If you want to blow but don’t want to buy another airbrush, then this is your list. But let’s first discuss what makes an air compressor for airbrushing different than a typical home air compressor.
Most household air compressors are designed to inflate air mattresses, attach nail guns and inflate tires. They are designed to run continuously and aren’t built for high-intensity uses.
You need a compressor for airbrushing that can handle short spurts of high-pressure, high-volume usage that happens as you paint.
If you’re looking for something inexpensive, you now have other options. In recent years, a number of cheap, smaller air compressors have become available to the public. In addition, manufacturers have started to build miniature versions of their professional air compressors.
The fact is, you can now get a miniature air compressor that is very portable and only requires a 20 amp power adaptor, which means you don’t need to plug it into an outdoor 110V outlet.
After a ton of research, here are what I think are the 10 best air compressors for airbrushing in 2022.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1.0 hp Steel Tank Air Compressor | Best Overall |  |
| BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor | Budget Pick |  |
| DEWALT Air Compressor | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1.0 hp Steel Tank Air Compressor
Pros:
- Air compressor for home use
- Lightweight design for easy transportation
- Top-grade steel tank for added durability
- Oil-free pump
- 1.0 HP standard motor
- Low noise level
- Unique "Falling Pump" design
- Circuit breaker with overheating protection
- Reliable steel frame
The 8010 Oil-Free 1.0 HP Compressor from California Air Tools is a great choice for anyone who wants a larger tank capacity. It comes in a stunning silver color and comes with a limited 5-year warranty.
This particular model is great for contractors or anyone who needs a portable air compressor. Its primary use is for nailers and staplers for construction. It’s also great for those who are doing home repair.
This particular air compressor from California Air Tools is able to give off 1 CFM of air at 20 PSI with its max capacity of 8 gallons per minute.
2. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
Pros:
- Double 150 PSI maximum pressure
- Fast recovery time
- Quiet operation
- Comes with a condensation pump
- Has a 2.5 HP motor
Cons:
- * It’s big and heavy * You have to buy inflators separately * It’s louder than average for Air compressors
If you’re looking to get a top-rated air compressor, then the Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor is definitely a good choice. It has a characteristic that makes it great for home projects, big or small and a long-lasting one.
This air compressor will fill a standard automotive tire from 0 PSI to 32 PSI in 20 seconds.
Because of its quiet operation, you can run this air compressor at your home while still being able to hear what’s going on around you.
3. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor
Pros:
- The low amp draw enables it to run on a less powerful source, which makes it good for using at home.
- The device is very quiet, so it will not disturb you while you repair your motor vehicle.
- Noise reduction means that the device produces less sound emissions.
- The device comes with an energy star rating and a one-year warranty.
- It does not come with some of the things that you may need for your first repair.
- The device requires that you add oil to the tank.
This small air compressor weighs just about 40 pounds, making it very easy to transport and move around if you need to transport it. It weighs the same weight of most suitcase, and this makes it very portable. Even though it is portable and lightweight, it still features a tank size of 3/4 gallons, making it ideal for small projects like putting a bike tire back onto a wheel.
The maximum PSI on this device is 150. It does not use a lot of oil with a maximum oil consumption of one to two ounces per hour. The device has an oil filter, allowing for zero oil fume and silencing the device.
4. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
Pros:
- Has a relatively high air pressure
- Includes an air hose and an air coupler
Cons:
- Quite cumbersome
- Does not come with a belt guard
5. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
The DEWALT pancake air compressor is a high quality item built with high quality materials. It’s been designed with the end user in mind to make the machine comfortable and easy to use.
It’s really easy to transport with its three caster wheels but if you don’t want the wheels it comes with a tow handle which makes it even easier to move around. It’s small, measuring 19.5 x 19.5 x 37.2 inches, and it weighs 28.9 pounds.
It takes less than 1 minute for the DEWALT Pancake air compressor to reach its maximum pressure 165 PSI, thanks to its direct drive motor which is really powerful. The tank itself is 6 gallons so you get plenty of air for all your projects and it’s not too heavy.
6. PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor
Pros:
- Affordable and versatile
- Mountable wheels
- 33 percent quieter than regular air compressors
- 120 volt, 60 Hertz
- 2-gallon tank
- 3.1 SCFM at 35 psi and 90 PSI
- Electric motor
- Pump volume of 2.3 gallons per minute
Cons:
- Noisy noise level
- Reverse air control
- No oil-free pump option
While many people nowadays use air compressors to inflate a variety of things, what you may not know is that many rely on small, 2-gallon air compressors for their automotive air tools.
The Porter-Cable C2002 is a portable, 1.6-horsepower, oil-free compressor that features a pancake design and a power cord storage.
With the exception of a pressure gauge, the C2002 is easy to transport, comes without additional accessories, and should not need to be mounted on a wall or laid on the floor. This way, you can either carry it in one hand, or simply put it on a moving tool box.
7. DEWALT Air Compressor
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Powerful motor
- Great for DIY projects
- Portable design
- Durable construction
Cons:
- The hose is too short
- Quality control issues
- It takes a lot of time to fill
The DEWALT D55130 is one of the best air compressors on the market. When we tested it, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that it performed well and offered a decent amount of air for the price, making it one of the best rated.
