Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor for Home Garage| the Topmost 8 Air Compressors Review

During this Covid 19 pandemic we cannot but stay at home. So we need to do all our power tasks at-home garage. And an air compressor with precise size and sufficient capacity is the powerhouse of a garage. The best 20-gallon air compressor for the home garage is a mixture of sufficient power for running garage tools with its portability.

For running garage tools like nailer, sander, grinder, air hammers, tire inflator what you badly need is the portability of the compressor. And if the tank is large in size and heavy then you cannot move it.

But if the tank is too small, it cannot reach the required CFM rating as garage tools run with 0-5 CFM. To cope with all these criteria regarding the best small air compressor for the home garage here we are presenting a review on top 8 portable 20-gallon air compressors with adequate CFM and PSI level for running garage power tools. Have a look at it; who knows the powerhouse of your garage is waiting here or not.

Quick Overview: Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor for Home Garage

From our own experiment of garage work here we are recommending you the topmost 8 air compressors.  These air compressors are fit for both beginners as well as professionals.

• If your garage is too small then you can go for WEN 2202 Oil-Lubricated Portable Air Compressor or Briggs & Stratton 074064-00 Vertical Air Compressor as they are vertical and lightweight.
• When you need more air pressure for running a heavy-duty tool then grab CRAFTSMAN CMXECXA0232043 Air Compressor as it can produce up to 175 PSI
• And when your first priority is a quieter compressor then you have no other alternative to STEALTH SAQ-12018 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor because it creates only 68 dB noise.
• For high CFM you can choose either DEWALT DXCMPA1982054 Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor or California Air Tools 20020 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor as both have almost 7.00 CFM ratings at 40 PSI.

WEN 2202 Oil-Lubricated Portable Air Compressor

Specifications:

• Max Pressure: 135 PSI
• Max CFM: 5 at 40 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 20 Gallons
• Weight: 86 Pounds
• Dimension: 19.5 x 17.5 x 42 inches

Features:

1. The 15 amp oil-lubricated single-stage motor can produce max 135 PSI pressure with the 2 years warranty of the unit
2. Rubber footed legs and 2 rubber wheels make sure the super portability of this vertical compressor
3. The auto shut down function prevent blasting when the compressor reaches its maximum pressure
4. ¼ inch NPT quick coupler allows easy and simple air hose setup and 20 gallons steel air tank can supply max 5 CFM at 40 PSI

Description:

WEN 2202 Oil-Lubricated Portable Air Compressor is one of the options of best 20-gallon vertical air compressor with its 2 years warranty period. This air compressor unit is super portable with its onboard handle, two rubber footed legs, and two rubber wheels.

The unit also consists of two pressure gauges; one is for monitoring the tank pressure, another is for output pressure, a ¼ inch quick coupler for connecting air hose. The unbreakable steel tank is able to store 20 gallons of air at a time with a maximum pressure of 135 PSI. Again the automatic shut-off system reduces the possibility of blasting.

This medium-sized unit can do almost all the garage works like nailing, spray painting of little objects, woodworking, inflating, and so on. And the main advantage of any WEN produce is the satisfactory customer care service.

 

California Air Tools 20020 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor

Specifications:

• Engine: 2 HP
• Weight: 134.7 lbs.
• Dimension: 20 x 20 x 45 inches
• Max Pressure: 125 PSI
• Max CFM: 6.40 at 40 PSI
• Air Tank: 20 Gallons

Features:

1. 2 HP oil-free, electric corded, dual piston powerful motor is ultra-quiet that operates 1680 RPM creating 70 dB noise
2. The durable rubber made wheels along with the bar handle make sure the portability of the unit
3. Easy start valve reduces amps for easier starting of the unit even in extremely cold weather
4. The unit is designed with an increased duty cycle of SP Series
5. CAT20020 air compressor is designed for running garage tools like LVLP spray guns, impact wrenches, tire inflator, and sanders

Description:

California Air Tools 20020 Ultra Quiet Vertical Air Compressor is designed with the configurations of small garage or shop works. Its vertical shape can save the space of your garage. Again this unit is super portable for its moveable wheels along with bar handle. There is a supporting stand beside the wheels to lean the compressor while draining the moisture.

The compressor has 2 universal female quick couplers for dual operations, a regulator for controlling pressure, a universal pressure switch, a regulator gauge, a tank gauge, and last but not least a safety valve for releasing excess pressure.

