Herbert Miller
Buying air compressors for your house might seem like a challenging task, especially if you have no clue about compressors. Air compressors have a variety of uses for maintenance and leisure at home or in offices to get work done safely and efficiently. The pressure that comes from compressed air has a multitude of uses and applications.
Air compressors come in many forms, including professional-grade, industrial-grade, and consumer-grade. The small, handy consumer grade compressors are the ones you are looking for.
These small ones are often described as pancake or single-stage models. They’re used for simple tasks like inflating tires and inflatable products, and brad guns.
This article will provide you with helpful information regarding the best small sized air compressors available in the market. Also, you will come across a detailed list of pros and cons for each model.
Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
Best Overall Pick
California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet
- Safe to use
- Durable
- Oil-Free
- 10 gallon capacity tank
Best Premium Pick
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S
- Very Quiet
- Oil-Free
- Durable
- LightWeight
Best Budget Pick
Bostitch BTFP02012 Oil-Free Compressor
- Oil-Free
- Corded
- Quieter
- Value for money
The above mentioned small, handy compressors are the best in their respective categories and without any doubt our top picks amongst all. We researched and selected 7 more options for you that are just as good. We have reviewed all these 10 options right below, including their pros and cons.
So, let’s dig into the reviews and help you make your decision on buying the best air compressor to fit perfectly in your home.
1. California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Small Air Compressor
Amongst the top air compressors, 10020C Ultra Quiet is the best model for air equipment currently popular in the compressor market. It is extremely quiet, accounting for only around 70 decibels, can fit in different project sizes, is oil-free and corded.
It has a 10-gallon capacity tank, which is sufficient for household consumption. It has a maximum PSI of 125. The best part is that you can use it on a diverse range of surfaces and temperatures because it is oil-free.
It is, therefore, adjustable and can adapt to different household areas and also workplaces. It is lightweight, so it’s easily portable when necessary despite being corded.
It can also fit compactly in different workspaces. This is an overall best pick because it is quiet, oil-free, and does everything expected most satisfactorily.
Pros
- Oil-free
- PSI level is 40
- 10-gallon capacity tank
- Quiet
- Corded
- PSI Max 125
Cons
- A little larger and heavier than other small sized air compressors
2. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Small Sized Air Compressor
California Air Tools is undoubtedly among the world’s top leading brands when it comes to the production of air compressors. They assure optimum quality and live up to their brand name in customer servicing.
This California compressor is extremely reliable and trustworthy, and customer reviews are proof enough about the impeccable quality they provide. The model CAT-1P1060S is very noise efficient amongst all the compact-sized air compressors available.
It measures at as low as 56 decibels. Thus, it’s perfect for any place of work due to its quiet mechanism. It has a well-reviewed control panel, is lightweight, and also oil-free.
It is perfect for people who wish to use a single tool at one time. It is simple to pick up and compact and weighs only 29 pounds.
Its 0.6 HP motor is powerful and is enough for small and medium jobs around your house. Also, you will get up to 1.2 CFM at 90 PSI while using this air compressor.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable, compact
- 29 pounds
- Quiet
- Oil-Free
- Needs Low maintenance
- PSI Max 120
Cons
- A limited tank capacity of only 1 gallon
- Less powerful relative to other compressors
- Only useful if you use one equipment at a time
3. Bostitch BTFP02012 Oil-Free Small Air Compressor
It is a great pick, especially when you have a pre-determined budget. It provides amazing quality at affordable rates and is very durable in the long run. It is a small, quiet air compressor perfectly suitable for homes, garages, and workspaces.
It is the best fit for lower-key projects. The Bostitch BTFP02012 Oil-Free Compressor has a great power capacity, larger tank capacity, and large enough PSI. Although it needs a power supply, it is oil-free.
It also has two hoses for multi-tool usage and connection, which makes working with it easier and more convenient.
Pros
- Oil-Free
- Quieter machine
- Corded
- 150 PSI
- 6 Gallon Tank
- Requires no maintenance at all
- Very easy to carry and store
- Extremely efficient
Cons
- Tank capacity is mediocre
- Not very quiet
4. Senco Small Air Compressor Model PC1010
Senco PC1010 is the best buy for you, in case you are in search of a lightweight compressor for getting small tasks. These can include renovating and improving your home or for air and craft.
