In this guide, we’ll look at the best 20-gallon air compressor that you can buy right now. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a budget or you just need a unit with a perfect combination of portability and power because we have some good recommendations for you.
The 20-gallon air compressors are ideal for running low-load and occasional tools. And they’re often the most ideal for do-it-yourself projects.
Best 20-Gallon Air Compressor Reviews
1. Industrial Air IL1682066 20-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor
If you’re looking for a 20-gallon air compressor that can handle light and heavy-duty tasks just fine, you might want to consider buying Industrial Air IL1682066 model. It’s a belt driven model air compressor with a quick and easy to manipulate regulator.
The inclusion of the regulator makes Industrial Air IL1682066 one of the best air compressors for painting jobs.
Industrial Air IL1682066 is made of cast iron and includes v-twin cylinder for an optimum heat dissipation. The head and reed valves are made of aluminum, which also helps with proper distribution of heat to make the machine thermally stable.
You will love Industrial Air IL1682066 air compressor because it’s easy to control. The on/off button, pressure argues, a set regulator, and an air outlet all let you manipulate the machine to your advantage as the 120-volt electric system powers the heavy-duty motor.
Moving Industrial Air IL1682066 from spot to spot is easy thanks to the combination of front handles, small footprints, and the pneumatic flat-free tires.
Expect the machine to work optimally even under extreme conditions, although it’s best to make sure you use it as recommended most of the times.
Pros
- Industrial Air IL1682066 is easy to use and is suitable for industrial and personal use
- Uses ASME certified cast iron for construction
- Cast iron and aluminum parts ensure proper dissipation and distribution of heat
Cons
- The central belt of Industrial Air IL1682066 isn’t aligned properly
- This air compressor is expensive
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2. NorthStar Portable Gas-Powered Air Compressor
Some people swear with electric air compressors because they’re affordable and suitable for light and heavy-duty projects. But as good as electric models are, you can’t bring them just about anywhere and expect them to get the job done.
In fact, when you have projects that you want done from any location, a gas-powered model is the best solution.
NorthStar Portable Air Compressor is one such great example. It’s a gas-powered model that you can take anywhere with you to get the most demanding jobs completed within a short time.
It’s made of 100% cast iron for strength, durability, and proper heat dissipation. It delivers guarantees a maximum 4.8 HP, which is quite impressive for a gas-powered machine. With such a powerful motor, you can expect the machine to produce 13.7 CFM at 90 PSI.
The 163cc Honda engine that powers this air compressor includes a lower vibration technology, which is why it has the potential to deliver a higher CFM unlike electric models of the same size.
Gas-powered air compressors are often expensive, and this model isn’t an exception. But the biggest advantage of such a model over electric or battery-operated ones is that you do get incredibly high power output that’s also more consistent.
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Pros
- It doesn’t make noise when it’s in use
- The cylinder’ v-style design ensures proper cooling
- Includes cast iron flywheel for better momentum
Cons
- At 217 pounds, this NorthStar air compressor is rather heavy
- Expensive
- Gas engine air compressors like this one need regular maintenance
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3. NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Air Compressor
The NorthStar Drive Single-Stage Portable Air Compressor is well built, powerful, and quiet when in use.
Going for under $600, the NorthStar Drive is a good deal for those who are interested in an air compressor that doesn’t take too much space in a garage, commercial facility, or workshop.
NorthStar Drive is one of the models with American Society of Mechanical Engineers certification. It includes components such as heat-resistant regulator valves, integrated regulators, performance optimized air filters, and dual crankshaft.
Combined, these components give this air compressor the performing power necessary to give you the best air compression.
From a design standpoint, we think NorthStar has done a great job to make this as sturdy and strong as possible. The cylinder is made of cast iron for strength and durability.
The material also ensures there’s proper transfer of heat, thus keeping the pump in the best condition possible.
Thanks to the belt driving mechanism and the oil lubed pump, this machine never make loud noise when it’s in use. Your neighbor on the other side of the door won’t hear it, making it one of the best options to consider if noise is an issue where you come from.
The unit can handle light tasks such powering air ratchet spray gun and an airbrush quite well. But it might struggle to get extremely heavy-duty jobs completed within a short period.
Thanks to the solid, flat-free tires, moving this air compressor from one point to another doesn’t have to be difficult at all.
Pros
- Noise level is at 80 decibels, so you can expect it to be quiet when operating
- The 2 HP motor delivers 5 CFM at 90 PSI, which is sufficient to power many pneumatic tools
- Made of cash iron for strength, durability, and proper heat distribution
Cons
- This unit is heavy
- Need regular maintenance, which can be quite costly
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4. WEN 2202T 15-Amp 20-Gallon Portable Air Compressor
WEN 2202T is a 2021 model, an upgrade of the 2022 model that first came to the market in 2017, and it’s one of the best 20-gallon air compressors yet. It’s made of reinforced steel, which makes it possible to handle pressure as high as 135 PSI.
Featuring a fast coupler, two pressure gauges, and an easy to reach drain valve, WEN 2202T is the real deal if you need a unit you can use with air tools.
For starters WEN 2202T 20-gallon air compressor is made of pure cast iron, making it a strong and durable air compressor for the price point.
The one thing we love about this air compressor is that it allows you to pre-determine how much pressure you would like to work with. Then, it will automatically go off once it reaches that pressure limit.
Also, you can stretch this one beyond the usual limit if you want to. At least you can use it with up to three nail guns because those don’t require a lot of pressure.
Weighing about 86 lbs, WEN 2202T can be a little heavy and quite challenging to lift. But WEN makes it easy move from place to place by including two wheels on the front and a handle at the top.
Pros
- Cast iron construction
- You can pre-determine the amount of pressure to use
- Shuts off automatically once it reaches the maximum set pressure
- Includes a quick drain valve and two pressure gauges =
Cons
- It can be quite noisy
- This item is somewhat pricey
To be clear, the best 20-gallon air compressor is the one that delivers a great deal of pressure, with anything above 100 being enough for many users.
Also, it should have a powerful motor to compress and store air in the tank. If you intend to pick a single-stage compressor, a 1 to 5 HP motor will suffice. For a two-stage compressor, opt for HP above 5.
Also check the CFM rating to make sure you don’t pick anything an air compressor with a CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating of less than 5.
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