Best Gas Air Compressor [Portable & Affordable 2024]

Most of the DIY, home, garage, and commercial jobs can be conveniently accomplished through air compressors. The air compressor you select depends on the type of work or tool you’re gonna use.

That’s why they are divided into different types. Some are small, some are beasts, others are only used for inflation, etc. Thus, there are many types and one of these is the gas air compressor.

These compressors are industrial graders mostly used for commercial work. They are used for powering up large tools that demand higher volumes of compressed air.

These guys are expensive, bulky, and a powerhouse. So, to own one of these monsters is no joke. You need to wisely think before you put your buck out and see all the critical factors.

Our buying guide will help you in owning the best gas air compressor according to your work and tool requirements.

Best Gas Air Compressor 2024 [Buying Guide]

Let’s begin our journey with the crucial factors associated with gas compressors. There are technical terms with technical details, we’ll simplify them for non-techy guys.

You don’t need any engineering mumbo-jumbo dictionary to get them. Here we go …

CFM

CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) delivers the quantity of air in cubic feet to the air tool in one minute. It is a prime factor to consider whether your compressor is powered by electricity or gas.

The higher CFM rating provides a better running of the tools. It also enhances the ability to drive heavy tools and more than one tool at once.

PSI

PSI (Pressure Per Square) Inch delivers the amount of pressure acting on an area of one meter. The tough jobs are PSI hungry, so they eat more PSI usually more than 100. For the junior tasks, 40 or 90 PSI can perform the job well.

The important thing you need to know is that you have to provide the pressure according to your tool capacity. Excess pressure supply can damage the air tool or result in its malfunctioning.

Tank Capacity

The tank is the reservoir of the gas or a gasholder. With the larger container, you can have a greater amount of air for your pneumatic tools.

Also, it provides more backup for bigger tasks. You can keep doing the job without pauses for refilling. Yet, the larger size gallon also increases the overall cost of the product.

An interesting thing is that the tank size and portability have an inverse relationship with each other. This means that a larger tank size will reduce the portability factor. The smaller the footprint, the easier to carry the unit within the worksite or transport it to other job locations.

You might consider the tank capacity according to the nature of the job and on-budget capacity. Here are some of the examples; 20, 30, 60, or finally the Beastly 80 Gallon Air Compressors.

Noise

Almost all gas-powered air compressors have a noise factor to some extent. Therefore, they are mostly used in outdoor jobs.

Although their loudness level lies within an acceptable range, so to compromise this factor you can apply practical tips to reduce these compressors’ overall noise levels.

Single or Two Stage

The number of stages determines how many times the piston of the pump compresses the air. Their double-stage pumping will result in greater and better compression than the single-stage.

Double-stage compressors are efficient and deliver high CFM to the air tools. They are more versatile and can be used for more variety of tasks.

The single-stage buddies are the junior ones and are generally used in smaller tasks where lower CFM is enough to run the tool.

But definitely, the single-stage compressors are more economical than the two-stage units. Cost or CFM, the choice is yours.

Oil vs Oil-Free

Oil vs oil-free air compressors, there are arguments for and against both of them. The tough jobs and durability demand a lubricated pump.

The oil-lubricated air compressors are machine-friendly as the oil works as a lifeline by reducing friction between the mobile parts. They are mainly designed to work with heavy workloads and tools. That’s why they require regular maintenance and replenishment which are additional costs.

While the oil-free air compressors are customer-friendly in terms of no extra costs or cleaning. They are specifically used for light-duty jobs and tools. However they have a relatively lower life span and less wear and tear of the components.

Best Gas Air Compressor Reviews 2024

Industrial Air Contractor Gas Powered Air Compressor [Best Portable Gas Air Compressor Overall]

At the heart of the compressor is a dependable 5HP Honda Cam/Overhead Valve (OHC/OHV) engine. The OHC/OHV design enables an easy start with smooth and streamlined performance. It not only reduces harmful emissions but also scales down fuel consumption.

