This review will give you some advice on which of the five best portable air compressors you should use depending on the type of work you would like to do.

1. 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:

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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,

5. 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.

6. The pump runs at only 1730 RPM, making the Makita MAC2400one 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

7. 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 Compressors
Quite 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.