If you are looking to buy an air compressor, you will have to make a choice between electric and gas powered air compressors. Although both get the work done effectively, it is vital to consider where and for what the air compressor will be used.
Gas powered air compressors come in handy when you need an air compressor for an application that is not close to an electrical supply. Using multiple extension cords is dangerous, so it makes more sense to invest in gas air compressors, out of which the best are reviewed below.
Best Gas Powered Air Compressors -2019 Update
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | My Favorite Choice Industrial Air Contractor CTA5090412 |
| View on Amazon |
 | Best Big Sized Compressor Northstar 459392 |
| View on Amazon |
 | Makita MAC5501G |
| View on Amazon |
 | Rol-Air 6590HK18 |
| View on Amazon |
 | Hitachi EC2510E |
| View on Amazon |
 | Campbell Hausfeld CE2000 |
| View on Amazon |
Industrial Air Contractor CTA5090412
Pros:
- Reliable 5.0 HP Honda GC 190 engine
- Low fuel consumption
- Low emissions
- Smooth running
- Easy start
- Oil free – no need of periodic oil change
- Easy start
- Affordable price
Cons:
- No wheels for easy transport
- Bulky design – Takes more space than it should
- Oil free – Yeah! Oiled compressors are a little more durable than oil-free ones although they require more of your attention!
The funky orange color and the pontoon design of the Industrial Air Contractor CTA5090412 compressor will first catch your eye. The well-designed unit has a solid body with compact twin-stack 2-gallon tanks, which allows for better portability and balance compared to a typical single tank design. It weighs 74 pounds but still manages to feel lighter and be easy to transport and use.
At the heart of CTA5090412 is the 5.0 HP Honda GC 190 engine with an excellent one pull start-up feature. The engine features a direct drive and excels at smooth running, low emissions and low fuel consumption. The motor delivers 5.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.9 CFM at 40 PSI, and has a maximum pressure of 155 PSI. It is ideal for field applications such as inflating tires and blowing out air filters.
The 2-piece cooling system keeps operating temperatures ideally low to allow for better pump efficiency which extends the life of the pump.
NorthStar Portable Gas-Powered Air Compressor
Pros:
- Powerful Honda GX160 OHV engine
- Extremely big tank (20 gallons)
- Can handle heavy-duty jobs easily
- Small dimensions – Doesn’t take much space
- Very easy to transport
- Superior cooling
- The price is so good compared to what it can offer you
Cons:
- Nothing to complain
With a mammoth 20-gallon horizontal tank, the NorthStar gas-powered air compressor has the highest tank capacity among all the units on the list. However, the built-in wheels and handle aid in portability of this 196 pound machine. Powered by the Honda GX160 OHV engine, this unit is bound to deliver improved performance, quiet running, and better fuel efficiency.
Built with the Innovative Low Vibration Technology (LVT), the NorthStar compressor gives a dynamically balanced pump for uninterrupted operation and prolonged service life. The pump head is made of FC35 Grade cast iron, and the pump uses floating-type Swedish steel valves for extended valve life. Both ends of crankshaft have bearings for excellent support. The V-style cylinder orientation of the NorthStar compressor successfully combats heating and ensures consistent cooling.
The motor has a maximum pressure of 130 PSI, and delivers 13.7 CFM at 90 PSI, therefore it supplies enough air for applications like sand blasting and using large impact guns for tractor trailers.
Makita MAC5501G
Pros:
- Powerful 5.5 HP Honda GX160 4-stroke engine
- Big dual tanks (10 gallons) for more air supply
- Fast recovery
- Low gas consumption
- Easy start
- Quiet
- Oiled – Reduce wear
- Does not take much space & easy to transport (has wheel & handles)
Cons:
- Minimal manual
- Parts can be hard to find
Driven by the powerful Honda GX160 4-stroke engine, the Makita MAC5501G air compressor has unmatched performance and reliability and excellent customer reviews. The relatively large 10-gallon twin tanks provide generous air supply for multiple nailers at a time, which makes the ideal for outdoor jobs like siding installation, farming, fencing, decking, etc.
The 5.5 HP air compressor has a “V” Twin style cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston which provide supreme durability and swift recovery time for better performance. The motor delivers 14 CFM at 40 PSI and 12.5 CFM at 90 PSI, with an optimal operating pressure of 135 PSI.
The oil lubrication feature enables a cooler operation and the automatic idle control minimizes gas consumption, ultimately prolonging the service life. A remarkable feature of the Makita MAC5501G is that the gauges and couplers are integrated into the base of the motor and pump for added protection and durability.
Although the unit weighs 190.5 pounds the 10 inch non-flat tire and handle make it easy to transport without assistance.
