Compressors are among the most common tools to have, because they represent a practically essential solution for a self-respecting garage. In fact, they allow you to do it routine maintenance to all vehicles, from those with manual traction (such as bicycles) to those with motor traction (motorcycles and cars), but they are also used to inflate water toys or to clean tools and work environments thanks to the powerful jet of air.
On the market, as for all products, there are many alternatives available, with the most disparate characteristics for power, functionality And energy consumption. For this reason we have decided to bring together in this article the best compressors around to allow you all to be able to make an informed investment. Having said that, let’s move on to the analysis of the solutions, making it clear that we will start from the economic compressors up to the best on the market. We therefore wish you a good reading and a good shopping!
The best compressors
Intex 68613 Manual Pump
It is very important nowadays to have a compressor, even a small one for bikes, electric bicycles and scooters. In this sense, we want to start this particular buying guide with a product with an excellent quality/price ratio, namely theIntex 68613. We are talking about a small manual pump, which guarantees high performance in all those domestic contexts. Among its peculiarities we find the compact dimensions and a relatively low weight, which is why it will be possible to transport it anywhere!
Mannesmann M01790
Among the professional and compact products we certainly find the 12-volt aluminum mini-compressor belonging to the stable of Brüder Mannesmann Werkzeuge, which is characterized by its resistant structure and its power. Furthermore, in maximum practicality, it allows you to inflate tires of all kinds, balls and many other similar products, thanks to a high pressure (up to 10 bar). It also guarantees automatic protection against overloads and a second protection against splashes of water, which can sometimes damage the internal mechanisms. Inside the package, in addition to the compressor, there are four adapters each for balls, bike tires, inflatable mattresses and cars.
Xiaomi Portable Digital Compressor
Returning to compact and at the same time functional devices. In this paragraph it is the turn of another product to take into consideration, namely the Xiaomi Portable Digital Compressor, which is also named as Mi Portable Air Pump. It can be transported with the utmost ease and safety, given that it boasts very small dimensions. Thanks to an electronic drive (a small battery is kept inside) it can inflate any type of tyre, provided that its autonomy does not run out. It also has five buttons, a display (to view various parameters useful for recognizing the inflation status), a digital pressure sensor and a system that also boasts some predefined programs. In the package we find, in addition to the compressor, also a USB cable and a transport bag. In short, a targeted purchase for all those who want a compact and good quality compressor.
Black+Decker ASI300 compact compressor
Black+Decker is one of the best brands in the production of maintenance and do-it-yourself products. Among its products, we advise you to take a look at ASI300 compact compressor, characterized by a series of essential functions for a self-respecting compressor. First of all, it can be used via a 230V socket or via a 12V socket (cigarette lighter), and is therefore ideal for domestic and outdoor inflating. Its power allows it to reach a pressure of 11 bars, which is why it is able to inflate practically everything, from airbeds to bicycles, not forgetting car tyres. It also guarantees an auto-shutdown system, should the system realize that the desired result has been achieved. Finally, it also boasts a luminous dial for selecting the desired inflation pressure.
Einhell 4010370 compressor
If you are looking for a professional product, we suggest that you consider purchasing the compressor Einhell 4010370 BT-AC 270/50. It is a product that is useful for carrying out any maintenance operation, thanks to a power of no less than 1.8 kW (2.5 HP) and a tank capacity of 50 litres. Its flow rate is 262 liters per minute, while the operating pressure is 175 liters per minute at 0 bar, 150 liters per minute at 4 bar and 113 liters per minute at 7 bar. All while maintaining a certain standard of safety for all products awaiting maintenance. Although it is not a product for homes, we still recommend you to take a look at this product.
How to choose the best compressors
Once the review of the best compressors on the market has been made, we propose below the characteristics to look for in such a product, in case you want to research it independently.
- Structure, and consequent capacity
- Pressure and power
- Portability
- Noisiness
- Secondary accessories
Structure, and consequent capacity
One of the factors to consider before purchasing a compressor is the structure, resulting in capacity. In fact, on the market we find two large families of products, compressors with tank (specific for long-lasting jobs) and those without (for all short jobs such as inflating products). The choice must therefore be based on the future use of this machinery. In this article we have favored tankless products.
Pressure and power
There are several factors to consider before making such a purchase, in addition to those listed above. First of all, it is necessary to buy a product with good pressure, it represents a fundamental value. Pressure is defined by the ability of a product to draw air into the tank, which is why the higher the value, the greater the power of the air jet. There are two units of measurement, namely bar or psi (pounds-force per square inch, in other words it is the Anglo-Saxon unit of measurement, which is characterized by 1 bar = 14 psi). For a good compressor we are roughly around 8 bar, but it is also necessary to choose according to one’s uses, one’s needs and, above all, one’s wallet. An example of all is the gun for inflating a wheel, which has a pressure of up to a maximum of 3 bar of pressure.
Power also plays a fundamental role, because the pressure generated by the compressor also depends on this factor. For this reason, we will show you below what are the differences between electric and petrol motors of a compressor.
- Electric motor (AC). It is a product powered simply by electricity, which can reach a value of around 2 horsepower, in other words 1,500W. Products characterized by an electric motor have a variable power between 1 and 2 horsepower, which are characterized by their role as household items.
- Petrol engine. These items are designed for industrial use, and tend to be characterized by a higher power than electric ones. Clearly, these compressors are therefore recommended for professionals in the sector and the purchase is essential for those who work with tires or other products to be inflated.
- Direct current motor (DC). A different story is made for portable compressors, which are also the subject of this buying guide, given that they represent an excellent companion on camping adventures, or for inflating the bicycle tire when it deflates. Compressors that have motors of this kind have limited power and, clearly, a reduced flow rate, which is why they are recommended for those who do not have any major needs.
Portability
In addition to power, pressure and structure, the factor of portability must also be kept in mind. Compressors, especially industrial ones, are notoriously large and difficult to transport from one place to another, which is why the purchase of portable models is recommended for those who intend to carry a compressor around, in the car or in a backpack. Instead, the purchase of models with a tank is aimed at those who want a product for professionals, and therefore it is very important to evaluate the presence of handles and wheels for transport.
An excellent compressor can be transported anywhere, in fact the larger models have wheels of all sizes, especially those with generous dimensions which have additional wheels to facilitate transport. In addition to this, the location must also be considered, such as an electrical outlet for models with an electric motor or a large space for large compressors.
Noisiness
You also need to consider the noise factor. These products tend to be noisy, and this last factor must be in line with the use we will make of the compressor. For this reason it is also highly advisable to keep in mind the purchase of a silencer, capable of greatly reducing noise, or to orient yourself with electrical items or those already silenced by the manufacturer.
Secondary accessories
Last, but not least, are the secondary accessories. These tools allow a compressor to become practically universal, and therefore compatible with all types of unions. Finally, the presence of accessories also allows you to make a small saving. For example, the most important ones are:
- Pressure gauge
- Nozzles of various sizes for sports equipment
- Home cleaning nozzles
- Rubber hoses of variable lengths
- Tire adaptor
- Paint gun
