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For home DIY and maintenance, there are many different tools and accessories you can invest in. One such device that is sometimes overlooked but has many uses is the air compressor. Portable items like these generate compressed air that you can then funnel and direct for different reasons. For example, it can be connected to a trigger nozzle and used for tool cleaning. Alternatively, a pipe could be fitted and then used to inflate car tires. They are essential for many power tools, too, particularly pneumatic products. If this is something you need, we have found seven excellent options in our guide below.
How We Compared Air Compressors
To find the right air compressors, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Air Displacement
- Portability
- Connectivity
- Ease of Use
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Air Compressor Reviews
Hyundai 24 Litre (Editor’s Choice)
This product’s features are excellent if you need a versatile air compressor suitable for multiple tasks. Firstly, it is oil-free, which requires no maintenance, and there should be no contamination. Secondly, it offers air displacement of 5.2CFM, resulting in a maximum pressure of 100PSI.
The Hyundai 24 Litre Air Compressor is highly portable, with two wheels and a front-facing handle. You can simply lift it to pull along the floor and then rest it on the dual stand with rubber feet when in position.
It benefits from numerous safety features too for secure operation, including a pressure regulator, quick-release air connector, and an automatic cut-out switch. Lastly, there is also a safety valve to connect external devices easily.
Pros:
- Can create air displacement of up to 5.2CFM
- It has an automatic cut-out switch for improved security
- Also has safety valves
- Quick-release air connectors for quick usage
- Rear wheels and large handle for easy transportation
Cons:
- The power cable could be a little short
- Some customers may have reported damaged packaging
Einhell TC-AC (Luxury Choice)
The output of this air compressor allows it to be used for virtually any task, including heavy-duty power tools. It has a maximum pressure rating of 145PSI / 10 bar which is generated by the powerful 1500W motor.
The Einhell TC-AC Air Compressor benefits from a large 50L tank, which makes for fantastic longevity and smoother usage. For safety, there is a pressure switch, a safety valve, and a drainage tap that is easily accessible.
The design makes this device incredibly convenient to use too. It is an upright model, so it can fit in tight spaces. However, it still has two rear wheels, a stand for stability, and a metal handle to pull it along the floor.
Pros:
- The upright design helps reduce its storage footprint
- Oil-free mechanisms for simple maintenance
- It has vibration-damping rubber wheels and feet
- Robust pressure tank with a great 50L capacity
- Capable of generating air pressure of up to 145PSI
Cons:
- The device could be loud during operation
- It might not be great for use in smaller spaces
Timbertech Professional Piston (Best Value)
This air compressor’s smaller design and pressure capabilities are suitable for less intense tasks such as airbrushing, spray-painting, tanning, and beauty work. It generates a maximum auto-stop pressure of 58PSI.
The Timbertech Professional Air Compressor has a myriad of useful features to improve its utility and make it simple to operate. For example, there is a cool-down fan to help reduce working temperatures. Additionally, the oil-less system eliminates the need for maintenance.
We like how the receiver tank ensures that you have constant airflow without any pulses that could disrupt your job. You can quickly read the pressure due to the included industrial-quality gauge. Lastly, it has an overheat protector, which is an essential safety function.
Pros:
- It includes a cool-down fan to help reduce the operating temperature
- Relatively quiet operation at 47dB
- The pressure regulator with gauge is an industrial-quality unit
- Provides a constant airflow of 20-23L per minute
- Compact design and easily portable
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for tougher jobs
- Some customers might have found the regulator to be inconsistent
Stanley Fatmax DST (Best for Stability)
If noise is of primary concern and you are mainly using the device on your property, the silent function of this compressor is perfect. It has a sound level rating of 59dB, which is below most comparable products.
The Stanley Fatmax DST Air Compressor has a central control panel with two gauges that have clear markings. Furthermore, the connecting valve is located between these two items and offers safe and convenient coupling.
This product has an oil-less system and a heavy-duty plastic shrouding that will protect the internal working and ensure it lasts for years. We like the simple transportation given by the large top handle. Instead of wheels, it has four rubber feet that offer excellent grip and stability.
Pros:
- Simple transportation with a large top handle
- Easy control panel with dual pressure gauges
- Relatively quiet operation at just 59dB
- Heavy-duty shrouds protect the internal components
- Great stability, with four rubber feet
Cons:
- It might struggle with larger power tools
- A connector hose may not be included
Dealourus Portable 50L (Best for Manoeuvrability)
The 110PSI pressure generation of this air compressor is suitable for spray-painting, tire inflation, and operating smaller pneumatic tools. This is complemented by the high-quality motor bearings that help improve longevity.
The Dealourus 50L Air Compressor has a high-capacity tank that is welded in compliance with EU standards. It is also highly portable due to the big rear wheels and the metal pulley handle. It does weigh 25kg but should still be easy to pull along the floor.
