Air compressors are an important piece of equipment used in various industries. Those who engage in mechanical works, carpentry, and many other handyman jobs are familiar with the convenience that this device offers.
The problem with this machine, though, is that it can be costly to maintain—from replacing the filters to changing the oils regularly. You also can’t take them with you because of their heavy construction. For these reasons, the best oilless air compressors were invented.
What Is Oil Free Air Compressor?
From the name itself, it is a type of air compressor that doesn’t require regular oil changes for lubrication. Instead, it already comes pre-lubricated using a material called Teflon.
You will find that oil-free units are a lot lighter, more compact, and simpler to operate than their oil-driven counterpart. Because of this, they are a lot more portable. They are used both in household and non-commercial purposes.
Those who are not familiar with this machine might not know exactly what features to look for when buying one. For that, we have come to help you out. Below, we have prepared the best oil free air compressor reviews to help you determine which model suits your needs the most.
1. California Air Tools 10020C 2-HP 10-Gallon Air Compressor
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California Air Tools is proud to be one o the most trusted and largest manufacturers of air compressors today. Its line of products is packed with models that are lightweight, ultra-quiet, and oil-free.
In particular, we’re sure you’d be impressed by the CAT-10020C because of its long list of features.
Here’s what you’d get from the CAT 10020C:
- 10-gallon tank with wheels
- Oil-free dual-piston pump system
- 2HP motor with 7.0-amp draw
- 1,680 RPM
- Maximum pressure of 125 PSI
- Easy-start valve
- Thermal overload protector
- 25 feet cord
- 30- to 60-minute continuous run time
- 3,000+ hours of life cycle
- Dimensions: 16 by 15.1 by 35.9 inches
Will it meet your household’s needs?
If you’re someone who’s out for a machine that offers powerful airflow, minimum maintenance, and significantly less noise, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the CAT 10020C. It also boasts a thermal overload protector to guard against overheating.
This model has a powerful and reliable 2HP motor with an impressively low amp draw. As such, it only runs at 1,680 RPM and produces only 70 decibels. Regardless, you’d be able to enjoy a maximum pressure of 125 PSI.
What’s really impressive about this is the oil-free dual-piston pump system. Because it doesn’t use oil, it is expected to last for up to 3,000 hours of service (compared to just 500 hours from other models). You’d also get around 30 minutes to an hour of run time, depending on the CFM and PSI you set it to.
Pros:
- Operates quietly
- Can be used during cold weathers
- Works even on uneven terrains
- Easy to start up
- Portable at 82.5 pounds
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Cheap, hard plastic wheels
2. Craftsman CMEC6150K 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor
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If you’ve been doing handyman projects for long, be it professionally or DIY, then we’re sure you’ve come across Craftsman before. This brand has been in business for nearly 100 years, which only proves that its products really do stand the test of time.
If you need smaller model than the first option, check out the CMEC6150K. It has a 6-gallon tank that might just be enough for your projects.
What do you get from this unit?
- High-performance motor
- 2 couplers
- 150 maximum PSI
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
- Quick compressor recovery time
- 13-piece accessory kit
- One-year limited warranty
- Dimensions: 16.5 by 16.5 by 17.88 inches
Does it perform as well as it claims to?
This model runs on a high-performance motor that can support up to two devices at a time. It can provide a maximum PSI of 150 but offers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. Unlike the first model we looked at, this comes with a 6-gallon tank, so it’s more portable at just 32.5 pounds.
Regardless if you’re working outside or in the garage, you will find that this machine is easy to fire up. It also boasts a quick recovery time that makes it even easier to use.
With your purchase, you will receive a complete kit with 13 pieces of accessories. These include a blowgun with plug, a blowgun with a safety nozzle, and a 25-foot by ¼-inch PVC hose that already comes with a coupler and plug. You also get a tire gauge, rubber tip, tire chuck with plug, and three pieces of inflator adaptors.
Pros:
- Can start up even in cold weather
- Extremely lightweight at 30 pounds
- Proudly USA-made
- Operates quietly at 78.5 dB
- Comes with an all-inclusive accessory kit
Cons:
- Not strong enough for blowing out sprinklers
- Accessories are cheaply made
3. DEWALT DWFP55126 Pancake 6-Gallon Air Compressor
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When it comes to power tools, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever go wrong with DEWALT. Like Craftsman, they have been known to produce high-quality handyman tools and equipment for nearly a century.
The DEWALT DWFP55126 looks similar to most other pancake-style units, but it is packed with a lot of features guaranteed to make your tasks easier.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- High-efficiency motor
- 6.0-gallon tank
- High-flow regulator
- 2 universal couplers
- 165 maximum PSI
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
- Ball drain valve
- Convenient cord wrap design
- Removable console cover and rubber leg covers
- Dimensions: 17.2 by 16.6 by 20.1 inches
How will these features benefit you?
