There are a vast amount of homeowner air compressors on the market, and finding the best air compressor for home garage use is not difficult. It would be best if you first ascertained your needs and then choose a compressor that will cope with the jobs that you are planning to use it for.
With the massive increase in DIY, the air compressor has rapidly become an invaluable asset in the home owner’s tool kit. With all the internet guides, walkthroughs, and videos, it has never been easier to plan and complete a DIY project such as a home remodel, roof repair, or laying down decking.
If we only go back a few decades ago, all those broken windows, doors, and professionals monopolized home renovation jobs. Just imagine how much money can be saved by doing your repairs and renovations.
Although home repairs and renovations are not the only uses for the home air compressor, there are a multitude of other uses including;
- Inflating tires
- Inflating sports goods
- Inflating children’s toys
- Dust blowing
- Powering nail guns, staplers, and brad guns
- Powering roofing nailers
- Powering impact wrenches & drills
- Hobby and craftwork
Contents
These are the Best Air Compressors For Home Garage
1. PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor, 6-Gallon, Pancake, Oil-Free (C2002)
The Porter-Cable C2002 is a great pancake air compressor which features an oil-free motor. The machine is straightforward to use and is also quite portable, suitable to fit a wide variety of needs. The air compressor is efficient and is powerful as well, offering low downtimes and an optimal level of productivity.
The C2002 also features built-in protection from thermal overloads. The tank of the machine is stable and includes a valve that allows for convenient draining of water. There are two preinstalled air couplers on the machine, allowing the device to support two users simultaneously.
Here, we review the C2002 air compressor, taking a look in detail at the features and the specifications of the pancake compressor. The pros and cons of the pancake air compressor will also be considered before a conclusion and an air compressor rating are arrived at.
Features
The air compressor is quite powerful, featuring a low amperage 120V motor, which easily works on an extension cord and also starts up in the coldest weather. The compressor features a maximum pressure level of 150 PSI. There is an air regulator that allows for high flow and high pressure of air, making the machine suitable for all types of tasks.
The Porter-Cable C2002 features a large tank with a maximum capacity of 6 gallons. The motors can deliver air at either 90 PSI at 2.6 SFCM or 40 PSI at 3.7 SFCM.
The pancake compressor is compact and lightweight and can be easily moved around the house or a work site. The unit features a rubber base under the tank so that it does not scratch wooden flooring.
- Easy Operation
The compressor is very easy to operate and features an oil-free pump, which requires no maintenance. There are no leaks or spills, and there is never a mess created in the operation of the unit. The air compressor features a protective shroud, a handle, and a cover to protect the console.
The compressor features a convenient handle and is highly portable. It weighs only 32 pounds and can easily be moved around without too many hassles.
- Size
Compressor measures 19 by 19 by 18 inches.
- Rating
Air compressor is meant to be used as a stationary and corded electronic device, operated at 120V. The motor is rated at 1 HP, operating at peak load.
- Special Features
The Porter-Cable C2002 comes preinstalled with two air couplers, allowing two users to use the compressor at the same time. The air compressor features a one-year limited warranty on air compressors.
Pros
- Stable and sturdy featuring a well thought out design.
- Highly efficient and powerful in operation.
- Very easy to operate.
- Can be used across a wide variety of tasks.
- Compact and portable.
- Quick recovery time.
- Gauges and regulators allow for great convenience of operation.
Cons
- Replacement parts for the unit are not available easily.
- The pressure valve may wear out after repeated use.
- The drain valve can prove to be a little tricky.
2. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
With heavy-duty air compressors being expensive as well as heavy they can be out of most people’s reach financial-wise. The next best thing is to get a powerful cheaper one. Well, the Makita mac2400 Big Bore air compressor just maybe the compressor that is (a) Affordable (b) Light enough to be easily moved around from one place to another.
This little compressor is pretty powerful, considering its price range. The Makita mac 2400 has a 2.5 HP motor that works quietly, smoothly and has a lot of power to push through most jobs we give it. The Makita big bore is made from a cast-iron cylinder with a bigger bore, meaning increased efficiency as well as compression.
The mac2400 produces high output but is considered very quiet, also keeping cooler than most other compressors as it runs at about half the RPM which means it can run for longer periods without worrying if it can handle the excessive use.
Features:
- 2.5 HP with Big Bore Engineered Pump has a maximum pressure of 0 – 130 PSI
- Cast iron cylinder to improve the longevity, reduces wear and increases pump life.
