30 Gallon air compressors are specialized machines that are used to power pneumatic tools used in the heavy industry. These are heavy-duty equipment that powers up tools like air staplers, air drills, and nail guns. Furthermore, they are energy-efficient, compact and ‘don’t create a lot of noise.
Given the ease of shopping online, you may think that a single click is all that it takes to purchase an air compressor. We hate to be the bearers of bad news, friend, but it is not an easy task without the right knowledge. Though, the good news is that you’ve come to the right place. Our best 30-gallon air compressors reviews will make shopping for compressors seem like a walk in the park.
When buying air compressors, you must look into many things to make sure you’re buying the right one. As it is an expensive product, you don’t want to make an uninformed decision, do you? Other than the technical aspects, personal preferences like color, style, and ease of use also need to be considered. With all this in mind, we have compiled for you a list of the best 30 Gallon Air Compressors. Keep scrolling, to find out more.
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors – Comparison
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors – Reviews
1. Industrial Air ILA188354
- Cast iron, twin cylinder, oil lubricated pump
- Heavy duty induction motor for maximum performance and efficiency
- 155 PSI max pressure for optimum tool performance
- 30 gallon vertical portable tank with pre-attached pneumatic tires for maximum portability
- Dual voltage motor is wired for standard 120 volt outlet, and may also be converted for 240 volt application
The Industrial Air ILA188354 happens to be a 30-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor. It comes with a twin-cylinder, cast iron, and oil-lubricated pump. The air compressor further supports a dual voltage motor which is wired for standard 120V outlet. It can also be converted for a 240V application. You can enjoy 155 PSI max pressure as it offers best possible tool performance. The compressor further comes with a 30-Gallon ASME vertical portable tank and is pre-attached with pneumatic tires, tank, quick-set regulator, on/off switch, and working pressure gauges. The tool offers maximum pressure of 155 PSI, CFM at 90 PSI: 5.7; RHP: 1.9; CFM at 40 PSI: 7.0; UL and CSA certified.
Customer Reviews
Better than expected – Reviewer
2. Husky 30 Gallon Compressor
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The Husky 30 gallon compressor features superior performance pump and a motor that offers 175 max PSI along with 5.1 SCFM at 90 PSI. Having an increased PSI ratio equates to longer air tool run times with enhanced project efficiency. Furthermore, the tool offers quiet operation at 78dBA, which helps bring less noise to the environment. The 9 In. wheels ensure that the unit is portable enough so that you can take it anywhere you want, be it your garage or shop. The dual quick connect makes it super easy for you to easily switch between applications and tools. The 175 PSI air compressor is just perfect for all inflation activities, stapling and nailing, automotive applications, as well as, spray painting activities.
The oil-free aspect eradicates the need for oil separators in the air delivery system while you are working on painting projects. The 175 maximum PSI in a 20 Gallon tank runs 40 percent longer than to a usual 26-gallon compressor at 150 maximum PSI. The ASME certified tank fulfills all the safety requirements and the vertical design provides smaller footprints and acquires less space in your garage or shop.
Customer Reviews
Overall this is a great unit – Reviwer
3. Industrial Air IL1983013
- Long lasting twin cylinder pump combines cast iron cylinders with aluminum cooling fins to reduce heat, maximize CFM, and extend pump life
- Heavy duty induction motor for maximum performance and reliability
- 30-Gallon ASME
- Dual voltage motor is wired for standard 120 volt outlet, and may also be converted for 240 volt applications
- Fully assembled with welded on handle and axle plate for added durability
The Industrial Air IL1983013 happens to be a 30-Gallon Oil Lube Belt Drive Air Compressor. It is a durable twin cylinder pump that merges cast iron cylinders with aluminum cooling fins that help maximize CFM, reduce heat, and extend the pump’s life. The heavy-duty induction motor provides reliability and maximum performance. The dual voltage motor comes with a standard 120V outlet, however; it can also be easily converted for 240V applications. The compressor is fully assembled with welded-on handle, as well as, axle plate for more durability.
