Air compressors can be used in a wide variety of ways, and they are essential for small businesses.
Nowadays, though, more and more household owners are buying air compressors for their garage.
The energy from the air compressors can be used to pump tires, balls, and more, as well as for washing purposes, making several tasks easier without the need to call for professional help or bring your items in designated shops.
Whether you will use the air compressor for your business or personal use, you need to look for the best air compressor for home garages to ensure it does the job efficiently.
The problem is that it is never easy to find the best one, especially if you have no idea what to look for in an air compressor.
Thus, to help you out, we listed down and reviewed some of the best air compressors from different brands that you can find in the market today.
We also provided a short buying guide to help you understand what to look for in the best air compressor that you can use in your home garage and answered some of the most common questions regarding air compressors.
Best Air Compressor for Home Garages
1. CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor
The CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor is one of the refreshed and expanded models released by the company.
It is also one of the best and the most popular air compressors offered by the company.
Product Highlights
The CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor comes with a six-gallon tank and can deliver up to 90 PSI and 2.6 SCFM, which can provide faster recovery time for this compressor.
It is also known for its 150 Max PSI that would provide cut-in pressure for various applications.
The CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor is also straightforward to use and can start fast, even during cold weather conditions.
It is not very noisy, either, so it won’t affect the people inside your house, as well as your neighbors when you are using it.
It comes with a 13-piece accessory kit, which includes a tire gauge, a rubber tip, a tire chunk plus a plug, three inflator adaptors, a blow gun plus a plug, a coupler, and a 25×1.4-inch PVC air hose with plug.
The CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor also has an oil-free pump, which would make this unit maintenance-free and provide long service to the user.
It is very light in weight so it is very portable and you can bring it anywhere you want.
It can operate for a long time, and its fast recovery can make this model a perfect choice for inflating the tires of cars and bikes.
What’s to like about the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor
One of the things that you would like about the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor is its 6 SCFM at 90 PSI, as it allows the unit to recover faster.
When you are looking for an air compressor, you need something that can fill up its tank faster so that you can proceed with what you are doing without waiting for a long time.
What’s not to like about the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor
The only concern about the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor is its loud pump.
Although it is not too loud, it may still have an effect when you are working in your garage.
PROS
- Quick start
- Oil-free pump
- No maintenance
- Long life
- Fast recovery time
CONS
- Loud pump
2. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor
The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor is an updated version of the Bostitch BTFP02011, and they only have a few differences.
They have the same power rating and basic components, and Bostitch only made some minor adjustments.
Product Highlights
The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor offers better noise reduction compared to its predecessor and has a smaller tank.
This model has a 0.9 running HP motor that can draw 15 amperages, and it will operate at 2,700 RPM.
With its 15 AMP, you can power the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 with the regular outlet in your house.
The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 does not require oil to function properly since it is oil-free.
You can start it up immediately without the hassle of changing the oil.
The pump can also max out 150 PSI in the tank in about 2.5 minutes, which is pretty fast.
The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor offers a six-gallon pancake air tank that is big enough for your home garage.
The size of the tank is perfect for carpentry applications, and you can use it to run medium air drain tools.
The best thing about this model is that it can recover in just 25 seconds so you can do your work easily without waiting for a long time.
When it comes to performance, the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor can deliver up to 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
What’s to like about the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor
The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor is lightweight and very easy to use.
You can bring it anywhere you want, and you can even put it at the back of your car or truck in case of emergencies.
Its 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI allows it to recover fast so you can continue what you are doing in just a few seconds.
What’s not to like about the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor
The only issue with the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor is the noise that it produces.
It can make 78.5 decibels of noise, which is pretty loud for a common compressor.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Fast recovery
- Six-gallon air tank
CONS
- Loud noise
- List Element
3. AstroAI Portable Air Compressor
If you want to look for an affordable tire inflator or air compressor that you can use for home tasks, the AstroAI Portable Air Compressor is one of your best choices.
You don’t need a super-powerful air compressor for your home garage, and you can use this affordable tire inflator to inflate football, small bicycles, car tires, and more.
Product Highlights
The AstroAI Portable Air Compressor is an excellent choice if you want to inflate small car and bicycle tires, and it is an affordable option for your home garage.
This is a 100 PSI air compressor that you can use for small tasks without any hitch.
This air compressor is made from the best quality materials and can pump your car tire within about 35 L/min.
The AstroAI Portable Air Compressor can even inflate the 195/R15/55 car tire starting from 0 to 35 PSI in just five minutes.
The best thing about this air compressor is its programmable inflation.
You just need to set the pressure that you want, and the air compressor will shut off automatically once it has reached the pre-set pressure that you indicated.
