LAST UPDATE: 2019
If you’re looking for a pressurized air compressor that is highly portable and lightweight, then electric compressors will likely be your first option. However, if you’re looking for a more professional tool, and one that will be able to work in almost any demanding condition, then you’ll likely want to go for a gas air compressor.
A gas powered air compressor doesn’t need to rely on a power source like electric air compressors and can be used on virtually any job site. Due to a gasoline engine, these types of compressors are often much heavier than electric units, and some can require two people for lifting.
However, with the inclusion of wheels and a handle system, it is still relatively easy to maneuver a heavy portable gas air compressor around a job site.
One key benefit that almost any operator can agree on is that gas-powered units are quieter with a less abrasive noise profile when compared to electric units. This can be an important consideration if you’re using a compressor every day. Gas units can also be capable of producing higher pressure, and recovering faster, due to the increased power from a gasoline engine.
If you want to explore a little bit of what the market has to offer, then check out our list of ten of the best gas air compressors for sale.
But, before you move on with the list and get to our air compressor reviews, let us have a brief look at why one might choose a gas air compressor in the first place.
Why Choose a Gas Air Compressor?
If you are in an industry that requires an air compressor, you already know that you have the option of choosing between a gar air compressor and an electric one. If you’re looking for an air compressor that is highly portable and lightweight, an electric air compressor will likely be your first choice.
But, if you are looking for a hardier and more professional tool, then a gas air compressor is a better option. This is so because a gas air compressor will be able to work in any demanding condition that requires more power. Furthermore, gas air compressors don’t rely on a power source and can be used on virtually any job site.
Gas-powered Air Compressors
Unfortunately, there is one downside to gas-powered air compressors, and that is their gasoline engines. These gasoline engines are pretty heavy. Consequently, gas air compressors are often much heavier than electric units, some even requiring two people for lifting.
More recent air gas compressors, however, come with wheels and a handle system. With this, the heavy portable gasoline air compressor becomes much easier to maneuver around the job site.
One key benefit that almost any operator will agree on is that gas-powered units can be quieter. Compared to electric units, gas-powered air compressors have a less abrasive noise profile. This is one of the important considerations that come with daily use of air compressors.
Gas units can also be capable of producing higher pressure and recovering faster. This is credited to the production of increased power from the gasoline engine.
Now that you’ve made the decision to get a gas air compressor, there are many models available in the market that you can choose from. Each manufacturer and model comes with its own features that address specific needs.
If you have identified a list of needs and now want to scout the market to see what it has to offer, you can check out our list of best air gas compressors below. This might help save you some time you might otherwise spend researching compressors that are not worth your money.
Electric compressors are the most common models being used because they require less maintenance and are quieter than many gas-powered models. However, if you have bigger jobs that are outdoors where there is limited or no available electricity, then gas compressors are the best solution. They have much more horsepower and generate greater PSI.
Features to Consider
The following is a rundown of some of the more important features you need to keep in mind when selecting your new gas air compressor.
Tank Capacity – this is in regard to how much the air compressor is able to hold at one time. If the tank is larger, then it will be able to hold much more air than a smaller tank would. It also means you can use more air tools without having the compressor kick on, which is a plus if you are trying to do a big job and you need lots of air.
Max Pressure – this is dependent on the tools you will be using with your air compressor. Different tools require different pressure levels. Higher levels of pressure, for example, are needed for more tools being run at the same time. The pressure gauge shows PSI (pounds per square inch) and the higher the number, the higher the maximum pressure will be.
Engine – this is up to your personal preference. If you are running the compressor a lot, then you don’t want to have a weaker engine that takes too much time to start running. Smaller compressors with smaller engines may be the cheaper option, but you need to make sure they can accomplish what you need to accomplish. Also, no matter what size engine you choose, you need to make sure that you keep up with the maintenance on the engine so it continues to run as it should.