Regardless of the weather, you can rely on this machine to provide you with the service you need. The highly efficient motor starts up even on cold weather and delivers a maximum PSI of 165. At 90 PSI, you’d be able to enjoy 2.6 CFM.
There are two universal couplers on this compressor, allowing you to use two power tools at the same time. When it comes time to drain the tank, the ball drain valve will ensure that you’d be able to do so quickly and thoroughly.
To make sure the unit lasts for many years, the console has its own cover to protect against the elements. The 15-meter extension cord also conveniently wraps around the machine for easy storage. Lastly, the legs each have their own rubber cover so that they don’t scratch the surface.
Pros:
- Highly portable at 32.1 pounds
- Very quiet at 75.5 dBA
- Protected by a one-year limited warranty
- Builds up pressure faster than its counterparts
Cons:
- Seems louder than advertised
4. California Air Tools CAT-10020 10-Gallon Air Compressor
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If there’s one thing we can say with 100% certainty, it’s this: with an air compressor from California Air Tools, you are guaranteed to get outstanding performance. This is because their products have impressive features that work together to deliver quality at an affordable price.
Why is it a good buy?
- Powerful 2HP motor
- 1,680 RPM
- Oil-free dual-pistol pump system
- 10-gallon steel tank with wheels
- 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI
- Built-in regulator
- Quick-connect ports
- Easy-start valve
- 14-amp start-up draw
- Dimensions: 17 by 16 by 33 inches
Do the features match your needs, though?
As you may have noticed, this is the second time we have featured a machine from California Air Tools.
What makes this one a better choice than the other? It all comes down to power. Basically, this machine can provide power to larger tools than the CAT-10020C. At 90 PSI, it can deliver more than double the CFM at 5.30.
What’s more, it has all the same convenient features that the other CAT unit has. It also runs on a 2HP motor that operates at just 1,680 RPM, so you can be sure it’s less noisy than other options. The easy-start valve is an excellent addition, too, making it easy to fire up even on a cold day.
Like all other options we’re looking at today, this has an oil-free pump, too. As such, you won’t find it a problem to use it on uneven terrains. Also, maintenance won’t be as demanding as an oil-driven compressor.
Pros:
- Performs quietly at 70 dB
- From empty to full in 130 seconds
- Can be used with 2 tools simultaneously
- Comes with a limited one-year warranty
- Easy to move because of the wheels
- Responsive customer service
Cons:
- Heavy at 91 pounds
- Not as quiet as advertised but quiet nonetheless
5. Porter-Cable C2002-WK 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor
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So far, we’ve been featuring models from trusted brands. However, these brands follow a standard led by no other than Porter-Cable. For more than 110 years, they have been designing and building tools that deliver outstanding performance, reliability, and quality.
No doubt, these are what you’d get from the Porter-Cable C2002-WK.
Here’s what it offers:
- Induction motor
- No-maintenance oil-free pump
- 6-gallon tank capacity
- High-flow air regulator
- 150 PSI maximum tank pressure
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
- Built-in air coupler and plug
- Rubber feet and console cover
- 13-piece accessory kit
- Dimensions: 18.3 by 18 by 19 inches
What makes it a better choice than others?
From filling tires to firing up a nailer, this machine has got it covered. It runs on a reliable induction motor that guarantees the best performance for years to come. To make sure it lasts even longer, you can replace the brushes whenever needed.
Powering it up is easy, too; simply plug it into a regular household outlet and wait for it to recharge. As a bonus, it has been designed with a 120 PSI cut-in pressure where you can get up to 30 PSI of air pressure.
Perhaps its best selling feature, though, is its 13-piece accessory kit. Along with the compressor, you will get a tire chuck and gauge, a blowgun and attachments, plugs, a quick coupler, and a 25-foot hose made of nylon.
Pros:
- Portable at only 30 pounds
- Has a built-in carry handle
- Supports up to three air nailers at the same time
- Protected by a one-year limited warranty
- Easy to store because of compact size
Cons:
- The instruction manual could be better
6. California Air Tools 8010 1HP Air Compressor
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Here, we have yet another option from California Air Tools. Indeed, they are one of the best brands when it comes to air compressors in general. The CAT-8010, in particular, is a favorite of many because it is packed with awesome features working together to deliver the best performance.
Here are its wow features:
- 1HP motor at 1,680 RPM
- Oil-free, dual-piston pump
- 8-gallon steel tank
- Maximum 120 PSI
- 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI
- 2 pressure control gauges
- Universal 1.4-inch quick connector
- Thermal overload protector
- Over 3,000 hours of service
- Dimensions: 26 by 14 by 23 inches
How does it differ from other options?
