If you need pneumatic tools for woodworking or car detailing jobs, you’ll need to invest in a reliable air compressor. In this guide, we’re going to tell you our picks of the best 6-gallon air compressors you’ll ever find, as well as how to determine which model your garage needs.
Buying Guide: Choosing an Air Compressor
If you’re an aspiring contractor, woodworker, or diehard DIY-er, an air compressor can be an invaluable piece of equipment to have in your garage. This short guide should assist you in determining which air compressor you need for whatever purpose.
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Motor HP
The motor’s HP rating is a great place to start your search. Generally speaking, the higher the HP rating of an air compressor, the more air it can deliver at higher pressures. Keep in mind that when it comes to hobbyist-type air compressors, their HP ratings are typically overstated which is why a 5-HP industrial air compressor is significantly bulkier than a 5-HP residential-use model.
Airflow Volume and Pressure
You should take a look at the pneumatic tools you have on hand or plan on getting before deciding on an air compressor. Your tools will let you know how much airflow volume (CFM) and pressure (PSI) they need to operate properly. In most cases, they require 3 to 4 CFM at 90 PSI, but more demanding tools like impact wrenches, orbital sanders, and pain spray guns may require 5-plus CFM at 100 PSI.
Tank Size
Simply put, larger tanks store more air, but motor size and airflow delivery, both volume and pressure, are much more crucial factors. If the air compressor can continuously produce as much air as your tool needs, even a small 2- or 3-gallon tank will suffice. Small tanks can also be more cost-effective when using demanding air tools (impact wrenches, paint guns) intermittently.
Single- vs. Two-Stage
Single-stage air compressors comes with one or more cylinders that directly fill air into the tank, whereas two-stage models have multiple cylinders where air is passed through a cooling tube from one cylinder to another at 90 PSI and 175 PSI respectively.
Two-stage are compressors are ideal for continuously producing copious amounts of air to power more demanding air tool which, for most applications outside of industrial settings, can be overkill. A high-quality one-stage air compressor can get you far without costing an arm and a leg.
Duty Cycle
A hilarious name but it’s actually one of the most important factors to take into account. Expressed in percentages, the duty cycle denotes how long the motor can run continuously within a 10-minute window. For example, a hobbyist air compressor may have a 50% duty cycle that means it can run safely for 5 minutes out of any 10-minute timeframe.
If you exceed the duty cycle, the motor may overheat and deteriorate much more quickly than you’d like.
Our Recommended 6 Gallon Air Compressors for Your Garage
8) Craftsman Air Compressor, 6 Gallon
From Craftsman, we have a 6-gallon air compressor. By making use of this air compressor, you have access to a maximum pressure of 150 PSI.
To enhance the experience, Craftsman gives you 13 accessories. Each one of these accessories makes using this air compressor easy and convenient.
- The portable air compressor is proudly made in the USA with Global Materials in Jackson, Tennessee
- PORTABLE: 6 gallon capacity maximizes portability and stored air for CRAFTSMAN air compressor
- NO MAINTENANCE: Durable, oil-free pump of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for long-life and no maintenance
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7) BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
From Bostitch, we have a 6-gallon air compressor that offers a maximum pressure of 150 PSI.
You can easily use this air compressor to blow up the tires in your bike or your car, while also being able to blow out a computer case, an old mattress; and plenty of other items.
- The portable air compressor has a long-life oil-free, maintenance-free pump for convenient use
- 150 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM* delivered @ 90 PSI pump enable long tool run time with...
- BOSTITCH high efficiency motor of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for easy start up in cold weather or...
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6) PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor
Stability is the name of Porter-Cable’s game. On the bottom of this air compressor, there are rubber feet. Along with that, they’ve included a water drain valve, making it easy to deal with water.
Beyond those features, this air compressor is 6-gallons and offers 150 PSI of pressure. For most tasks, this is more than sufficient.
- 150 psi max tank pressure of the portable air compressor allows more air in the tank for longer tool runtimes
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 psi of the electric air compressor allows for quick compressor recovery time, per ISO1217
- 6 gal Pancake style tank of the PORTER-CABLE air compressor is made for stability, includes water drain valve...