Weighing around 20 pounds, this compressor is an extremely light air compressor available in the market. It also has a specially designed handle to support easy and convenient usage. The compressor is very efficient, running on a drive motor.
It is an oil-free option; therefore, you can avoid the problems and that comes with using oil-based compressors. With this product, you can finish your jobs quickly and easily, and it saves plenty of your time.
Comparing Senco with compressors in the pancake category is much quieter; therefore, it will not make loud, distracting noises and is suitable for use inside and outside the house. Due to its high-quality components, including a cylinder made of aluminum, this compressor is very durable and will last a long time.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Long run time
- Small in size
- Affordable
Cons
- Fewer power outlets
- Small Tank Capacity
5. DeWalt D55140 Small Sized Air Compressor
Dewalt is a highly reputed company, and the model D55140 is one of the best featuring a heavy tank. It comes with an additional roll cage to enhance the protection and longevity. The top-of-the-class air compressor operates at 90 PSI with an upper limit of almost 135 PSI.
This makes sure that you get fast recovery and can work more. It is a super convenient tool, and it provides a low maintenance operation with a long life. It is an oil-free durable pump, and the pump design cancels the need for repeated checks and refills.
It also helps keep the work area clean. Moreover, it has a silent air compressor compared to others with a noise rating of 69 decibels.
Adding to its efficiency and convenience, the air compressor comes with a draining valve that allows fast and efficient tank drainage. There is an additional wrap on the cord to make usage easier.
Pros
- Roll cage with protection for heavy-duty jobs
- The motor is very simple.
- Includes ball drain valve
- Silent operation
- Durable pump
- Oil-free
Cons
- Regulator has problems that can be improved by the brand
6. Porter-Cable PCFP02003 Small Sized Air Compressor
Porter-Cable is well known for the quality of its products. They designed the PCFP02003 small sized air compressor to be extremely efficient and user-friendly when it comes to usage at home.
With an air performance at 90 PSI and 2.0 CFM and an upper range of approximately 135 PSI, this model is highly durable. Moreover, it is convenient for use in small spaces. The compressor makes use of a 3.5-gallon capacity tank and rests assured.
You will be getting longer running periods and speed recovery, which will help increase the speed and efficiency of your work. As most air compressors of high quality, it has a long-lasting oil-free system that lasts a long time.
It has close to nil requirements for maintenance. The air compressor’s low powered motor is simple to turn on even during cold climates and can be used with extended cords. For seamless access to the controlled air, they provide a quick-connect coupler.
Pros
- Compressor recovers quickly
- Durable
- Pump is Oil-free
- Running time is longer
- Easy to turn on the low-powered motor
Cons
- Comparatively noisier
7. DeWalt DWFP55126 Small sized Air Compressor
DeWalt is a company that is known for its good-quality products. Even if this DeWalt model is among the list of priciest air compressors, it falls amongst the most efficient small sized air compressors available on the market.
We can assure you, and it has the credit for every extra dollar. It has a PSI level of 165 and a bigger tank of 6 gallon compared to other products. You are bound to get increased running tool times and quicker recovery, which will maximize your speed of working and reduce wastage of time.
Dewalt’s air compressor uses a very long-lasting and free of maintenance pump. It is extremely user-friendly. The motor has a 10-Amp power that works in cold climates and makes it easier to start the machine even in the presence of an additional extension cord.
This makes the compressor highly efficient. It also has regulators with increased flows and a few couplers that can help in the maximization of the air tools’ performance when you use them.
The console cover will help to protect your controls from externalities. The draining of the tank is fast enough, and the draining valve is godsent. Marring is prevented by the rubberized lag cover, which offers extra protection.