If the 10-gallon and 6-gallon options just didn’t cut it for you, perhaps you’d find better chances with a model that has an 8-gallon tank. It delivers up to 120 PSI of compressed air and boasts 2.20 CFM when set at 90 PSI.
Like most other California Air Tools models, this is designed with an oil-free dual-piston pump. It guarantees the machine’s reliability even in uneven terrain or changing weather. This also ensures a longer life span, even reaching more than 3,000 hours (a whopping 2,500 more hours than low-end models).
Other built-in features include two pressure control gauges and a quick connector that’s compatible with almost all kinds of tools. You don’t have to worry about overheating, too, because it has a built-in thermal load protector.
Pros:
- Impressively quiet at 60 dB
- Lightweight at 48 pounds
- Fills up in under 130 seconds
- Fast recovery time
- Has a low amp draw at 8.5 amps
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Short carry handle
7. California Air Tools CAT-4620AC 2HP 4.6-Gallon Twin Compressor
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Last but not least is the CAT-4620AC from, again, California Air Tools.
Here’s what it offers:
- Powerful 2HP motor
- Large dual-piston oil-free pump
- 4.6-gallon twin tank capacity
- Maximum pressure at 125 PSI
- 1,760 RPM
- 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI
- Easy-start valve
- Dimensions: 20.7 by 18 by 21 inches
Why is it the right choice for you?
At first glance, you will see that this model is different from the six others we reviewed. This is because, unlike other models, the CAT-4620AC boasts a dual-tank design. Some say that this is the perfect choice for those who like taking on DIY home improvement projects at home.
What benefits does this kind of air compressor offer? Because it has two tanks, this machine can store and compress more air so that the compressor doesn’t run as often. This extends the life of the motor, as well as guarantees you finish the job at hand without having to recharge.
Other than that, you get the same features as other CAT units. These include an easy-start valve for hassle-free startups, a dual-piston pump that doesn’t require oil, and a high-performance 2HP motor. These work together to provide you with up to 125 PSI of compressed air and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI.
Pros:
- Noise level at 70 dB
- Easy to move around the job site
- Works well even on cold days
- Quick delivery and recovery
- Ideal for high-demand tools
- Protected by a one-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Weighs heavy at 67.2 pounds
Buyer’s Guide
Not sure which to choose among the units we looked at? No matter how many best oil less air compressor reviews you read, if you don’t know what you want, your effort won’t produce results.
If you’re new to buying an oil-free air compressor, selecting one from a sea of options can be challenging. To help guide you, here are the top considerations to keep in mind when looking for one.
Oil-Free vs. Oil-Driven
To decide whether you need a machine that runs on oil or not, you would have to gauge how much you’d be using the machine.
Those that require oil need regular maintenance, which can be costly. However, they are more suited to handle heavier-duty jobs than their oil-free counterparts. As such, it is advised that you buy one if you need an air compressor for commercial and industrial jobs.
On the other hand, if you’re only planning on using it for small jobs here and there, an oil-less unit would be enough. As mentioned, these come pre-lubricated, so there’s no need to worry about too much maintenance.
Tank Size
More or less, the price would depend on the size of the air tank. Hence, you would want to decide if you need a large 10-gallon tank or make do with a model that has a four- or six-gallon tank.
The decision, obviously, rests on the amount of workload you expect the machine to handle. A larger tank means the more pre-compressed air is made available to you when you need it. This means the compressor wouldn’t have to turn on as often to refill the tank.
SCFM Rating
The CFM rating indicates how much air pressure the machine can deliver per minute. Knowing this lets you know if the machine can handle the requirements of your tools. Choose a unit that can provide anywhere from 1.5 to 5 CFM at 90 PSI. If you’d prefer a smaller, 1HP unit, make sure that it can deliver a maximum pressure of 150 PSI.
Noise Level
These machines produce a loud noise that can quickly become annoying and cause headaches. Though not really related to performance, some look at the noise level when choosing air compressors.
Conclusion
Among the top 7 options we presented, which do you think is the best oilless air compressor? For us, it’s the Porter-Cable C2002-WK, and for many reasons.
First, this unit comes from a well-trusted brand that is known all over the globe for its highly reliable products. But more than that, you can get all that it has to offer at a budget-friendly price.
With the Porter-Cable C2002-WK, you get the best value for your money—from its oil-free, no-maintenance pump to 150 PSI maximum pressure. Plus, you will also receive a 13-piece accessory kit that will allow you to begin your project as soon as possible.