The assembly of the premium gas engine includes an air throttle cylinder, pilot, and check valves. It churns out high RPM to drive the maintenance-less pump to its peak level.

Moreover, the patented direct drive pump is designed with a two-piece cooling mechanism. It enhances the cooling efficiency and extends the pump life by decreasing the operating temperature.

To maintain the quality output, it is fitted with quick connects, a regulator, a tool, and tank gauges.

The pump is machined out from a thermally stable Aluminum to deliver high RPM without heating. The throughput of 5 CFM at 90 PSI can provide a plentiful amount of air to run multiple air tools simultaneously.

Moving forward, now this small gas air compressor has one of the highest levels of PSI 155. That ensures optimal performance in airbrushing, blow cleaning, bolting, and wrenching.

Besides, the pressure is enough to punch a variety of pneumatic tools used in stapling, framing, inflation, and nailing of all types.

Two orange-colored pontoon-style tanks can accommodate 4 gallons of air as a whole. They are fitted on a solid frame with a soft cushioned handle grip for job site portability.

It comes with a 2 years limited warranty, Toll-free Help Line, and extensive service support if needed.

NorthStar 20 Gallon Gas Air Compressor [Best Gas Powered Air Compressor For Service Truck]

Up next in our air compressor reviews is the Northstar. Now, this 20-gallon gas air compressor is manufactured for tough job sites.

Engineered with industry-leading technology which enhances durability. As well as allow you to continue your tasks without any pauses. No worries about your compressor collapsing halfway through the job.

Powered by the legendary Honda GX 160 Gasoline Engine that is fuel-efficient and delivers a 100% duty cycle. It set high standards with its superior and reliable performance.

The OHV engine exhibits noiseless and convenient operation with the added feature of low oil shutdown.

OHV mechanism allows better combustion and quick mixing of fuel. It vents out unwanted gases and extends the engine life.

The underload valve has a start lever that isolates the pump from the tank pressure. It will protect the engine from starting in underload conditions.

The full cast iron pump with Low Vibration Technology (LVT) ensures smooth operation and a prolonged lifespan. The belt-driven pump has twin V-shaped cylinders to combat heat. This design efficiently exhausts the heat and offers consistent cooling.

The pump can deliver a higher CFM of 13.7 @ 90 PSI than its competitor in the market. The team of cast iron pump head, cylinder, crankcase, and Swedish steel valve ensure hassle-free and smooth operation.

Piston ring overlapping improves the compression rates with the step-type piston rings. Also, there is a pressure regulator that takes care of the outgoing pressure.

The oversized flywheel has the benefit of better cooling and extra momentum. The single-piece crankshaft has bearings on either end for optimum support.

An ASME-certified 20-gallon tank is finished with weather-resistant powder coating. The engine, pump, and all the components are on the top of the cylinder which is fitted in between the wheels.

An ergonomic handle is available to carry the unit anywhere within the site and to other work locations. The portable and versatile design makes it an ideal companion for any type of job and application.

DEWALT D55153 Gas Powered Portable Air Compressor [Best Cheap Gas Air Compressor]

DeWalt is a reputed company and is well-known for its reliable and durable products. The buddy D155153 from the DeWalt is a lightweight junior but encompasses the strength of a larger one.

The powerful 2-pole induction motor with overload protection performs beyond your expectations. While the cast iron pump enhances durability and lifespan. It allows rapid recovery by delivering 4 CFM @ 90 PSI.

It is equipped with a high-flow regulator for optimum performance. Plus, dual soft-start valves enable faster start-up at low-temperature conditions.

The twin stacked tank design with a capacity of 4-gallon each is a market demand of all times. The tank assembly is fitted horizontally on the strong base with rubber feet.

It includes the oil-lubricated pump which is initially filled with synthetic oil from the factory.

The package includes 30 day of risk-free satisfaction guarantee. Plus, a 1-year product warranty with free service.

Ingersoll Rand Gas Air Compressor [Best 8 Gallon Gas Air Compressor With Highest HP]

This 8-gallon gas air compressor is designed for unsurpassed performance for the toughest and most challenging applications. It is well-built and trustworthy to sustain the company’s reputation in the market.

