Air Compressors are one of the best pieces of equipment you can own. Whether your needs are residential or commercial, there are many options to consider before choosing which one is best.
In this review, we are going to look at ten different models of 20-gallon air compressors which will help you with your research before choosing.
The 20-gallon tank air compressors can basically do the same job as that of larger tanks, with the benefit of these smaller tanks having the portability advantage.
Benefits of a 20-gallon tank
Portability (transport to multiple sites)
Ease of maneuvering the tank (handles and wheels for ease of placement)
Ideal for small job applications
Disadvantages of a 20-gallon tank
Run out of air quicker compared to larger tanks
Higher energy costs dependent on the task (The compressor may use more energy depending on the job task and will continuously run in order to fill the tank)
How to Pick the Right 20-gallon Air Compressor
Which air compressor you pick will rely upon what you are searching for. Electric air compressors are mostly utilized for both large and small applications and are less boisterous when contrasted with gas.
Gas air compressors are utilized outside, have more force, and are typically used for longer periods of use in large applications. There are alternatives to oil-lubricated and oil-free air compressors.
Depending on your needs, you may want to consider the differences between one phase versus two-phase, and whether you will benefit more from a one-stage versus a two-stage, and so on.
The phase of the machine relates to the electrical, while the stage is alluding to the compressor. (Essentially meaning, the stage number is how frequently the air is compressed prior to being delivered and used).
If the machine is two-stage, that would imply that the air inside the tank has been compressed twice, multiplying the force of the air pressure. A one-stage compressor’s productivity won’t be as efficient as that of multiple phases.
The Industrial Air (model #IL1682066MN) is a 1.6 HP, single-stage, belt-driven air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 135 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet with the option of converting for 240-Volt application.
Its cast-iron pump is oil-lubricated for greater efficiency and noise reduction, and its 20-gallon tank comes equipped with tires for maximum portability. This compressor would be ideal for a small automotive or paint shop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHcrY-26zrY
Advantages
Portable
Less cost compared to other models
Quiet
Fully assembled
Quick connect air hose
Briggs & Stratton 20-Gallon Oil-Free Air Compressor
The Briggs and Stratton (model #074064-00) is a 1.5 HP, single-stage,20-gallon tank air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 150 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet.
The oil-free induction motor means less maintenance and is ideal for small automotive shops and construction sites or food-type applications.
The NorthStar (model #459392) is a 4.8 HP, 20-gallon tank air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 130 psi, operating with a Honda GX160 OHV engine.
The pump is manufactured with cast iron and its V-shaped cylinder allows for consistent airflow, resulting in less transfer of heat.
Its 20-gallon tank has a weather-resistant coating with built-in wheels and a handle for easy maneuverability, and its gas-powered engine gives the assurance of job completion in the event of power failures.
This air compressor would be ideal for contractors, roofers, or anywhere that air tools are needed.
The Porter Cable (model #PXCMF220VW) is a 1.5 HP, 20-gallon tank air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 150 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet, and the low voltage start gives it the ability to be used with an extension cord.
Its oil-free pump and motor with no belts or pulleys help to eliminate maintenance costs.
This compressor has rubber feet for balance and anti-marking of shop floors, and its wheels and handle make for easier maneuverability.
This air compressor would be ideal for small shops and at-home use, such as stapling, airing tires spray painting.
Advantages
Includes pressure relief valve
Components are enclosed
Quick connect
Low voltage start
Disadvantages
Noisy when compared to other oil-free models
Nuts and bolts for the handle are not always included
Fill time of the tank is longer when compared to other models
The Dewalt (model #DXCMPA1982054) is a 1.9 HP, single-stage, 20-gallon tank air compressor with a maximum flow rate of 155 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet., with the option of converting to a 240 V with its dual voltage motor.
Dewalt manufactures this air compressor’s pump and body with cast iron for extra durability and equips a handle and wheels onto the tank for easy maneuverability.
This air compressor would be ideal for professionals, DIYer’s, and wherever the use for air tools is needed.
Advantages
Quiet
Oil level sight glass
Quick set regulator included
Disadvantages
More costly compared to other models
Campbell Hausfeld 20 Gallon Oil-Free Air Compressor
The Campbell Hausfeld (model #DC200000) is a 1.3 HP, 20-gallon tank air compressor with a maximum flow rate of 150 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet.
This compressor is projected to have a longer lifespan compared to other models because of its enclosed induction motor, and the fact that it is oil-free means less maintenance.
The wheels and handle make it easy to maneuver and would be ideal for the workshop, food-type applications, and home projects.
Advantages
Cost-efficient
Easy to use control panel
Disadvantages
The tank is known to leak
Loud compared to other models
HULK Silent Series Oil-Free 20 Gallon Air Compressor
The Craftsman (model #CMXECXA0232043) is a 1.8 HP, oil-free, 20-gallon tank with a maximum airflow rate of 175 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet.
The tank is crafted from stainless steel and comes equipped with a handle and rubber wheels for easy maneuverability.
This air compressor also comes with a dual coupler for the use of multiple tools working at one time, making it ideal for food trucks, job sites, and at-home applications such as inflating, nailing, and spray painting.
The Pulsar (model #PCE6200) is a 4 HP, 20-gallon tank air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 115 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet.
The tank is sprayed with electrostatic paint adding extra durability and is equipped with wheels and a handle for easy maneuverability.
The 4 HP motor and its light-weight of 84 pounds make this unit ideal for everyday use, whether it’s on the job site or at home.
Advantages
Oil view window
Dual pressure gauges
Cost-efficient
Disadvantages
Noisy
Final Thoughts
Deciding on which air compressor is best will depend on what your needs are. These 20-gallon tank air compressors make them easy to transport to any job site. The hard part is choosing which one is best for you.
Oil Lubricated
Cost-Efficient
If you are looking for a cost-efficient model, then the Pulsar (PCE62000) would be the ideal air compressor with its powerful 4 HP motor and light-weight.
More Options
If cost is no object, and you are looking for a unit with a slightly higher psi and the ability to convert to a 240-volt outlet, then the Dewalt (DXCMPA1982054) would be a better option.
Oil-Free
The oil-free units are also options. If you need an air compressor with cleaner air, I would definitely be more inclined to choose the Hulk Silent Series (HP02P020SS). It has a 2 HP motor and can be used with an extension cord for easy access to those hard-to-reach places.
Gas Powered
If after looking at the oil-lubricated air compressors, and an oil-free device is not needed, then you can always choose the option of a gas-powered unit.
The gas-powered air compressors are known to be more expensive, but the advantages far outweigh that of other models.
The NorthStar Gas-Powered (459392) has a 4.8 HP Honda GX160 OHV engine, the tank has a weather-resistant coating, providing less worry and more durability working outside, and you get the extra assurance of completing job tasks in the event of a power failure.
It has low vibration technology which helps to ensure a longer lifespan of the pump, and because it operates on a slower RPM, it generates a lower level of heat which helps save on wear and tear.
