Top 6 Best 20 Gallon Air Compressors For Your Money – 2020 Update

In recent years, the increase of home-scale garage projects has led to the demand for portable air compressors. As can be perceived, the booming market of air compressors though gives buyers various options to choose, make them confused when it comes to the right decision. The best possible solution is to specify the requirements for the desired air compressor, such as the tank volume and other capacities. Nevertheless, the task of determining a suitable air compressor for personal use isn’t less challenging.

As a DIY technician, you may have heard of 20-gallon air compressors and have probably read few lines about its capacities and specifications. However, I’m pretty sure that you can’t reach the final decision on which among thousand 20 gallon air compressors out there you should buy. I have been there, staying in a quandary for a while for being unable to make up my mind on the same matter.

Good news is I have accumulated much information on the best 20-gallon air compressors and been ready to share it with you. You will find the most informative and useful advice on this list. Furthermore, I have listed down extra four frequently asked questions so that you don’t have to find the answers somewhere else.

Image	Product	Details
	Porter Cable PXCMF220VW	4.0 CFM at 90 PSI Max Pressure: 150 PSI Conforms to ISO 1217 for SCFM claims ASME certified tank Oil-free	View on Amazon
	Campbell Hausfeld DC200000	4.0 CFM at 90 PSI Max Pressure: 150 PSI Oil-free	View on Amazon
	Highest Max Pressure Husky C201H	4.0 CFM at 90 PSI Max Pressure: 175 PSI Oil-free	View on Amazon
	My Favorite Choice Industrial Air IL1682066.MN	5.3 CFM at 90 PSI Max Pressure: 135 PSI V-twin cylinder UL, CSA, ASME certified Oil-lubricated	View on Amazon
	WEN 2202	3.8 CFM at 90 PSI Max Pressure: 135 PSI Oil-lubricated	View on Amazon
	Highest CFM DeWalt DXCMPA1982054	5.7 CFM at 90 PSI Max Pressure: 155 PSI Oil-lubricated Dual voltage motor: 120v - 240v	View on Amazon

Oil-free air compressors

Porter Cable PXCMF220VW

Specifications

Pros

• Oil-free pump allows less maintenance work
• Minimal voltage start-up
• Less noise when operating

Cons

• Horsepower is moderate
• Must wait a bit long for the tank to fill

One thing that makes me put Porter Cable PXCMF220VW in this list is because it has so many things to offer, not only because of the affordable price but also for the overall quality. Looking at the specifications, you will quickly notice that this model operates at the maximum pressure of 150 psi.

The horsepower with 1.5 HP motor using 120-volt electric power is another highlight I need to point out. First of all, the 1.5-HP motor is temperate, which helps this 20-gallon air compressor runs smoothly. Second, the voltage start-up is relatively low. This means that the motor does not receive too much pressure and the likelihood of tripped breakers. The oil-free pump prevents you from further maintenance work.

Since you often need room to store any other tools and working space, choosing the Porter Cable PXCMF220VW is a smart choice. Why? The vertical design requires a minimum room in your home-scale garage. Plus, the two wheels allow you to move the air compressor around, especially for outdoor projects. This model is lightweight with no more than 100 pounds, which also contributes to its advantage compared to other models.

However, if you contrast with other products, the Porter Cable PXCMF220VW may not stand out regarding horsepower. You can find many other 20-gallon air compressors with higher horsepower. Furthermore, the time allowance for tank filling is extended, meaning you have to wait a bit for this process to be done. All in all, given the affordable price and other capacities, this is a product of value that you should not ignore.

Campbell Hausfeld DC200000

Specifications

Pros

• Requires minimum maintenance
• Easy to use
• Portability

Cons

• Horsepower is quite low
• Quite noisy

Husky C201H

Specifications

The Husky C201H is a single-stage air compressor. Though many people argue that dual stage air compressors can generate more air power, which means they are capable of large-scale and ceaseless projects,a single-stage air compressor is often enough for your home-scale projects.

First of all, they cost less. Second, they can handle quite well small and medium operations. Especially for this C201H model, while most 20-gallon air compressors stop at 150 psi maximum pressure, Husky has designed this model can perform at up to 175 psi. That means you can work on your project more effectively and enjoy the longer tool run.