It is straightforward to use as well since you only need a single clock to switch pressure units from kPa, PSI, KG/CM, and BAR.
The AstroAI Portable Air Compressor features a large LCD with white backlight that would allow you to read the interface even in the dark.
It also has an LED flashlight and an independent switch control in times of emergencies.
What’s to like about the AstroAI Portable Air Compressor
The most notable feature of the AstroAI Portable Air Compressor that you will surely like is the programmable inflation.
By setting the pressure, you won’t have to worry about over-inflating the ball or tire since it will automatically turn off once it reaches the pre-set pressure.
What’s not to like about the AstroAI Portable Air Compressor
Although the AstroAI Portable Air Compressor’s programmable inflation is an amazing feature, there are instances where it fails to operate correctly.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Very durable
- Fast recovery
- Portable
CONS
- The pre-set feature does not work sometimes
4. AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor
We have another AstroAI model on the list, and it is best for people who are looking for a budget-friendly air compressor.
The AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor is also a great choice for simple home tasks like inflating a basketball, small tires, and more.
Product Highlights
The AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor focuses on safety since it can properly inflate your tires to provide a better performance in different weather conditions.
It will guarantee that the risks of crashes, tire explosions, as well as premature tire wear, can be lessened significantly.
Another safety feature is its integrated in-line fuse that would prevent the overloading of the AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor.
The AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor is also known for its advanced accuracy.
It is calibrated to provide a reading within 1% of your tire’s pressure.
You don’t have to guess since it would measure and inflate the tires from 0 to 150 PSI.
The inflation value will be 0.5 up to 1.5 PSI higher than the pre-set value.
Once inflation is done, it will solve the problem of lower pressure when you remove the valve connector, which would guarantee that inflation will be more accurate.
The AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor is very easy to use; you just have to turn on the engine of your vehicle, plug the portable air compressor, and start inflating the tires.
It will inflate your tire up to 35 Liters per minute so you can get back to the road in no time.
The AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor also provides overheat protection.
The portable air compressor will shut down automatically if the temperature exceeds 100 degrees Celsius.
It also has a maximum continuous operating time of 15 minutes.
What’s to like about the AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor
The AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor is focused on safety more than anything else.
Since it is a portable air compressor and it would be connected to your vehicle when you are using it outside, it is very safe to use.
The overheat protection and the integrated in-line fuse can guarantee that nothing bad will happen when you are using it.
What’s not to like about the AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor
One of the things that you won’t like about the AstroAI AIR100 Air Compressor is the auto shut down feature.
There are instances when it would fail to kick in, which means that you have to shut it down manually.
PROS
- Brass connectors
- Great build
- Very affordable
- Safe to use
CONS
- Auto shutoff fails sometimes
5. Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor Kit
The Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor Kit became popular because it is very lightweight and portable.
More and more people are now using it because they can carry it anywhere they want.
You can use it for your garage and bring it with you while traveling so that you can have an emergency air compressor.
Product Highlights
The Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor Kit is a great choice since it can generate up to 150 PSI, which is sufficient to handle two or three medium-powered tools.
With the power provided by this model, you can inflate tires and even power your nail guns to do all of your work at home.
The Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor’s motor boasts 0.8 HP, which is pretty decent for an air compressor.
It runs on 120V, which is the standard for portable air compressors, and it has a technology that would allow it to start easily in cold weather.
This unit only weighs around 20 pounds, so it is very portable and easy to carry.
As for its size, the Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor has a measurement of 15.5 x 13.2 x 20.5 inches and has a 1.5-gallon tank capacity.
It is not as noisy as the other air compressors with 79 decibels, but you should not use it during night time since it can disturb your neighbors.
The Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor has a single-stage pump that would allow you to use it without oil, making it light in weight.
The rubber feet provide a stable footing for the unit when you place it on slippery surfaces.
What’s to like about the Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor Kit
The best feature of the Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor is its portability.
It is very light in weight so that you can bring it with you when traveling.
This air compressor is also very powerful.
What’s not to like about the Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor Kit
The only concern about the Porter-Cable CMB15 Air compressor is the setup of the compressor.
You need to be very careful when setting up because if you made a mistake, it may lead to leakage.
PROS
- Very durable
- Lightweight and portable
- Oil-free pump
- Fast recovery time
CONS
- Improper setup may lead to leakage
BUYER’S GUIDE
There are literally hundreds of air compressor models in the market, and they come from different brands.
If you simply search for air compressors on the Internet, you would get hundreds of results, so you need to know exactly what you need to look for in an air compressor.
Although we reviewed five models, if you truly want to find the best air compressor for home garages, here are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure you end up with a product that meets your needs.
