When it comes to car detailing, air compressors play an essential role. However, every air compressor is different from the other. While some are perfect for light detailing tasks, others exist to assist powerful tools like “The Tornador”.
So, you have to ensure that you grab the best air compressor to lead your detailing tasks to completion. You have to take a number of factors into consideration ranging from technical specifications such as CFM and PSI to financial constraints.
To make things easier, we prepared a list of 5 best Air Compressors that you can add to your Detailing Kits!
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Best Air Compressor for Auto Detailing and Cleaning Cars 2021
Amazon.com 
Top 5 Air Compressor for Auto Detailing and Cleaning Cars
1. Powermate Vx PLA4708065 80-Gallon Electric Air Compressor
Powermate Vx PLA4708065 80-Gallon Electric Air Compressor
Nothing screams “Power” more than Powermate. And to prove this claim right, we introduce you to its Vx PLA4708065 Electric Air Compressor. You can start gauging its credibility by pondering over its durable build (cast iron and steel).
It doesn’t only look strong but is also well-capable of fulfilling numerous heavy-duty tasks, thanks to its robust 15-Amp motor that can deliver 4.7-HP and a maximum pressure of 155-PSI. Additionally, it offers 14-CFM at 90-PSI. So, expect it to supply air for longer durations while powering tools such as impacts, spray guns, hammers, etc.
You can also expect enhanced cooling, thanks to a wire-formed belt guard. And the icing on the cake is that this easy to use Electric Air Compressor comes with a 2-Year Warranty!
2. California Air Tools Ultra Quiet Air Compressor(Amazon’s Choice)
California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1.0 hp Steel Tank Air Compressor, 8 gal, Silver
$184.60
5 used from $177.22
Are you on the lookout for an air compressor that isn’t extremely noisy? California Air Tools has got you covered! This lightweight and ultra-quiet air compressor is the choice of many.
With a storage capacity of 8 gallons and a powerful motor capable of providing 1.0 HP at barely 1680 RPM, expect this air compressor to accompany you for over 3,000 hours before eventually wearing off. This makes the 8010 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor capable of lasting 6x longer than many other compressors.
Despite ensuring high-performance, this compressor only has 60 decibels of sound. It also boasts an oil-free pump that enables it to be used on different surfaces and in varying temperatures. Additionally, you can expect less maintenance and costs, thanks to the same oil-free pump.
If you are curious to know about the maximum pressure it can provide, the answer is 120 PSI.
3. Industrial Air ILA1883054 Belt-Driven Air Compressor
Industrial Air ILA1883054 30-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor
When you combine affordability with efficiency, you get Industrial Air’s ILA1883054 Belt-Driven Air Compressor.
If you want to ensure the proper detailing of your car, we can’t recommend this durable compressor harder. It comes with a strong 1.9 HP motor and can operate at a max pressure of 155 PSI. The fact that it runs at 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI just adds to its credibility.
It might not be your typical lightweight air compressor. However, it has a massive 30-gallon vertical tank with curvy wheels for mobility. And you might be wondering how much time would take to fill this large tank. Well, let us break it to you… only 5 minutes.
4. Makita MAC5200 Big Bore Air Compressor
Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor
1 used from $389.00
The Makita MAC5200 Big Bore Air Compressor is touted as being strong enough for powering two Framing Nailers. It features a cast iron pump that comes with a Big Bore cylinder and piston for enhanced performance and swift recovery.
Its strong 3.0 HP motor is capable of delivering 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI. Moreover, It sports a storage capacity of roughly 5.2 gallons.
You may also be surprised to find out that MAC5200 Air Compressor is portable and suitable for industrial tasks and can easily withstand the challenges posed in such environments. If you are looking for a result-oriented air compressor that is durable at the same time, your search should definitely end here.
5. DeWALT Air Compressor
DEWALT Air Compressor, 225-PSI Max, Hand Carry with Wheels, 4-1/2 Gallon (D55146)
If top-of-the-line performance is what you are looking for, allow us to introduce you to DeWALT’s easy to store Air Compressor. To say that it is an all-rounder compressor would be an understatement.
It comes with a powerful 1.6 HP motor that effectively delivers a maximum pressure of 225 PSI. Its 4.5-Gallon air tank ensures that there is sufficient air to keep things running. Another plus point of DeWALT’s Air Compressor is its quick recovery (5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI) after the exhaustion of its initial tank charge.
For added convenience, the compressor boasts an oil-free pump that doesn’t require frequent maintenance. Additionally, cutting edge high-pressure technology prompts the pump and motor to withstand the test of time.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the fact that the type of air compressor you own will impact how your car detailing venture will perform. As we mentioned above, there are many options to choose from. Although each of the five items listed above is effective in its own right, your preferences matter in the end.
If you are tight on budget, you should probably go for the more affordable options. If you work in an industrial site, a portable compressor would suit you better. Similarly, if efficiency is the most important factor for you, the one with the most decorated technical specifications would impress you.
We hope that this list of ours helped you come across some quality air compressors. If you have any other valuable suggestions, do let us know in the comments!