The design is of course brilliant. The oil-free pump allows you to minimize maintenance work. Furthermore, the 7-inch wheels are suitable for most shop and garage space. The vertical design allows you to put it together with other bulky tools.

This small unit is perfect for any medium works such as inflation, painting, bolting, fastening or duty roofing. The pump and motor are able to deliver maximum psi and SCFM so that you can manage your work at the highest performance.

Again, the HP is quite low. There are some complaints about leaks in the line. However, this is quite rare, and the 2-year warranty will ensure you to have your line fixed any time it has problems. So, I’d say this is worth of investment if you want to look for an air compressor with high capacities at the same time stay on your tight budget.

Oil-lubricated air compressors

Industrial Air IL1682066.MN

Specifications

Pros

• Reliability and durability
• Dual voltage for various applications
• Easy to transport
• Suitable for personal and professional demands

Cons

• Price is not for on-budget buyers
• Uneven main belt pulley

Not only oil-lubricated, but the pump is also with cast iron and twin cylinder. This comes hand in hand with an aluminium head and valve that make sure the heat debauchery is quicker. The dual voltage motor allows the machine to deliver maximum performance without hassle. Furthermore, the inflated wheels ensure the portability of this air compressor. You can have your work done anywhere in the garage as well as outside.

This air compressor is designed to stand extreme conditions. Therefore, it is suitable for massive works such as livestock operation or service truck. You can use in various fields from personal to professional needs. The overall performance is steadfast. The price, however, will make many people hesitate. Given all the capability and the oil-lubricated feature, it is safe to say that this price is acceptable. So if you are looking for a durable and reliable air compressor, this is what you need.

WEN 2202

Specifications

Pros

• Two-year warranty
• Durable and sturdy
• Affordable price
• Less noisy than oil-free counterparts

Cons:

• Airflow rate is low
• Requires regular maintenance

This piece of 20-gallon air compressor is an excellent bang for your buck for numerous reasons. To begin with, the slim vertical design allows you to operate in many circumstances from indoor to outdoor projects. The rubber-footed supports maximize the stability so that the likelihood of it tipping over while on duty won’t happen.

Since this is an oil-lubricated, regular maintenance is necessary. This, on the other hand, is a benefit for oil-lubricated air compressor users. Since the pump is regularly checked, it will boost the durability of the air compressor. One plus for this model is that it produces less noise than the oil-free counterparts, which is wonderful to use in a quiet environment. WEN 2202 is a great air compressor for various projects from woodworking to painting.

The price is another sale pitch for this model. Compared to most oil-lubricated air compressors, WEN 2202 offers the lowest – possible price for the model. However, the drawback is quite apparent for this price reduction. The air flow rate is relatively flat with the maximum pressure only 135 psi instead of 150 psi like other brands. Nevertheless, this is an excellent catch since both durability and stability are ensured. Plus, you have a 2-year warranty for any broken parts.

DeWalt DXCMPA1982054

Specifications

Pros

• Extended endurance
• Mobility
• Reliable performance

Cons

• Sometimes you can find leaks from the faucet

First thing first, this is an oil-lubricated air compressor, which means you have to perform a regular check-up to make sure the oil is adequate for work. However, the good thing is oil-lubricated air compressor like this one has extended endurance. The model offers both 120-volt and 240-volt capacity, which can match with most outlets. Its horizontal design coupled with handle and pneumatic wheels allows you to enjoy the portability.

The maximum pressure is 155 PSI with high air flow rate is what makes this 20-gallon air compressor stands out from the rest. This allows effective air regulator, which is perfectly suitable for twisting projects such as removing nuts and bolts. The controls with pressure gauges and switch button offer hassle-free manoeuvre.

The only problem is the safety valve. Sometimes you will find a tiny leak from the faucet. However, this problem is paltry and can be fixed quickly. All in all, I believe this model is one of the best 20-gallon air compressors you can find in the market due to its endurance, probability and ability to meet various work demands.

Verdict

I hope that you have gained much information that you need to buy a suitable air compressor. Make sure you put everything into consideration before heading to the shop.

Read more:

Best 60 Gallon Air Compressors For Heavy-Duty Tasks

Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors For Garage Use

Best Pressure Washers For Car Washing

James J. Decker

I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.