Air Delivery – free air delivery (FAD) is a measurement associated with pressure. This is the amount of air flow you can achieve when you are working in standard conditions. It is usually shown in CFM or cubic feet per minute. This helps you determine how long it will take for the air compressor to power on and get up and running.
Weight and Dimensions – you should also take a look at how much the compressor weighs and if you have adequate room to use and store it. If you need to take it from job site to job site, you will also want to make sure you find one that is smaller and more portable and easier to transport.
Extra Features – gas powered compressors come with additional features, and each of these features are what is used to separate them from the competition. Wheels and handles, for example, are two features you will want to have if you need to move the air compressor around and don’t want to expend too much energy on the job site doing so.
Our List of Best 10 Gas Air Compressors (Updated 2019)
For your easy reference, below you can see a table summarizing the gas air compressors that we have included in our top 10 list. When you scroll below the table, you will find different sections describing each one of them in more detail.
| Image | Title | Check Price On Amazon |
|---|---|---|
Top | Industrial Air Contractor CTA5090412 4-Gallon Grade Direct Drive Pontoon Air Compressor with Honda Engine | View On Amazon |
Top | NorthStar Portable Gas-Powered Air Compressor -Honda 163cc OHV Engine, 20-Gal Horizontal Tank, 13.7 CFM @ 90 PSI | View On Amazon |
Top | DEWALT D55153 15 Amp 1-Horsepower 4 Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor | View On Amazon |
Top | Ingersoll-Rand SS3J5.5GH-WB 5.5 Horsepower 8 Gallon Oiled Gas Twin Pontoon Compressor | View On Amazon |
Top | OEMTOOLS 26105 13HP 30 Gallon Honda Gas Powered Air Compressor | View On Amazon |
Top | Rol-Air Air Compressor GX200 Honda 9 GAL #6590HK18 | View On Amazon |
Top | Hitachi EC2510E 8 Gallon Gas Powered Wheeled Air Compressor | View On Amazon |
Top | Air Compressor, Gas GX160 Honda Engine, 9 Gallon Wheelbarrow, Single Stage, 10.2 CFM, 5.5 HP (Campbell Hausfeld CE2000) | View On Amazon |
Top | DeWalt DXCMTB5590856 Honda Powered Wheelbarrow Compressor, 8 gallon | View On Amazon |
Top | Makita MAC5501G 5.5 HP Gas Air Compressor | View On Amazon |
Industrial Air Contractor CTA 5090412 – 4 Gallon Direct Drive Air Compressor
The first air compressor in our list features a Honda engine that is known in the industry for its reliable function. Furthermore, the air compressor comprises dual tanks that accommodate up to 4 gallons of air storage.
Overall, this gas-powered compressor allows for portability and a decent price point to enter the market with, meaning that this would be an effective tool for first-time buyers.
One thing that you will notice when browsing gas compressors is that they are typically more expensive than their electric counterparts. However, this particular model is an example of why going for gas can really pay off. You genuinely get what you paid for and then some more. Plus, you can use it anywhere you want, regardless of whether there is mains electricity or grip power available on the job site.
The best feature of the compressor?
This compact Industrial Air Contractor is a powerful tool!
The compressor offers approximately 6.8 CFM at 40 PSI, which is far better than what an electrical compressor would offer. In fact, an electrical unit comparable to this one will have a much lower CFM rating.
With all this said, the first gas air compressor in our list is definitely worth your consideration. It offers optimum performance and air flow for heavy-duty tools, all compact in a portable unit that is worth each penny.
Highlight Features
- 5 Horsepower reliable Honda engine
- Max pressure of 155 PSI
- 8 CFM at 40 PSI
Pros
- Powerful performance for a small machine
- Patented low maintenance pump
- Easy to start with 1-2 pulls
Cons
- Lacks wheels
- Slightly more expensive compared to electrical alternatives
- Louder than other gas air compressors
Curious to know how much this air compressor costs now on Amazon? Just click on the link below!