- Bigger bore & stroke to increase compression while providing lower noise levels. Noise Level is 79 dB
- Oil-lubricated Pump
- 4.2 Twin Stacked gal Tank
- Performance of the Makita mac2400 is 90 PSI: 4.2 cfm 40 PSI: 4.8 cfm
- AMPS – 12.3
- Size is 19-3/8″x18-3/4″x18″
- Has a net weight of only 77 lbs.
- Built-in thermal overload for additional motor protection
- Large automotive style industrial air filter for increased air intake and greater efficiency
In conclusion: From owner reviews and the information I have read while researching this air compressor, the Big Bore Makita will be a great addition to add to the tool collection, perfect for home use or on-site. The Makita mac2400 is a great air compressor for those that are looking to buy a high quality low priced compressor that gets the job done without all the extra maintenance some others require.
3. PORTER-CABLE Compressor, Oil-Free, UMC Pancake, 13-Piece Accessory Kit, 6-Gallon, 150 PSI (C2002-WK)
It is a portable air compressor weighing only 34 pounds, but it is still very reliable. You can bring it anywhere, or use it to set down on moving pads, or in moving through doorways so you can avoid damaged jambs. You can also have a mess-free operation as you as reviews on Porter-Cable C2002-WK compressor say that it does not leave oil spill on the floor or in the working areas during operation. Satisfied customers like how they can carry this air compressor along with them, especially when they have other tools.
Despite its lightweight feature, you can be assured that Porter-Cable C2002-WK delivers outstanding performance with its features such as the new handle design that allows you to run a cable and two hose couples. It is engineered innovatively with a soft-start motor which enables it to operate at 3.5N SCFM. Because of this, its 6-gallon tank can be quickly recharged.
Air compressor reviews show that it is one of the portable air compressors as it also has replaceable brushes to ensure the durability of the motor life. It also extends the run time of the product, with its 150 PSI max pressure.C2002-WK is also best known for its “Bonus Air” feature because it provides additional 30 PSI and a High-Flo regulator that protects the air compressor in case there will be a large pressure drop.
Satisfied customers show great appreciation of the product in accomplishing their tasks at home. The package comes with an accessory kit that contains 13 pieces, with a 25-foot nylon hose, tire chuck, quick coupler, blow gun with attachments, Teflon tape, and tire gauge.
Reviews show that this is one of the best tools to use in finishing your carpentry work. It is a great buy, and you get to spend less for maximum features.
Buying Guide
Twin-stack Compressors
The two stacked compressor will not run as often as the single. An added benefit is that you can store more air. This is a wise choice for a carpenter. These compressors have enough power to run nail guns for beefier work as well as the smaller brad nails used by trim carpenters. These are considered portable, and some units can weigh up to 80 pounds.
Twin-stack compressors are available in consumer-grade and contractor-grade models. These are not the same even though they appear to be. When building houses, you will want the one manufactured for heavy-duty requirements. These models are perfect for the rigours of job sites, being both portable and powerful.
Twin stack compressors are available as electric or gas-powered. Gas-powered ones are convenient on sites that have no electricity.
An advantage to electric twin-stacks is that they are lighter in weight. They can be plugged into a 120-volt outlet. You cannot use a gasoline-powered compressor inside closed quarters. The carbon monoxide emitted can kill.
Portable Single-Stage Compressors
These single-stage compressors are considered the best air compressors by carpenters. They are portable for those who need a compressor to run their tools frequently, such as nail guns and staple guns. Having more powerful engines and improved compressor pumps, single-stage units are more expensive than other portable units.
You will want a compressor with large, inflatable tires that enables the compressor to be transported over uneven terrain. The tires absorb vibration, reducing rattles, and act as shock absorbers for quieter compressor operation.
The single-stage portable models are ideal for building decks, siding houses, and house framing.
Wheelbarrow Compressors
Designed and built for construction or demobilization job sites, the wheelbarrow compressors are a fair consideration. These are typically built with powerful engines, having larger storage tanks. The materials used in their construction are more heavy-duty. They can handle difficult conditions having a single wheel and sturdy handles, making them easy to pull over tough terrain. With its many features, they can weigh up to 300 pounds, therefore wheeled portability is beneficial. If you need to use this in an area that will not accommodate wheels, you might want to consider a lighter model.
Truck-Mount Compressors
Being the heftiest, the truck-mounted compressors are the most powerful air compressors obtainable which are portable. Weighing several hundred pounds, you will not have to be concerned, since your truck will be doing the work.