And the most attractive feature of this unit is the ultra-quietness. You can even carry your conversation while working with this compressor. Because of low noise, your neighbors, as well as family members, will be pleased with you for not disturbing them with loud noise.

 

DEWALT DXCMPA1982054 Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.9 HP Dual Inductions
• Max Pressure: 155 PSI
• Max CFM: 7.0 CFM at 40 PSI
• Dimension: ‎32 x 21 x 32 inches
• Weight: 166 lbs.
• Air Tank: 20 Gallons

Features:

1. 9 HP powerful, cast iron, twin-cylinders, the oiled motor with a high flow regulator
2. The unit is horizontally set with two tough rubber made wheels and a stand along with a giant handle to roll on
3. 20 gallons ASME certified tank can supply a maximum of 7 CFM at 40 PSI
4. This 155 PSI unit is appropriate for high-pressure air tools like framing nailer, air hammers, and other heavy-duty industrial air tools

Descriptions:

DEWALT DXCMPA1982054 oil lubricated 1.9 HP powerful air compressor is durable for its cast-iron dual cylinders. This unit is shipped with synthetic oil and easy to exchange oil for an easily accessible oil fill system along with oil level sight glass.

The automatic ball bearings and Swedish stainless steel reed valves ensure toughness. This air compressor unit has a high flow regulator, 2 pressure gauges, a pressure switch, a quick coupler to connect the air hose.

DEWALT DXCMPA1982054 air compressor is familiar for its optimal tools performance as well as high PSI as it can provide you 155 PSI pressure. This unit provides 2 years warranty for its 120-240 volt pump and a 1-year warranty for the body parts.

 

STEALTH SAQ-12018 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.8 HP
• Dimension: 19.67 x 17.52 x 41.81 inches
• Weight: 121 lbs.
• Max Pressure: 150 PSI
• Max CFM: 5.5 at 40 PSI
• Noise level:  68 dB

Features:

1. 8 HP powerful, oil-free 120-volt electric motor requires less maintenance
2. The unit is super portable with its 8 inches rubber wheels with rubber referenced grip
3. Vertical shape requires less space and 20 gallons alloy steel tank can supply a maximum of 150 PSI
4. This medium-sized portable workhorse has a CFM rating of 5.5 at 40 PSI which is perfect for running grease gun and drill hammer

Description:

STEALTH SAQ-12018 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor is a complete package for home garages, shops, and even for industrial application for its dual piston pump and durable alloy steel body. The whole unit carries two universal quick couplers for dual operation at a time, two pressure gauges, a regulator, a drain valve to release moisture, a 20 gallons alloy steel tank to store compressed air.

This medium-sized air compressor is easily transportable from one garage to another for its rubber handle and rubber wheels. And you can run almost all the garage tools like a caulk gun, paint sprayer, drill, sander polisher, roofing nailer, retches, etc. with its max 150 PSI pressure. This unit has 3 times more lifespan for its two-stage, oil-free, ultra-quiet 1.8 HP electric motor.

 

Briggs & Stratton 074064-00 Vertical Air Compressor

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.5 HP
• Dimension: ‎21 x 18 x 44 inches
• Weight: 83.8 Pounds
• Max Pressure: 150 PSI
• CFM: 4.8 at 40 PSI

Features:

1. 5 HP 120 volts, oil-free, powerful induction motor ensures lasting performance for air hammers, nail guns, ratchets, and more air tools
2. The 20-gallon portable unit has a max capacity of 150 with a CFM of 4.8 at 40
3. Large and heavy rubber wheels, as well as reinforced handle, ensure the portability of this vertical unit

Description:

Briggs & Stratton 074064-00 Vertical Air Compressor is the best size air compressor for home garage for its vertical shape along with 83.8 pounds weight. You will be surprised to know that this tiny low weight unit is able to produce 150 PSI air pressure.

The oil-free motor requires less maintenance. This tiny unit has a frame design to protect the motor. There is a regulator, two pressure gauges, and one quick coupler to connect the air hose. The moveable wheels and reinforced handles pave the way to carry this unit from one place to another in your garage or small shop.

