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5 Best Central Pneumatic Air Compressors:What We Recommend

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Like it is with any other electrical appliance, electric power tools are powered by electricity. However, in the vast world of these tools, there are many that are powered by air. These tools are called air tools or pneumatic tools.

If you do your research and ask around a bit regarding these tools, you will discover that these tools are most commonly powered by an air compressor. For the uninitiated, an air compressor is a device that uses an electric motor or gas/diesel engine to convert power into energy stored in compressed air.

The compressed air is stored in attached tanks, which stays there until someone uses it to power a pneumatic tool such as a nail gun or paint sprayer. Hence, this device is an essential tool for anyone who works in either construction or likes to work around their home on DIY projects.

When it comes to shopping for an air compressor, there is a world of options out there. First, you have to choose between an electric air compressor and a gas-powered air compressor. Then you have many manufacturers that provide a wide range of all kinds of air compressors for different needs and applications.

We have covered various models in different articles. In this particular article, we are focusing on one of the most renowned brands of air compressors – Central Pneumatic. Like various other manufacturers, Central Pneumatic also provides different makes and models of air compressors you can choose from.

To make the process easier for anyone who hasn’t heard of Central Pneumatic before, we have listed 5 of their best air compressors. Keep in mind that each air compressor in this list has its own features, pros, and cons that make it suitable for different things.

We highly advise that you do a thorough analysis of your needs and requirements before choosing which air compressor to buy.

Before we move on o the list of best Central Pneumatic air compressors, here is a little bit about the brand itself.

Central Pneumatic

set of red air compressors arranged in line
set of red air compressors arranged in line

Manufactured and developed by Harbor Freight, Central Pneumatic is a brand of air compressors. This particular brand of air compressors is most suitable for those who have never worked with an air compressor before or only need it infrequently for some projects around the home.

Regardless, Central Pneumatic air compressors are an excellent entry-level option that features quality component and devices. The air compressors are suitable for those who require them only for basic uses and light-duty work.

Furthermore, Central Pneumatic air compressors also have a good recovery time, boast a pretty consistent flow, and works like a champ for lightweight tasks. One of the most favored qualities of Central Pneumatic air compressors is the price.

Since the air compressors and components are best-suited for basic needs and beginner users, their price is very affordable. You definitely won’t be putting a dent in your budget when you buy a Central Pneumatic air compressor.

With all of that said, let’s move on to discuss our recommendations for the 5 best Central Pneumatic air compressors.

Central Pneumatic 8-Gallon Air Compressor

This 8-gallon air compressor by Central Pneumatic is a powerhouse that delivers enough power to operate your pneumatic tools. While the tank size on this air compressor is just 8 gallons, it has enough capacity to manage some basic tasks.

The direct induction motor on this air compressor delivers a whopping 125 PSI of maximum pressure. This amount of pressure is more than enough to power most pneumatic tools used in professional and home DIY project applications. But that’s not all as this air compressor model also delivers 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.5 CFM at 40 PSI.

The induction motor on the Central Pneumatic 8-Gallon air compressor comes with thermal overload protection. As a result, your air compressor has the benefit of lasting as long as you need it.

The air compressor also features an oil pump system that allows the compressor to cool the machine more efficiently. Consequently, the recovery time on the air compressor is quite impressive. However, there is a downside to this feature. Since the compressor has an oil pump system, the air it compresses won’t be as clean as you would prefer.

The Central Pneumatic 8-gallon air compressor has a motor that works at only 3360 RPM. This might not be significant too many but it does help reduce the overall noise produces by the compressor to 88 dB.

This makes this particular air compressor model the perfect choice for anyone who is looking for a medium-sized machine that doesn’t produce a lot of noise. What makes this model even better is that fact that the high-impact ABS protects it from other impacts.

The air compressor also comes with an oil level indicator attached. This makes it easy for users to monitor oil consumption and make sure it isn’t malfunctioning. Lastly, the 8-gallon air compressor also features a comfy handle and wheels on the body, which make it easy to move around.

Pros

  • Powerful motor that delivers 125 PSI of maximum pressure.
  • Also produces 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.5 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Comes with a number of features such as thermal load protection that ensure the unit’s longevity and reliability
  • Portable

Cons

  • Oil-lubricated system
  • Works with 120V only
  • Can be loud

This compressor is available at Amazon, click the link below to check the latest price and offers.

Central Pneumatic 6-Gallon Air Compressor

aerography equipment in home interior
aerography equipment in home interior

Only 2 gallons less in capacity than the previous unit, this Central Pneumatic 6-Gallon Air Compressor is a portable alternative that delivers great performance. Even though this air compressor doesn’t have the same capacity, it still delivers a significant amount of power.

The 1.5 horsepower motor on the Central Pneumatic 6-Gallon Air Compressor produces 150 PSI maximum pressure. In addition to that, the air compressor also delivers 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI. This power makes the unit suitable for powering nailers, airing tires, inflating sports equipment, and general clean-up.

The 10 amperage motor also makes the Central Pneumatic 6-Gallon Air Compressor easily operable in the winter. What makes it portable is the pancake design that lightweight body.

Pros

  • The air compressor produces 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI
  • The oil-less pump system makes the air compressor low-maintenance
  • The pancake design makes the unit portable and stable
  • Protective shroud on the unit prevents gauges and controls from getting damaged

Cons

  • Supports only 120V
  • Has a low capacity at just 6 gallons
  • Limited usage for lightweight tasks

You can check more details about the Central Pneumatic 6-Gallon Air Compressor on Amazon by clicking the link below.