This unit has very large storage tanks, dependable pumps, and extraordinary CFM (cubic feet per minute) abilities. With a truck mount compressor, you can effortlessly run large air tools all day long.
These compressors can only be used where you can drive your truck.
DC Compressors
These units are common with RV owners, race teams, and show cars. Because they are hard-wired to the vehicle’s DC voltage system, they deliver a great quantity of air and do not require much room.
The continuous duty units can inflate tires 37-inches and larger, something the smaller inflators cannot manage.
Several units are available in kit form that includes everything (hoses, gauges, cables, and controls) you need to install the unit in your vehicle.
Commercial Compressors
If you need a steady supply of compressed air day-in and day-out, commercial-grade compressors are perfect for you. These heavy-duty models feature the most advanced technology and have superior performance.
Commercial compressors are found in auto-body shops, manufacturing facilities, and for extreme applications such as machinery on oil rigs.
The price tags on the commercial-grade types reflect the high-quality and performance necessitated by the most demanding needs.
Hot Dog Air Compressors
Being popular and also considered to be the best air compressor for crafts and hobby people, hot dog compressors are great for having enough power to run staplers, airbrushes, and other small tools.
Having slightly bigger storage tanks than pancake compressors, they are heavier. These models have handles for ease in transporting.
Being oil-less and having no belts, they are loud yet need very little or no maintenance.
Two-stage Air Compressors
If you need a unit that meets all your requirements when purchasing a large industrial compressor, this is the one. These are offered as two-stage compressors and rotary screw compressors from which to choose.
Two-stage compressors are generally found in garages and manufacturing shops. They are powerfully loud and are used to power tools, such as nail guns, air hammers, die grinders, and impact wrenches. Because of their power, they are capable of powering several tools simultaneously.
Powered by either electricity or gas—and most are electric—two-stage units use two pistons and compress the air twice. They provide more power than the smaller versions.
Two-stage compressors have a high energy cost that you need to be aware of for your consideration when purchasing and can generate up to about 90 CFM.
To pick the perfect two-stage compressor, you will need to consider the following:
HP (Horsepower)
One horsepower (hp) is the force needed to lift 550 pounds one foot (foot-pounds) per second. One hp equals 746 watts; 550 foot-pounds per second is approximately 745.7 watts.
Horsepower is not the yardstick when buying one of the air compressors. What is most important is the CFM it can produce. Normally, the more horsepower, the more power, and higher CFMs the compressor can produce. Shop for CFM needs rather than hp.
Many garages will power multiple tools using one air compressor. Regardless of how many tools you are running simultaneously, you will need to estimate how much CFM you will need to power many tools running at any given time.
Total up the CFM of the tools in use being sure the compressor can manage the workload.
Tools requiring constant power, for instance, sanders and grinders, will need more CFM than nail guns using intermittent power.
Phase Voltage
Differences in voltage of single-phase, as opposed to three-phase, is dependent upon where you plan to use the compressor.
Single-phase will be used in a residential setting. Be sure you know the wiring type before purchasing a compressor for suiting your needs. Three-phase electricity is found mostly in industrial settings. Three-phase power is more efficient, resulting in less deterioration on the compressor motor.
Before purchasing the air compressor suited for you, consult with your county’s building department and electrician for determining the local codes for voltage and phase. These can differ by location.
Tank Size in Gallons
The two-stage compressor’s tank size is calculated in gallons and can be from 60 to 200 gallons. The size of the tank you need is predicated on how often the compressor is in use.
Start-stop compressors run until the tank is full of compressed air and as you use tools, the PSI (pounds per square inch) from the tank becomes exhausted. The compressor turns back on and refills once this setting is reached.
You can run the risk of overheating the compressor that can damage its pump if the compressor starts and stops too often.
Constant-run compressors run 100 per cent of the time and will adjust the air output as need be.
Compressor Styles
Two-stage compressors are available in the horizontal or vertical style.
If you don’t have a wide area in which to run the compressor, purchase the vertical model; if you have height constraints choose a horizontal model.
There is no difference in the performance of horizontal and vertical compressors of equal power. They are identical models built in different styles.
Rotary Screw Air Compressors
If you have a greater need than a 60 per cent duty-cycle, choose the most powerful and biggest rotary compressor in the marketplace.
These, which many people consider being the top-rated air compressors for home garage, are found in most professional garages and factories where non-stop air is required often used in precision jobs such as sand coating or powder coating.
Rotary screw compressors are quiet and efficient and are the most advanced technologically, and the energy consumption is low in spite of their power.
