You get out of the car and witness that there is less air in the car’s front tire. What do you need at such a time?
Air compressors are not a new thing and have been present in this world since early humans. However, the concept of air compressors back then was completely different.
Early humans probably didn’t know about physics, but they knew about compressed air and how they can use it for their use.
For example, compressed air of the lungs was used to blow out fires, and grow small flames into larger ones. These flames became a powerful source of both energy and much-needed heat.
Coming to the iron and the Bronze Age, there is evidence that China’s Han dynasty’s metalworkers used hand and foot-powered bellows. They used these bellows to stoke flames, which they forged, and this is around the Third Century BC.
Thousands of years later, John Smeaton, who was an engineer, came up with a way to compress large volumes of air in 1762. He invented the water wheel, which powered a moving cylinder known as the piston.
This compressed air in a large chamber and this innovation led to more innovation. John Wilkinson developed a machine with a rotating cylinder in 1776, and a motorized air compressor was created in 1799, by George Medhurst.
The air compressors used in the modern world are much more efficient and effective, and the air compressors’ market continues to evolve and innovate.
To better understand the role of the air compressor, it is important to fully understand its concept. An air compressor takes the atmospheric air, and stores it under pressure.
This creates potential energy, which can be stored inside a tank. It is similar to the concept of a balloon; when the air pressure is released, then that creates usable kinetic energy or motion energy.
How do they work?
Air compressors don’t need a bulky motor, but they can just use the compressor which has only one motor.
One motor in the compressor is enough to convert electrical energy to kinetic energy, and the units of the compressor run quietly. Some compressors even use crankshafts, connecting pistons, and cylinders.
Uses of Air Compressors
Air compressors are used for multiple purposes. For example, if you are doing an auto repair project, and you want to tune up or install PC valves, then this can be done without the help of a professional.
The difficult part about this job is removing bolts in tighter spaces, or when the place has become rusty. Air ratchet tools make the job simpler and easier. All you need is an air compressor with air ratchet tools, and the tough bolts will be removed in minutes.
For inflating car tires, you can use air compressors. If the football you bought another day, seems to have less air and is getting soft, then you can use an air compressor.
It is perfect for bike tires and blowing out leaves as well. Depending on what you want to use it for, choose how light or heavy it should be.
Compressors are also used for cleaning stones, brick, and house sidings, during construction.
10 Best Portable Air Compressors 2024
Bostitch Pancake
Most air compressors run on oil, but this one is different. The price of this product, if the customer buys the 2 tool compressor combo kit, is $223.99. The tank contains 6 gallons of compressed air, and it is a very high-efficiency motor.
It can be easily started during winters, and the extension cord is long enough for the customer to connect anywhere they want to. The dBA of the air compressor is 78.5.
It has a high flow regulator and maximizes the performance of the air tool. Until the product lasts, the buyer doesn’t have to put any oil in it. There is a free pump included with the air compressor, for convenient use.
The weight of the air compressor is 31 pounds, which makes it portable and easy to carry around. The shape of the air compressor is round the package doesn’t include any batteries. It has a 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Viair 00088 88P
This is an air compressor, and its price is $65.99. It runs on 12 Volt and has a 120PSI max working pressure. The engine of the air compressor should run when it is in use. The air compressor is portable and it draws 20 amps.
The CFM or cubic feet per minute of the air compressor is 1.47. This is a good air compressor for small all-terrain vehicles, trucks, SUVs, and sedans.
If any vehicle has a 33-inch tire, then this air compressor is very suitable. It comes with an LED power indicator, which is a useful feature for the customer.
The power cord of the air compressor is 10 ft long, and it has a 16 ft air hose. The manufacturer has even included a 3pc inflation tip kit. The reason why this air compressor is portable is that it is very lightweight; 4.5 pounds.
The manufacturer offers the customer a warranty for its parts. Even though the CFM rating isn’t very high, but the dimensions of the air compressor are pretty modest and good for smaller tasks.
This air compressor can be powered using alligator clamps, which hooks up to a car battery if the user can’t put in the power cord anywhere.
If someone is at a construction site, where they need continuous operation, then this is not the perfect air compressor for them. However, keeping in mind how this is an affordable product, it is a perfect purchase for budget buyers.