For simple operation, we like the fully automatic on/off controls, the safety valve, and the pressure regulator. All this ensures you can manage the airflow as needed depending on your task. You can also directly check the PSI, thanks to the included gauge.
Pros:
- Suitable for many uses such as spray-painting and tyre inflation
- Large wheels and handle for excellent mobility
- It also has high-quality bearings to improve longevity
- The welded tank complies with EU standards
- Noise level of approximately 70dB
Cons:
- Some customers might have found damaged packaging
- A loose oil cap could cause leaks
Einhell TE-AC 24 (Best Compact)
This compressor’s upright chassis and compact size are ideal if you have minimum storage or work in tight spaces. The tank is underneath, while the motor and control gauges are on top; these are supported by three sturdy legs equipped with rubber feet.
The Einhell TE-AC 24 Air Compressor has a relatively low noise output at just 57dB. This makes for pleasant working conditions. We also like that it has an oil-free motor that should not need servicing, which helps minimise labour.
For air pressure, it generates up to 116PSI, which is suitable for use with pneumatic tools. Moreover, there is a pressure reducer to precisely control the output for different tasks. The large 24L air tank also helps improve the device’s longevity and usefulness as it can hold reserves while being operated.
Pros:
- The 24L tank gives enough room for air reserves
- It includes a pressure gauge and quick-release coupling
- Upright design that minimises its footprint
- The compressor can generate 116PSI / 8 Bar of pressure
- Small and compact chassis for simple transportation
Cons:
- The carry handle may be a little flimsy
- It might take longer to fill before use
Ryobi R18AC-0 (Best Lightweight)
The cordless design of this air compressor is ideal for on-site work or instances where you need maximum flexibility and movement. This is complemented by the lightweight chassis that is only 6.4kg and the large carrying handle.
The Ryobi R18AC-0 uses their 18V cordless power system and can achieve a pressure rating of 120PSI / 8.3 Bars. This makes it suitable for various tasks such as tire inflation, airbrushing, spray-painting, and use with pneumatic tools.
We like the onboard metal hose wrap that allows you to conveniently store pipe and equipment with the device. Moreover, the large central control panel has two gauges and a simple connective valve for various external accessories. You can manage the pressure easily due to the locking regulator.
Pros:
- Cordless design to reduce hassle and cabling mess
- It can achieve air pressure of up to 120PSI / 8.3 bars
- Compact, weighing just 6.4kg
- Perfect for tire inflation and pneumatic tools
- Large carrying handle for multi-location usage
Cons:
- It could be a bare tool without a battery or charger
- Some customers could have found rust on the chassis
How to Choose an Air Compressor
Air compressors are complex machines that require great forethought and planning before purchase. First, we advise carefully considering what you intend to use it for. How often and the tasks it will help with are important to determine how much you spend and the type of model you pick. You can then utilise our below buying guide for more recommendations.
Air Displacement
One of the key features to look for is the air displacement the compressor generates. This is vital as it determines what you can use the product for and how effective it will be. At the most basic, the more air it can displace (i.e. the greater the pressure), the more powerful it is.
Air displacement is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) or LMP (Liters per Minute). This then results in a maximum pressure listed in PSI or bars. Essentially, a higher value CFM or LFM means a larger max pressure.
Portability
Next, investigate the portability of the air compressor. Some devices are supposed to be used stationary and have a flat base. These may be more difficult to move. In contrast, others are meant for portable jobs and include a lifting handle and wheels.
Consider how and where you intend to work the compressor – you can then decide if you need a moveable model or if a stationary design would suffice.
Connectivity
The connectivity of these products is vital too. This applies to how the device is powered and how you can fix external items to it. Most compressors require mains power to generate the displacement and pressure. Therefore, confirm the length of the power cable, as this affects the flexibility.
Next, inspect the output valve and connections the device has. Some units include nozzles with triggers so you can immediately use the compressed air. Additionally, there may be valves that you can connect pipes to and things like pneumatic tools.
Ease of Use
Lastly, how easy is the air compressor to use, and what features does it have? The importance of this depends on your experience with these tools and DIY in general.
For example, many products have built-in safety features that are meant to help prevent over-pressurisation. Others may have quick-release couplings and numerous safety valves for redundancy.
Summary
The Hyundai 24 Litre is our pick for the best air compressor due to its low noise operation, oil-free mechanisms, and excellent pressure capacity. The tank provides displacement of 5.2CFM, resulting in a maximum pressure of 100PSI. This should be enough for virtually any home DIY task like tool cleaning, pumping tires, and power washing. Furthermore, it benefits from various features, including a pressure regulator, safety valves, and an automatic cut-out switch. Its portable design, with two wheels and a large carrying handle, makes this option ideal for indoor and outdoor use too.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.