Pros
- Tank capacity is more
- Efficient
- Easy to start the motor
- Supports two users
- Includes draining valve
- Cord storage is helpful
Cons
- Heavier
- Costlier than most models
- Less Quiet
8. Black & Decker ASI300 Small sized Air Compressor
The Black & Decker ASI300 is extremely budget-friendly and, at the same time, highly efficient and super useful for small sized air compressors used in your home. This air compressor will be your go-to buddy when you wish to inflate your cycles, garden mowers, tires, tools, etc. It effectively performs its job in the most efficient manner and in a short period.
Despite being low priced, it gives an excellent and impressive performance. It is worth the buy and will provide a high level of satisfaction for your investment. It is very portable and lightweight, weighing approximately 6 pounds, making it easy to carry and store in the house or workspace.
The compact design is a blessing as it needs a small area within your workshop and saves plenty of space. The EZ air dial is very easy-going. It makes sure it shuts down immediately as soon as it achieves the right amount of pressure.
Even though it is comparatively smaller, this Black & Decker ASI300 can easily deliver power reaching a maximum of 160 PSI. While using this extremely affordable small sized air compressor, you do not have to worry about removing the hose for measuring readings. It is mainly because it has an easy-to-read gauge that will keep reading the pressure level.
The gauge is illuminated, so you can use it at night. You will get a tire nozzle, extension nozzle, and needle inflator along with the compressor, which makes it good to go for immediate usage.
Pros
- Space efficient
- Portable
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to understand
- Illuminated gauge
- Has basic accessories
Cons
- Very short air hose
9. Kensun D1001 Small sized Air Compressor
This Kensun D1001 is a multifunctional air compressor that is useful for various inflation jobs in your house and at work. It is small in size and has a compact design. It has 3 types of nozzle adapters, which make it suitable for various types of tire inflation tasks.
It also helps in inflating balls and outdoor equipment. It is very user-friendly and can operate at both 110V AC and 12V DC. In layman’s terms, you can attach it to your home power or your car.
The rubberized air hose made of high-quality material ensures the durability of the small sized air compressor. Talking about its performance, it can work up to a PSI level of 40 and has an air flowing rate of 11 liters every 60 seconds.
It weighs exactly 4.45 pounds that are created to be efficiently portable and user-friendly, especially for novices who have no experience with such compressors.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact and portable
- Convenient usage
- Multifunctional
- Long cords
- Affordable
Cons
- Runs for lesser periods due to an overheating problem
10. Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 Pancake Compressor
Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 Pancake compressor is portable and lighter as compared to most compressors. It can easily fit into several workspaces. It is powerful and multifunctional in working. It is well designed and well-reviewed and is very reliable and efficient. Additionally, it is oil-free and maintenance-free.
Pros
- 6 Gallon tank
- Oil-Free tank
- Maintenance-free
- Portable
- 150 PSI
Cons
Small Sized Air Compressor Buying Guide
Choosing the right Air Compressor may not be as easy as you think it is. Therefore, you must be careful while purchasing one. The tips given below will help you while deciding between various air compressors.
Power
It is the most important thing you should look into when you are purchasing a compact air compressor. The power forms the basis for usage.
Usually, if the air compressors are considered to be better if it is more powerful. But you do not require a high level of power. The smart thing to do is choose the strong and powerful one for your tasks and projects.
Weight and Size
The weight and size affect the convenience of using a compressor but not its performance. The small ones are lightweight and designed in a compact manner, but this might differ from one brand to the other.
Your usage of the compressor should be the main guiding reason for choosing its size and weight. If you want a compact air compressor to carry around to different sites, go for lightweight and compact ones.
Performance
Judging the overall delivery of a compressor, you should look out for The PSI and CFM, as that can help you determine how fast your compressor works and the kind of jobs it can be used for.
Summing Up
When shopping for a small or compact air compressor, it can be overwhelming since many different features, brands, and specifications are available on the market. Until you are up to date with your compressor knowledge, it may be super confusing and frustrating.
The availability of good compressors is scarce in the market. But usability is more important than availability when it comes to choosing the right model. The list of products with their reviews and buying guide in this article will act as a savior for you!
Now you can purchase your compressor that is storable and small enough to fit in a home, workspace, or garage. Hope this helped!