 

Stealth ‎SAQ-12018 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.8 HP
• Dimension: 19.67 x 17.52 x 41.81 inches
• Weight: 121.4 Pounds
• Max PSI: 150 PSI
• CFM: 6 CFM at 40 PSI
• Noise level: 68 dB

Features:

1. Oil-free, 1.8 HP high-quality induction motor can generate continuous airflow of 150 PSI
2. This unit is ultra-quiet with only 68 dB noise which allows carrying conversation while working
3. The portable 20-gallon unit has CFM ratings of 6 which can run almost all the power tools of garage or small shops

Description:

Stealth ‎SAQ-12018 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor is super portable with its rubber wheels and bar handle. This air compressor has a dual-piston, oil-free motor, and alloy steel body which provides the unit 3 times longer lifespan.

This unit has an easy start-up system with the feature of staring at the motor even in extremely cold weather. The whole unit carries 2 universal quick couplers for dual operating at a time, two pressure gauges, a regulator, and an alloy steel tank, a drain valve to release moisture, a safety valve, and a pair of wheels, bar handle, and a stand to lean the unit while draining.

As the compressor has a CFM rating of 6 at 40 PSI, the unit is one of the best 20-gallon vertical air compressors for garage work.

 

PORTER-CABLE PXCMF220VW 20-Gallon Portable Air Compressor

Specifications:

• Engine:  1.5 HP
• Dimension: ‎17 x 18 x 43 inches
• Weight: 97 Pounds
• Max PSI: 150 PSI
• CFM: 5 CFM at 40
• Noise Level: 84 dB

Features:

1. 5 HP powerful, oil-free motor can supply 150 PSI max pressure for using multiple air tools
2. The unit is CSA certified with a 20-gallon steel tank, the pump is made of cast iron
3. For easy transportation for job sites there has a pair of 7 inches solid rubber wheels along with a fixed stand on the top
4. The unit has a CFM rating of 5.0 at 40 PSI and 4.0 at 90 PSI

Description:

PORTER-CABLE PXCMF220VW 20-Gallon Portable Air Compressor is an electric corded unit with a configuration of low voltage start-up. The interesting feature of this air compressor is that you can adjust this unit with an extended cord which makes it unique.

The unit has a universal pressure switch to adjust the pressure levels, a regulator to control the unit, a pressure relief valve to avoid blasting, a drain valve to release moisture, and a quick coupler for connecting the air hose.

For its lightweight and super portability with the 7 inches solid rubber stand it has taken the place of one of the best small air compressors for the home garage.

 

CRAFTSMAN CMXECXA0232043 Air Compressor

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.8 HP
• Dimensions: 17.6 x 23.6 x 41.5 inches
• Weight: 90.8 pounds
• Max Pressure: 175 PSI
• CFM: 5.00 at 40PSI, 4.00 at 90 PSI
• Noise Level: 80 dB

Features:

1. 8 HP oil-free, stainless steel powerful motor ensures efficient performance of working over 300 hours continuously
2. The oil-free motor requires low maintenance
3. 20 gallons air tank provides max 175 PSI and max 5.00 CFM rating air at 40 PSI
4. This high-pressure unit is a complete solution for inflating, cleaning, brad nailing, drilling, painting, and so on.
5. You can carry this unit wherever and whenever you want as it has solid rubber wheels and a bar handle along with only 90. 8 pounds weight

Description:

CRAFTSMAN CMXECXA0232043 Air Compressor is a vertical compressor unit with a large 175 PSI air pressure. So this unit is one of the best 20 gallons air compressors for those tools which require high pressure like brad nailer, air staplers, roofing nailer, wrench, air stapler, air hammers, sanders, grinders, etc.

Another feature that makes this lightweight air compressor unique is that you can run this compressor for over 300 hours continuously. And you will be delighted to know that the shipment carries a 6 feet air hose to connect the air tools with the compressor.

Again this unit carries a plastic filter to separate moisture, two quick couplers for dual operation at a time, two gauges, a regulator, a pressure switch, a safety valve to prevent blasting, two solid rubber wheels with the diameter of 8 inches each as well as a handle for easy transportation. And for easy draining of the moisture, there has a drain valve on the bottom with a stand to lean.

This unit carries a 1-year limited warranty for its body parts including the motor.

 

Considerations before Buying:

Air compressor is a multitasking device for operating power tools of any home garage, small shops, or medium to large industries. And when you search to grab the best air compressor for home garage use you need to know the preconditions. And here we are with a proper guide to follow before buying the right air compressor for small shops or home garages.

