Best 30 Gallon Air Compressor 2020 – Top 7 Compressors

30 Gallon air compressors are standard air compressors. These are quite popular for different purposes in homes and industries. However, these are more commonly used in bigger spaces than home like factories and industries. For homes, people usually go for smaller air compressors as they more portable.

The Best 30 Gallon Air Compressor

If you need a 30 gallon air compressor for your home/workplace, you need to look into the specifications and features to get a good knowhow of the product. Unless you do not have a detailed knowledge, you might end up buying a useless air compressor.

Several features such as color, shape, size, power, and performance are important to consider. Still confused? Read on to get to know the top best air compressor around as of now.

Best overall: Industrial Air ILA188354
“our top pick due to its exceptional features and optimal performance”

Great power: DEWALT DXCM271
“To ensure plenty of power, it gives off 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.8 CFM at 40 PSI.”
Oil free pump: Husky 30 Gal. 175 PSI
“It claims 40% longer runtime than other air compressors.”
Durable construction: Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM
“designed to do noiseless operations giving off only 80 dBA noise level.”
Very convenient: Campbell Hausfeld VT6271
“Its ASME tank, handle and wheels render it ideal for storing in small shop or your garage.”
Highly portable: Industrial Air ILA1683066
“The front ergonomic handle compliments its portability greatly.”
Long runtime: DeWalt DXCMLA1983054
“delivers high pump performance to ensure trouble free operation.”

Best overall Industrial Air ILA188354

Industrial Air ILA188354 ILA 1883054 30 Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor is our top pick due to its exceptional features and optimal performance.

It is made up of cast iron and features a twin cylinder pump. As its manufacturing material is of premium quality, this air compressor is overall extremely durable and long-lasting. This is the main feature that is required in an industrial equipment that is going to be used regularly.

With aluminum head and valve plates, it ensures faster heat dissipation that contributes to its superb deliverance greatly.

Coming at maximum pressure of 155 PSI, it provides optimum tool performance. Moreover, it comes with a heavy duty dual voltage induction motor which makes it able to drive high pump performance so it can operate totally trouble-free.

Also, it is highly easy to operate otherwise. With its on-board control, you can easily access quick-set regulator, tank, working pressure gauges, and it’s on/off switch.

Its pre-attached pneumatic wheels and small footprint make it maneuverable and portable. With excellent mobility, it provides easy transportation on regular basis.

The pump is oil lubricated which adds an additional source of supplying oil for the tank. This makes it stay functional and easy to use. However, oil lubricated pumps are usually preferable on bigger air compressors as they ensure super durability and sustainability.

Overall, this air compressor is exceptionally great. Due to all of its excellent features, it has made to the top of our list. With its clear and efficient control panel and manufacturer’s guidelines, it is very concise and self-explanatory. With good PSI capacity, it fits well in any workspace.

Whenever you are out buying an air compressor, make sure you give Industrial Air ILA188354 ILA 1883054 30 Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor a good consideration.

Specifications

Maximum Pressure: 155 PSI

Product Dimensions: 24.75 x 24.75 x 49.75 inches

Product Weight: 190 lbs.

Pros:

  • Cast iron body
  • Oil lubricated pump
  • Durable and sustainable
  • Convenient use
  • Best for regular use
Cons:

  • None

Great power: DEWALT DXCM271 27 Gal. 200 PSI

Dewalt 27 gallon portable vertical air compressor comes with maximum pressure of 200 PSI that makes it 83 percent more efficient by increasing air tool runtime compared to other 200 PSI larger capacity air compressors available out there.

To ensure plenty of power, it gives off 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.8 CFM at 40 PSI. This adds a lot to the efficiency of projects. Its 6.8 CFM at 40 PSI is good enough to operate a HVLP spray gun.

It comes with an oil-free motor that guarantees less noise and no maintenance. With only 78dBA, there is going to be a lot less noise in your work environment than what other air compressors produce. It is known to be 30% quieter than its counterparts.

