Best 1 Gallon Air Compressor- Review And Buying Guide

Best 1 Gallon Air Compressor

People are often torn among various air compressor models that is flooded the air tools industry. The question is usually, ‘what is the best 1 gallon air compressor?’ However, before making up your mind on a particular air compressor, you ought to look the traits. Interestingly, you may find enormous of 1-gallon air compressors from different manufacturers are flooded on the market.

However, 1 gallon air compressors are best suited for residential DIY projects. I have put together a list of the most reliable air compressors in the market.

Remember, the 1-gallon air compressor does not have to be very expensive or have a lot of features. If you need an air compressor to carry out tasks such as inflation, power nailing, and stapling, the solution is definitely among this list.

Top 6 Best 1 Gallon Small Air Compressor Reviews

Image	Product	Features	Details
Overall Best Mini Compressor No products found.	Senco PC1010 1 gallon air compressor	Max Pressure: 125 Psi Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 10 inches Warranty: 1 year. Weight: 20 pounds	No products found.
Quick Couplers Pick No products found.	DEWALT D55140 1 gallon air compressor	Max Pressure: 135 Psi Dimensions: 48 x 40 x 41 inches Warranty: 1 year . Weight: 29.5 pounds	No products found.
Ultra Quiet No products found.	California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S 1 Gallon Air Compressor	Max Pressure: 120 Psi Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 inches Warranty: 1 year. Weight:  20 Pounds.	No products found.
Budget Pick No products found.	Metabo HPT EC28M 1 Gallon Air Compressor	Max Pressure: 120 Bars Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 13.5 inches Warranty: 1 year . Weight: 25.2 pounds	No products found.
For Indoor applications No products found.	Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 pancake air compressor	Max Pressure: 110 Psi Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 16 inches Warranty: 1 year . Weight: 14.7 pounds	No products found.
Last But Not Least No products found.	3PLUS HCB0504M02 1 Gallon Air Compressor	Max Pressure: 125 Psi Dimensions: 14.9 x 13.5 x 14.9 inches Warranty: 1 year. Weight: 27.5 pounds	No products found.

1. Senco PC1010 1 gallon air compressor

This air compressor is the perfect definition of a good thing in a small package. It is the perfect machine to use for your home projects and DIY.

The unit comes with a 1 gallon aluminum air tank that is lightweight. The air tank weighs only 20 lbs and hence you can carry and transport the machine with ease. The aluminum cylinder is resistant to rust and corrosion making it durable.

The air compressor operates with minimal noise. In fact, you can do your home DIY projects at any time of day or night without disturbing the peace of others. It runs at a noise level of only 65 decibels. This is as loud as a normal human conversation. This is an air compressor that you will enjoy using every other time both indoors and outdoors.

One of the best features is the fact that the pump is oil-free. This offers convenience to those people who don’t like the hassle of cleaning messy floors. This is also means that maintenance is greatly reduced and the associated costs significantly cut. The best part is you will not have to stop the operations just to replace or add oil onto the pump. Instead more time will be channeled into completing your work faster.

Senco PC1010 compressor consists of a 0.5 HP direct drive motor. For this reason, you have enough air flow to cater for all your air tools and get the job well done.

The 1 gallon air tank takes only about 128 seconds to fill to capacity. Recovery time takes about 35 seconds. At this point, more time will be spent in powering and working on the various applications. The icing on the cake is the rubber covered feet. Many air compressors in the market vibrate when placed on the floor or workbench. This can cause significant damage on these surfaces.

It’s a good thing Senco took the appropriate measures to combat this problem. The rubber covered feet prevent any damage that may be caused on your home floors. With this, you can be comfortable to use the air compressor at home.

The product is backed by a 1 year warranty. In case there are any arising issues, you can always have the manufacture address them. This air compressor is perfect for airbrushing, inflating tires and nailing.

What We Liked

• Oil less pump.
• Low noise level.
• 1 year warranty.
• Portable 1 gallon air compressor.

What We Did’t Like

• Some parts may break easily.

2. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S 1 Gallon Air Compressor

This powerful mid-price air compressor is designed to be the quietest air compressor with a single piston pump, a cylinder, and lightweight tank. A combination that, when in motion, gives great performance gains over long periods of time.

Despite the fact that it doubles more than the power of the California Air Tools, the large 1680 rpm pump is still quiet and allows maximum performance even at low revs. Premature engine failure will not be a big problem because of the low amp consumption that reduces tripped circuit breakers and voltage drops.

The tank of 1 gallons is labeled for 120 PSI (maximum) with a fairly low unit weight of 29.5 pounds. It can fill the tank within 50 seconds.

The manual that came with the device is not for beginners, and many important steps are missing. Owners of a first air compressor will have trouble installing the unit for the first time and, frustrated, they may miss some of the essential steps to make it work properly. The power is really incredible in the size it offers, again, and there are only a few on the list that are as effective.

That said, he is still not powerful enough to perform certain tasks. Most of the time, it will hold up, but it is still a compact air compressor with the composition of a larger air compressor. A very wise purchase for home garage job and especially for a sensitive place where low noise is mandatory, and it should last a very long time.