Central Pneumatic 26-Gallon Air Compressor

Perusing through this list, you will find this air compressor to have the most amount of air capacity as it boasts 26-gallon air tank. This high-capacity Central Pneumatic 26-gallon air compressor is the perfect tool for those looking for a long-lasting unit.

With sturdy manufacturing, this Central Pneumatic 26-Gallon Air Compressor is a durable unit. It has an oil pump system that allows it to cool the machine down and keep it running smoothly. This is further enhanced by features including its long-lasting motor and foot stabilizers that reduce vibrations.

The air compressor also has an efficient cooling feature that prevents is from overheating the pump system and the motor. The reduced vibrations are beneficial as they reduce the impact on joints to safeguard the components and keep them in place.

Unlike the two air compressors mentioned above, the Central Pneumatic 26-Gallon Air Compressor has a vertical design. This makes storing the air compressor quite easy as it doesn’t take up much space on the floor. This is accented with a handle and two wheels on the bottom, which make the entire unit very easy to move around.

Pros

  • The motor on the air compressor delivers high performance with 125 PSI maximum pressure
  • The air compressor also has an air delivery that provides 4 CFM at 90 PSI and 6 CFM at 40 PSI
  • It has a low-maintenance oil-free pump
  • Has a built-in handle and wheels for easy portability
  • The machine has a compact and lightweight vertical design

Cons

  • Supports only 120V
  • Not suitable for pneumatic tools and tasks that require clean air
  • Vertical design can impose some space limitations

You can find the Central Pneumatic 26-Gallon Air Compressor on Amazon below.

Central Pneumatic 3-Gallon Air Compressor

If you truly want a tiny air compressor that is not in a pancake shape, this Central Pneumatic 3-gallon air compressor is the choice for you. Even though it’s quite small, don’t let its size and capacity fool you. This teeny air compressor is capable of handling a number of tools for various tasks.

One of the best features of the Central Pneumatic 3-Gallon Air Compressor is its gas-powered motor. This means that you don’t have to limit yourself by having to stay near an electrical socket.

With no need for power supply, you can take this air compressor anywhere. You only need to have enough gas on hand to make sure it keeps the motor running. However, being gas-powered means that the air compressor will produce exhaust fumes. So be extremely careful around it and make sure that you don’t put the air compressor near flammable materials.

Moving on to the most important part, the Central Pneumatic 3-Gallon Air Compressor delivers 100 PSI max cut-out pressure and an 85 PSI cut-in pressure. Along with this, the air compressor will also produce 0.6 CFM at 90 PSI and 1 CFM at 40 PSI.

Lastly, the air compressor has an oil-free pump system. This means that the unit is low-maintenance. However, this also means that the compressor is not great at cooling down. Regardless of that, you can use this compressor for Brad stapling, inflating, air-brushing, and stapling.

Pros

  • The small size makes the air compressor light and compact
  • The gas-powered motor eliminates the need to have an electric outlet close-by
  • The motor on the air compressor produces 100 PSI of maximum pressure
  • Oil-free pump system means low-maintenance
  • Is very portable

Cons

  • Has very low-capacity at only 3 gallons
  • The air compressor is not suitable for continuous use
  • Can’t be used for most pneumatic tools
  • Produces exhaust fumes

You can check more details about the Central Pneumatic 3-Gallon Air Compressor on Amazon by clicking below.

Central Pneumatic Pancake Air Compressor

Last on our list is a close relative of the air compressor we discussed just before this one. The size and shape of the Central Pneumatic Pancake Air Compressor make it perfect for anyone looking for a compact unit that doesn’t necessarily have to be gas-powered.

This air compressor model is quite similar to the one mentioned before it in virtually all aspects. For instance, the Central Pneumatic Pancake Air Compressor delivers that same amount of 100 PSI maximum pressure. Similarly, it also delivers the same 0.6 CFM at 90 PSI and 1 CFM at 40 PSI. In fact, you can consider it as an alternative to the above mentioned, gas-powered air compressor.

The first noticeable difference between the two air compressors is the motor. While the 3-gallon model mentioned previously is gas-powered, this Central Pneumatic Pancake Air Compressor has an electric motor.

This eliminates the negative aspect of exhaust fumes. Moreover, the electric motor also has thermal overload protection, which adds to the unit’s longevity. The motor on the air compressor is 2.6-amp 120V, which means that it can be started easily even in the cold weather.

The compressor is oil-less, which means that it needs less maintenance and produces clean air. And lastly, the entire unit is incredibly lightweight, compact, and portable, which makes it easy to store, transport, and move around at the worksite.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight and compact at just 21.2 lbs.
  • Comes with a convenient handle, making it easy to transport and move around the worksite
  • The motor is low-amperage, meaning it could be started in the cold as well
  • The oil-free pump system makes the unit low-maintenance and provides clean air

Cons

  • Has a low capacity at just 3 gallons, limiting its usage
  • Supports only 120V

You can find the Central Pneumatic Pancake Air Compressor on Amazon by clicking below.

Choose the One that Works for You!

digital image of an air compressor
digital image of an air compressor

This concludes our list of 5 best Central Pneumatic air compressors. After reading the brief review and description of each air compressor, you have a better clue of which one suits your needs.

If you have never bought an air compressor before, then this list will confuse you. First check out the buying guide we put together to find out exactly how go about purchasing an air compressor. Once you have a better understanding of your needs, come back to this list.

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