Air Compressors are perhaps one of the best-needed pieces of equipment you can own. Whether your needs are for private use or industrial, there are many options to consider before choosing which one you will benefit from the most.
In this review, we are going to look at ten different models of 30-gallon air compressors which will help you with your research before choosing.
The 30-gallon tank air compressors can do the same job as that of larger tanks, it just depends on the quantity of air used, which will help determine the size of these tanks over larger ones.
Benefits of a 30-gallon tank
Easier to transport to multiple sites
Ease of maneuvering the tank (handles and wheels for ease of placement)
Ideal for small job applications
Disadvantages of a 30-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)
The Quincy (model #QT-7.5) is a 13 HP, 2-stage Honda gas engine with a maximum airflow rate of 175 psi.
The pump and its components are manufactured with cast iron and aluminum and are crafted for higher efficiency and cooler temperatures of operation, resulting in a longer lifespan of 50,000 hours before servicing.
This air compressor functions on a slower RPM, resulting in less wear and tear and would be ideal anywhere air tools are needed without the use of electricity.
Advantages
Easy mount
Portable or stationary
Warranty on the pump can be extended from 1 year to 3 with purchase of warranty kit
The pump has a lifespan of 50,000 hours before service
The HPDAVV is a 10 HP, 2 stages, 30-gallon air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 180 psi.
The pump is manufactured with cast iron, and the piston rings are made with a high temperature, wear-resistant substance, giving it a lifespan of 8000 hours before servicing.
This air compressor is to be mounted into service vehicles and would be ideal for mechanics and agricultural use with no fear of losing power due to power outages.
The NorthStar gas-powered (model #459382) is a 12 HP, Honda GX390 OHV engine, 2 stages,30-gallon tank air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 175 psi.
The pump is crafted of cast iron, prolonging its life, and is designed with a V-shaped cylinder for better air distribution preventing hotspots.
Gas compressors are to be mounted in vehicles with the advantage being; they can be used wherever there is a lack of electricity, omitting the fear of uncompleted job tasks due to power failures.
The Ingersoll Rand (model #SS3F2-GM) is a 2 HP, single-stage air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 135 psi, operating on a 115-volt outlet.
The pump is belt-driven, manufactured with cast iron, and has a lifespan of approximately 2000 hours before service.
The tank is equipped with a side drain valve, handle and wheels for easy maneuverability. This air compressor would be ideal for, at home, job sites, or wherever they need is for air tools.
The Dewalt (model #DXCMLA1983054) is a 1.9 HP, single-stage, air compressor, with a maximum airflow rate of 155 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet, with the option of converting to a 240 volt because of its dual voltage motor.
The pump is a twin cylinder, manufactured with cast iron, and is designed for maximum airflow to prevent the motor from overheating.
The tank is equipped with a handle and wheels for easy portability and is ideal for workshop or at-home job applications.
Advantages
Quick connect
Quick access onboard controls
High flow regulator
Oil level sight glass
Disadvantages
Hard to reach the drain
Comes filled with oil and may cause leaks if being shipped
Porter-Cable Oil-Lubricated 30 Gallon Air compressor
The Porter-Cable (model #PXCMLC1683066) is a 1.6 HP, single-stage, 30-gallon air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 135 psi, operating on a 120/240-volt outlet.
The pump is a V-twin manufactured with cast iron, along with cast iron valve plates and flywheel for dissipation of heat.
The tank is equipped with a handle and wheels for portability, making this unit ideal for small shops and at-home job applications.
Advantages
The easily accessible oil fill
Oil level sight glass
Lighter compared to other 30 gallon models with a weight of 167 lbs
The NorthStar (model #75859) is a 1.6 HP, oil-lubricated air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 155 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet, with the option of converting to a 240 volt.
The pump is manufactured with cast iron and the V-shaped design allows for optimum airflow, performance, and efficiency, extending its lifespan before servicing.
The tank comes equipped with a handle and tires for easy maneuverability. This Air compressor would be ideal for the workshop and small auto-body shops.
