Don't be overwhelmed

It can be a little overwhelming to go shopping these days as there are so many different options for almost everything now. You'd want to try them all if you could! But sadly, that would end up being a waste of both your money and your time. So, if you've stopped by our website and are in the market for a new air compressor, we are going to make things easier for you. Keep reading to learn about two large air compressor manufacturers that could lead you to the newest addition to your power tools collection. For any help understanding any terminology used in this article, feel free to refer to our FAQ on air compressors.

California Air Tools

Let's start off with one of the most well-known companies for manufacturing air compressors: California Air Tools. This company is especially famous for creating high quality and reliable machines that are ultra quiet, which explains why one of their product lines is literally called the Ultra Quiet Series. You can carry on a conversation easily without having to shout or turn off the device while at work. The compressors are engineered with longevity and superb performance in mind and they live up to that standard. There's a reason why they are one of the longest running air compressor companies.

A popular model is their California Air Tools SP Ultra Quiet Oil-Free 2-HP 10-Gallon Air Compressor w/ Dryer, which is typically priced around $1,200.00. This unit has a vertical tank that holds 10 gallons, which is more than enough for a full day on a construction site or even for an extended home project. The SP Ultra Quiet includes a pressure gauge, air dryer, and an air filter along with a one-year warranty. Despite its large size, it is very portable and solidly-built so it will last for quite a while. It functions well in a variety of environments and temperatures, making it ideal for different applications. But it is best used for smaller or less frequent jobs.

Pros

California Air Tools compressors can last about 3000 to 4000 hours before wear and are easily repairable. The company has done a great job at developing models that efficiently create less noise and less wear while lasting a great deal longer than many other brands. Another perk is that they are oil-free so you don't have to change or dispose the oil and you're able to use the machine in cold temperatures. With a horsepower range of about 1/2 to 4.0, the compressors are ideal for both industrial and household use. The different models vary in tank capacity, pressure (PSI), horsepower, and cubic feet per minute (CFM), which covers a variety of the wants and needs of most consumers in the market for an air compressor. Prices go from about $110 for smaller units to $2200 for bigger units. This is a relatively large range but that is because they have so many models with so many features included. Larger models also require a larger investment overall but they make up for it in performance, quality, and more.

Cons

These machines are pretty expensive, especially in comparison to many other air compressor brands with similar capabilities. So, make sure it is within your budget and determine if the different features are even worth it for you. Additionally, the storage tanks do not have the biggest capacity so this may inconvenience people looking to perform a large or more frequent project. Smaller tanks lead to shorter duty cycles and possibly more frequent restarts, which can negatively impact the productivity of your work.

Porter Cable

Next up is Porter Cable, hailed as a veteran in the power tools industry. They began making high quality equipment almost a century ago and are still going strong. With roots in several industries, they have gained the trust and faith of different types of consumers over the year. Their machines get the job done effectively and efficiently, which is why it is not surprising that their air compressors are just as widely received. Their air compressors can handle a number of different jobs big and small.

A popular model is the C2002-WK pancake air compressor, usually priced around $99 on Home Depot. It is very portable and compact with rubber feet that help to stabilize the unit. Its PSI goes up to about 150 PSI, making it great for nailers and other small power tools. The C2002-WK runs at about 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, which means the machine recovers lost air and pressure rather quickly. As an oil-free pump, it requires little to no maintenance, which is a breath of fresh air to those who aren't new to power tools. Prices range from about $100 for smaller units to $1100 for bigger units with those having better features having a higher price tag.

Pros

Porter Cable grouped all of their air compressors together with other accessories on their website, giving you everything you need to outfit your home garage or company warehouse. Their models come in a variety of styles as they have vertical, pancake, and hot dog units. Their horsepower ranges from about 1/3 to 5.0, which allows you to pick machines suitable for home or construction projects. A huge perk of the Porter Cable engineering is that their devices are easy to install and maintain so you won't have to hire someone to set up your equipment. In comparison to the California Air Tools, Porter Cable offers cheaper equipment, which may mean good news for those with a tighter wallet. But as always, keep in mind that a higher price tag may mean better quality so decide which is more important to you for your personal and professional use.

Cons

One thing you'll notice right away on the Porter Cable website is that their selection seems to be quite limited and customization is relatively low as well. A further search on the Internet will corroborate that they do not have too many models and features for those models to offer. There aren't many reviews either, which may not be very attractive to consumers.

Summary

Your research doesn't stop here but this is a really good place to start. Check out different manufacturers and retailers such as Sunbelt Rentals or Amazon to find out more. There are so many options out there but don't worry, you can find the right one with a little bit of patience and time.