[2023 Updated] Best 1 Gallon Air Compressors

If you are wondering what are the best 1 gallon air compressor or where I can find them then you came to the right place.

Here, we have thoroughly researched and came up with the top 1 gallon air compressor reviews explaining each of their features as well as their pros and cons. 

Best 1 Gallon Air Compressor

Here are detailed specifications of each products.

1. California Air Tools CAT (1P1060S) Portable Air Compressor:

In terms of portability, it is very easy to carry as it weighs 29 pounds so you will have no issue when taking it from place to place.

The great thing about this compressor is that it operates at a lower RPM of 1680 as it helps to reduce noise and reduces wear.

As for the horsepower, it is 0.6 hp with a maximum pressure of 120 PSI.

The CFM rating of this unit is 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 1.60 CFM at 40 PSI which you can expect from a small tank compressor.

To protect it from overloading it features a thermal overload protection system.

This compressor includes two pressure control gauges for easy use and has one universal 1/4″ quick connector.

In case of cold weather, you can easily start it as it is oil free and the great thing about an oil free compressor is that no daily maintenance will be required.

The manufactures of this unit mention that its oil-free single-piston pump is designed in such a way to provide users the durability and high performance and it has a life cycle of 3000 Plus hours when compared to other units of the air compressors with the life cycles of 250 hours or less. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 Inches
• Weight: 29 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 120 PSI
• Horsepower: 0.6 HP
• Tank Capacity: 1.0 Gallons
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Voltage: 110 Volts
• Low Amp Draw: 4.5 Amps
• Sound Level: 56 dB
• Cord Length: 72 inches
• Material: Steel
• Measurement System: Metric
• 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI
• 1.60 CFM @ 40 PSI

Pros:

• Is Great For Light Duty Work
• Comes With Thermal Overload Protection
• Is Lightweight And Easy To Carry
• Has a Low Sound Level Of 56 dB
• Oil-Free Pump (Requires Less Maintenance)

Cons:

• It May Leak Air
• Not Very Powerful And Is Not Suitable For Big Jobs
• User Reports Of Getting A Faulty Unit

2. Senco PC1010 Air Compressor: 

The unit is specifically designed for hobbies, light airbrushing, light home improvement jobs, for filling the air in the motorcycle tires as well as bicycle tires.

This is a portable air compressor as it weighs only 20 pounds so it can be easily carried at home or outdoor without any issues.

As this compressor is oil-less so it pretty much does not require daily maintenance. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 10 Inches
• Weight: 20 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 1.0 Gallons
• Horsepower: 1/2HP – 1.0 HP (Peak)
• Pump: Oil-Free
• Style: Portable
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Voltage: 115 Volts
• 1/4″ Quick Disconnect Coupler
• SCFM Output: 1.4 CFM

Pros: 

• It Is Portable And Easy To Carry
• Oil-Less Motor
• Great For Light Duty Work
• Has Direct Drive Induction Motor

Cons:

• It May Leak Air
• User Reports Of Getting A Defective Model 

3. Metabo HPT (EC28M) Air Compressor:

It is a one-gallon air compressor with a cfm rating of 1.3CFM @ 40PSI and 0.8CFM @ 90PSI so it is only good for light-duty work.

To keep it safe from damages it features a steel roll cage design which provides protection to its critical components.

It is equipped with rubber feet which help to reduce vibration, absorb shock, and minimize crawling.

This unit features Industrial regulators and gauges to give users accurate PSI adjustments.

This compressor also has an oil-free pump so it requires low maintenance and due to the overload protection circuit, you don’t have to worry about the motor as it cuts off its power to keep the motor safe from overloading. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 13.5 Inches
• Weight: 25.2 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI
• Horsepower: 0.5 HP (2.8 Amps)
• Pressure Switch On: 90 PSI
• Pressure Switch Off: 125 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 1.0 Gallons
• Sound Level: 59 dB
• Power Supply: 120V / 60Hz 
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Measurement System: Metric
• 1.3CFM @ 40PSI
• 0.8CFM @ 90PSI

Pros:

• Has A Low Sound Level (59 dB)
• Comes With Overload Protection Circuit
• It Is A Lightweight Compressor
• Has Oil-Free Pump
• It Has Rubber Feet Which Provide Stability 

Cons:

• This Unit May Have Damages From Shipping
• Users Report Of Getting A Defective Model 

4. DEWALT (D55140) Air Compressor:

This compressor features maximum working pressure of 135 PSI with a horsepower motor of 0.3 hp (2.6 amps) and the tank capacity is one gallon.

