6 Best 20-Gallon Air Compressors 2023

If you are looking for something reliable and safe to facilitate your workshop-based DIY repair jobs or commercial projects, you might come across a number of choices. From the portability to power range, and power source, you can find different devices for each demand.

If you are someone who wants portability, functionality, convenience, and durability, my absolute recommendation for you is a 20-gallon air compressor. These machines are designed with powerful motors and lightweight designs that help you to carry them around with ease.

Likewise, these have a perfect combination of stability and high-pressure output, so you can perform a number of tasks. If you are currently looking for one, I have brought together this comprehensive buying and review guide of the best 20-gallon air compressors. So, dive right in and choose the best.

6 Best 20-Gallon Air Compressors

1. PORTER-CABLE PXCMF220VW 20-Gallon Air Compressor

To begin with, this one from Porter-Cable is, as usual, the most efficient and powerful air compressor for basic projects involving air tools. It is best known for its ability to ensure a smooth recovery and pressure range that facilitate you well.

Likewise, the sturdy construction quality and compact size make it easy to store and highly durable. I absolutely loved the built-in wheels and handle that helps you in carrying it around.

Speaking of the design, the first thing you will notice about this one is its decently large aluminum tank that is perfectly sealed. So, you don’t have to worry about air leakage or potential damage. The tank can accommodate long projects quite efficiently.

It also incorporates different control options such as pressure regulator, oil-free pump, and on/off button. So, you are provided with ease and convenience all along. Lastly, when it comes to performance, you will be pleasantly surprised that it comes with a powerful 1.5 HP motor at this price range.

In addition, this one is equipped with a power range of 90 PSI and 5 CFM, so the air recovery and delivery are maintained throughout the process. Finally, the motor is energy-efficient as it consumes less than usual power, however, it can be a bit noisy. Also read, how to change air compressor oil.

Final thoughts, This Porter-Cable is one of the best 20-gallon air compressors for basic DIY and repair projects, having all the essential features present at an affordable price. It is best known for its powerful motor, energy-saving pump mechanism, an oil-free pump that helps you with functionality and ease. It also has a large aluminum tank that serves you for the longest time with a fast recovery rate and smooth delivery.

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2. CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, 20 Gallon

If you are looking for something that offers you high power range and pressure output, having the ability to accommodate heavy-duty applications, I would undoubtedly recommend this one. Craftsman is a household name for compressors, and this one from the brand is absolutely meeting the standards.

It is a popular choice across the market for its quick recovery, easy maintenance, and durable construction that serve you well. Moreover, the first thing you will notice about this model is the stainless steel tank that is perfectly sealed that prevents any damage and leakage.

It also has an oil-free pump that demands zero maintenance and monitoring. Likewise, the addition of a high-pressure regulator and controlled voltage options contributes to the convenience and ease. The rubber wheels also make it easy to carry around.

Last but not least, this one has a powerful 1.8 HP induction motor that is known for its ability to ensure a smooth delivery rate and fast recovery. Hence, having an air capacity of 20 gallons and 175 psi range, you can perform heavy-duty industrial projects with proper functionality. Finally, the connectors included in the package help you change the air tools, so you can use them for a number of tasks with absolute ease.

In conclusion, this Craftsman compressor is well-suited for anyone looking for a safe and reliable alternative for industrial projects. It comes with stainless steel construction with rubber wheels that help you with durability and portability. It is also equipped with a powerful induction motor that provides smooth airflow, pressure output, and fast delivery. All in all, it is worth your investment and time.

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3. Campbell Horizontal, 20 Gallon Air Compressor

Campbell is a reputable brand when it comes to compressors for its heavy-duty products that are suited for different budgets. This one from the manufacturer is one of the best 20-gallon air compressors, famous for its powerful motor and ergonomics design.

It is designed for relatively larger jobs that demand high-pressure output and fast delivery rates. In addition, you will be pleased to hear that this one also offers great versatility.

Similarly, it comes with a well-organized design that integrates an oil-free pump and high-pressure regulator. So, you don’t have to worry about lubrication and power range. It also has an off-on button and control menu that adds to the ease and convenience.

My favorites in this model are its inbuilt handle and wheels that let users move the machine around with ease. All in all, the motor is quiet and efficient. Lastly, when it comes to performance, this one has a 3 HP motor that offers a high-pressure range and no lubrication.

Thus, it operates on 4 CFM and 90 PSI range that helps you with simple to intermediate projects, having proper functionality. In the end, the thing you will most probably appreciate is the low heat dissipation that helps you in saving energy and reducing the cost of operating this machine.