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5) PORTER-CABLE Compressor
A 13-piece accessory kit gives you plenty of flexibility and versatility. You can use these accessories to enhance the 150 PSI of pressure this air compressor offers, as well as the 6-gallon tank that it relies on.
For garages, this air compressor is meant to start and last in cold weather. You can also use an extension cord.
- 150 psi max tank pressure of the portable air compressor allows more air in the tank for longer tool runtimes
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 psi of the electric air compressor allows for quick compressor recovery time, per ISO1217
- 6 gal Pancake style tank of the PORTER-CABLE air compressor is made for stability, includes water drain valve...
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4) DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
From DEWALT, we have a 6-gallon 165 PSI air compressor. Due to the high-pressure this air compressor offers, it’s a great choice if you intend to perform air compression tasks that require more pressure.
As for other features and traits, this air compressor is just like most others. But, it works well, and is great for your garage.
- 165 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM delivered @ 90 PSI pump, enable long tool run time with...
- High efficiency motor of the electric air compressor is made for easy start up in cold weather or extension...
- 78.5 dBA noise level of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for a quiet work environment
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3) DEWALT Air Compressor Combo Kit
Just as the name implies, this is a combo kit. You receive a 6-gallon 165 PSI air compressor. And, you also receive a Brad Nailer.
With the air compressor, you can fill up tires, blow air across surfaces and within spaces; along with other purposes. With the nailer, you can drive in nails on a plethora of surfaces.
- DWFP12231 Brad Nailer drives 18ga nails from 5/8" to 2" length.
- DWFP55126 Compressor offers 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI pump, 6 gallon (22.7 L) tank and 165 max PSI
- Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment and tool-free jam release
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2) BOSTITCH Air Compressor Kit
For a lightweight air compressor, you can’t go wrong with this one.
The total capacity is 6-gallons, and the total pressure is 150 PSI. All of this is contained in a 29-pound kit that you can pick up and move around with a fair amount of ease.
For a garage – or other spaces – this is a great kit.
- OIL FREE: Requires no daily maintenance and eliminates risk of oil stains on work surfaces
- LIGHTWEIGHT: 29 pound weight and narrow tank diameter make unit easy to carry/store
- HIGH FLOW REGULATOR AND DUAL COUPLERS: Maximizes air tool performance
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor
A 1 HP motor that generates 90 PSI makes this air compressor great for a plethora of tasks.
You can blow air from spaces or surfaces, operate a nailer, blow up some tires; among other things.
The 6-gallon capacity delivers performance that is more than sufficient.
- COMPRESSOR: 6-Gallon pancake style tank delivers reliable and rugged performance
- PSI: 150 PSI of max working pressure for longer run times
- RUN MULTIPLE NAILERS: 2.8 CFM delivered at 90 PSI to operate multiple nailers depending on the application
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQ
1. What size air compressor do I need?
The size of the most appropriate air compressor for your home depends on the range of air tools you plan on using. Pay close attention to the tools you have on hand so you can avoid the need to purchase multiple air compressors. It’s safer to go bigger, but it can be costlier as well.
2. Does air compressor tank size matter?
As we mentioned earlier in this guide, the size of the tank isn’t the most crucial factor, but it can affect productivity. If you need to work for longer, a larger tank that holds more air can provide more working time per tankful of air, but even then, the duty cycle will dictate how long you can work without breaking the air compressor.
3. What CFM do I need?
For most cases, at least in hobbyist garage settings, 5 CFM will suffice. This can power a wide range of tools, including nail guns, ratchets, tire changers, and smaller paint guns for minor touch-ups. It never hurts to go larger than 5 CFM, especially if you plan on expanding your set of air tools to include impact wrenches, die grinders, drills, and hammers.
4. Can a 6-gallon air compressor run an impact wrench?
Yes, you can, but once again the air compressor’s tank shouldn’t be the determining factor when settling on a particular model. That said, we wouldn’t recommend hooking up an impact wrench to your 6-gallon air compressor since this is generally the bare minimum requirement, and the tool will consume more air than the motor can replenish.
Conclusion
Air compressors are vital tools for a number of different settings—whether you’re an aspiring woodworker, a grease monkey, or need to fix upholstery and furniture pieces. In this guide, we’ve shown you not only our favorite picks of the best 6-gallon air compressors for your garage but also how to find the most suitable model for your home.
This website is supported by readers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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