Makita 2.5 MAC4200
When it comes to air compressors, people don’t care about how the compressor looks, but its function. However, Makita has a very compact and appealing look and will catch the eyes of the buyer, when they are browsing, and looking for air compressors.
This has a huge engineered pump cylinder and piston, and this is perfect for industrial purposes. It provides the user with excellent performance and productivity because it has a powerful motor of 2.5 HP.
The noise of this air compressor is very less, mainly because the pump is lubricated with oil. It runs at 1,730 RPM. It increases the durability of the pump, and for a while, the buyer can be at ease. Moreover, the air compressor has rubber feet, which can help absorb the vibrations when it is in use, thereby decreasing the noise as well.
Makita is made of cast iron, which is a major reason for its durability. It is durable enough, that it won’t break after some bumps and scrapes, which mostly takes place on a busy construction site.
The air compressor has a roll-cage shape, which makes it portable to the user. It even has a handle on the top, which makes it similar to picking a bag up and then putting it down.
You can take it with you if you are traveling, or handling small construction tasks in different parts of your house.
However, even though there is a handle with which you can pick it up, it weighs 77 pounds, making it hard to pick it up. Those who don’t have a problem with its weight should buy it because of its portability.
Porter-Cable C2002
Naming an air compressor, pancake compressor, seems pretty odd doesn’t it? However, when you see its appearance, which is the first thing that will come to your mind. It has a round shape from the front, which even makes it resemble a grill.
This air compressor is known for offering optimal stability. It has an induction motor of 120V, which provides it with improved performance.
The PSI rating of the air compressor is 150, which is the max tank pressure this device can stand. This compressor is perfect for a construction site because it can help in firing a nailer.
However, if you move around a lot and get low air in your tires often, then this is good for filling tires as well.
The air compressor has a steel construction, a shroud, and a console cover. This provides it with protection and is one of the reasons why this air compressor is so durable. Moreover, you can easily move it around, because it weighs only 30 pounds.
The Porter-Cable is a great purchase because it comes with 13 pieces of the accessory kit. This kit includes several things that the customer can use, like a nylon hose, gauge, and even a blowgun.
If someone is using an air compressor for the first time, then they can easily set it up. The air compressor has a very compact size, which is why it is on the list of the best portable air compressors for tires.
However, the only problem that the customers complained about was that it is a loud air compressor, and has a vibration problem. If you keep in mind the affordable price of the product, then it won’t seem like a bad option for you.
If the customer is buying the accessory kit, which has 4 other items in it, then the cost is $1,383. The compressor itself is just $79. It has 150 PSI and 2.6 SCFM. The 90 PSI allows the air compressor to recover quickly, and it has an ISO 1217 certificate as well.
As it is a 120 Volt motor, it can start in cold weather; you don’t have to use oil in the pump, which gives the compressor more life. Apart from keeping it in a clean place, it doesn’t need much maintenance.
California Air Tools 8010
This is an 8-gallon air compressor, specifically designed for bigger projects. It has 1 horsepower motor, which is powerful enough to be used on big job sites. Moreover, unlike other noisy air compressors, this one has a dB of 60 and runs quietly.
When the rust-free tank drains, then the user can fill it, right away. The main problem with this air compressor is that, as it is designed for big job sites, it is an expensive product. The stand of the air compressor is not durable.
However, the thing which stands out, is that it comes with a wheel kit and air filter. The maximum pressure of this air compressor is 120 PSI. The CFM is 3.00 at 40 PSI and if you are getting 90 PSI, then the CFM is 2.20.
It comes in both aluminum and steel materials. The steel material is cheap, while aluminum is expensive; they both cost $155.19 and $204.00 respectively.
EP Auto 12V
This is a portable, plug-in model, which can be best used for inflating tires, and balls. The best part of this air compressor is that it has an automatic shut-off.
When you are inflating a tire, and the compressor reaches the desired tire pressure, then it will automatically shut off. The cord’s size is 9 feet and the filler is 2 ½ feet.
The air compressor is not only fast but quiet as well. As it shuts off on its own, the customer doesn’t have to constantly watch it.
However, at a higher PSI, the pump isn’t that fast. The screw-in valve connector can be used easily, but you have to take off your gloves when you are using it in winter; this isn’t an ideal situation.
