Jenny products have been around for over 100 years and are known for their high-quality compressor equipment.
They manufacture compressors for both home and commercial use, with significant options of portable, single, two-stage for service vehicles, and mounted.
Jenny purchased the Emglo division of stationary air compressors for industrial use in 2003, along with Black & Decker and Dewalt’s pump manufacturing facility, and has been producing many parts and components for Emglo for more than 30 years.
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- See also: Best 80-gallon air compressor
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Jenny air compressors use a series of synthetic oils in their machines, with some of them being splash lubricated. But what exactly does that mean?
Oil is needed to reduce friction and heat, acting as a buffer within the moving parts. This protects them from breaking down and causing damage to the compressor.
Oil also reduces noise and cleans debris found within the engine caused by wear.
How splash lubrication works
Within the engine, there is a part called a connecting rod. It is the connecting link between the crankpin and the piston.
On the end of the connecting rod is a dipper, whose function is to splash oil and distribute it throughout the bottom end of the pump when the crankshaft turns.
This process is a cost-efficient way of ensuring the pump’s lubrication, but filtering and replenishing the oil when needed is necessary.
Advantages of splash lubrication
- Cost-efficient
- Less maintenance of the pump
Disadvantages of splash lubrication
- The pump may not get enough oil (wear can occur)
- The pump may get too much oil (locking of the hydraulics)
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List of 10 Best Jenny (Emglo) Air Compressors Reviews
A Jenny Air Compressor is one of the best pieces of equipment you can own. They are one of the best-known companies around and pride their products on performance and durability.
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 different models of the Jenny and the Emglo air compressors which will help you with your research if you’re leaning towards Jenny Products.
We focused this review on a list of the best Jenny (Emglo) air compressors for 2022, whether you are in the market for an air compressor for personal, small business, or industrial use.
Jenny 4 Gallon Electric Portable Air Compressor
The Jenny model # AM780-HC4V-115/1 is a four-gallon, oil-lubricated, hand-carry air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 125 psi.
It has a single-stage, 2 Hp motor operating on a 115-volt outlet, and is easy to transport to multiple job sites with a weight of only 61 pounds.
The ventilated cooling system, along with its cast-iron pump and aluminum head, helps to ensure a longer lifespan of 2500 hours before service.
This unit is ideal for the hobbyist and the do-it-yourself person.
Advantages
- Lightweight
- Comes filled with oil and ready to use
- The powder-coated steel tank and frame
- Anti-vibration feet
Disadvantages
- Short power cord
- 1-year warranty
- No oil sight glass
Jenny 80 Gallon Electric Vertical Air Compressor
This Jenny model #GT5B-80V/J5A-80V is an 80 gallon, splash lubricated air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 175 psi. It has a two-stage, 5 HP motor operating on a 230-volt single-phase outlet.
This unit weighs 590 lbs and takes up less floor space with its vertical design. The pump is belt-driven, constructed with cast iron, and any heat is reduced with the large flywheel and directional air shroud.
This unit is ideal for both large and small commercial use. (Jenny also makes this exact model in a three-phase)
Advantages
- An oil sight glass for easy viewing
- Automatic tank drain
- Magnetic starter
- Industrial motor
- Low oil level switch
Disadvantages
- Costly
Emglo 4 Gallon Electric Air Compressor
The Emglo model #EM810-4M is a 4-gallon, oil-lubricated air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 125 psi.
It has a 1.1 HP motor and operates on a 120-volt outlet, and the pump is constructed with cast iron and has a lifespan of 1500 hours before service.
This unit is portable and very easy to maneuver with its weight of 95 lbs, handle, and wheels and any materials of up to 100 lbs can be placed on the top load panel for easy transport around job sites.
Cold weather users will benefit from this air compressor with its dual start valves to aid in cold weather start-up.
This unit is ideal for the do-it-yourself person, or small shops and jobs such as roofing and furniture stapling.
Advantages
- Dual connection couplers for two users
- Wrap around frame
- Oil level sight glass for easy viewing
- Easy maneuverability
- Added cargo space
Disadvantages
- 1-year warranty
Jenny 120 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor
The Jenny model #2W5B-120-230/1 is a 120 gallon, splash lubricated air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 175 psi.
It has a two-stage, 10 HP (2 x 5 HP), an open drip-proof motor with a magnetic starter, operating on a 240-volt outlet.
This model is referred to as a duplex because it has two pumps and two motors of the same size on one tank.
Both pumps are constructed with cast iron and have large flywheels to prevent overheating.
This unit is ideal for large commercial shops such as automotive construction or anywhere that air tools are needed.
Advantages
- If one set of pump/motor fails, the other set can continue to operate
- Multiple users and tools
Disadvantages
- Noisy at 93 decibels
- Expensive
Jenny 30 Gallon Gas Powered Air Compressor
The Jenny model #J11HGA-30T is a 30 gallon, single-stage, splash lubricated air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 150 psi.