Moreover, the motor even operate at low voltage. With its high flow regulator and couplers, your tool is going to give off peak performance. Its robust handle is made to serve dual purpose i.e. serving as a hose wrap as well providing protection to compressor.

Overall, it is an ideal air compressor for different types of jobs such as automotive maintenance repairs, spray painting, and other large scale projects. If you intend to get a suitable air compressor for bigger operations, this Dewalt 27 gallons 200 PSI portable air compressor is more efficient than other 30 gallons air compressors on the list.

Specifications:

Maximum Pressure: 200 PSI

Product Dimensions: 54.5 x 26.8 x 23.5 inches

Product Weight: 136 lbs.

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Plenty of power
  • Ideal for large scale projects
  • Efficient and protected
Cons:

  • Lesser capacity

Oil free pump: Husky 30 Gal. 175 PSI

The Husky 30 gallon air compressor comes with a high performance pump and highly efficient motor that delivers maximum pressure of 175 PSI as well as 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI. Higher the PSI, longer is the air tool run time and greater is the efficiency of the project.

Operating at 78 dBA, it results in less noise in your work environment. This leads to peace of mind while you are working. Noisy equipment adds greatly to the stress and fatigue. With no stress due to the calm operation of this air compressor, you can get your work done efficiently and effectively.

It comes with 9 inches wheel that make it really portable. If you want to use your air compressor on daily basis, it is easy to bring it out and store it back every day. Its dual quick connects make it handy to switch between tools and applications really quick.

With its oil free pump, you do not to need to worry about oil separators in your air delivery system while conducting large scale projects.

This Husky 30 gallon 175 PSI air compressor is ideal for all the inflation projects, automotive applications and spray painting as well as nailing and stapling. It claims 40% longer runtime than other air compressors.

It is highly compact in regards to the design and highly durable when it comes to manufacturing material. Made of stainless steel, its vertical design features a smaller footprint that means it will take up lesser space in your home, garage, or workplace.

Overall, it is a great air compressor. Coming at an affordable price, it delivers all the features a good air compressor should have.

Specifications:

Maximum Pressure: 175 PSI

Product Dimensions: –

Product Weight: 150 lbs.

Pros:

  • Stainless steel construction
  • Vertical compact design
  • Longer runtime
  • Oil free pump
  • Affordable
Cons:

  • Works on 120V only

Durable construction: Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM

With Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM, you are going to have a great work environment and excellent experience. If you are looking for a high performing, less noisy air compressor, then this is the best option.

Its convenient wheel design provides portability at home as well as on the jobsite. Its semi-pneumatic tires and ergonomic handles make it highly convenient to transport here and there.

It is known for providing the power you require for demanding applications and tasks. Delivering 135 PSI, it does the job right. Featuring 15 amp, this 2hp unit is designed to do noiseless operations giving off only 80 dBA noise level.

This air compressor comes with cast iron cylinders and frame for extreme durability. Providing long-lasting use, it is great for all the kinds of tasks be it daily or weekly. With a discharge mounted check valve, a pressure gauge, relief valve, and side drain valve, it results in easy and quick operation.

Moreover, its manual overload thermal motor and an enclosed belt guard on four sides adds to safety and protection. Overall, it is a safe and reliable electric air compressor. We highly recommend getting into its specifications and features.

Specifications:

Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI

Product Dimensions: 25 x 46 x 35 inches

Product Weight: 185 lbs.

Pros:

  • Great power
  • Durable and safe
  • Quick operation
  • Cast iron construction
Cons:

  • Lesser PSI than counterparts

Very convenient: Campbell Hausfeld VT6271

This Campbell Hausfeld Single Stage air compressor comes with 135 PSI capacity giving off a neat and compact design. Even though it has average PSI, it is known to deliver more than what you expect it from.

Featuring a horizontal design, this 30 gallon 3.7HP provides a wide range of air tools. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, this air compressor makes the jobs easy for you. Its cast iron pump is capable of delivering 10.2 CFM at 90 PSI.

The durable and safe design ensures longer life. Its ASME tank, handle and wheels render it ideal for storing in small shop or your garage. This user friendly design has made it highly popular and convenient to use.