Customer Reviews
Very nice everything was perfect – Reviewer
4. DeWalt DXCMH1393075
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The DeWalt DXCMH1393075 is a Two-Stage Industrial Air Compressor which supports 30-Gallon tank and cast iron. It comes along a reliable Electric Start Honda GX390 OHV Gas Engine. The 390-CC engine supports a rate of 24.0-CFM at 100 PSI or 22.0 CFM at the rate of 175 PSI. It also comprises of a Patented Piston design that comes with a Cast Iron Precision Bored Cylinder Head along with Patented Asymmetrical Deep-Grove Directional Cooling Fins. The compressor further includes an exclusive metal belt guard which helps improve the cooling of the system as much as 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Customer Reviews
Great DeWALT unit, couldn’t be happier. – Reviewer
5. NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor
- Honda GX390 OHV engine with electric start/recoil backup and low oil shutdown
- 3 Amp battery charging circuit (battery not included)
- Full cast iron pump for long service life
- V-style cylinder design for superior cooling
- Pump head made of FC35 Grade cast iron
The NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor supports a30-Gallon Horizontal Tank, comes with Honda GX390 OHV Engine and provides 24.4 CFM at 90 PSI. The Honda GX390 OHV engine supports electric start or recoil backup along with low oil shutdown. The full cast iron pump offers a long service life. The compressor comes with a 3 Amp battery charging circuit, however; the battery is not included in the package. The V-style cylinder design offers optimum cooling.
The LVT or Low Vibration Technology supports smooth operations along with floating-type Swedish steel valves that offer durability in terms of long valve life. The crankshaft comes with bearings on both sides for optimum support. It also supports a durable steel belt guard and a liquid-fitted pressure gauge which protects against pressure spikes and offers better accuracy.
Customer Reviews
Best air compressor I’ve ever owned!! – Reviewer
6. Powermate Vx PLA1683066
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Powermate is a brand which is renowned for superior quality components. It is one of the top brands of stationary and portable air compressors today. Whether you are looking for a 1-gallon air compressor for all your DIY projects or even an 80-gallon compressor that offers more professional activity – Powermate is all you need here!
The Powermate Vx PLA1683066 supports a 30-Gallon Portable Twin Cylinder Cast Iron Air Compressor. It comprises of an oil-lubricated pump and a single-piece cast iron crankcase. It also features a thermally stable cash iron cylinder structure. It comes with Automotive Style Ball Bearings and sturdy Stainless Steel Reed Valves. Furthermore, it provides an easy and quick accessible oil fill along with 10-Inch Cast Iron Balanced Fly Wheel. The compressor also comprises of an aluminum head and a machined cast iron valve plate.
Powermate x PLA1683066 is engineered to be durable. When you are looking for standby electric generators, water pumps, air compressors, pressure washers, air tools, and accessories, Powermate is the name you can conveniently rely on!
Customer Reviews
Nice compressor! Perfect for home user or small business. – Reviewer
7. Porter Cable PXCMLC1683066
- Single stage, oil lubricated, Twin-V cast iron pump
- Heavy duty 1.6 HP, 120-240 volt induction motor
- Tank Size: 30 Gallon
- SCFM at 40 PSI: 6.2 & SCFM at 90 PSI: 5.3
- Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI
The Portable Porter Cable PXCMLC1683066 air compressor comes with a 30-Gallon Single Stage. It is single-stage, has a Twin-V cast iron pump, and oil lubricated. The heavy-duty compressor is 1.6 HP, and comes along a 120 and 240V induction motor. SCFM at 40 PSI: 6.2 and SCFM at 90 PSI: 5.3. The maximum amount of pressure it holds if 135 PSI. The portable cable compressor supports 6.2 CFM at 40 psi and 5.3 CFM at 90 psi. Moreover, it provides 1.6 running horsepower.
The heavy duty induction motor offers maximum efficiency and performance. The 30-gallon ASME portable tank comes along pneumatic tires and offers utmost portability.
Customer Reviews
starsReally like it. Comes conplete. – Reviewer
8. Campbell Hausfeld
- Heavy Duty Cast Iron, Oil-Lubricated, Two Cylinder Single Stage Pump
- Handle and semi-pneumatic wheels for portability of 30 gallon tank, plus a fully enclosed metal belt guard for safe operation
- Dual Voltage Motor Allows unit to be run at the normal household 120V for the everyday DIY customer or 240V for the business, contractor or serious DIY customer
- 5.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
- 120/240 Volt, 15/7.5 Amps, 1PH, 60 Hz Electrical
The Vertical 30 Gallon Portable Air Compressor supports 120V/ 240V, 5.5CFM, 2HP, Single Stage, 1 Phase. It is heavy-duty oil lubricated, cast iron two-Cylinder Single Stage Pump that comes along a 30 Gallon Portable Tank and 1PH, 60 Hz Electrical. The dual voltage motor option allows the compressor to run at the standard household 120-Volts power. This works well for everyday DIY users or even for 240V businesses, contractors or professionals.
The pneumatic wheels are useful in making the movement easier from one task to another. You will be able to finish your projects quickly and efficiently. Safe and quiet operation through the completely enclosed metal belt guard serves as protection from all the moving parts.
