[2023 Updated] Best Shop Air Compressor

Having an air compressor for your shop is very essential.

As they help to power air tools like paint guns, nail guns, hammers, etc.

But finding the right type of air compressor for your shop can be quite difficult as there are different brands of air compressors available in the market having variable sizes and style.

So here we have reviewed some of the best shop air compressor for you along with each of their features and pros and cons.

If you are in a hurry here is a quick table!!

Best Shop Air Compressor 2023:

Here are detailed shop air compressor reviews with each of their specifications.

1. DEWALT (DWFP55126) Pancake Air Compressor: (Great For Small Projects) 

Note: (Always ensures that the drain valve is fully closed before using the compressor)

The weight of this unit is 30 pounds.

This air compressor features a high-efficiency motor that enables the motor to be easily started in cold weather without any issue and it also maximizes the air tool performance.

The noise level of this model is about 75.5 dBA.

The two great features about this air compressor are that it has a protective rubber leg that ensures its durability and protection and the two universal couplers which allows support for two people.

As the air compressor is Oil-Free Pump, it does not require daily maintenance.

Furthermore, it also has a console cover that protects the controls and it can be removed easily if you want to repair it and a ball drain valve for quick tank draining.

Feature list:

• Weight: 30 pounds
• Dimensions: 17.2 x 16.6 x 20.1 inches
• Maximum Pressure: 165 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
• Noise Level: 75.5 dBA
• Universal Couplers: 2
• Power Supply: 120V
• 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
• 3.7 SCFM at 40 PSI

Pros:

• High Flow Regulator.
• Oil-Free Pump.
• Two Hose Connectors
• Quiet Enough For Home Use (75.5 dBA)

Cons:

• Not Suitable For Big Spraying Jobs
• Pressure level reduces after continued use.
• Fittings May Not Be Strong Enough.
• Some User Reports Leakage Of Air
• Users Also Report Of Getting A Defective Unit

2. Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor: (Best Overall)

This unit has a powerful 5 horsepower motor with a maximum pressure of 175 PSI and it pumps 15.4 Cfm at 100 PSI and 15.4 Cfm at 90 PSI.

The weight of this compressor is quite heavy when compared to all the models on the list as it weighs about 475 pounds.

And it has a large tank capacity of 60 gallons which allows you to perform your work continuously without any interruption.

Furthermore, the capacitor start motor comes with a built-in thermal overload to protect the motor from overheating. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 29 x 21 x 64 Inches
• Weight: 475 Pounds
• Working Pressure: 140 – 175 PSI
• Horsepower: 5 Hp
• Tank Capacity: 60 Gallons
• Pump RPM: 1310
• Style: Stationary
• Power Source: Gas Powered
• Air Outlet Size (in.): 1/2
• Motor Phase: Single
• CFM At 100 PSI: 15.4
• CFM At 90 PSI: 15.4

Pros:

• Very Quiet
• Great Working Pressure Of 140-175 PSI
• 60 Gallons Tank Size
• Impressive 15.4 CFM At 100 PSI

Cons:

• Heavy
• No After Cooler Included
• No Low Oil Protection

3. Ingersoll Rand (2340L5-V) 60 Gallon Two-Stage Compressor: (Best for High Performance)

This air compressor is designed to be used in demanding applications such as in woodworking shops, body shops, repair shops, automotive services, dry cleaners, fleet maintenance, machine shops, etc.

This compressor comes with a large 60 gallons storage tank (ASME rated ) which allows air tools to run for a longer time without any interruption and it has an industrial-grade ODP motor (this type of motor runs cooler and prevents it from overheating).

For cooling its cylinders the Radial fins deliver an 360-degree cooling which eliminate its hot spots.