It is best for a number of different type of projects such as spray painting, inflation, grinding, nailing, stapling, bolting, tightening and a lot other.

Moreover, the two cylinder is oil lubricated to ensure minimal maintenance. Quiet and efficient operations help in finishing your projects faster and easier.

Overall, this Campbell Hausfeld Single Stage 30 Gallon air compressor id ideal for both home and industrial use. No matter the type of job you need to perform, this air compressor is going to deliver excellently.

Specifications:

Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI

Product Dimensions: 46 x 21 x 31 inches

Product Weight: 163 lbs.

Pros:

  • Cast iron construction
  • Oil lubricated pump
  • Portable
  • Convenient use
Cons:

  • Lesser PSI

Highly portable: Industrial Air ILA1683066

Here’s another 30 Gallon air compressor from the house of Industrial Air compressor that has made into the list of best 30 Gallon air compressors. Industrial Air ILA1683066 air compressor comes with cast iron construction. Its twin cylinder head features an aluminum head and valve plates to ensure maximum heat dissipation in lesser time.

With 155 PSI maximum pressure, it provides optimum tool performance for all the different jobs and applications. The dual voltage induction motor is wired for 120V standard voltage. However, it can also be converted for 240V applications when needed. This adds a lot to the flexibility and versatility of this air compressor.

The best thing about Industrial Air ILA1683066 air compressor is that it comes fully assembled and is ready to use straight out of the box. Moreover, it is equipped with quick-set regulator, tank, working pressure gauges, and quick connect air outlet. Also, it has an on/off switch for quick and easy start.

The vertical design comes with a small footprint to stay compact. In this way, it takes up less storage space. Its pneumatic wheels allow easy transportation. The front ergonomic handle compliments its portability greatly.

With easily accessible oil fill, you do not need to worry for much maintenance as it doesn’t need one. Furthermore, it is shipped with synthetic air compressor oil in order to not compromise over the performance.

Overall, it is a great option to consider when finding a suitable 30 gallon air compressor.

Specifications:

Maximum Pressure: 155 PSI

Product Dimensions: 25 x 24.5 x 49 inches

Product Weight: 154 lbs.

Pros:

  • 155 PSI max
  • Oil lubricated pump
  • Vertical compact design
  • Cast iron and aluminum construction
  • Highly portable
Cons:

  • None

Long runtime: DeWalt DXCMLA1983054

As Dewalt is a well-reputed brand and produces high quality electric products, another of its 30 gallon air compressor has made it into our list. Dewalt DXCMLA1983054 portable air compressor is another high end 30 gallon air compressor.

Featuring excellent power and compact design, it is the perfect option for home as well as industrial use. Its 155 PSI max pressure results in optimum tool performance and allows you to do all the different tasks and applications with longer runtime.

It also comes with a dual voltage motor so that you can easily operate it over standard 120 volts as well as over 240 volts when required. It also delivers high pump performance to ensure trouble free operation.

The on-board controls allow easy and quick operation. You can easily access high flow regulator, tank, and tool pressure gauges as well as on/off switch. Its high flow regulator is known to supply 20% more torque than average for high end projects such as removing extremely tight bolts and stubborn nuts.

Moreover, it is highly portable and easily maneuverable due to its pneumatic wheels. The handle on the front further adds to the ease of transportation. Not only this, it comes with a vertical design but smaller footprint to acquire lesser space.

Overall, this Dewalt DXCMLA1983054 portable air compressor is the ideal solution for a wide range of applications around the house as well as in the workspace. Being an oil lubricated air compressor, it is much quieter than the oil-free types.

Specifications:

Maximum Pressure: 155 PSI

Product Dimensions: 22 x 27 x 46.5 inches

Product Weight: 190 lbs.

Pros:

  • Optimum tool performance
  • Long runtime
  • Dual voltage motor
  • Easy and quick operation
  • Portable and quiet
Cons:

  • A bit pricy

Before buying a 30 gallon air compressor

When you are out buying a 30 gallon air compressor, you need to consider all those things mentioned above. Do they all really need a look? Yes, they do! Ignoring one important feature can render all the other as completely useless.

