Best Air Compressor for Home Use
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If you're in the market for a new air compressor to help you out with all of your home projects, you'll want to consider a few key factors before you make that purchase, to ensure you get the right compressor for your needs.
The best air compressor for home use would be one that is powerful enough to handle the tasks you need it for, while also being portable and easy to use. Some top options for home use include the CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor, DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Compressor and the BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Compressor. All of these compressors are known for their durability, power, and ease of use, making anyone of them a great choice for your home.
To help you sort through the mountains of information about air compressors used in the home we have done so research for you, written this little article and singled out what we think are the best air compressor for home use.
Table of contents
Top 3 Recommended Air Compressors
Let us take a more detailed look at what we think are the best air compressors for home use.
CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor
Our Number 1 recommendation for the best air compressor for home use is the CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor, it weighs in at 32.5 Pounds and is capable of delivering 2.6 SCFM* @ 90PSI. A bonus for new buyers is the compressor includes a 13 piece accessory kit.
Features of the CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Include:
- Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Motor: Voltage/Hz-Single Phase 120V / 60 Hz
- Noise Level: 78.8 dBA+
- Minimum Branch Circuit Requirement 15 amps
- Fused: Fuse Type Time delay
- Air Tank Capacity: 6 gallons (22.7 liters)
- Max Pressure: Maximum tank storage pressure of 150 PSI.
- Approximate Cut-In Pressure: 120 psig
- Approximate Cut-Out Pressure: 150 psig
- Air Flow Capacity: 2.6* SCFM @ 90 psig, 3.7* SCFM @ 40 psig
- Regulator: Built In high flow regulator with pressure gauge and couplers to maximize air tool performance
- Regulated Pressure Rating: (Approximate) 3–150 psi
- Connectors: Quick Connect Type 1/4" (6.4 mm) Industrial
- Multi User: Two universal couplers to easily support two users
- Duty Cycle 5 minutes on/5 minutes off
*Tested per ISO 1217
What We Don't Like
- Nothing. we think this would be a great option for the first time buyer.
Check Latest Price on CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Air Compressor.
DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor.
Coming in at Number 2 is the DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor it weighs in at 30 Pounds and is capable of delivering 2.6 SCFM* @ 90PSI.
Features of the DEWALT DWFP55126 Include:
- Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Motor: Voltage/Hz-Single Phase 120V / 60 Hz
- Noise Level: 78.8 dBA+
- Minimum Branch Circuit Requirement 15 amps
- Fused: Fuse Type Time delay
- Air Tank Capacity: 6 gallons (22.7 liters)-
- Max Pressure: Maximum tank storage pressure of 165 PSI.
- Approximate Cut-In Pressure: 135 psig
- Approximate Cut-Out Pressure: 165 psig
- Air Flow Capacity: 2.6* SCFM @ 90 psig
- Regulator: Built In high flow regulator with pressure gauge and couplers to maximize air tool performance
- Regulated Pressure Rating: (Approximate) 7–165 psi
- Connectors: Quick Connect Type 1/4" (6.4 mm) Industrial
- Multi User: Two universal couplers to easily support two users
*Tested per ISO 1217 +Tested per ISO 3744
What We Don't Like
- No accessories or hose is included with the compressor.
Check Latest Price on DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Air Compressor
BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Compressor.
Number 3 on our list is the BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor, weighing in at 29 Pounds it is capable of delivering 2.6 SCFM* @ 90PSI.
Features of the BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Include:
- Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Motor: Voltage/Hz-Single Phase 120V / 60 Hz
- Noise Level: 78.8 dBA+
- Minimum Branch Circuit Requirement 15 amps
- Fused: Fuse Type Time delay
- Air Tank Capacity: 6 gallons (22.7 liters)
- Max Pressure: Maximum tank storage pressure of 150 PSI.