The product has a 150-pound capacity, and can deliver up to 2.0 SCFM at 28 inches of water. For a lot of users, 28 inches of water means that this unit is more than enough for framing jobs and other household projects. But if you're looking for an air compressor for professional construction work, this one is not for you.
This unit has an oil-lubricated pump, which is something that's associated with most air compressors. Oil-lubricated motors have been proven to last longer than models with carbon-lubricating. Moreover, a lot of users prefer it because it tends to be quieter than the latter.
8. Makita AC001 Compact Air Compressor
Pros:
- Has a 0.5HP motor
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Quiet and smooth
- Provides plenty of power to complete various tasks
- Has a medium sized tank
- Can run up to 9 hours
- Easy to assemble
- Great value for money
This compact air compressor from Makita is perfect for DIYers. It’s designed to fill up tires and air nailers, and it can also work for nailers. This is definitely the best small air compressor.
The machine has a 1.3 gallon tank, which is big enough for you to run it for 9 hours non-stop.
The tank is transparent, so it’s easy to know when to refill it. The machine is also designed with air overload protection to keep it safe.
9. Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor
Pros:
- Made from sturdy steel
- Able to last for a long time
- Plenty of safety features
- Can operate extensively
- Quiet running
- Electric start
This is another great model from Makita, and is their best setting model. It’s a two-stage pump, with plenty of good features. It has a high pressure gauge, so you can be sure that you’re not doing any damage to the pump or any parts. It also works well with its low amp draw, which means new users won’t struggle with this product.
The best feature about this compressor is the fact that it has a pressure switch. There is also a coolant drain, so that you don’t run the risk of overheating. It is made to last for many years, with the heavy duty steel frame. It also has a nice, large monitor gauge, and this helps to make it easy to work with.
10. Excell U256PPE 6 gallon Pancake Air Compressor
Pros:
- Great for RVs, Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, and various other things
- 6 gallon pancake design makes it extremely portable
- Refill tank capability prevents air hoses from constantly getting plugged up while working
- Super quiet operation means that you won’t be disrupting anyone when you use it
- Ample 11 amp motor ensures quick air fills
- Includes a 20-foot air hose, a quick coupler air hose, a dual-gauge regulator, and a 10-foot power cord
- Comes with a cast aluminum base to ensure durability
- Very reliable
Cons:
- Okay for smaller jobs, but bottom lip of tank is wider than the opening, so it’s more difficult to compact air into a certain space
- Touches wheels put a lot of stress on them, so be careful
This is more a larger version of a pancake air compressor. Many of the features are similar to the smaller versions, but not all.
This compressor comes with a larger 6 gallon tank capacity. This will ensure that you can go for longer periods of time without having to refill your tank. It will still run for 5-10 minutes unless you have a lot of use for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best air compressors to buy?
In the last few years, manufacturers have gotten a lot smarter about how they package their products to an end customer. As such, the small pancake compressors are filling the shelves in ever increasing numbers. You'll find compact pancake compressors in a wide range of prices, but you're likely to find one that will meet your needs and fit your budget.
What is a good size air compressor for home use?
We do not recommend purchasing a compressor of any kind that is less than 1.5 horse power. The typical household uses about five air tools. A 1.5 hp compressor can run two simultaneous air tools, and this should be enough to handle most household needs.
Also, consider your future needs. If you purchase a 1.5 horse power compressor, it will still work effectively in a 20-year timeframe. If you buy a small, 1 horse power compressor, as most of the other ones are, then you will likely be disappointed by its inefficiencies in the long-run.
What is the best 20 gallon air compressor?
When it comes to purchasing a large air compressor, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you should think about what your intended use for the air compressor is. Do you plan to inflate car tires and athletic equipment, paintball guns, or large tools and toys?
You should also consider where you plan to place the air compressor in your home or garage. Ideally, you should select a compressor that íes not too far away from the work area. If you plan to put it in the garage, you need to make sure it's well insulated and that it won't bother your neighbors.
Finally, you should take a look at the horsepower of the compressor and determine how much power you'll need to provide air to your desired tools and equipment. If the compressor you're considering doesn't have the horsepower you need, then it's not for you.
What is the best vertical air compressor?
To get the job done, a vertical air compressor is the best option when it comes to air compressors.
Vertical air compressors are similar to standard air compressors, except they are capable of storing more air and producing more PSI. This makes them the perfect choice for powering high-pressure tools like impact wrenches.
Compare to a standard air compressor, vertical air compressors conduct better suction. This makes them more efficient at filling low-pressure tires and tools. Because of this, most people use vertical air compressors for inflating tires and filling tools.
If you want a quality air compressor that is capable of filling your tires, filling your guns, and driving a nail through wood, a vertical air compressor is the way to go.
Conclusion
We hope that after reading this article, you have a clearer idea of how to look for a quality product that will save you time and money in the long run. More than anything else, you should now know how to narrow your choices down to a few options. We hope this will further help you find the right product for your needs, such as a compact air compressor or the best air compressor for your truck.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1.0 hp Steel Tank Air Compressor | Best Overall | |
| BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor | Budget Pick | |
| DEWALT Air Compressor | Upgrade Pick | |