Who wouldn’t want to add an air compressor to their garage’s arsenal of tools?
Air compressors can provide their users with many benefits, like powering all types of pneumatic tools and much more. Air tools are excellent for building projects all around the home. But which is the best compressor to buy?
In this review article we will review what is the best air compressor for a home garage. Our trusted reviews are highly valued by our readers everyday. They know we won’t hesitate to give you the real facts and opinions before making their purchases.
Let’s find out which of these air compressors is worth your time and money.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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Craftsman 6-Gallon Air Compressor
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DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
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Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
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California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor
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BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo
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Features
- Max 150 PSI
- Oil-free pump
- 32.5 pounds
Air compressors are often used by craftsmen, but they also have many other uses. One of the most common is to operate air tools. This 6-gallon Craftsman Air Compressor is a perfect example of what you need for the job.
WHAT WE LIKE
This particular model from Craftsman delivers up to 150 PSI. It also features a quick recovery time of 2.6 standard cubic feet per minute at 90 PSI. With this power it can fill its tank faster and work continuously for longer periods of time before needing to refill again.
This makes it perfect for those who are working on bigger projects or have work sites that require constant use of their pneumatic tools, such as construction workers or carpenters.
The quality of the compressor is really nice, with great attention to detail. Although it can be a bit loud at times, the unit thoroughly impressed us with its power sustainability along with its fit and finish.
PROS
- Max 150 PSI
- No maintenance, oil-free pump
- Quick filling tank
CONS
- Can be loud at times
Features
- Max 165 PSI
- Oil-free pump
- 30 pounds
The DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor is a great product that gets the job done. The design of the compressor makes it easy to carry around and you can easily store it when not in use.
WHAT WE LIKE
This product has a max pressure of 165 PSI. It can power tools and inflate items with ease. Weighing around 30 pounds, transporting the compressor is super easy.
It’s a relatively simple machine, yet it has a lot of potential for DIY projects. It comes with an easy to understand instruction booklet. You can power everything from paint sprayers to air ratchet drills and more.
Don’t expect to start any type of heavy duty projects with the DEWALT. It’s simply not made for that type of stuff. It will still do a great job for what it is designed for though.
Check your unit well if you decide to purchase one. Quality issues have come up with some units involving leakage issues.
PROS
- Lightweight design makes the unit very portable
CONS
- Leakage issues and other quality problems have been reported.
Features
- Max 130 PSI
- Oil-lubricated pump
- 80.8 pounds
Makita is known as a hugely reliable and trusted brand in the market today, and with good reason.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor is perfect for construction professionals and those who use power tools on a regular basis. It pumps out a max of 130 PSI which is enough to power tools such as two nail guns at one time. We noticed that the unit runs quieter than some others.
The Big Bore is a powerful, lightweight, and durable air compressor that offers a lot more than what you would expect from an air compressor at this price point.
The compressor is crafted from cast iron. It comes with aluminum pistons, needle valve, relief valve, 6-inch exhaust pipe (with two-port muffler), and water cooling system.
At over 80 pounds the Big Bore isn’t meant to be carried around very often.
PROS
- Max 130 PSI pressure
- Quiet for a compressor, but you’ll need hearing protection if working inside
CONS
- Heavy – weighs 80.8 pounds
- The user manual is…lacking. We found that only 5 or 6 pages reference the compressor, while the rest of the 19 or 20 pages talk about service centers and warnings
Features
- Max 120 PSI
- Oil-free pump
- 48 pounds
The California Air Tools 8010. is a solid unit that you can count on to complete your project. The California Air Tools 8010 comes with a 8 gallon tank which is enough for most household air jobs.
WHAT WE LIKE
This is a light to medium duty compressor. The tank is made of steel for toughness. It has decent build quality and is perfect for those looking for power without the frills.
At 48 pounds, the handy wheels make transporting the unit very easy. The unit also ran relatively quiet during our tests.
With a max of 120 PSI, what the 8010 lacks in power it makes up for with the larger air tank.
PROS
- Works well for light and some medium jobs
- Steel construction adds longevity to the unit
CONS
- Fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired, such as the weaving welded seams
- Unit has a chintzy feel to it overall
Features
- Max 150 PSI
- Oil-free pump
- 35.5 pounds
The BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo is a kit that includes everything you need to start up a project. This kit includes a 6 gallon compressor, a 25 foot hose, and a nice air nail gun.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Compressor itself has enough power at max 150 PSI to handle most projects. Adding the air nail gun is a really nice touch to include in a combo kit.
We found that the kit contained decent components that should last quite a while. The 25 foot hose is extremely convenient.
Separately, the components can be expensive. This combo makes it easy for someone who does not have expert experience under their belt to get started on their home projects without having to run around looking for specific accessories.
Don’t think about constructing skyscrapers with this kit, but it will perform as advertised.
PROS
- All in one kit
- Weighing only 35.5 pounds, transporting the unit is a breeze
- Max 150 PSI provides excellent power for tools like nail guns
CONS
- Quality issues from the factory such as bent valves and leaking units have been reported
- Strangely, some buyers have reported receiving a unit with only a 10 foot cord instead of the advertised 25 foot one
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our review article about the best air compressor for a home garage. Not all air compressors are created equally even though it might seem that way on paper. Quality, durability and longevity are the key factors for these units.
For our money, the Craftsman 6-Gallon Air Compressor, with its blend of power, quick refill and overall quality is our top pick. We’re sure you will enjoy it as much as we did.
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