Rol-Air 6590HK18 Air Compressor GX200 Honda 9 GAL
Pros:
- Powerful 6.5 HP Honda 4 Cycle GX200 engine
- Big tanks (9 gallons) for more air supply
- Low fuel consumption
- High CFM output
- Have wheel & handles for easy transport
Cons:
- A little more expensive than other compressors with the same size
Powered by a 6.5 HP Honda 4 Cycle GX200 engine, the Rol-Air 6590HK18 is an upgraded version to the GX160 models, enabling it to deliver up to 50% higher CFM by comparison.
The powerful engine is equipped with Automatic Engine Idle for improved fuel economy and prolonged service life. The Atmospheric Unloading System in the engine prevents excessive oil consumption.
The splash lubricated single-stage cast-iron twin cylinders pump is highly efficient and delivers 13.8 CFM at 90 PSI. This, combined with the mid-sized 9-gallon tank, enables the Rol-Air 6590HK18 to hold enough air to run 6-9 roofing guns or 5-7 framing guns at a time. Cast iron valve plates with Swedish lamellar reed valves are used in the pump. This one also has ball bearing on both ends of crankshaft for better support. There is one fully pneumatic wheel with sealant.
Hitachi EC2510E 8 Gallon Gas Powered Wheeled Air Compressor
- Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great tools, with only a new name.
- Solid cast iron cylinder provides industry recognized premium material for long life, consistent compression and low oil carryover
- Baseplate integrated control panel protects the gauge, regulator and plumbing while centralizing the controls for simple operation
- Oversized oil level site glass allows everyone to monitor the oil level for the pump avoiding pump damage due to lock up from inadequate oil supply
Pros:
- Powerful 5.5 HP Honda GX160 engine
- Have quite big tanks (8 gallons)
- Have wheel & handles for easy transport
- Affordable price
Cons:
- It starts not so fast
The Hitachi EC2510E Gas Powered Wheeled Air Compressor integrates contractor grade technology with simplified operation and runs at 3200 RPM. The powerful 5.5 HP Honda GX160 engine offers smooth function, proven durability, and extends the life of the air compressor.
The premium cast iron cylinders deliver consistent performance during extreme conditions and tough applications. The baseplate integrated control panel on the Hitachi EC2510E guards the gauge, regulator and plumbing.
The pontoon design compressor has an 8-gallon tank that provides enough pressure for applications like sand blasting, spraying stucco, filling rafts, and using 3 roof nailers at a time. The motor delivers a pressure of 9 CFM at 100 PSI, while the maximum pressure reaches 145 PSI.
There is an oversized oil sight glass to monitor oil level which prevents pump damages. Failure of cabling throttle due to breaking and crimping is prevented by the innovative pneumatic throttle control and the ball valve tank drains make draining easier.
The only complain has been engine failure at below freezing temperature.
Campbell Hausfeld CE2000
Pros:
- Powerful 5.5 HP Honda GX160 engine
- Have wheel & handles for easy transport
- Big tanks (9 gallons)
Cons:
- Quite heavy
- Quite loud
Ideal for intense pressure tools like drills, vacuum, wrenches, and saws, the Campbell Hausfeld CE2000 provides enough power for professional jobs. The 5.5 HP 8-gallon horizontal dual-tank wheelbarrow compressor is driven by the powerful Honda GX160 engine, so you can be assured for superior performance, unfaltering performance, and high fuel efficiency.
A solid, oil-lubricated two-cylinder cast iron pump delivers a pressure of 10.3 CFM to power tools like multiple nailers, drills, wrenches, vacuum, and saws. It has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. Weighing 176 pounds, this is the second heaviest contender on the list that is categorized as portable as the wheel in front aids in transportation.
The Campbell Hausfeld CE2000 has proven durability of 5000 hours of pump life (based on B-10 bearing rating), unlike any other unit on this list. The unit has a built-in control panel with two couplers to support multiple users. It also includes easy-to-read gauges and regulator.
Verdict
The use of electric air compressors is limited by the availability of a power socket and length of its cord. If you need an air compressor in a remote area like a farm, it is unlikely that you will have a source of electricity readily available.
Therefore, for use in remote areas where noise and fumes may not be an issue, a gas air compressor is the best choice as they are also generally more robust than their electric counterparts so better at performing heavy duty jobs.
Read more:
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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.
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Thanks for the suggestions. We will be traveling a lot and we need a small compressor, an inflator, but we won’t really know if electricity will be readily available. So these compressors will be a good choice.
As you said, the NorthStar is indeed among the best portable gas powered air compressors. The design is very space saving, the motor runs quietly, I can work with it for long hours without . Nothing to complain up to now.
I’m glad that you like it, Thomas :). What I love most about this NorthStar compressor is its chunky air tank design. Very easy to transport. Will update more models into this list soon. Thank you for reading!