1. Horsepower (HP)
Horsepower is very important for air compressors since it would determine the amount of pressure that the air compressor can release.
However, for portable air compressors, you don’t need a high horsepower.
Since these air compressors are only used at home, you can choose an air compressor with 0.75 up to 1.0 HP.
2. Air Pressure (PSI)
When you are looking for an air compressor for your home garage, you can opt for a 90 PSI compressor up to 150 PSI.
Anything higher than that would be more expensive, and they are not worth it since this range can already deal with almost all the basic tasks that you have to accomplish in your garage.
3. Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)
Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) pertains to the volume of air that the compressor can produce.
If you only need an air compressor for simple tasks, a CFM ranging from three to four at 90 PSI is sufficient to run most tools.
4. Tank Sizes
The size of the tank doesn’t matter too much if you are only focused on the air that your air compressor will produce.
The tank is only for storage of air, so if your pump and motor are strong, you won’t run out of air while working.
That said, a bigger tank would help you save more money since the air compressor won’t be operating continuously.
5. Single Stage or Two Stage
For your home garage, you don’t need a two-stage air compressor since it is only for applications that require high pressure.
If you only need it for basic tasks in your house, a single-stage air compressor will do the trick.
6. Direct Drive or Belt Drive, Oil or Oil-Less
Right now, most air compressor units are direct-drive and oil-less.
They are pretty good if you plan to bring the compressor around with you, but these models are usually noisy.
The only benefit you’ll get from these types of air compressors is that they are often used on portable air compressors.
If you will leave the air compressor on your garage and you won’t bring it with you, getting a belt-drive, oil-lubricated air compressor would be a better choice since it is less noisy and would last for a long time.
6. Direct Drive or Belt Drive, Oil or Oil-Less
Right now, most air compressor units are direct-drive and oil-less.
They are pretty good if you plan to bring the compressor around with you, but these models are usually noisy.
The only benefit you’ll get from these types of air compressors is that they are often used on portable air compressors.
If you will leave the air compressor on your garage and you won’t bring it with you, getting a belt-drive, oil-lubricated air compressor would be a better choice since it is less noisy and would last for a long time.
7. Duty Cycle
Air compressors can’t work continuously since they would get hot easily.
As such, you have to check the duty cycle since it pertains to the time the air compressor can work continuously without affecting its performance.
Overall, a 50% duty cycle is pretty good, but try to look for a higher duty cycle so that you can work with your air compressor longer and accomplish more tasks.
8. Moisture Problems
When choosing an air compressor, you have to figure out how long you will use it.
If you think that your tasks at home would require you to use the air compressor longer, you need to get a bigger one since it would prevent the air compressor from overheating.
Generally, when the air is compressed, the compressor gets hot, and once it cools down, water will condense from it and create moisture inside the compressor.
To prevent this from happening, you should prevent the compressor from working too hard, so getting a bigger one is a better choice.
9. Life Expectancy
It would help if you always look for an air compressor that would last for a long time.
Check the materials used for the manufacturing of the air compressor and choose a material that would last for a long time.
FAQs
1. What Size Air Compressor Do I Need to Run Air Tools?
If you plan to run air tools, you should look at the CFM of the air compressor instead of its size, but some smaller air compressors are more powerful than bigger ones.
You should look at the most powerful air tool that you are using and choose an air compressor based on that.
2. What Size Air Compressor Is Best for Home Use?
If you only need an air compressor for your home, you don’t need a big one.
You can buy portable air compressors, or you can look for air compressors with a PSI ranging from 90 to 150.
This would be enough to deal with almost all the basic tasks in your house.
3. How Big of an Air Compressor Do I Need to Fill Car Tires?
It depends on the type of car you are currently driving.
Smaller air compressors can only deal with bikes and small car tires.
If you have a bigger car, you need a bigger air compressor with higher PSI.
4. Can a Pancake Compressor Inflate Tires?
Yes, pancake compressors can inflate tires.
Most pancake compressors produce around 100 PSI, and a regular tire only requires 35 PSI.
Larger cars may need around 40 to 45 PSI, so pancake compressors can still be used for this.
5. How Much Psi Do I Need to Fill Tires?
For regular tires, you only need around 35 PSI.
A portable air compressor with 90 PSI and above can handle the inflation of your tires.
Final Verdict
Among the air compressor brands and models mentioned above, the Porter-Cable CMB15 Air Compressor Kit is the best choice if you need a portable and high-quality air compressor for your home garage.
It can produce up to 150 PSI, which is better than most portable air compressors.
It is also very light in weight so you can bring it anywhere with you.
This air compressor is on the expensive side compared with the other air compressors on the list, but it is worth it.