Does Name Brand Matter?Įven though we highlighted many options from big brand manufacturers, you don’t necessarily need to exclude off-brand companies from your consideration. It may be worth allocating a little bit of extra money to the purchase to ensure that you have a reliable product. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good deal, but in many situations, the air compressor is the beating heart of your entire project. The types of air compressors that we’ve seen here today tend to be on the pricier side. Needless to say, bigger jobs favor bigger motors. The single-stage motor delivers roughly 150 PSI of power, while the two-stage motor can double that. The difference between single and two-stage motors is one of power.

You may or may not need these features, but they can shape the course of your results, so shop wisely. There are also self-oiling units, weatherproof gear that can stand up to extreme temperatures, and tools that feature a wide variety of adjustability options. This will be an especially useful feature for contractors, but it is usually only effective in very powerful compressors. Simple though the air compressor may seem, it can come with valuable extra features that improve its performance.įor example, some tanks will feature multiple connection points that allow you to use several different nail guns or impact wrenches at once. Anything beyond that point will enhance your ability to work with multiple tools or heavier duty jobs. It correlates directly with the PSI rating, so you don’t necessarily need to focus on all three factors (including horsepower) to make an informed decision.Ī tool with a rating of 90 PSI should be able to operate most tools. will perform.Ĭubic feet per minute (CFM) refers to the amount of air that the tool can output. The more PSI your tool generates, the better your nail gun, paint sprayer, etc. The more horsepower you get, the more PSI a tool will be able to generate. Horsepower is the most important aspect of determining how much pressure is outputted by an air compressor. This is largely because brands list specs for both horsepower and PSI. It can be a little hard to figure out how powerful an air compressor is. In some states (such as California), they are not even legally permissible, so pay close attention to the power source before making your purchase. Gas units are noisy and let out harmful emissions. These units may have a little bit more power, but they have drawbacks as well. There are also gas-powered air compressors. You are subject to the mercy of power outlets, but at most job sites, this isn’t usually a problem. This is a fairly handy power source, as it creates no emissions and runs silently. Most modern air compressors are electric. Wheelbarrow: The wheelbarrow compressor typically features two cylindric tanks fixated to a dolly-type “wheelbarrow,” These are very portable, making them popular with contractors. Naturally, these are better suited for larger jobs. The only real difference is that you get two tanks instead of one. Twin Compressors: The dual tank unit takes after the hot dog compressor. These are cylindric, relatively compact, and fairly easy to transport. Hot Dog Compressors: The hot dog compressor is what you are likely to see most often as you hunt for a compressor. They are prized mostly for their compact, easy-to-transport dimensions. Pancake: Pancake compressors are flat and round. There are a variety of different styles that you are likely to encounter. Perhaps the main limitation is the 6-gallon tank which might not drive certain tools as effectively. All in all, it’s a good all-rounder and certainly worthy of mention. It’s generally an easy air compressor to use and it’s great that it’s not too heavy or too noisy. It’s particularly good for small, everyday jobs such as inflating tires. Protective rubber leg covers prevent damage. This is a well-built product with well-made components and it has a convenient cord wrap which allows easy storage. The unit itself is fairly compact and at just 30 pounds, it’s relatively easy to move around. Two universal couplers mean that the DWFP55126 can support two users at a time. The controls of this unit are protected by a console cover. At just 75.5 decibels, it’s certainly on the quieter side and can be used in indoor settings, unlike some other models. Long tool time and quick recovery are some of the obvious benefits of this product, thanks to the 165 max PSI 6.0-gallon tank. The DeWalt DWFP55126 features a high-efficiency motor allowing it to start up easily in cold weather.

Small air compressor