Best Air Compressors in Canada | Comparison Review | 2022 Buyer’s Guide

This portable device is meant to power tools such as drills, impact wrenches, nail guns, and sanders and works by transforming electrical energy into kinetic one. Now, let’s see why an air compressor is used. It can operate at high temperatures and is handy in places where fire hazards exist. Convenience and safety are the main reasons why many manufacturers favor air compressors over other energy sources. Portable air compressors tend to have lower air capacity and are more expensive, but offer other benefits.

If you are looking for a 12V air compressor for ATVs, RVs, trucks, SUVs, and sedans with up to 35" tires, read Best Portable Air Compressors/Tire Inflators for Cars in Canada.

Best Air Compressors Compared

Being pretty lightweight and compact, they are easy to move around and fit into a car trunk or other small space. Therefore, the major advantage of portable air compressors is that they offer on-demand air wherever and whenever you need it. That said, their performance and build quality vary from model to model, so we decided to test the three most popular air compressors to find out which one is the most efficient.

To this end, we have compared them based on the key features that determine an air compressor’s performance. These models are the California Air Tools, Makita, and the CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor.

CFM: Air Flow Rate | Winner: Craftsman

CFM or cubic feet per minute indicates how much air the device can move per minute. For instance, an air compressor with an output of 30 CFM provides 30 cubic feet of air per minute. Keep in mind that when you calculate CFM measurements of two devices, it is crucial that both have the same PSI level, otherwise, your calculation will be wrong. Also note that if you need to handle multiple tools simultaneously, you should get an air compressor with a higher CFM rating.

The performance of the Makita MAC210Q model is 2.0 CFM at 90 PSI with a maximum pressure of 135 PSI. Excellent output and build quality! What we particularly like about this product is that it builds pressure very fast — around 100 PSI in just half a minute and maintains PSI long enough. The California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S is less powerful and delivers 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI. The third model, CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, seems to be the most efficient as it offers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI or 3.5 SCFM at 40 PSI.

It should be noted though that SCFM is not actually the same as CFM and there is a significant difference between the two values. While SCFM measures the airflow rate based on ideal pressure and temperature, CFM gives you the actual air flow rate. What we have revealed during the testing is that the CRAFTSMAN model provides really good pressure and CFM capacity for such a compact air compressor. It has enough pressure for air tools like a roofing nailer and really works like a charm. Also, its max PSI is 150, more than that of the Makita.

Portability | Winner: California Air Tools

The dilemma is pretty simple: either you get a more powerful but heavier air compressor or you go with a more portable and less potent air compressor. The choice depends on how much space you have and what kind of tools you are going to use.

The most lightweight and compact model is the California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S. With a weight of 13 kg, it measures approximately 32 x 37 x 37 cm. The 15-kilogram CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor is the middle ground, while the Makita MAC210Q is the bulkiest and heaviest unit on our list: it features dimensions of about 44 x 46 x 37 cm and weighs almost 20 kg.

Pump | Winner: Makita

Air compressors can be oil-free or oil-lubricated. Oil-free models use technologies that allow for getting around the need for oil. Oil-lubricated units, on the contrary, use oil for cooling and sealing the air in the compression chamber. We recommend oil-free compressors as they offer numerous benefits.

To begin with, they are more environmentally friendly because such a unit does not release contaminants. Also, they require less maintenance as you do not have to change the oil and dispose of it. Thirdly, this type of compressor contains fewer parts inside and is, therefore, more lightweight. And finally, oil-free air compressors are less expensive because of their simpler design. All three air compressors we tested are oil-free but the advantage of the Makita MAC210Q is that it features a dual-piston pump.

Noise Level | California Air Tools

Which air compressor is the quietest? Powered by an efficient 1 HP induction motor, the Makita MAC210Q operates at a low noise level of only 60dB. It does not even interfere with conversation and can be comfortably used indoors. The CRAFTSMAN model generates the same noise level but, from our experience, it is much louder and may bother your neighbors.

But if you are looking for the quietest possible air compressor, go with the California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S that emits only 56dB. It is really so noiseless that your neighbors will never complain even if you are going to use the tool in an apartment.

Extra Features & Accessories

Additional features increase the efficiency of the air compressor and make your experience more convenient. For instance, thermal overload protection prevents the unit from overheating by automatically turning off the motor. The CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor is supplied with an accessory kit that contains 13 pieces including a tire gauge, inflator adaptors, an air hose with a coupler and a plug, and many more.

The Makita MAC210Q is scarce with accessories and comes only with an ¼-inch quick coupler. And the California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S does not have any, except for the user’s manual, but it is the cheapest model on the list. As you can see, the more accessories, the higher the price. So the choice depends on which is more important for you: affordability or versatility.

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