Furthermore, for efficient cooling and to easily run in demanding conditions the integral flywheel and its finned high-efficiency copper intercooler are used allowing the air compressor to run cooler. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 24 x 33 x 69 Inches
• Weight: 430 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 175 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 60 Gallons
• Size: Single Phase
• Material: Metal
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 230 volts
• Horsepower: 5.0 hp
• Measurement System: Metric
• 14 CFM At 175 PSI
• 14.3 CFM At 90 PSI

Pros:

• Durable Cast Iron Construction
• Quiet Operation
• 14 CFM At 175 PSI
• Industrial Grade ODP Motor
• 60 Gallons ASME Rated Storage Tank

Cons:

• Very Heavy

4. Industrial Air ILA4546065 60 Gallon Air Compressor:

It has a powerful 4 horsepower motor with a maximum pressure of 155 PSI and it delivers 16.1 SCFM at 40 PSI and 14.0 SCFM at 90 PSI.

And it has an oil-lubricated pump.

This unit has a large capacity 60 gallons ASME rated tank which provides more air making it great for high power air tools such as paint sprayers, sanders, nail guns, spray guns, hammers, ratchets, impacts, etc.

For faster heat dissipation it features a valve plate and aluminum head providing more overall cooling to the compressor.

Furthermore, it includes additional features such as full metal belt guard, durable stainless steel reed valves, oil sight glass, easily accessible oil fill, automotive-style ball bearings, cast iron cylinder body, 12 inches cast iron flywheel, one-piece cast iron crankcase and a heavy-duty motor which protects it from voltage fluctuations. 

Feature list:

• Weight: 250 pounds
• Working Pressure: 125 – 155 PSI
• Tank Size: 60 Gallons
• Horsepower: 4 HP
• Material: Cast Iron
• Power Source: Electric-powered
• Voltage: 240 Volts
• SCFM @ 40 PSI: 16.1
• SCFM @ 90 PSI: 14.0

Pros:

• Oil Lubricated Pump
• Heavy-Duty Motor
• Large Capacity 60 Gallon Tank
• Cast Iron Cylinder Body
• Easily Accessible Oil Fill

Cons:

• None

5. California Air Tools (10020C) Air Compressor: (Quiet Air Compressor)

The weight of this compressor is 82.5 pounds which seems quite heavy but worry not it comes with a wheel kit so you can easily move it in your garage or shop without any trouble.

Its Oil-Free Dual Piston Pump is designed in such a way that it offers more durability and performance and is engineered to have a life cycle before the wear of 3000 plus hrs when compared to other comparable compressors having a life cycle of 500 hours or less.

The two great features of this compressor are an easy start valve which allows for a quick start-up as it requires less starting amps and a thermal overload protector for protecting the motor from overheating.

Because of the oil-free pump, it can quickly start at different temperatures such as in cold weather and it requires less maintenance. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 inches
• Weight: 82.5 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI
• Horsepower: 2.0 HP
• Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons
• Sound Level: 70 dB
• Power Source: Corded-Electric
• Voltage: 110 Volts
• Amperage Capacity: 14 Amps
• 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI
• 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI

Pros:

• Oil-Free Pump
• Over Heating Protection
• Wheel Kit For Portability
• Easy Start Valve
• Low Sound Level (70 dB) 

Cons:

• Users Also Report Of Leaking And Low-Quality Components
• Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the best air compressor for a shop?

In term of power the Quincy QT-54, Ingersoll Rand (2340L5-V) and Industrial Air (ILA4546065) are the best air compressor for shop but if you want a air compressor for small projects then Dewalt (DWFP55126) is a great choice.

What one is better single stage or two stage air compressor?

Both are great. The main difference between them is that in a single stage air compressor the air is usually compressed one time and in two stage air compressors the air is compressed two times which results in twice the pressure.

Why are air compressors so noisy?

An air compressor can be noisy because of various reasons such as metal hitting or sliding against metal, or due to friction. Generally, the gas air compressors are quite louder than electric air compressors because the gas creates combustion and they have a lot of metal moving parts.

What are the three types of compressors?

The three common types of air compressors are rotary screw, centrifugal and reciprocating. 

How strong of an air compressor do I need?

For this you need to check the cfm and psi requirements of the tool you want to run. And then look for the air compressor which has 1 or 2 times more cfm or psi rating. 

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