You can get started with your projects immediately by bundling this professional unit with a 17 Piece Accessory Kit (MP284701AV), Campbell 25 ft. Air Hose (PA117701AV), chuck and gauge (MP600000AV), and the 3-in-1 inflation gun.
Customer Reviews
The compressor is well designed and appears well built. – Reviewer
9. DeWalt DXCMLA1983012
- Offers an Industry Leading 155-PSI Maximum Pressure with a Rate of 7. 7-CFM at 40-PSI or 6. 0-CFM at 90-PSI
- Features Quick and Easy Use with Standard Outlet 120-Volt Plugs
- Includes Automatic Thermal Overload Protection that Guards Against Low Voltage and Power Surges
- Arrives Fully Assembled and Ready To Use
- Includes Regulator, Tank and Tool Pressure Gauges, Quick Coupler, On/Off Switch, Wheels, and a Handle with Grip
The DeWalt portable air compressor happens to be a low-maintenance option for all those who are looking forward to having a portable unit. Engineered with the direct-drive operation, oil-free, there are no belts that you are required to change or tighten and the need to add, dispose of or change oil is also eliminated. It also comes along a patented pump design with a two-piece cooling system that helps boost cooling power, extends the pump’s life and lower operating temperatures. Furthermore, it comes with the highest CFM output, includes a 30-Gallon Oil-Free Direct Drive option. It also includes a durable induction motor for optimum performance and reliability. With a front handle and wheels, the compressor is designed in a way that it offers users with exceptional mobility.
The DeWalt DXCMLA1983012 air compressor comes with a 30-Gallon Oil-Free Direct Drive. It also offers the best 155 PSI maximum pressure with a 7.7 CFM rate at 40 PSI or 6.0 CFM rate at 90 PSI. The compressor also features easy and quick use with standard 120V plugs. It also comprises of automatic thermal overload protection that helps protect against power surges and low voltage. You can have it fully assembled which ensures that the compressor is ready to use. It also includes a tank, regulator, quick coupler, tool pressure gauge, wheels, on/off switch and a handle with grip.
Customer Reviews
Great product great price – Reviewer
10. Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM Garage Mate
- Portable Design: Heavy-duty ergonomic handle and semi-pneumatic tires for easy handling, ideal for DIYers or professionals
- User Friendly: A low 80 dBA noise level, an easily accessible side drain valve and an automatic start/stop pressure switch control provides a superior user experience
- Maximum Power: 100% continuous duty, along with 30-gallon receiver tank for tough applications
- Reliable Operation: All Season Select synthetic lubricant increases efficiency; with 2,000 hours of service between changeouts, it performs four times longer than petroleum-based lubricants
- Long-Life: Durable cast iron cylinder and frame, protective enclosed belt guard and manual overload motor protection provide excellent longevity
The Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM Garage Mate comes with a heavy-duty ergonomic handle, as well as, semi-pneumatic tires which offer easy handling. The portable design of this compressor makes it just perfect for DIYers and professionals. The machine is quite user-friendly. It comes with a low 80 dBA noise level and an easily available side drain valve along with auto start/stop pressure switch control which offers amazing user experience. It provides maximum power, with 100 percent continuous duty. Moreover, it has a 30-gallon receiver tank for tough applications. The compressor offers reliable operations.
You can pick it for all seasons as it comes with a synthetic lubricant which helps increase efficiency and supports 2,000 hours of service between charge outs. The machine also performs 4times longer when compared to the oil-based lubricants. With a long-lasting cast-iron cylinder and frame, manual overload motor protection, and protective enclosed belt guard provides amazing longevity.
Customer Reviews
It has good air capacity and does everything I need – Reviewer
30 Gallon Air Compressors – Buying Guide
Woah there, hold on a minute. Don’t just buy the first 30-gallon air compressor you come across. Take a deep breath and give yourself some room to think about your requirements. Ask yourself questions like, “what do I need a 30-gallon air compressor for?” and “how much power should it have?”. If you’re struggling to figure out your exact needs, we’re here to help you narrow down the important things to consider before buying a compressor.
Airflow
Airflow should be at the top of your list as it is one of the most important things to consider when looking for a 30-gallon air compressor. It refers to the overall volume of air generated by the compressor and is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The general rule of thumb is to get a compressor with a higher CFM value than what is required for your tools.
If the CFM of your compressor is lower than the CFM required by your tool, you will be unable to complete your task properly.
Pressure
The pressure is another very important thing to consider. The amount of air pressure your compressor produces is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). If the air compressor cannot provide enough pressure to perform the task at hand, it is useless. You will need at least 90 PSI or more to power pneumatic tools.