NorthStar Gas Air Compressor – 8 Gallon
Most construction sites and automotive work requires an air compressor with large displacement and high pressure. This demanding nature of the job makes the 20-gallon NorthStar just the compressor you might need. The 20-gallon in the name indicates towards the V-style horizontal cylinder design for superior cooling.
We don’t mean it lightly when we say that this compressor is made for demanding work. The NorthStar gas air compressor is truly heavy-duty in every sense as it produces a hefty 13.7 CFM at 90 PSI. Again, this is significantly better than what a comparable electric compressor would produce.
Besides this, the best feature of the compressor is the 163cc Honda engine that powers it. This particular engine has a low oil shutdown, which is efficient in preventing damage to the gasoline chamber. Since the gasoline chamber is the heart of the engine, this is definitely a feature you need in your compressor.
Other prominent features in the compressor include:
- Steel valves
- Iron valve head
- 100% duty cycle
- Others
All of these features combined come together to form an industrial-grade air compressor. Consequently, the unit certainly does not come cheap, which we assume most industrial experts already anticipate. However, the price represents a significant investment that will keep on performing when well maintained.
Highlight Features
- FC35 Grade cast iron construction
- Steel valves
- Powerful Honda engine
- Built-in wheels with a handle so it can be easily transported
Pros
- Low oil shutdown
- Superior cooling system
Cons
- Engine can be a little slow
Although this is definitely priced as a professional tool, it represents a significant investment that will keep on performing when well maintained.
Click the link below to go to Amazon, so you can have a closer look at its amazing features, real user reviews and check the latest price offer.
DEWALT D55153 4-Gallon Air Compressor
An industrial workhorse, this gas air compressor is designed by the manufacturers to deliver reliability and high-performance for many years. Featuring a four-gallon twin-stack tank design, this DeWalt unit is made to deliver powerful performance for demanding work.
DeWalt air compressors are known for their performance and reliability. This is one of the reasons that you will find them on many of the world’s best gas-powered air compressors.
This compressor outputs a 4.0 CFM rating delivered at 90 PSI to provide rapid recovery, and it delivers 3.8 cubic feet per minute at 100 psi.
This means that it can run heavy-duty tools like impact wrenches and larger hammers, and it would also be ideal for large scale airbrush work. Along with that, it comes with 4 gallons of tank storage.
This particular unit has received high praise for its job site capabilities, with one reviewer even commenting that, although he is very bad at maintaining the unit (he hasn’t changed the oil since he bought it 8 years before), it hasn’t failed him once when he uses it for small roof jobs, wood repairs and jobs around the house. This is praise enough to convince potential buyers of this air compressor’s abilities to deliver convenience and industrial-grade services.
Highlight Features
- has an oil lubricated pump, for added reliability
- has dual soft start valves, so it can start easily under cold weather conditions
- the high quality cast iron cylinder improves the longevity of the unit
Pros
- Quiet and easy to start
- Strong industrial-grade performance
- Idle-down throttle control
Cons
- The fact that this is not an oil-free compressor might deter people from buying it, as it means you have to bear the hassle of changing the oil and that also incurs an additional cost
To see the latest price of this DeWalt D55153 air compressor, just follow the link below to the relevant Amazon product page.
Ingersoll-Rand Gas Powered Air Compressor SS3J5.5GH-WB 5.5 Horsepower
Since we understand the importance of high-power air compressors for industrial work settings, the fourth compressor on our list is just that. This Ingersoll-Rand gasoline compressor can produce an impressive 5.5 horsepower and will produce airflow up to 11.8 CFM at 90 PSI.
The large 8-gallon tank capacity means that it will be suitable for even heavy-duty tools on a job site. The near bullet-proof Honda gas engine is further assurance of high power delivery for a long time, provided it receives regular maintenance. Additionally, this particular compressor is designed with a wheelbarrow-type handle, which makes it easier to move around the job site.
Praised for easily starting on the first pull, customers have found this gas air compressor to be equally as capable for construction as it is in automotive applications. The large tank size would make this an excellent inflating compressor, increasing its potential and worth for a wide range of industrial applications.