So before you buy a 30 gallon air compressor, following is what you need to consider:

What are you going to do with your air compressor?

You need to keep in mind the job you are going to perform with your air compressor. Some air compressors work well for tightened nuts and bolts while others are exceptionally designed for spray painting.

Knowing the type of job/application air compressor is required to do helps figure out the power and runtime i.e. capacity (PSI) and horsepower you would need.

Where are you going to use your air compressor?

You might need to operate your air compressor in home or somewhere in the field. Accordingly, you must know whether you have power supply available or not. This helps in deciding the power source such as gasoline or electric as well the shape and size that will fit right in your wok space.

Do you need a portable air compressor?

A portable air compressor is usually a need of all the users and so, is an important thing to consider. If you need to move your air compressor from place to place or if you are going to share it with other people, you require a portable air compressor.

However, if it is going to be fixed somewhere, you can also go for a non-portable model.

Do you need an oil-lubricated tank?

An oil-lubricated tank comes with cost of oil and maintenance. There are several oil-free tank air compressors that deliver good functioning.

However, if you are looking for extra durability and sustainability, oil-lubricated tank models are a preferred choice.

What are air compressors good for?

Before you decide on getting an air compressor, you should know what air compressors can deliver well. So, air compressors are good for:

  • Auto repair projects such as installing PVC valves
  • Tuning up valves
  • Spray painting projects
  • Removing bolts and nuts
  • Tightening bolts and nuts
  • Inflating car tires
  • Power a blower
  • Construction tasks
  • Power nailers, hammers, saws

Several other automotive jobs and industrial tasks can be done with an air compressor.

Gas-powered vs Electric-powered air Compressor

Both gas-powered and electric-powered air compressors are in high demand. Each comes with its own advantages and features.

Gas powered air compressors operate on gas and that eliminates the need of having an electric power supply nearby. Also, it saves you from the hassle of using extension cords. With gas-powered air compressors, you simply need to fill up the tank and you are good to go.

However, you need to know that gas-powered air compressors are suitable for outdoor use only. This is because they produce toxic fumes when used. It might be okay to produce those fumes outdoor as there are lesser chances of inhaling. When using indoor, it can be highly dangerous.

Electric powered air compressors need an electric supply nearby and requires plugging in. These are easier to use, easier to maintain, cost less, and are environmental friendly.

Where gas compressors are bulky and heavy, electric compressor comes with lesser weight and compact design.

The only thing that might make you worry is the need of extension cord. If there is no power supply, your air compressor is totally useless.

Oil vs oil free tanks

Everyone wants to know whether oil-lubricated or oil-free tanks are a better option. Each comes with its own pros and cons. Give it a read below!

Pros of Oil Tanks:

  • More powerful
  • Extremely durable
  • Higher capacity (PSI)

Cons of Oil Tanks:

  • Needs maintenance
  • Higher running costs
  • A bit noisy

Pros of Oil free Tanks:

  • Minimal to zero maintenance
  • Low running costs
  • Lesser noise
  • Highly adaptable
  • Environmental friendly

Cons of Oil free Tanks:

  • Lesser capacity (PSI)

Therefore, oil free tanks are a better option for those who need to do light duty jobs at home. This eliminated the need of maintenance at all. On the other hand, oil-lubricated air compressors are preferable for heavy duty jobs and applications. For industrial use, oil-lubricated tanks are still in more demand.

Vertical vs Horizontal Tank Air Compressor

Some air compressors feature a vertical design while others come in horizontal position. They do not differ in any other aspect such as power and performance. The only point of difference is the space these air compressors take up on the floor.

Where you have less space, vertical air compressors are a better option. This is because they can stand upright as their tank is stacked up on the motor and the base unit.

If you have enough space on the floor or want to keep your air compressor under worktables and desks, horizontal air compressor are a great choice to make.

The Verdict

Air compressors have highly evolved over the years. Today, we have the advanced models with compact design and better performance. Make sure you choose the one that satisfies your needs and requirements properly.