home shop
Number one on our list is the Campbell Hausefled DC080500 for its noise-less yet strong delivery. It is easy on the pockets but packs a solid punch. It provides a strong airflow almost immediately after startup thanks to its 125 max PSI rating and 8-gallon tank.
Most of its key components are almost four times more durable than other products on the market however, some reviews have suggested otherwise. Its overall durability has been reported to not be as efficient as claimed.
But one thing that outshines all its troubles is the fact that this Campbell air compressor is fifty percent quieter than its competitors.
You can work in broad daylight, or at nighttime, however, you prefer to cause you won’t be any noise complaints with this air compressor.
Portable is another word that can be used to describe this compressor thanks to its huge wheels and rubber- grip steel handle it can be pulled around and moved easily to any location you want it to.
2. Senco PC1010 – home shop air compressor
The Senco PC1010 is a smaller option, made for handheld pneumatic tools. It is much smaller compared to its competitors but small does not necessarily mean bad.
For a 1-gallon air tank and 1 HP peak power, it delivers a startling 120 PSI pressure thanks to its strong electric motor. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
It has a sturdy structure and is quite durable as its air tank is made out of steel.
It only consumes 4 amperes to fire up its motor. Since it’s a smaller product it cannot deliver as much as a full-sized compressor. Its use is limited to specific projects that require handheld air compressors.
3. CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K – big air compressor
Speaking of pancake air compressors, the Craftsman air compressor CMC6150K is also a pancake model which means that it features a lot of the similar functionalities is just as the previously mentioned product.
it made our list as an alternate option to the BOSTITCH pancake air compressor as it is a bit larger compared do it but it has the same 6-gallon air tank capacity.
It is not for industrial or large-scale use but it is perfect for home projects. It features a 13-piece accessory kit Which includes many useful things such as nozzle attachments adapters and much more.
For its price point, it is a great product and should not be missed out if you’re looking for a decent home usage air compressor for home-usage. it features a 150 PSI pressure rating and has an adequate performance as a smaller compressor.
Not only is it larger as compared to other pancake compressors but is also a bit louder. So, if you are going to use this for home projects get ready for some noise complaints.
4. Campbell Hausfeld AC080510- best buy air compressor
As you can judge by its name the Campbell Hausfeld is a quiet air compressor. Due to its soundlessness, it is suitable for both indoors and outdoors at any time of the day. It has an 8-gallon air tank and oil and maintenance-free pump which provides longevity and makes it suitable for all sorts of projects without any concession on its execution.
It has a max PSI of 125 and is portable due to its shrouded cover design, wheels, and a handle.
5. California Air Tools 8010 – best shop air compressor
Quality at a lower price is the promise of California air tools 8010 air compressor. This air compressor has great qualities for a product of its price. If you need something easy on the pocket but that gets the job done, then California air tools 8010 air compressor is the one for you.
Its features include a free oil pump and have a Max PSI of 120. it is also one of the quietest products on the market while being only 60 decibels loud.
It is one of the more petite products on our list in terms of capacity; approximately 5.5-gallons. But it is also lightweight, so it is quite portable and easy to transport.
6. Avid Power Tire Inflator – top stand up air compressors
Most people look for tire inflators while shopping for air compressors. So, we added a similar product on our list for those people. The average power tide inflator air compressor is suitable for inflating all sorts of tires may it be a car, bike, or van, etc.
However, it is limited in its usage and cannot support heavy-duty vehicles. It comes with an AC/DC energy switch making it very easy to use. It also features inflation and deflation switches and two types of hose pipes. It has a 120 Volt home outlet making it convenient for use at home or while traveling.
7. VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor – best commercial air compressor
Another addition to the portable air compressors mentioned on this list is the VAIR 85P portable air compressor. Its light design ensures that’s it’s abilities reach where professional air compressors fail due to their large industrial size.
Not all jobs require manufacturer level air compressors, some require handheld petite items that can be used for targeted areas such as inflating tires. VAIR 85P insurers you never face an inflation problem even while on the road. Due to its compactness, it can be carried around everywhere.
Its power outlet, however, has been reported to be very prone to breakage and can easily collapse.
8. BOSTITCH Pancake BTFP02012 – good shop air compressor
Another compact model on our list is the BOSTITCH pancake air compressor. As you would have already guessed by the name it’s called the pancake air compressor you do its compact size which makes it very convenient to use and highly portable.
Its portability is also extended by the fact that it comes with a very long extension cord so you can move away from the power source freely and get your work done.
since it’s not as small as the same code PC 1010 it offers a bigger tank of up to 6 gallons of their capacity.
undoubtedly a 6-gallon air tank is not enough for industrial usage, but it can suffice when it comes to small home projects. this electric air compressor has a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI which is quite decent considering it is a smaller product.
it even features an oil-free pump and a one-year warranty which gives the product longevity.
It may be small but in no way is it lightweight. It is a pretty dense air compressor so don’t expect it weigh any less just because it is smaller.
Conclusion:
We hope the factors listed before the product list and the products itself provided you with enough information to be able to decide on your own to find and to choose the air compressor that works best for your needs.
Indeed, any product that you choose from this list will be a good quality product and support your demands.
FAQs:
- What is a good size air compressor for home use?
Any compressor that delivers ten to twelve CFM at ninety PSI or higher is a good quality product. - What size air compressor do I need to run an impact wrench?
A ninety PSI compressor run at 4-5 CFM works best for an impact wrench. - What should I look for when buying a compressor?
When looking for an air compressor be sure to consider factors such as CFM, SFM horsepower, and air pressure. - Does tank size matter air compressor?
Yes, it matters for manufacturer scale tasks. The size of the tank determines the amount of air you can utilize before it runs out and needs to be refilled. For large scale industrial tasks you will require a bigger tank so you can work long hours without interruption. - Is a 3-gallon air compressor good?
For a small air compressor made for smaller jobs, 3 gallons are more than enough. So, it is good for smaller usage but not for bigger ideas. - How many PSI do I need to run air tools?
It depends upon the size of the compressor. Smaller compressors can function normally at 0- 5 cfm at 70- 90 pounds per sq. inch. Whereas larger systems require at least 10 cfm at 100 – 200 psi.
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