Tank Size:

The Air tank of an air compressor stores compressed air. And with the potential energy of this compressed air, all the air tools operate. A larger tank paves the way for using more air before the pressure drops.

The larger the air tank is the more continuous flow you can get. For running garage tools 2.6 gallons to 20 gallons is the most suitable range.

But if the tank is too big then the compressor needs more space to keep. The price of the large air compressor is also high. Again if the tank is tiny then you cannot get continuous airflow.

To cope up with such crises we have recommended a 20-gallon air tank for the garage air compressor. The 20-gallon tank is not too heavy.

Weight:

Weight is also a considerable factor for any air compressor. If your garage air compressor weighs too much then it becomes a burden for you. You cannot displace it from one site to another. Again it needs huge space to place.

In this article, we have provided you a list of such air compressors which have a weight range from 80 lbs. to 166 lbs. So you can easily carry these lightweight air compressors from the garage to outside or outside to the garage.

Portability:

Portability is a must for the small air compressor for the garage. If your air compressor is not portable then you must place it in a specific place. And you cannot carry it outside the garage whenever you need it.

For operating most the air tools like brad nailer, sanders, grinders, tire inflator you must carry the compressor from one place to another.

So what you need to focus on is the portability of the air compressor.

Air Volume:

Air volume means of an air compressor is the amount of air produce per minute. It is expressed by the term CFM (Cubic feet per minute). Every air tool has a specific CFM rating. And for running those air tools your air compressor must have the latest CFM of that tool.

Most garage air tools have 0 to 5 CFM rating at 70 to 90 PSI. And in this review article, we have given you the list of top 8 20 gallons garage air compressors which have the CFM rating of 4 to 7 ratings.

Air Pressure:

Most air tools require 70 to 90 PSI (the pounds per square inch) air pressure to operate. And any single-stage air compressor has a pressure limit of up to 130 PSI. Two-stage air compressors can produce up to 175 PSI air pressure.

PSI range varies from tool to tool. For example, an impact wrench needs 90 PSI; on the other hand, a paint gun needs 40 PSI for base coating.

The required PSI of an air tool is leveled on its body. So while you are selecting the right air compressors for your garage, consider the required PSI range of your air tools.

Engine Capacity:

Horsepower determines the engine capacity of any air compressor. Larger horsepower means faster filling of the compressor tank.

Normally the medium garage air compressors have a horsepower range from1/2 HP to 2.5 HP. So focus on the horsepower of the motor to judge its capacity.

Places of Application:

Before buying an air compressor what you need to do at first is focusing on the project. For example, if you want to do only cleaning or inflating then a pancake air compressor is enough for you. But if you want to run heavy-duty tools like nailer, spray gun, sanders then you need a 20 gallons medium-sized portable air compressor with a CFM rating of 3 to 5.

Space:

And you must consider the space of your garage when you are planning to buy an air compressor for your garage. To save space you can choose a vertical one rather than selecting a horizontal one.

Noise Level:

Noise level means the noise produced by the compressor. The lower the noise is, the quieter the place is. The normal range of humans is 60 dB. An air compressor may produce up to 100 dB noise.

Loud noise not only pollutes the environment but also damages human hearing along with causing depression. So before buying a garage air compressor, try to select such one that creates less noise.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Oiled vs. oil-free which air compressor is the best?

Answer: Oil-free air compressors require less maintenance. On the other hand, oil-lubricated air compressors are more durable and functional but they need regular maintenance including oil changing.

Question: What size air compressor is appropriate for the garage?

Answer: Medium-sized air compressor with an air tank of 2.6 to 20 gallons is appropriate for the home garage.

Question: What is the lifespan of a 20-gallon air compressor?

Answer: The lifespan of an air compressor mainly depends on proper maintenance. A 20 Gallon air compressor may last up to 20 years.

Question: Is it possible to paint a car with a 20-gallon air compressor?

Answer: Painting large objects like a car requires a higher CFM rating. But you can paint with several shots by a 20-gallon air compressor with uneven finishing. To get an even coating click on the best air compressor for spray painting.

The Closer:

A home garage is a place where you can solve all the mechanical works by your own self. And the best 20-gallon air compressor for the home garage is the complete power source for running all the pneumatic tools of your home garage as well as the small shop.

And what you need to focus on is the requirements of the tool that you want to run. Stay connected with us for more and more air compressors reviews as we always focus on providing the list of best air compressors on the different projects by our own experiment on air tools.