Noise
We want you to take a minute to picture a scenario with us. Imagine you’re trying to work on an important DIY task, and every time you think you’ve gotten the flow of things, the noise from your compressor disrupts the flow. Sounds annoying, isn’t it? Therefore, we recommend looking for a compressor that produces less noise to save yourself from any discomfort and stress.
Single or Dual Stage Air Compressors
Single-stage air compressors generate around 150 PSI, which is more than enough for most power needs. Air needs to be transferred into a second cylinder to reach a higher level of pressure. Usually, dual-stage compressors are more efficient and allow more air to be stored.
In addition, they produce less heat which reduces wear and tear of its parts and grants the compressor a longer life. Dual-stage compressors are best suited for continuous use or for powering multiple pneumatic tools.
Oil or Oil-Free Air Compressors
Decisions, decisions, and more decisions. There are quite a few decisions you need to make when purchasing your 30-gallon air compressor. Should you get an oil-lubricated compressor? Or would an oil-free compressor be a better option? Sadly, we can’t decide for you. However, we can simplify the process for you by listing down the pros and cons of each type of compressor. So let’s keep scrolling.
Oil-Free
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Environment-friendly
- Cheaper
- Low noise level
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as oil-lubricated compressors
Oil Lubricated
Pros
- More powerful
- Durable
- Better for professional application
Cons
- Require more maintenance
- Not very environmentally friendly
Warranty
Regardless of the product you purchase, getting it with a warranty will save you from unnecessary stress. Sometimes even the best of products betray us when they don’t provide the promised performance. In such cases, a warranty is quite useful. So check and then double-check the warranty on the 30-gallon air compressor you intend on purchasing.
30 Gallon Air Compressor Uses
Have you ever found yourself wondering, what exactly can you do with a 30-gallon air compressor? Well, wonder no more. We’re here to assure you that you have made a wise decision by investing in a 30-gallon air compressor. These compressors are very useful to have for small DIY projects. If maintained properly, they can last for quite a long time. Furthermore, you can take care of small tasks yourself and save the expense of hiring a contractor.
A 30-gallon air compressor can be used to:
- Inflate objects like balloons, balls and swimming pools
- Pump up air into vehicle tires
- Power multiple pneumatic tools at a time for tasks like airbrushing, bolting, brad nailing and stapling
- However, you cannot use a 30-gallon air compressor for heavy-duty work as such tasks require more pressure.
FAQs
Can a 30 gallon air compressor paint a car?
We recommend using at least a 60-gallon air compressor to ensure the best results when spray painting your car. Using a compressor tank that is too small may cause an uneven flow of paint.
How long does it take to fill a 30 gallon air compressor tank?
You can refer to the CFM of your compressor to get an estimate of how long it takes to refill the tank. Air will refill faster in a tank if the compressor has a high CFM.
You need to take into consideration the PSI when trying to figure out how much time will your 30-gallon compressor takes to refill. Atmospheric air pressure is 14.7 PSI. So the PSI of your compressor would be the total of the reading on its pressure gauge plus the atmospheric pressure.
The time taken to fill your 30-gallon air compressor will vary depending on the PSI and CFM. You can calculate the value accordingly.
For your reference, we have calculated the time to refill a 30-gallon tank with 30 CFM going from 0 PSI to 120 PSI.
- For the ease of calculation, we’re round off 14.7 PSI to 15 PSI We will add the atmospheric PSI to the PSI on the gauge 120 PSI + 15 PSI = 135 PSI
- 30 gallons are approximately 4 cubic feet
- 135/15 x 30 = 270 cubic feet
- There are 270 cubic feet of atmospheric air at pressure 120 PSI
- The difference is 270 – 4 = 266 cubic feet
- The compressor process 15 cubic feet per minute 266/15 = 17.7 minutes
So it takes 17.7 minutes to refill a 30-gallon compressor with 30 CFM at 120 PSI.
How many watts does a 30-gallon air compressor use?
Most 30 gallon compressors run at around 20 amps on 120V current. Therefore, to power an air compressor with a 30-gallon tank, you will need around 2400W to 3000W at the very least.
How to drain a 30-gallon air compressor?
Does the sight of water in your air compressor make you want to pull your hair out in frustration? We know exactly how you feel. Draining your air compressor regularly is essential, especially if you want it to last long. By following these simple steps, you can not only ensure a long life for your 30-gallon air compressor but also avoid hair loss and unnecessary stress.
Step One: Firstly, switch off and unplug your compressor.
Step Two: Reduce the internal pressure of your air compressor tank to less than 10 PSI.
Step Three: The final step is to open up the drain valve of your compressor. The valve is usually located somewhere near the bottom of the tank. If necessary, you can also tilt the tank at a slight angle. Be sure to close the valve once all the water has been drained.
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