Final thoughts, this Campbell air compressor is an impressive alternative for anyone in search of a reliable yet budget-friendly product. It comes with a powerful 3HP motor that incorporates a high-pressure range and a fast delivery rate that makes it suitable for simple to intermediate projects. It also has a portable design that integrates a sturdy large capacity tank and oil-free pump, making it a reliable option to go for.

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4. Industrial Air IL1682066.MN 20-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor

To start with, this 20-gallon compressor from Industrial Air is a great way to handle giant tasks that demand a high-pressure output and a smooth delivery rate. If you are looking for something that is equally energy-efficient and convenient, I would undoubtedly suggest this one.

Additionally, it comes with a sturdy frame and lightweight design that contribute to a long lifespan and makes it easy to carry around. Likewise, the first thing you will notice about this model is its V-shaped twin cylinder that is perfectly equipped to help you through long working hours.

It further integrates aluminum casing and pneumatic that makes it long-lasting. It also comes with aluminum valves that control the heat dissipations that help you in saving energy. So, you don’t have to worry about the additional cost of bills.

In the end, it comes with an efficient 240V induction motor that ensures fast recovery and a smooth delivery rate. It also has a pressure range of 150 psi that is absolutely perfect for heavy-duty painting and nailing projects.

Finally, the controlling options such as regulator adjustments, air outlet, on/off button, and dual-voltage settings make it of great value and add to the convenience.

Wrapping up, this Industrial Air compressor is designed for anyone who is more into industrial work and needs something reasonable for the job. It is equipped with a powerful motor and suitable control options that help you in maintaining airflow and delivery. Furthermore, the durable aluminum construction, large tank, and pneumatic wheels make it easy to use, not to mention for a wide range of applications.

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5. NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Air Compressor

Here comes another quality product from NorthStar that is powerful and durable and facilitates industrial projects really well. You can use this machine for workshop tasks such as nailing, sawing, painting, and so on with absolute functionality.

Similarly, the machine is sturdy and integrates rolling wheels, so you can easily travel with this machine with minimum chances of damage or leakage. Talking about the design, the tank is made up of cast iron that perfectly seals the air and prevents chances of physical damage.

It also has a number of control options such as flow regulator, on/off button, and heat adjustments that serve you well. Further, the dual-voltage option and V-styled cylinder make it absolutely perfect for long working hours. All in all, it makes the process convenient and functional.

In the end, it comes with a dual-voltage induction motor that allows you to set the voltage as per your convenience. Here, the 5 CFM and 90 PSI range makes it absolutely perfect for industrial and home-based repairing projects. My favorite in this model is the advanced moisture drainage system that helps you with approximately 5000 hours and improves its utility. If you’re looking for portable air compressors, I have compiled a list of products for you.

In essence, this NorthStar is one of the best 20-gallon air compressors, famous for its ability to facilitate industrial as well as home-based repair projects. This one has a lightweight construction and powerful motor, having a smooth delivery and dual-voltage option. I also really like this one for its quiet operations and low maintenance design that makes it of great value.

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6. Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9 20 Gallon Compressor

Last on my list of the best 20-gallons air compressors is this Ingersoll machine, famous for its ability to facilitate industrial projects as well as home-based DIY tasks. This one is famous for its smooth delivery rate and high-pressure output, despite having an energy-efficient motor.

Likewise, the machine offers you protection, and the powerful motor helps you with a wide range of applications, making it highly versatile. In addition, the tank is highly sturdy and is made up of cast iron, not to mention rubber wheels and handles that adds to portability.

So, you can easily carry it around with absolute convenience. I absolutely appreciate the overload protection function that saves your machine from overheating, mitigating the chances of accidents. All in all, you can use this for up to 2000 hours without any lagging.

In the end, it is equipped with a powerful 2 HP motor that operates on regular voltage, ensuring safe energy production and less power consumption. The motor also makes a minimal sound of 80dBA that helps you in making the working environment peaceful throughout. All in all, having a 150 psi range and easy connecting holes, you can facilitate a number of heavy-duty and basic projects easily.

Final thoughts, this Ingersoll air compressor is an appropriate choice among others for its powerful motor and durable construction. It also has a high-pressure range and smooth delivery rate that helps you with a number of applications. Likewise, the sturdy construction and pneumatic wheels added in the design make it absolutely lightweight and easy to travel with.