As for the cfm rating it delivers 0.75 CFM at 90 PSI and 0.5 CFM at 135 PSI which is great for small work.

It also has a durable oil-free pump so you don’t need to check or refill the pump and allows maintenance-free operation.

This compressor also features a convenient cord wrap for easy storage and a ball drain valve for quick and thorough tank draining.

Due to its high-flow regulator, it provides maximum air pressure to increase its performance and has a universal quick connection for easy-to-use operation with any of your pneumatic tools. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 15½”w x 8½”h x 18¾”d 
• Weight: 24 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI
• Peak Horsepower: 0.3 HP (2.6 Amps)
• Tank Capacity: 1 Gallons
• Sound Level: 71 dBA
• Pump Speed: 2,200 Rpm
• Power Supply: 120V / 60HZ
• 0.75 CFM @ 90 PSI
• 0.5 CFM @135 PSI 

Pros:

• Durable Oil-Free Pump Gives Maintenance-Free Operation  
• Noise Level Of 71 dBA
• Lightweight And Easy To Carry Around
• Roll Cage Design For Protection
• High Flow Regulator To Provide Better Performance

Cons:

• Hose And Nailer Is Not Included
• The Regulator May Be Faulty
• Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit

5. Makita AC001 Compact Air Compressor:

As for the cfm rating, its delivery rate is 0.45 cfm at 90 PSI and 0.58 cfm at 40 PSI which is pretty much good for you if you want to use it for light-duty work or small work.

This is a great air compressor for outdoor or indoor as according to its manufacturers, they claim it to be a very quiet air compressor with a sound level of 72 dBA.

To protect its pump as well as motor assembly, it has a roll cage construction, and the lever-handle ball valve tank drain makes it easier for maintenance or air tank release.

As this compressor has an oil-less pump design so no daily maintenance is required and it also includes a 1/4″ universal quick coupler. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 14 x 15 x 15 Inches
• Weight: 23.1 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI
• Motor: 1/6 HP Induction Motor
• Tank Capacity: 1 Gallon
• Pump Type: Oil-Free
• Sound Level: 72 dBA
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• 0.58 CFM At 40 PSI
• 0.45 CFM At 90 PSI

Pros:

• Has Compact Design And Is Well Built 
• Portable And Is Easy To Carry Around
• Has A Noise Level Of 72 dBA
• Has Low AMP draw
• Oil-Less Pump Designed For Low Maintenance

Cons:

• It May Not Suitable For Tires
• Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Model

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best 1 Gallon Air Compressor

If you really want a 1-gallon air compressor then here are some of the things you should keep in mind when deciding which air compressor to get. 

CFM

CFM stands for Cubic feet Per Minute and tells us how much airflow the compressor will provide to the air tools. Having a high cfm rating will allow the compressor to run more smoothly and continuously with no issue but each of the models above has different cfm so before buying anyone one of them be sure to check what task you will be doing and how much cfm will be required.

PSI

PSI is another factor to consider and it stands for Pounds Per Square Inch. Just like the cfm the psi is also very important as several air tools have different pressure requirements. So be sure to check your air tools requirements before purchasing an air compressor.

Tank Capacity

As for the tank capacity, all of the above models have the same tank capacity so no need to worry. Air compressors with a small tank are good for only light work as they can only hold a small amount of air in them. If your work requires continuous airflow then a big capacity air compressor will be best for you. 

Portability

Having a lightweight and portable air compressor is very helpful as you can easily move it to different places whether at home or outdoor. So if you want a portable air compressor then look for those which you can lift easily without any issues. 

Sound Level

An air compressor with a high noise level will cause problems for you as it can cause harm to your ears or even disturb your neighbors. So if noise is your concern then the best choice is to get an air compressor with a low sound level. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are oilless air compressors good?

Yes, they are good as oil-free air compressors do not require daily maintenance and are cheaper than oil air compressors and they work well in cold weather. 

Do you need to empty the air compressor?

Yes, you should definitely empty your air compressor as it produces water when it is running which can cause rusting as well as other issues. 

How much psi do I need to fill my tires?

To find how much psi your tires require look for your manufacturer’s recommendation.

Conclusion:

In the above, we have listed the best 1-gallon air compressor for you. So before picking be sure to check your needs or what type of work you will be doing. Keep in mind these 1-gallon air compressors are only good for light or small duty work.