Best Portable Air Compressor Reviews & Ultimate Buying Guide

If you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional, you probably already know how

invaluable it is to have a best portable air compressor as part of your inventory.

These machines can help you do almost anything from filling up tires and powering

tools to blowing out hoses in the yard during winter.

However, there are so many compressors to choose from that it can be quite a chore

finding best air compressor to fit your needs. Do you need a gas or electric powered compressor? Do you need a high-powered two-stage compressor, or is asingle-stage unit good enough? What power ratings should I be looking for? This portable air

compressor review will answer these questions, as well as give you some advice

on which of the five tools you should use depending on the type of work you would

like to do.

 

Porter-Cable C2002

Author Review: 

Makita MAC2400

Author Review: 

Senco PC1010

Author Review: 

Short Reviews of the Best Portable Air Compressor

1. PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor

PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK is basically a step up from the PCFP02003 that was

covered earlier. Despite its larger size, it is still as portable and easy to use as its

younger sibling is, and only weighs in at 34 lbs.

Its performance figures are also an improvement, and it can deliver 90 PSI at 2.6 CFM,

and is capable of a maximum of 150 PSI, allowing you to work for longer. Working times

are extended even more by the size of the tank, which at 6 gallons is pretty big for the

weight of the machine.

The power provided by the compressor means that you will be able to carry out a wide

range of jobs, from menial work like blowing up tires and footballs, to using a framing

nailer. The 0.8 hp motor runs on 120 volts, but has such a low amp draw that it can start

up easily even in the dead of winter.

Just like it’s the PCFP02003, it runs at 82 dBA, making this one of the noisier units on

this list, however, the fact that it comes with a 13 piece accessory kit that includes a 25’

hose makes the noise bearable.

The major problem with this unit is that the regulator tends to be weak, and breaks with

at the slightest provocation after just a few uses. This usually means that after just a few

uses, you can barely get the unit above 80 PSI, and sometimes even that is a

challenge.

The main reason for this is the fact that the regulator valve is plastic, and connected to a

metal component. This increases the wear on the plastic component causing it to fail

sooner than it should. The worst part is, it cost about $60 to replace, which is close to

half the price of the actual compressor.

2. Porter-Cable PCFP02003 Pancake Compressor

The Porter-Cable PCFP02003 3.5 Gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor is one of the

smallest and lightest of the compressors in this review (weighing in at a paltry 26lbs),

and is ideal for use with tools for the smaller, finer jobs, as well as for general inflation.

Its weight means that it is very portable, and its 3.5 gallon tank means that you will not

have the motor running all the time as you use it.

It can deliver 2.0 SCFM at 90 PSI and has a 135 PSI maximum limit, giving you a longer

running time and quicker recovery than most other compressors in its class. The low

amp 120V motor will start with no issues even in the dead of winter or when connected

to an extension cord. The oil-free pump has a long shelf life and requires no

maintenance.

Its small size allows it to fit almost anywhere in a shop or garage, and the ease of use

means that you do not have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to start it up. It

takes a short time to fill up the tank, (sometimes as little as two minutes) which saves

you time and money.

However, it does have a few flaws. For instance, to take full advantage of the

compressor, you need to buy an accessory kit which will set you back another $15-$20.

There have also been a number of reports of parts failure resulting in the unit being

unable to hold pressure. For instance, the tubing is prone to leakage, while there are

parts in the manifold that are easily damaged, and cost slightly more than $45 to fix,

which is almost half the purchase price for a new unit. Additionally, this is the noisiest

unit in this review. At levels of 82dBA, it is quite noisy in comparison to the other

compressors on this list.

3. DeWalt DWFP55126 Pancake Compressor

DeWalt DWFP55126 is ideal for the smaller air tools in your inventory, however, it can

also run higher rated tools with no problem. 2.6 SCFM is delivered at 90 PSI, allowing

you to run tools for longer periods with a quick recovery time. The 165 max PSI 6 gallon

tank also contributes to the longer running times that this machine is capable of

producing.

The motor is very efficient and starts up easily, regardless of low temperatures, and

works well when connected to an extension cord. It also runs on an oil free pump,

meaning you do not have to worry about maintenance costs. One of the best things

about this unit is that it allows you to run two tools at once.

This is one of the quietest unit in this review, and produces about 75.5 dBA, meaning

that you could use it anywhere and not have to worry about disturbing your neighbors. It

is relatively light, and weighs only 30lbs, making it quite portable. Unfortunately, it does

have a few flaws that need to be pointed out.

For instance, the hoses are prone to leaking due to a problem with the bearings inside

the hose fitting. In some cases, this can lead to it leaking at a rate of about 100 PSI an

hour, making the compressor restart every 20 minutes on average.  Additionally, despite

the fact that you should be able to run two tools smoothly, it tends to lose some of its

efficiency when you try to use the two outputs simultaneously.

However, once you fix the hose issue (easiest way is to just get better hose fittings) the

only real downside to this unit is its inefficiency when it comes to running two tools.

4. Makita MAC2400 Air Compressor

This is by far the heaviest air compressor on this list. The 81lb cast iron pump is bulky,

but ensures that you can use it in almost any working environment. The MAC2400

comes with a 2.5 HP motor whichdelivers and impressive 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI, or 4.8

CFM at 40 PSI, allowing you to run two nailers at the same time. It uses very little power

on start up, giving you a lower chance of tripping breakers.