Highlight Features
- Continuous industrial application
- 8 CFM at 90 PSI
Pros
- 5 Horsepower reliable Honda engine
- Durable cast iron body
- Precision components
Cons
- Its high performance implies that also comes at a price that many would consider steep
If you are curious to see how much it is priced today on Amazon, then follow the link below.
OEMTOOLS 26105 13HP 30 Gallon Honda Gas Powered Air Compressor
This compressor is an interesting choice on our part as it features a powerful 13 HP Honda Engine.
This is an air compressor which is definitely intended for professional use as well as for the high-end DIY user. It provides an impressive 23 CFM rating at 100 PSI (Max Pressure: 175 PSI) and is ideal for a wide range of power tools such as power Impact guns, ratchets, grinders, sanders, drills and more.
Its tank has an impressive capacity of 30 gallons, and it requires no start-up kit.
OEMTools, as a manufacturer, is well known for its high quality. You can see their grade of meticulous construction of high quality welded steel throughout the wheelbarrow frame and the air tank in the compressor.
This is definitely a valuable addition to the compressor’s overall performance, longevity, and applicability. But that’s not all as the main source of power is the compressor’s ability to provide 23 CFM at 100 PSI . All of this is accentuated by tanks that allow up to 30 gallons of air storage.
Highlight Features
- The low-RPM motor and the cast iron pump contribute to the longevity of the air compressor, requiring minimum maintenance.
Pros
- Reliable and powerful Subaru engine
- Durable steel welded body
- 30-gallon storage
Cons
- Expensive for contractors on a budget
If you are interested to learn more about this unit and check the latest price and offers, then you should visit the product page on Amazon. Just follow the link below.
RolAir Air Compressor GX200 9 Gallon
With a 6.5 horsepower Honda engine, this portable gas air compressor is able to produce 13.1 CFM at 100 PSI. Additionally, it has the ability to increase the pressure as the pressure regulator is lowered.
Like other gasoline compressors covered in this list, this is an excellent unit for heavy-duty tools. This capability of industrial-grade performance is further enhanced by the 9-gallon capacity, which makes the compressor suitable for inflating, continuous flow tools, or running multiple tools on a job site.
It’s portable in the sense that it can be rolled using the integrated wheelbarrow system. However, it would usually require two people to safely move the device in order to pack it up. This is fairly common for a contractor/industrial quality gas-powered air compressor.
Highlight Features
- 200 CC Honda engine
Pros
- 1100 RPM
- Portable
- Simple to use
- 9-gallon storage
Cons
- No clear cons
Hitachi EC2510E 8 Gallon Gas Powered Air Compressor
This gas-powered portable air compressor follows the pontoon design philosophy. It has air tanks on either side of the chassis along with a single oversized wheel with wheelbarrow type handlebars at the end of the unit. With that, you can be sure of it being easy to move around the job site.
It comes with everything you need to get started, minus the compressor air hose and your tool attachments. You have the options of adding these as per your requirements based on the job you’re carrying out. You will, however, have few limitations when it comes to pneumatic tools. On the other hand, you will be able to use impact wrenches, nail guns, staplers, and other attachments all thanks to the relatively high 9 CFM @ 100 PSI airflow rating.
Although some heavier tools may require a short recharge time (up to 15 seconds, depending on the device), this is a very capable contractor or portable workshop unit, provided there’s adequate ventilation.
Highlight Features
- Professional grade 5.5 HP Honda GX engine
Pros
- Solid cast iron cylinder
- Pneumatic throttle control
- Easy to drain
Cons
- Takes longer to start
Campbell Hausfeld CE2000 9 Gallon Air Compressor
This is a wheelbarrow type gas powered air compressor with a 9-gallon tank. It is intended for heavy duty work and is made of cast iron.
As is the case with other units that have appeared in this list, this also has a powerful Honda engine GX160, providing 5.5 HP performance.