Advantages
The unit comes ready to use
Quick connect
Disadvantages
Cord is short
Industrial Air Oil-Lubricated 30 Gallon Air Compressor
The Industrial Air (model #ILA1883054) is a 1.9 HP, 30-gallon air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 155 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet, with the option of converting to a 240 volt because of its dual voltage motor.
The pump and cylinders are manufactured with cast iron and aluminum, along with the valve plate to ensure proper air distribution.
This air compressor offers easy-access controls with a handle and wheels for easy portability and would be ideal for an auto shop or the do-it-yourself person.
Advantages
Quiet
Comes ready to operate
Low vibration
Disadvantages
Short power cord
Does not have a quick connect post regulator
Husky Oil-Free Single Stage 30 Gallon Air Compressor
The Husky (model #C303H) is a 1.7 HP, oil-free, single-stage, 30-gallon air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 175 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet.
The pump is manufactured with cast iron, while the tank is made of steel equipped with a handle and wheels for easy portability.
The compressor runs at 78 decibels, making this ideal for low noise environments.
It is an oil-free machine, meaning less maintenance, and comes with dual quick connects for multiple users or for switching tools.
This air compressor would be ideal for hobbyists, roofing, auto body repair, inflation, and food trucks.
Advantages
Quiet compared to other models
Less maintenance
Preassembled
Dual quick connectors
Disadvantages
Slow filling with air from an empty state
Campbell Hausfeld Single Stage Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor
The Campbell Hausfeld (model #VT6367) is a 2 HP, single-stage, oil-lubricated air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 135 psi, operating on a 120-volt outlet with the option of converting to a 240 volt, due to its dual voltage motor.
The pump is manufactured with cast iron and is oil lubricated to help ensure a longer lifespan, and all moving parts on this air compressor are encased in a metal cage.
This unit is easy to move from one job to another with its wheels and handle, making it ideal for businesses or the do-it-yourself person.
Advantages
Dual voltage motor
Stainless steel tank
Disadvantages
Noisier compared to other models
Final Thoughts
Deciding on which size air compressor is best will depend on what your needs are. These 30-gallon tank air compressors make them easy to transport to any job site. The hard part is choosing which one is best for you.
If you prefer oil-lubricated machines, then the Dewalt DXCMLA1983054 would be the ideal 30-gallon air compressor. Its powerful 1.9 HP dual voltage motor can operate on a 120 volt or a 240-volt outlet.
It has an on/off switch to save time and wear on pulling the plug, oil sight glass for easy view of oil levels, quick connect, simple controls, high flow regulator, and pneumatic tires to maneuver easily.
Oil-Free
The oil-free units are also options. If you need an air compressor with cleaner air, the Husky 1.7 HP would be ideal.
With a maximum airflow rate of 175 psi and dual quick connect, this unit ensures fast switching of tools with the ability of multiple users. It also has a low decibel rating, which makes it perfect for restricted noise level areas.
Gas Powered
If after looking at the oil-lubricated air compressors, and if an oil-free device is not needed, then you can always choose the option of a gas-powered unit.
When choosing gas, you have the assurance of completing job tasks if an unfortunate power failure was to happen. The gas-powered air compressors are known to be more expensive, but the advantages far outweigh that of other models.
If cost is no object, the Quincy QT-7.5, 13 HP, gas engine would be one of the best options. The pump has a lifespan of 50,000 hours before needing service, far outweighing that of other models.
It has an easy start engine, builds air fast for a continuous flow, it can be portable or mounted, in which case it is easily mounted into the back of trucks or service vehicles. It comes with a standard 1-year warranty but is extended to three years on the pump with the purchase of a warranty kit.
If you’re looking to be a little more cost-efficient, without sacrificing power, the HPDAVV is a great option. It’s a 13 HP gas engine, with a maximum airflow rate of 180.
It easily mounts into service vehicles. The pump has a rating of 8000 hours before service and is designed for less maintenance, This air compressor has a one to two-year warranty and lifetime maintenance.
