Best Air Compressor UK- 2024 Buyer’s Guide

An air compressor is a hugely versatile piece of equipment that many people cannot live without. Once you have brought one, you will see what a worthwhile investment it is and you’ll likely never go back. However, it is important to check out the features in order to understand what to look for in an air compressor. Once you’ve done this, we have a selection of tools that we think you will be seriously impressed with.

What To Consider When Choosing An Air Compressor

You will find that most modern air compressors offer functionality, reliability and durability but each one is suited to certain applications and you want to make sure that you are always getting the best value for money. Before you make a decision, take a look at our buying tips to ensure you find an air compressor that meets your needs.

Power Type

One of the first things to consider is how the air compressor will be powered. Typically, you will have a choice between petrol and an electric model and your personal needs will dictate which is better for you.

If you are going to be working in one location such as a home workshop or a factory then an electric air compressor will generally work better. This is because they can be plugged in and left in one location. However, for people who will need to use their air compressor on the go, a petrol model offers greater convenience since it doesn’t need to be hooked up to a power source. That said, you must keep in mind that anything with a petrol motor will require much more maintenance so you must make sure that you have the time and knowledge to perform this.

Air Pressure

When you look at the air pressure, information on this will be given in pounds per square inch or psi. You will need to make sure that your air compressor is compatible with the tools you intend to use, but you’ll find that most air tools require at least 90psi to perform properly.

It is always better to go for something with a higher air pressure since the pressure can drop during use according to various factors. In a domestic situation, you will find air compressors tend to shut off between 125psi and 135psi whereas commercial models might shut off in two stages usually around 90psi and then again at 175psi.

Tank Size

There are a lot of people that believe the size of the tank is an essential consideration but this isn’t always the case. It is important to keep in mind that the air compressor tank is only used for storing air and not for producing it; a bigger tank doesn’t mean that you will get more air. What matters more is the size of the motor and the pump. If these are powerful then they will produce much more air resulting in a more continuous supply. This is the case no matter how small or large the tank is.

What’s more, an air compressor with a smaller tank is beneficial if you need something that is portable. The only time that a massive tank might be advantageous is when you are using it intermittently and have a smaller pump. In this situation, continuous use may result in not having enough air but sporadic use will allow you to take some air and then replace it between uses.

CFM

You will see details of the air compressor CFM on all models. This stands for cubic feet per minute and gives you information on how much air the device is able to produce within this time frame. While you will require different levels for different applications, one of the most important things to consider is whether the CFM of the compressor is compatible with any air tools you intend on using it with.

A portable air compressor with a max psi of 90 would typically have a CFM of up to 5 whereas something larger with 120ps might exceed 10 CFM.

What Are The Best Air Compressors?

Air compressors are incredibly popular devices so it comes as no surprise that there are a lot to choose from when shopping for the best air compressor. While choice is a good thing, it can sometimes be more of a burden so, to save you time browsing the internet for hours, here are our top picks for every situation.

Best Compressor For Inflating Tyres And Small Inflatables – Manwe Portable Air Compressor

If you are looking for something that is easily portable and can be used on the go then the Manwe air compressor is an excellent choice. This is an electric model but comes with a 12v power connector so you can hook it up to your car. It’s an ideal compressor to keep in the boot in case of emergencies.

But thanks to the wide range of nozzles that come with it, it’s also perfect for blowing up inflatables on a day at the beach or at the kids’ football match. It is super easy to use and comes with a clear LCD touch screen with foolproof controls.

On top of all this, the air compressor is an affordable option and yet still offers a superb amount of convenience. It will inflate your car tyres in minutes and with an option to preset pressure, you can feel confident that you’ll never over-inflate them.

The air compressor is designed to be durable and offers a small amount of water resistance. However, since this one features a smaller motor, it isn’t suitable for heavy-duty use.

Check the latest price of the Manwe Portable Air Compressor

Best Heavy Duty/Large Workshop Air Compressor – Hyundai HY3150S 150L Belt Drive Electric Air Compressor

In a large commercial environment, there is an increased need for powerful equipment and this impressive air compressor from the mighty Hyundai offers everything you need for heavy-duty use. It is driven by twin belts and boasts a maximum of 145 psi as well as delivering  14 cubic feet per minute. It is fitted with a pressure adjuster making it ideal for a variety of applications and boasts a large 150-litre air tank.

Hyundai is one of the most well-respected manufacturers of engines so knowing that this air compressor runs on a 230v Hyundai electric motor gives you the peace of mind that it is reliable and built to last.

Now, while this is a powerful machine that is designed for more complex jobs, it also offers a lot in the way of user-friendliness. For example, the air compressor sits on anti-vibration mounts and uses a standard 3-pin plug that can be used anywhere. This is a heavy piece of equipment at around 117kg and this is why we would recommend it for use in a single location.

Check the latest price of the Hyundai HY3150S Air Compressor

Best Small-Medium Sized Workshop Air Compressor – Metabo Compressor

Hobby DIYers and those who need an air compressor for occasional use would do well to check out this compressor from Metabo. It is a corded electric tool that offers low maintenance combined with superior power. What’s more, you get all of this for less than £200 which is even more of a bonus.

The Metabo air compressor boasts 8 bar pressure and has a 24-litre tank making it perfect for a range of domestic applications. What’s more, it is beautifully lightweight so you have the freedom to use it all around the home and on the go. The fitted wheels also help with this.

What’s more, if you’re concerned about the safe use of an air compressor then you’ll be pleased to know that this one is kitted out with overload protection to stop the motor from overheating ensuring 100% safety every time.

Check the latest price of the Metabo Compressor

Conclusion

If you have a range of air tools or need compressed air for inflation then there are a lot of devices on the market. However, with so much choice, buyers may quickly become overwhelmed. Checking out the features of any potential air compressor before buying is a great way to determine if the machine suits your needs. When you’re ready to buy, we have put together an incredible selection of some of the best tools on the market.