Its motor pump is oil lubricated, two-cylinder, single stage providing a powerful performance of 10.2 CFM @ 90 psi, 135 max psi. Because of this sizeable power, it is suitable for the serious DIY home user as well as for professional contractors.
It can power up a wide range of power tools, and the fact that is gas powered makes it ideal for work environments that electric power is not readily available.
Now, in terms of portability, because of its 176 lbs weight, it cannot be classified into the portable air compressor category, but rather it would be more appropriate to operate in a stationary position.
Because of its design structure, it has an enclosed metal guard, thus providing added safety when operated.
To top things off, this compressor can provide 10.2 CFM @ 90 psi, making it one of the most capable units in its price range.
Highlight Features
- Wheelbarrow design, 9 gallons tank capacity
- GX160, 5.5 HP Honda Engine
- Cast iron structure
- 2 cylinder, 1 stage pump
- 10.2 CFM @ 90 psi
Pros
- Durable cast iron construction
- Electrical start
- Honda engine low oil shutdown
- Fully enclosed metal guard
Cons
- Expensive
- Sensitive engine choke
- Heavy to transport
DeWalt DXCMTB5590856 Honda Powered Wheelbarrow Compressor
This gas air compressor is another capable offering from DeWalt. However, this time it comes with the more familiar Honda GX160 engine. This hefty piece of industrial engineering brilliance allows the unit to produce up to 150 PSI maximum pressure with a flow rating of 9.9 CFM.
The compressor comes with a high flow regulator, which eliminates any major restriction, allowing this unit to work with demanding tools. These features make it the perfect combination of Honda engine’s power and DeWalt’s excellent build.
Even though the 8-gallon tank is by no means the biggest that you will find on gas air compressors, it still allows for sufficient performance with mid-duty tools. However, the compressor can present some limitations with more demanding impact tools that need to be operated in quick cycles.
Highlight Features
- GX160 Honda Engine
- 150 PSI maximum pressure
Pros
- Easily portable
- High power output
- Fast recovery
Cons
- Louder than other gas air compressors
Makita MAC5501G 5.5 HP Gas Air Compressor
When it comes to premium power tools, Makita carries one of the strongest names. Their gas air compressor currently for sale is definitely worth the consideration when you search for a new unit.
The particular model currently under view uses the Honda GX160 engine, which is popular with a number of manufacturers. This engine is quite reliable and only requires minimal maintenance while having the ability to produce up to 5.5 horsepower for efficient air pressure buildup.
The powerhouse of the engine powers a pump that can provide up to 12.5 CFM at 100 PSI, which is an improvement over some competing gas-powered air compressors that use the same engine. The bore size in the pump allows for fast recovery time, while the 10-gallon tank helps to make this compressor ideal for demanding use case scenarios.
This means that this particular model should definitely be on your list of considerations while you’re scouting the market.
Highlight Features
- 5 HP GX160 4-stroke Honda Engine
- 10-gallon dual tank
Pros
- Low gas consumption
- Fast recovery
- Easy start
- Quiet operation – less noise
- Compact and easy to move
Cons
- Parts are not easily available
Taking the Time to Consider All of Your Options
This concludes the list of our recommendations of the ten best gas air compressors currently on sale. All that’s left to do is for you to make a list of priorities and needs and find one that suits your needs.
Since buying a gas-powered air compressor is a long-term investment, you need to make sure that you get the right one. You can’t simply get up and sell it and buy a new one to replace it, especially when you have smaller and cheaper alternatives in the electric variety.
With benefits that include better performance and a longer lifetime, you should take your time to compare the available units. Your budget is a crucial deciding factor when it comes to finalizing a purchase. So, make sure that the air compressor not only meets your air pressure and airflow needs, but it also comes within your budget.
Along with that, take the portability of the unit into account as well. This might not seem like an important feature right now, but when you have to move the compressor around, you’ll be thankful that you chose a portable one.
If you want to explore more your options as to which air compressor you want to invest in, we recommend taking a look at our in-depth air compressor product reviews as well as our buying advice section. Happy shopping!