What We Liked

• Ultra quiet air compressor (only 56 decibels).
•  Less maintenance required.
• Oil free air compressor.
• Light weight.
• Low ampere draw- only 4.5 amps.

What We Did’t Like

• You need to buy an extra regulator.
• Low pressure air compressor.

3. Metabo HPT EC28M 1 gallon air compressor

If you are looking for an exceptional air compressor that will last for almost a decade, then Hitachi EC28M is a solution you ought to consider.

It is the quietest air compressor on the list because it actually runs at only 59 decibels. As a matter of fact, you will barely notice there is a running air compressor around.

Also, people can have normal conversations with each other without noise getting in the way. If you don’t believe me, try this machine and am sure you will be impressed.

It comes with an oil free pump that guarantees less maintenance and durability. I don’t think there is anyone who would be happy with cleaning up a messy floor. Thankfully, this air compressor is oil-free and you won’t have to deal with such a situation.

The air compressor already has a factory installed coupler so that you spend less time on connections. It also features a stainless steel discharge hose that is rust resistant and remains flexible for longer. The control panel is centrally located to make operations easier and it’s integrated to protect the gauges.

It consists of a roll cage construction for extra protection. There are times vital parts are damaged during transportation. The roll cage specifically protects the critical components such as the engine and pump. Therefore, you can transport the machine with less worries of causing damage to the vital parts.

This air compressor is lightweight and has a compact design. As a matter of fact, it is small enough to easily fit in the back seat of your car. It weighs only 25.2 lbs and hence you can carry it around easily. Furthermore, the machine has a rubber handle to make carrying from site to site an easy feat. It’s the kind of an air compressor that you will be totally comfortable to use right there in your home or anywhere else outdoors.

Hitachi compiled high performance and quality to give you an air compressor that you will look forward to using every day. It may be small in size but it definitely exceeds its expectations. It’s operated at the household current and the overload protection circuit is included to protect the motor. In case of an overload, the overload protection circuit automatically cuts off power.

Since it’s portable, installation is barely an issue. In fact, you can start using as soon as it’s delivered from the provider. The machine has a one year professional’s warranty. If you want a super quiet air compressor that provides optimum performance, then look no further. This is the air compressor for you.

What We Liked

• Compact design.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Roll cage construction for extra protection.
• Super quiet operation.

What We Did’t Like

• Take little more time to fill up tires.

4. DEWALT D55140 1 gallon air compressor

The DEWALT D55140 air compressor features a sleek and compact design ideal for DIY and other small home applications. I love the fact that it’s thoughtfully deigned and lightweight. You can move it from one place to the next when you are at the job site or doing your projects at home.

The machine weighs only 24 pounds and its 9 inches wide. Aside from easy transportation, storage is made simpler. You can store the machine in either the vertical or horizontal position.

The air compressor has a protective roll cage. All the critical components are safely enclosed to give you peace of mind during transportation. The protective cage ensures that the unit is well shielded from accidental damages and the daily wear and tear. For this reason, there is a good chance the machine will last longer than many other similar air compressors.

This unit delivers airflow of 0.75 scfm at 90 psi and a maximum of 135 psi. At this point, there is the assurance that the air compressor will run for longer with a quick recovery. In addition, Dewalt went the extra mile and equipped the unit with a one-hand universal connection to make operations user friendly and compatible with all pneumatic tools.

To make the unit more efficient, it is made with a ball drain valve to speed up tank draining and make sure it is completely emptied. It also has a cord wrap for convenient and easy storage.

Those people who like working in a quiet and more conducive work environment will really love this air compressor. It is super quiet and runs at a noise level of 69 decibels. You can pick a phone call, have a normal conversation and work indoors without having to worry about noise disturbance.

The D55140 comes with an oil-free durable pump that allows maintenance-free operations. The oil less pump means that you will not have to keep checking and adding oil to the pump. Well, this is simply convenience taken to a whole new level. Furthermore, you will not be required to clean up a dirty or oily work surface.

Another feature worth mentioning is the low amp motor. The amp draw is as low as 2.6 and this offers an easy startup with reduced breaker tripping. There is also the high flow regulator that works to optimize performance. The couplers are deigned is such a way that they increase the air tool performance.

Since many people use 1 gallon air compressors for home applications, the main worry is usually damage on the floor surfaces. Luckily, this air compressor has rubber covered feet. For this reason, you can rest assured your floor is well protected from vibration-caused damages.

This air compressor is great for nailing, inflating tires and other small to medium duty tasks. It is backed with a one year warranty and a 30 days money back guarantee. If the unit fails to meet your expectations, you have the option to return it within 30 days after purchase and get a full refund. All said and done, it’s a wonderful air compressor to work with.

What We Liked

• Lightweight and portable.
• Protective roll cage construction.
• Quiet operation.

What We Did’t Like

• Some people complain that the regulator is loose and keep leaking.

5. Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 pancake air compressor

This is the best air compressor for many indoor applications. You get it at an affordable price and this is one if the reasons it’s a favorite for so many people. Campbell Hausfeld has been in the industry long enough and it has built a name for itself.

Therefore, if you are looking for high performance together with durability, then you are looking at the perfect solution to power your air tools.

This air compressor operates on a 120 volt current which is applicable to all households. This only means that you can comfortably work indoors. It delivers an air flow of 0.36 cfm at 90 psi with a maximum pressure of 110 psi. This contributes to a longer run time and faster recovery.

The unit is designed in such a way that it is conveniently portable and storage friendly. It comes with a built in handle so that you can carry it with ease. The FP2028 is the lightest unit on this list and it weighs only 12.7 pounds. Transportation and moving it from site to site is definitely easy.

The entire package includes various accessories so that you can get started on your projects immediately. The accessory kit comes with 2 inflator nozzles, an air chuck, needle adapter, 25 foot recoil hose and on-board storage to properly store all the accessories.

One of the best features is the oil-free pump that reduces the need for constant maintenance. It also significantly brings down operational costs. In addition, less time will be spent on checking and adding oil in the pump. The working surface remains clean because there are no messy spills. Well, if you asked me this is one of the highlighting features in any air compressor.

The gauge is conveniently located so that the user is able to monitor the air pressure at a glance.  The gauge is positioned at the top of the air compressor and hence you can just check on it with ease.

If you have plenty of DIY projects, then this air compressor will be suitable for you. You can use it for inflation, stapling, brad nailing and air brushing. It will get all the work done with no hitches. It’s a highly recommended unit that is durable and boasts of a high performance.

What We Liked

• Compact design.
• Highly portable.
• Comes with important accessories.
• Oil-free pump.

What We Did’t Like

• The motor is a bit loud.

6. 3PLUS HCB0504M02 1 Gallon Air Compressor

This 3PLUS air compressor may not be from a renowned brand but it’s worth your time and money. It has all the unique features you are looking for and surpasses its expectations.

It has a few faults here and there but you can still get past them. Many of the prior customers are happy with it and that is why it’s among the list of the top best.

It features an oil-free pump which is a plus because owners don’t have to deal with oil spills and messy work surfaces. It also has a less downtime compared to some other standard units. It delivers at a remarkable maximum pressure of 125 psi. This is so impressive considering its price but on second thought size does not determine the power of an air compressor. It offers airflow of 0.7 scfm at 90 psi.

Many customers look for a more quiet air compressor because they just want a peaceful work environment. Well, if you are that kind of a person then this is the unit for you. It operates at a noise level of only 65 decibels. This means that you can have a normal conversation without feeling bothered by noise from the compressor. You may even forget that it’s actually there. For this reason, it is great for those who do their work at home.

The entire package comes with an 11 piece accessory kit to get you started. They include inflation needles, a coiled air hose, blow gun and fittings. This unit is quite portable and weighs only 28 pounds. Furthermore, it has a compact design and a strong handle for easy transportation and storage.

The 3PLUS HCB0504M02 is the perfect tool for tasks such as brad nailing, inflation, stapling, finish and trim projects. It’s a reliable piece of equipment and that’s all that matters. It offers good value for money.

What We Liked

• Maximum pressure 125 psi.
• Ultra-quiet at 65 decibels.
• 11 piece accessory kit.
• Portable 1 gallon compressor.
• Oil-free pump

What We Did’t Like

• Sometimes, leaking air valve

Frequently Asked Questions About 1 gallon Tiny Air Compressor

What is the best 1-gallon pancake for air staplers?

Senco PC1010 1 gallon air compressor is one of the best rated 1-gallon air compressors for air staplers, tire inflators, airbrushes, and also suitable for powering air brad nailers.

What are the best small air compressors?

They are all less than 1 HP enabling them to be simply plugged into any standard electrical outlet due to their low amperage requirements.

What is the quietest air compressor in this roundup?

At a whisper quiet 56 dB, the California Air Tools 1P1060S is the quietest air compressor in this roundup review.

What is Cfm?

Cfm (cubic feet per minute) tells you how fast the small air compressor can supply air.

What is the decibel scale?

Going up 10 dB doubles the level of noise.

What is the noise level of a machine?

The small air compressors we chose range from 50 to 87 decibels.

What do we offer?

We’ll tell you what they mean, what matters and what doesn’t, and help you choose a compressor to suit your needs.

How much pressure can a compressor provide?

Most compressors provide plenty of pressure for DIY tools and tasks.

What is the quietest compact compressor?

Emitting a mere 56 dB, the California Air Tools 1P1060S is the quietest compact compressor in this comparison review.

How much does a quiet small air compressor cost?

The CAT-1P1060S pricing is competitive for a super quiet small air compressor and usually retails for between $80 and $150.

Final Verdict

Small air compressors like the ones I have listed above are ideal for most of the medium-duty tasks and residential projects. Since it can be quite challenging to settle for a machine that works in your best interest, this list will narrow things down for you.

Make sure you have already defined your needs and the kind of work that will be required for use with the air compressor. Afterwards, it will be simpler to determine what you need.