The 6 Best Air Compressors for Jobs Big and Small

By Corrie Pelc

While an air compressor may not sound like something you really need in your home garage or shed, when you hear about all the things it can do, it makes sense. This versatile tool can tackle jobs both big and small.

Here's just a partial list of what an air compressor can do around the house:

• Fill up tires on your vehicle when pressure is low
• Attach to a pneumatic nail gun for carpentry and construction work
• Use on a compressor spray paint gun to make quick work of spray painting jobs
• An air ratchet and socket tool makes DIY auto repair much easier
• Quickly clean up your garage, deck, and patio flooring with an air blower tool

Convinced now? Then luckily for you, we have a list of the best air compressors ready for your review!

How Air Compressors Work

In the most basic sense, an air compressor stores energy it creates from its motor in pressurized air. Depending on which type of air compressor it is, the motor is either run by electricity or gas. The pressurized air is stored in the air compressor's tank.

To use the pressurized air inside the machine, a user would attach a hose to the discharge valve. At the end of the hose, a user can attach a variety of different tools, allowing for the types of tasks we listed above. When the user turns on the machine, pressurized air comes out of the hose.

How to Buy an Air Compressor

When it comes to air compressors, there are two questions you need to ask yourself:

• Is It Stationary or Portable? Air compressors come in two types. Stationary air compressors are generally larger with more output and are meant to stay in one spot. Portable air compressors are usually smaller and will be on wheels with a handle so you can move them around. Because of their size, portable air compressors have a bit less output and are better suited for lighter jobs.
• Electric or Gas? Air compressors are powered by either electricity or gas. Electric air compressors are more common as they are less maintenance and are quieter. However, if you know you'll have big jobs or if you need to use your air compressor outside where you won't have access to electricity, then a gas-powered version may be your best bet.

Test Factors We Considered When Picking the Air Compressors

Here’s a rundown of the test factors we used to determine the best air compressors:

• Price: Air compressors come in at several different price points.
• Type: Is this air compressor stationary or portable?
• Power: How is the air compressor powered — gas or electric?
• Weight: How much does the air compressor weigh?
• Tank Size: How large is the tank that holds air? A smaller-tank air compressor will normally hold around four to six gallons of air, with larger tanks holding more than that.
• Horsepower: This is measured in HP and is the amount of power generated by the motor in the air compressor. The motor is what creates the air pressure that makes the air compressor work.
• Air Pressure: The amount of air pressure the air compressor generates is measured in pound-force per square inch (psi). A higher psi means the air compressor can hold more air in its tank, allowing you to operate any tools attached to it for a greater amount of time.
• Air Volume: The amount of air volume the compressor delivers is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm) or standard cubic feet per minute (scfm). The higher the cfm or scfm, the more air the compressor expels.
• Pump Type: Air compressors have either single or two-stage pumps. Single pump air compressors have one cylinder that's making compressed air, while a two-stage air compressor has at least two cylinders making compressed air at the same time. Because there are more cylinders making air, two-stage pumps can fill the air tank for a longer period of time with more pressure, making them a great option for larger jobs that take a longer time and require more air, like spray painting and pressure washing.
• Pump Oil: Air compressors normally have either oil-lubricated or oil-free pumps. Oil-lubricated pumps require the addition of oil to keep the machine running smoothly. Oil-free pumps are made from a material that does not require any oil during its lifetime.
• Volume: How loud is the air compressor when it’s operating? This is measured in decibels (dB). For reference, a running creek is measured at 40 dB and a jet engine takeoff is 140 dB.
• Accessories/Tools: Does the air compressor include any accessories and tools, such as blow guns or hoses?
• Warranty: Does the manufacturer back their air compressor?

Now that we’ve covered everything, let’s move on to the best air compressors on the market.