- Approximate Cut-In Pressure: 120 psig
- Approximate Cut-Out Pressure: 150 psig
- Air Flow Capacity: 2.6* SCFM @ 90 psig, 3.7* SCFM @ 40 psig
- Regulator: Built In high flow regulator with pressure gauge and couplers to maximize air tool performance
- Regulated Pressure Rating: (Approximate) 3–150 psi
- Connectors: Quick Connect Type 1/4" (6.4 mm) Industrial
- Multi User: Two universal couplers to easily support two users
*Tested per ISO 1217
What We Don't Like
- No accessories or hose is included with the compressor.
Check Latest Price on BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Air Compressor.
Compressor Types
One important factor to consider when thinkings about an air compressor for home use is the type of compressor you may need, there are two main types: portable and stationary to consider.
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Portable compressors are great for people who need to move the unit around their home or take it with them on the go, they are generally lighter in weight. The pancake air compressors that we are looking at in depth in this article are examples of portable compressors.
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Stationary compressors, on the other hand, are designed to stay in one place. Although many will have wheels to help you move them around they are typically to heavy to be picked up. Although you may be trading of some portability what you get in return is typically a larger capacity, which if you plan on tackling large project may be of benefit to you.
Compressor Power
Another important factor when considering a air compressor for home use is the power of the compressor. The power of the compressor is measured in horsepower (HP) and cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the horsepower and CFM, the more powerful the compressor will be. For home use, a compressor with 1 to 2 horsepower and 2 to 4 CFM is usually sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions that you may not have considered that people buying air compressors like to ask.
Q: How much psi for air compressor?
A: The amount of psi an air compressor requires depends on specific tools being used. For general purpose tools, such as a tire gauge or an air blower, a compressor capable of delivering 0 to 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at around 70 to 90 pounds per square inch (psi) is sufficient. However, for larger industrial tools, such as spray guns for automotive painting, the amount of psi an air compressor requires exceeds 10 cfm at 100 to 120 psi so as to ensure proper function. It is important to match the compressor's capabilities to the specific demands of the tools being used.
Q: What to look for when buying an air compressor?
A: When buying an air compressor it is essential to consider three key factors , these are, air pressure, air flow, and tank capacity. Air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), and is a measure of the amount of force that is exerted by the compressed air. Air flow, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), indicates the volume of air that can be delivered by the compressor. Finally, the tank capacity of an air compressor is measured in gallons, this determines the amount of compressed air that can be stored and is readily available for use. Properly assessing these factors will ensure that you are able to choose an air compressor will meet your specific requirements.
Q: What is the best brand of air compressor for home use?
A: Several brands of air compressor stand out as both reputable and efficient options to consider when thinking about purchasing an air compressor for use in the home. Manufacturers such as CRAFTSMAN, DEWALT, and BOSTITCH have a well deserved reputation for producing air compressors that are not only high-quality, but also long-lasting and backed by a warranty that means something, all of this makes them ideal for a variety of home-based uses.
Q: Preventive maintenance of air compressor?
A: Preventive maintenance is a crucial part for any air compressor and is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Key components that need to be regularly maintained are the compressor oil and air filter. It is recommended that checks of the oil level of the air compressor be carried out on a regular basis and replace as necessary. Additionally, maintaining a clean air filter is crucial for efficient operation, checks should be carried out to make sure the air filter is free from dust and contaminants which could compromise performance of the compressor. Regular inspections for signs of leaks or any other potential issues should also be conducted regularly to prevent potential malfunctions.
Q: What is the difference between PSI and CFM?
A: The difference between PSI and CFM is what they measure. PSI measures air pressure, while CFM measures the volume or flow of the air. PSI and CFM are both performance specifications for air compressors. Together, they indicate the maximum air volume and air pressure produced by an air compressor, this can then be used to calculate if the air compressor has enough power for specific air tools.
Final Thoughts
All of the air compressors we've looked at are designed to be light weight and portable, making them perfect as an air compressor for home use. Even if you are on a budget, finding an air compressor, with the features that you need, to handle all of your home project should be achievable.
As for our recommendation for the best air compressor for home use, we like the The CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor, even though all of the air compressors that we have looked at today would do a great job for the home user, the addition of a 13 piece accessory kit tips the balance for us.
Check Latest Price on CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Air Compressor.
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