The large, industrial style air filter resembles older automotive air filters, which is ideal

for those who are going to be working on dusty construction sites for long hours. A large

intake,coupled with the air filter complement the big 4.2 gallon twin-stacked tank, while

the oil-lubricated pump and finned discharge tubing help to keep working temperatures

down.

The pump runs at only 1730 RPM, making the Makita   MAC2400 one of the quietest

units in its class as it only produces 79 dBA. This means that unlike most compressors

of this size, you can use it indoors and have it in the same room with you without

worrying about wearing earplugs.

However, like all good things, a few faults need to be pointed out. For one thing, the

likelihood that you will get a damaged unit is quite high. There have been numerous

complaints, from units with broken oil housings to broken gauges. Another problem is

the weight. The 81lbs take away from its portability, and makes you think twice about

transferring it from one place to another.

There is also a problem with some units and their ability to maintain air pressure. Some

units have been unable to maintain pressures of as little as 80PSI, with one user

complaining that it would not do even half of that. However, regardless of the faults, this

unit if used properly will last you for years.

5. Senco PC1010 Air Compressor

The smallest compressor in this review, the Senco PC1010 air compressor is by far

the quietest air compressor on this list as well, and only produces 68 dBA when running.

It has a small, 1 hp (peak) motor that is capable of delivering 1.0 CFM at 40 PSI, 0.7

CFM at 90 PSI and 0.6 CFM at 100 PSI. It has a very short recovery time, averaging 48

seconds, and this, along with the 125 PSI maximum means that you will be able to use

it for longer.

This makes it ideal for small jobs such as tire inflation. Unfortunately, the low CFM

ratings mean that it will not be useful for much more, so if you are planning on doing

anything more intense than what the casual hobbyist would get into this is not the

compressor for you.

The size of the jobs it is capable of may be reflected in its weight as well, as it only

weighs 20 lbs. This makes it extremely portable, and its small dimensions mean it can fit

almost anywhere. The light weight may be thanks, in part, to the strong aluminum tank

which is resistant to corrosion and will take a few knocks before it even begins to

complain.

The Senco PC1010 comes with a number of safety features, including a protective

breaker that is activated when the amperage gets too high, and a pressure switch that

shuts down the motor should the pressure get too high.

The major issue with the Senco PC1010 is that it does not really last, and you will be

lucky if you have it for more than two years. It seems something is always going wrong,

for instance, there have been numerous issues with the check valve, pressure switch

and regulator. However, probably the most disappointing thing is the size of the tank. At

only 1 gallon, it does not allow you to work for long periods.

  Gallons CFM/SCFM MAX PSI WEIGHT (lbs)

Porter-Cable PCFP02003 3.5 2.0 135 26

DeWALT DWFP55126 6 2.6 165 30

Makita MAC2400 4.2 4.2 or 4.8 130 80

Porter-Cable C20002 6 2.6 150 34

Senco PC1010 1 1.0, 0.7 or 0.6 125 20

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The Different Air CompressorsQuite a few differences can be used to describe air compressors. However, the easiest

one to remember is the different between gas and electric air compressors. Gas compressors run off gasoline, and are ideal for situations where there is restricted or

no access to electricity, for example on outdoor jobs.

Gas air compressors run off gasoline suitable with outdoor jobs

Electric compressors run on electricity, and are more common than their gas powered

counterparts. These are ideal for DIY enthusiasts because they are much easier to use

and maintain, and they usually cost less than gas powered compressors. However,

most are not that effective when it comes to heavy-duty work but do better with more

delicate tasks.

Electric air compressors is much easier to use and maintain

Two-stage compressors are generally used for tools that need high pressures (usually

about 175 PSI) which is achieved due to the fact that the air is compressed twice.

Single-stage compressors are much less complicated but supply lower pressures and

usually max out at around 150 PSI.

There are four main terms used to describe the power that compressors can supply:

PSI, HP, CFM and SCFM. The most important term in this list is CFM, which stands

for Cubic Feet per Minute. It describes the cubic feet of air that the compressor can

deliver in one minute. The SCFM is the Standard CFM, and is the CFM when everything

is running as standard. However, there are few situations where everything will be

running as standard and so this rating will vary in the real world.

The PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch, and refers to the pressure that is supplied

by the compressor. HP stands for horsepower; most compressors run between 1.5 and

6.5 HP. Generally, the HP a compressor delivers will affect the PSI that it can deliver as

well.

Conclusion

All of these compressors would be good to own, however, it depends on what you

would like to do. If you are a hobbyist, then the Senco PC1010 is the compressor for

you. It will allow you to do light tasks like air brushing and pumping tires, but not much

else, and the noise rating means you can use it in a room without having to worry about

waking up your neighbors

If you would like a portable compressor to do light work like small framing and roof jobs,

trim finishings, or pumping the odd tire then you should choose the DeWALT.

The Porter-Cable Unit PCFP02003, despite its light frame, has too many issues to sort

out before you can use it, while thePORTER-CABLE C2002-WK has too many

reliability issues once you have got it going. All you have to do with the DeWALT DWFP55126 is remember to change the hose fittings and you should be good to go.

If you are looking for a best portable air compressor that will allow you to work on a

wider range of projects, then the Makita MAC2400 is the way to go. You may need to

bulk up some just to drag it around, but the benefits of having such a heavy unit heavily

outweigh the disadvantages of getting one.