There is a carry bag that comes with an EPAuto air compressor. It comes in blue, red, yellow, and green colors. There are additional adapters included in this air compressor, which include needles value, shot cone, and long cone adapters.
The long cone adapters can be used for inflating a kayak or a swimming pool. This one is equipped with a 12V-DC cigarette lighter socket plug.
Senco PC 1010
The price of this product is $119.95. It is a very lightweight and portable product. This is particularly important because it can be used for home improvement jobs, hobbies, and even crafts.
It operates on 1 horsepower peak and ½ horsepower running the one-gallon capacity. It gives the user a chance to experience 20-44 drives per minute. The manufacturer offers the customer a one-year warranty.
The unique thing about this air compressor, which you will hardly find in other compressors, is its ergonomic grip. This makes it easy to carry the compressor around, and it doesn’t impact its performance.
However, if you are getting it for a heavy task, you might find that it delivers 22-44 drives per minute; this could be suitable for smaller tasks only.
It is safe to use this product for light tasks that you do around the house, and you won’t find any hassle handling this compact and portable designed product.
DEWALT Pancake
This is a high-efficiency air compressor, which even starts up easily in cold weather. It has a long tool time, and recovers quickly as well, making it one of the best air compressors.
This is an obvious benefit of the product, along with the fact that it delivers 165 max PSI, and has a 6-gallon tank. This is limited to smaller tools, but it is not a noisy machine.
The decibels on this air compressor is just 75.5, which is why it can be used indoors as well.
The price of this product is $129.00. However, if you are buying it with a nailer kit, then you can get it for $213.00. The max PSI of this air compressor is 165, and it has a 6-gallon tank. It delivers 2.6 CFM to a 90 PSI pump.
The air compressor has a high flow regulator, and couplers, which maximizes the air tool performance. The power supply of the air compressor is 120V, 60 Hz, and 10 amps.
This is a universal motor and should be located 12 inches away from a wall and other obstructions. If it is not located away from the wall, then that is most likely to interfere with its flow of air.
The controls of their air compressor can be protected using a console cover. There are two universal couplers in this device, which means that two users can use this device at the same time.
Kensun AC/DC
The weight of this air compressor is 5 pounds, which makes it the best portable air compressor for car tires. It is very easy to store, because of its compact size. You can easily plug in this AC/DC compressor into a cigarette lighter socket, which is found in most cars.
If you want to use it at home, then you can plug it in the wall socket at home. It has a digital pressure gauge, with an LCD. Kensun has a unit converter, with a built-in white LED light. Two nozzles come as attachments with the compressor.
This means that the user has to set their desired pressure every single time they used it. The cord is short, which means you need an extension to connect it.
The price of this product is $69.99, making it a very affordable one for customers. The metal motor of the air compressor is solid, with 120W; this is why the tires inflate easily and quickly. It is high quality and durable product.
AUDEW
The air compressors which have an automatic shut off feature, are the most beneficial for the customer. The air compressor has LED lights, and three tips that can be used for pumping tires of cars, bikes, SUVs, trucks, and other inflatable items.
It is easy to use the air compressor, which can quickly inflate car tires. The user can present their desired air pressure, and when the compressor reaches that pressure, it will automatically shut off.
The LCD digital display makes it easy to read tire pressure. There are long-lasting LED lights installed in the compressor, and the user can make use of these lights when using the compressor at night. There are 4 tire pressure units available in the compressor, PSI, KPA, BAR, and kg/square cm.
The maximum inflatable pressure that the compressor can exercise is 150PSI. The air compressor is a multiple purpose tool, it can be used for inflating a tire, checking the tire pressure, and for emergency lights. The compressor comes equipped with 3 nozzle adaptors, which can be used for air mattresses and airboat toys as well.
You can easily store this air compressor where ever you want to. It comes with a flexible air hose storage compartment, and a cigarette lighter adapter as well. AmazeInvent
Conclusion
To sum it up, air compressors are needed for everyday use, as they are used for inflating different items. When your car breaks down because there is less air in your tire, then only the best portable air compressors with a 110v power outlet would come to your rescue.
When buying an air compressor, for a project or car use, make sure to read all the specifications and see if it fits your budget. Read the terms and conditions of a warranty carefully, because that is what matters the most for some.