It is powered by a gas-driven Honda engine that can deliver 100% continuous duty. This 5.5 HP air compressor is easy to start and runs your air tools reliably. Fitted with a 0.825-gallon fuel tank thus, it requires no electrical power.

The single-stage pump can deliver a maximum of 135 PSI to finish the job on time. It can be used without any problem for more than 5,000 hours.

The cast iron frame enfolds the pressure switch, regulator, gauge, and two quick disconnects. The advantage of double coupling is that you can run more than one tool at a time with them. There is also an on/off lever and efficient finger valves that are easy to manipulate and service.

It features twin containers that have a cumulative volume of 8 gallons. You can easily maneuver with well-gripped handles even on coarse terrains with the wheelbarrow design. Portability makes it a perfect choice for users carrying out outdoor jobs.

Dependable operation is ensured with all-season synthetic lubricants. A cost-effective oil, which last-long four times more than other petroleum-based lubricants. You won’t need to replenish before 2,000 hours of working.

Quincy QT-54 Air Compressor Gas Engine [Best Gas Air Compressor With Highest CFM & Storage]

Quincy air compressors are durable and built for a prolonged life span. They are highly efficient and have economical operational costs. Designed to deliver greater output at a lesser motor horsepower rating.

It is equipped with an industrial-class single-phase Baldor motor made in the US. The solid motor has 5HP with a 100% duty cycle and is operated at 230V. Also, the motor is featured as a capacitor starting and protected with built-in thermal overloading.

The 2-stage pump has a high RPM of 131 and an extended working span of about 30,000 hours. It can easily deliver 15.4 CFM at 90 PSI, while its normal working PSI range is 145 to 175. It has a belt drive system for pumping.

Incorporated with splash lubrication technique to reduce the abrasion between the moving parts. Plus, the compressor comes with a reduced oil blow-by rating even not as much as 5 PPM.

The huge capacity of 60 gallons provides a longer running time for air tools. It is designed as a stationary type with a vertically aligned tank. The benefit of a vertical tank is that you can easily place it and save extra space.

This gas-powered compressor can be used to tackle tough jobs at low operational costs. You can place them outdoors or at ventilated sites to avoid unpleasant fumes and sounds.

This jumbo machine-being is at the higher end from a cost point of view. Yet, it offers a variety of warranty packages. A one-year warranty is provided when you do not purchase an extended warranty kit.

However, in the case of purchasing the kit, the package is doubled with a bonus of thrice the warranty for the pump. The additional benefit includes free-of-charge on-site parts and labor.

Rolair GD4000PV5H Small Gas Powered Air Compressor [Best Mini Gas Air Compressor]

This gas powered air compressor is built for both personal and professional use. With a CFM of 4.6 @ 90 PSI, it can smoothly run power tools like grease guns, brad nailers, and impact wrenches.

Amazingly, this mini gas air compressor is integrated with a 118cc fuel-efficient Honda engine that offers not only high output. But, can also generate its own power when needed.

With an operating pressure range of 110 to 135 PSI, it can easily work around with pneumatic tools and on different types of jobs as well.

On the other hand, its external body is made with a powerful roll cage frame. The durable skeleton protects the internal core from harsh environmental conditions, falls, and impacts.

The tank storage capacity of 4.5 gallons helps it to run for a longer duration of time without any interruption.

My Personal Recommendation

Finally, if I have to see and compare all of them, then Industrial Air Contractor is the one I go with. It has a Reliable OHC/OHV Honda engine with a patented pump that has direct drive.

Also, it has reduced fuel consumption with an Oil-free design, has no refilling, and additional cost. It is built for Bolting, Wrenching, Air Brushing, Blow Cleaning, Brad, Finish, Framing & Roof Nailing, etc.

Lastly, the 2 years limited warranty clears my mind about the importance of Industrial Air Contractor.

Best Gas Air Compressor FAQs