[2022 Updated] Best Small Air Compressor

Getting a small air compressor is a good choice as they are lightweight, portable and they consume less space.

They are great for light duty work but are not recommended for heavy duty tasks.

But finding the right type of small air compressor can be difficult so here we have reviewed some of the best small air compressors along with each of their features.

Best Small Air Compressor for 2022

Here, is a detailed review on each of the top small air compressors.

1. PORTER-CABLE (C2002) Oil-Free Air Compressor: 

It is a lightweight compressor as it weighs 31.2 pounds which makes it quite portable during work such as during Jobsite, garage shop, or in-home use.

It comes with a 1.0 horsepower motor with low 120V AMP which makes this unit easily start in cold conditions and has a tank capacity of 6 gallons.

This unit comes with a built-in automatic thermal overload protection to protect the motor from overheating and to have more performance during higher pressure its high-flow air regulator really helps a lot.

It also includes other features such as water drain valve, rubber feet, handle, console cover for protection, and two air couplers to support two people at once.

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 18 Inches
• Weight: 31.2 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
• Horsepower: 1.0 HP
• Tank Capacity: 6.0 Gallons
• Material: Aluminum
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Measurement System: Metric
• 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI

Pros:

• Oil-Free Pump
• Easy To Use
• Tank Capacity Of 6 Gallons
• Automatic Thermal Overload Protection

Cons:

• Accessories May Not Be Of Good Quality
• Some User Reports It Is Quite Noisy
• Some User Reports On Getting A Defective Model

2. BOSTITCH (BTFP02012) Oil-Free Air Compressor: 

The Bostitch (BTFP02012) has an operational noise of about 78.5 dBA.

The Bostitch high flow regulator and couplers to ensure that you get the maximum air tool performance.

As it is an oil-free pump so no daily maintenance is required.

Furthermore, this compressor comes with a high-efficiency motor so it can be easily started in cold conditions and the two universal couplers are very helpful as it allows easy support for two users. 

(Note: It does not include the hose or gun kit) 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 19.2 Inches
• Weight: 31 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
• Horsepower: 0.8 HP
• Tank Size: 6.0 Gallons
• Noise Level: 78.5 dBA
• Measurement System : Metric
• 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI

Pros:

• Two Universal Couplers
• High-Efficiency Motor
• Oil-Free Pump
• Has A Great Tank Capacity Of 6.0 Gallons

Cons:

• Regulator Might Be Faulty
• User Reports Of Getting A Defective Model  

3. Makita Big Bore (MAC2400) 2.5 HP Air Compressor:

The great thing about this compressor is that it is equipped with a Big Bore engineered pump and piston which gives higher output for two nailers, helps to reduce noise, and greatly improves the job site performance.

This air compressor features a powerful 2.5 horsepower motor with a maximum working pressure of 130 PSI and it pumps 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI.

It’s roll bar handle provides protection and portability.

It has an oil-lubricated pump. And this unit comes with a large automotive filter to increase its air intake which results in greater efficiency.

To reduce incidents like voltage drop or tripped breakers it utilizes low AMP draw.

As the pump runs at a lower RPM of 1,730 which helps in great motor performance and creates less noise (79dB). It also includes other features such as a tank drain valve, a convenient oil drain, an oil sight glass, and a finned discharge tubing to dissipate heat more efficiently. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 18.75 Inches
• Weight: 81 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 130 PSI
• Horsepower: 2.5 HP
• Tank Capacity: 4.2 Gallons
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• 90 PSI @ 4.2 CFM
• 40 PSI @ 4.8 CFM

Pros:

• Built-in Thermal Overload Protection
• Durable Cast Iron Cylinder
• Great 2.5 Horsepower Motor
• Tank Size Of 4.2 Gallons
• Big Automotive Style Filter

Cons:

• Is Not Great To Be Used In Cold Conditions
• Some Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit

4. DEWALT (DWFP55126) Pancake Air Compressor:

Just like the first two models this unit is also oil-free so it does not require daily maintenance by you and for easy storage.

Because it has a high-efficiency motor it can easily start in cold weather and two universal couplers allow it to be used by two people.

The unit has a noise level of about 75.5 dBA. It has a convenient cord wrap.

For protection and reliability, it has a protective rubber leg cover and a removable console cover to keep its controls safe and allows easy repair.

The Dewalt (DWFP55126) high flow regulator and couplers ensure that you get maximum air tool performance.