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What to Look for While Buying the Best 20-Gallon Air Compressor: Everything You Need to Know

While buying the best 20-gallon air compressor, there are a number of things you should always look for to ensure proper functionality and efficiency. So, from pressure flow to delivery rate, power consumption, tank capacity, and much more, you need to take everything into consideration. Here are some things you might need to know before you venture into buying;

Pressure Ratings

Air pressure is another primary thing you should always consider when it comes to compressors. Hence, it is ideal to have a machine that can handle the pressure you need for the desired application. Here, the two things you should make sure of are the PSI and CFM range. Hence, for small-scale minor applications, having anything up to 90 psi and 5 CFM is more than enough. For industrial-grading processes and projects, I would suggest you an even higher PSI and CFM range to increase the delivery rate.

Types of Air Compressors

In the market, you can commonly find air compressors, being single-stage and dual-stage;

Single-Staged Compressors are designed to do small-scale DIY repair tasks with absolute convenience and functionality. These machines have piston compressors that are used for small air tools and compress the air only one time.

So, having a pressure range of up to 90 PSI and fast recovery, you can use these machines at homes or workshops. It is also pretty economical and produces less than usual noise.

Two-Stage Compressors are known for their ability to pump the air twice with high-pressure output and high power range. Hence, as the name suggests, you can use these for industrial projects such as nailing, paintings, and so on.

Likewise, these are designed for large pneumatic tools with a 175 psi range and high CFM ratings that serve you well. However, these machines demand significant financial investment.

Tank Capacity

Similarly, tank capacity is one of the most important things you should have an idea about before buying an air compressor. If you are looking for something reliable that can help you with simple and intermediate projects, I would suggest a 20-gallon machine.

For longer working hours and efficient mechanisms, you would need something bigger such as 50-gallon or 60-gallon. So, all in all, the tank capacity depends largely on the working requirements.

Motor Power

Another thing you should look into for a quality air compressor is the motor power. Hence, a powerful motor is one that offers a smooth delivery rate and quick recovery with a high-pressure output.

Hence, if you are using the machine for industrial-grade work, I would suggest you go for a powerful induction motor (between 1 and 14 HP). In contrast, for home-based DIY projects, having a motor between 1 and 5 HP can help you with a suitable pressure range and quick recovery rate.

Power Source

Many people around the market seem confused as to what power source they should go for. Last but not least, it is important that you know whether a gas or electrically powered machine can help you.

Gas-Powered Air Compressors are designed for heavy-duty industrial-grading projects with a high-pressure output and fast delivery. This demands significant financial investment and is less portable. However, you will find them powerful and quiet. Additionally, these machines don’t need constant lubrication.

Electric Air Compressors are relatively economical and convenient than their counterparts. These are a lot quieter and come with powerful motors, with low power consumption and energy efficiency.

These machines are also portable and can be carried around with absolute ease. Overall, when it comes to performance, these provide you with fast delivery, quick recovery, and smooth pressure flow.

Wrapping up, based on these essential features and individual working requirements, you can choose the one rationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a 20-gallon air compressor?

20-gallon tank compressors are generally considered low-capacity machines designed for simple to intermediate applications. However, you can use these for a wide range of applications, from nailing to painting, inflating tires, and so on. Most commonly, these are designed for commercial purposes and homes-based, workshop DIY repair projects, having powerful induction motors and durable construction.

Can a 20-gallon compressor run on an impact wrench?

Yes, a 20-gallon compressor can most probably be used with a wrench (having ½ inches drive). You can further use ¾ inches or even larger, so you can enhance the torque and pressure of air through the process. Overall, you can use these compressors for inflating tires or paintings. However, these are not the best for woodworking projects as you would need something more stable and efficient.

How long does a 20-gallon compressor last?

Usually, you will find that air compressors are long-lasting and can serve you for a long time, more specifically for 2 to 30 years. Most commonly, these can serve you for 40,000 to 60,000 working hours without any lagging. You can also increase the range of your machine based on the brand and specific model. So, choose wisely and make sure that you have invested for the long term.

Conclusion

In the end, if you are someone who wants portability, functionality, convenience, and durability, my absolute recommendation for you is a 20-gallon air compressor. These machines are known for their ability to serve your home-based or industrial repairing projects, having a smooth delivery norate, fast recovery, and durable construction.

Hence, while buying one, it is ideal that you have an idea about your requirements and their essential features. If you are looking for one, here are some of my favorites;

• NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Air Compressor is best known for its durable construction, versatility, and high-pressure output.
• PORTER-CABLE PXCMF220VW 20-Gallon Air Compressor is one of the best, with an affordable price range, smooth delivery rate, and lightweight design.
• Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9, 20 Gallon Compressor is famous for its ergonomics design, durable construction, and affordable price range.

Finally, I hope that you soon will find the best 20-gallon air compressors with the help of this comprehensive buying and review guide.