It has an 11 HP gas-powered (Honda GX) motor with a cast iron, belt-driven pump, and it reduces any heat with the large flywheel and directional air shroud.
The gas-powered motor ensures the completion of any job tasks following a power failure.
This unit weighs 420 lbs and is easily mounted into trucks and service vehicles, making it ideal for industrial use.
Advantages
- An oil sight glass for easy viewing
- The pump comes with pre-filled oil
- Fully enclosed belt guard
Disadvantages
- Costly
Jenny 8 Gallon Gas Wheelbarrow Air Compressor
The Jenny model #K5HGA-8P is an 8 gallon, single-stage, splash lubricated air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 125 psi. It has a 5.5 HP gas-powered (Honda GX) motor with a solid cast iron belt-driven pump.
The directional air shroud and large flywheel ensure a reduction in heat and an easier start. This unit weighs 215 lbs, and is portable with its wheelbarrow design wheel and handle, making it ideal for small job sites and at-home use.
Advantages
- Anti-vibration feet
- An oil sight glass for easy viewing
- Portable
Disadvantages
- 1-year warranty
Jenny 30 Gallon Electric Air Compressor
This Jenny model #K15A-30-1 is a 30 gallon, splash lubricated air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 125 psi. It has a 1.5 HP motor and operates on a 115-volt outlet.
The pump is constructed with cast iron and heat is reduced with the large flywheel and directional air shroud. This unit is ideal for the do-it-yourself person and small shop owners.
Advantages
- Magnetic starter
- Enclosed belt guard
- Pressure relief safety valve
Disadvantages
- 1-year warranty
Jenny 4.8 Gallon Electric Air Compressor
The Jenny hand-carry model #A2G246-HC4V is a 2 HP, 4.8-gallon air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 125 psi, operating on a 115-volt outlet.
This unit is portable, weighs 62 lbs, and has anti-vibration feet. Like all Jenny air compressors, it has a forced cooling system to prevent overheating and a cast-iron cylinder to prolong the life of the pump. This air compressor would be ideal for a small home business and hobbyists.
Advantages
- The unit comes filled with oil and ready to use
- Powder-coated frame and tank for extra durability
- Pressure relief safety valve
- Disadvantages
- Short power cord
- 1-year warranty
Emglo 4 Gallon Electric Air Compressor
The Emglo hand-carry model #AM782HC4V is a 1.1 HP, oil lubricated, 4-gallon air compressor with a maximum airflow rate of 125 psi, operating on a 115-volt outlet.
This unit is light and portable, weighing only 56 lbs, making it easy to transport, and can be used anywhere with the advantage of its dual start valves for easy start-up in colder temperatures. This unit is ideal for anywhere air tools are needed in smaller job applications.
Advantages
- Portable
- Cast-iron cylinder for a longer lifespan
Disadvantages
- Short electrical cord
Jenny Fire Sprinkler Air Compressors
In addition to the air compressors listed, Jenny also offers a line of fire sprinkler air compressors. These air compressors are used to pressurize air or nitrogen inside pipes.
When a water sprinkler is triggered, the valve on the pipe releases water, which disperses through the now open sprinkler head.
These air compressors are used in the prevention of freezing and rusting pipes and are usually used in areas such as warehouses and anywhere heat can not be utilized.
There are twenty-four models of these air compressors to choose from, with twelve being base mounted and the remaining twelve tanks mounted. The horsepower ranges from 1 HP to 5 HP.
All of Jennys’ models come with a belt-driven pump constructed of cast iron and a large flywheel for cooling, along with many other features.
Tank Mounted
- Powder-coated tank
- Manual tank drains
- Protectively mounted fittings
- Tank gauge
- Pressure relief safety valves
- Start/stop control
Tank Mounted Options
- Magnetic starter
- 17-gallon tank
- Low oil level switch on vertical tanks
- Oil sight glass
- Automatic tank drain
- Airline filter
- Dryer control (water condensation)
Base Mounted
- Thermal overload protection
- Splash lubricated
- Enclosed belt guard
- Powder-coated steel base plate
- Large canister intake filter
- Industrial electric motor
Final Thoughts
The model of air compressor one chooses depends upon what their specific needs are. Any of the Jenny models would be an ideal choice.
For multiple small job site applications, I’m leaning more towards the Emglo model #EM810-4M.
It’s designed for easy maneuverability with its wheels and long handle, and the top load panel makes it very easy to transport extra tools and equipment you’d otherwise have to carry or come back for. This unit would also suit a hobbyist as well.
If you are looking for something with a bigger tank, and don’t want to bother with electrical cords, then the Jenny gas model #K5HGA-8P would be the perfect unit.
It weighs more than the previous model mentioned but is still easy to transport with its wheelbarrow designed wheel and handle.
Lastly, if you need an air compressor for commercial use, then the Jenny #GT5B-80V/J5A-80V with an 80 gallon tank is an option.
I prefer the vertical design as it takes up less floor space, but if space is not a factor when deciding, then there are other options to choose from.