Additionally, it also includes a ball drain valve for the quick and thorough draining of the tank.

Note: (Also, keep the drain valve fully closed when using the air compressor)

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 17.2 x 16.6 x 20.1 Inches
• Weight: 30 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 165 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 6.0 Gallons
• Noise Level: 75.5 dBA
• Universal Couplers: 2
• 2.6 SCFM At 90 PSI
• 3.7 SCFM At 40 PSI

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Tank Size Of 6.0 Gallons
• Two Universal Couplers
• Oil-Free 
• High-Flow Regulator
• Protected Rubber Feet And Removable Console Cover

Cons:

• May Leak Air
• The Noise Level May Be Louder Than 75.5 dBA
• Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Model 

5. Makita Big Bore (MAC5200) 3.0 HP Air Compressor:

With built-in thermal overload protection, you don’t have to worry about overheating issues as it keeps it safe from overheating.

It has a powerful 3.0 horsepower motor and has a great tank capacity of 5.2 gallons.

As it has a cast iron construction, making it quite durable and has a roll cage construction which keeps the motor and pump safe from harsh job site environments.

As it has a large automotive style filter which helps in increasing the air intake allowing it to perform more efficiently.

Additionally, this compressor has an oil-lubricated pump and is equipped with Makita’s big-bore engineered pump cylinder and piston because of this it offers higher output for two nailers.

And the finned discharge tubing makes the unit run cooler as it dissipates heat more efficiently and reduces the water in the tank.

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 29 x 19.5 x 19 Inches
• Weight: 88 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 140 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 5.2 Gallons
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Horsepower: 3.00 Hp
• 6.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
• 6.9 CFM @ 40PSI

Pros:

• Rugged Wheels And Handle For Portability
• A High Cfm Portable Air Compressor
• Powerful 3.0 HP Motor
• Durable Cast Iron Cylinder
• Great Tank Size 5.2 Gallons
• Thermal Overload Protection

Cons:

• Not Great For Cold Weathers
• Some User Reports Of Getting A Defective 

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

But the downside of this unit is that it has a small tank capacity of 1.0 gallons so it is only good for small jobs.

The CAT (1P1060S) has a maximum working pressure of 120 PSI and it delivers 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 1.60 CFM at 40 PSI.

This compressor has a 0.6 horsepower motor which operates at 1680 RPM resulting in less wear and reduces noise.

The weight of this model is 29 pounds so you can take one place to another during work.

This compressor is also oil-free, so it can be easily started during cold weather, and also no daily maintenance is required by you.

The great thing about this air compressor is that it has thermal overload protection and it dissipates heat efficiently as it produces less heat.

The oil-free single-piston pump is designed to provide durability and high performance and to have 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. Additionally, it also includes two pressure control gauges and one universal 1/4″ quick connector. 

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 Gallon
• Material: Steel
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Voltage: 110 Volts
• Sound Level: 56 dB
• Cord Length: 72 inches
• Measurement System: Metric
• 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI
• 1.60 CFM @ 40 PSI

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Great For Light Work
• Thermal Overload Protection
• Low Noise Level (56 dB)

Cons:

• Small Tank Size (1.0 Gallon)
• User Reports Of Getting A Faulty Unit

7. Senco (PC1010) 1 Gallon Air Compressor:

The compressor has a maximum working pressure of 120 PSI and it pumps 1.4 CFM.

As it is small and portable you can easily take it from one place to another without any issue.

The Senco (PC1010) has a 1.0 horsepower motor and has a small tank size of about 1.0 gallons.

This compressor is also oil-less so it also does not require daily maintenance and has a light tubeless pump.

The unit air compressor is designed for hobbies, light home improvement jobs, light airbrushing, and for filling the air in the motorcycle tires and bicycles. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 10 Inches
• Weight: 20 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 120 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 1.0 Gallons
• Horsepower: 1.0 HP
• Style: Portable
• 1/4″ Quick Disconnect Coupler
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 115 Volts
• SCFM Output: 1.4 CFM

Pros: 

• Easy To Carry
• Oil-Less Motor
• Lightweight 
• Direct Drive Induction Motor

Cons:

• Might Leak Air
• User Reports Of Getting A Defective Model 

Conclusion:

Having a small compressor at your home or shop can be helpful as it can easily handle light tasks and due to small size, it is quite portable.

But choosing the right air compressor can be hard for this consider the compressor size, power, cfm, psi, and durability. By doing this you can easily find the best small air compressor.

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