There are times when you need to fill up flat tires, a pair of balloons, or remove some tightened bolts.
With the help of a 12V air compressor with tank, you can now say goodbye to performing these tasks manually. An air compressor comes with a tank, in which air is stored and released through a pump.
Simple as it looks, air compressors are among the most favorite household tools for their versatility. In our article today, we would like to give a comprehensive review of the top 6 best 12V air compressor with tanks.
Stay with us to find out your ideal choice!
Top 5 Best 12V Air Compressor with Tank
A Review of the Best 12V Air Compressor with Tanks
1. Slime 40022 12-Volt
Editor Rating: First off on our list of the best 12V air compressors is model 40022 from Slime. Let’s spend some minutes to look through its features, shall we?
Alright, the first thing we notice about Slime 40022 is its convenient design. Shying away from a complicated control system, Slime 40022 makes use of three separate buttons. One is to increase the PSI, one is to lower the PSI, and the other is to confirm the desired pressure level.
And mind you, all of the statistics related to how Slime 40022 functions are well displayed on a screen. In case you are using this 12V air compressor at night, you can turn on the nightlight button for easier usage. Yay!
However, we do not particularly enjoy the small size of this gadget. It is true that Slime 40022 is compact and portable, but once set in motion, you can see the machine vibrating around. If you are setting a high level of PSI, Slime 40022 can ever topple over. Not so cool, right?
But all in all, we would say that Slime 40022 is a reasonable choice if you are looking for a handy, powerful, and easy-to-use air compressor.
Pros:
- Affordable price.
- Highly portable.
- Cords can reach up to 12 foot in length.
Cons:
- Can be relatively noisy.
- Inconvenient storage of the cords.
2. Viair (00077) 77P Portable Compressor Kit
Editor Rating: If Slime 40022 is not powerful for your needs, you can try out Viair 00077 portable compressor kit. So what is it that makes Viair 00077 a better choice for customers seeking a medium-duty machine?
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s all about the advanced design. Viair 00077 allows customers to inflate different types of tires, including 225/65/R18. All you have to do is to plug the power source into the car’s cigarette lighter power port, then seal the cord into the valve system. Bam! The compressed air will be blown into your tires!
But there is more to Viair 00077 than its efficiency. Viair 0077 prides itself on the LED Work Light for better vision during night work, as well as a brightly lit screen for you to check up the pressure level. Talking about convenience!
Still, Viair 00077 comes with a disadvantage. Most machines provide an automatic cut-off once the cord is released from the valve system, but Viair 00077 does not. In other words, you have to shut it down manually.
If you do not mind this tiny drawback, then you will love what Viair ooo77 has to offer. And do not forget to check out its carrying bag, because you will get one for free!
Pros:
- Quiet function.
- No extension cords needed.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Limited space in the carrying bag.
3. Slime 40026 2X Heavy Duty Direct Drive Air Compressor
Editor Rating: Slime is one of the biggest air compressor manufacturers on the market, which is why they always try to bring out the best products. In case you are looking for a heavy-duty air compressor from Slime, you should not miss out on its model 40026.
Slime 40026 proves to be an ideal choice thanks to its upgraded features. If you want to pump your car tires, you would not need the cigarette lighter power source. Instead, just connect the cord directly to the car battery! Piece of cake!
Furthermore, Slime 40026 incorporates a dual cylinder inflator. This is a powerful addition to ensure maximum power inflation, so your air compressor can get the work done in no time.
But bear in mind that Slime 40026 has its defects. We find it rather annoying that Slime 40026 provides customers with a tire pressure gauge for better measurement, but it is extremely difficult to read the gauge. Urg!
Besides that error, Slime 40026 works perfectly as an air compressor. It does not give out too much noise, and it is powerful even for car tires inflation! What not to like?
Pros:
- Cords can reach up to 30 foot in length.
- Attached LED light.
- Sturdy carrying case.
Cons:
- Heated hose connector.
- Higher price compared to most average air compressors.
4. VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor
Editor Rating: The next product that we want to recommend for you is Viair 85P air compressor. Some customers agree that Viair 85P is a valuable high-end gadget for your toolkit, so we’re curious to find out if they are correct!
At first glance, Viair 85P stands out thanks to its sleek design. The machine is covered in black and orange paint, which creates a pleasant sight for the eyes.
But the attraction of Viair 85P lies more in its function. Using a power source of 12V but Viair 85P can reach up to 60PSI, enough to inflate a medium-size vehicle like a small truck.
That is not to mention the tire pressure gauge attached on top of the compressor. If you need to be super accurate about how your air compressor is performing, do not forget to check out the gauge!
But still, Viair 85P lets us down with some tiny details. The manufacturers state that Viair 85P is 1lbs heavy, but it is definitely heavier than that! Also, the machine does not come with an AC cord, so you will have to buy a separate item to connect into the power outlet.
But hey, nothing is perfect! We believe that Viair 85P is a product of good value, and you can see for yourself how amazing this tool is!
Pros:
- Attached LED Work Light.
- The power cord can reach up to 10 feet in length.
Cons:
- Higher price compared to other average air compressors.
5. VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor
Editor Rating: An upgraded version of Viair 85P is Viair 300P. We are sure that you have been fairly impressed by how powerful Viair products are, but let’s stay tuned to explore the advancements of Viair 300P!
The most distinctive feature of Viair 300P is its efficiency. With maximum working pressure available of 150PSI, VIair 300P can deal with pretty much any inflatable objects, from standard balls for sports to truck tires. Such a versatile machine, don’t you think?
Another reason why Viair 300P is an excellent choice is its attached accessories. A kit of Viair 300P includes the air compressor itself, the carrying bag, an air hose, battery clamps, and other necessary details. You will not have to make any separate purchase once you get Viair 300P!
Sadly, we do not think that everyone can afford such a heavy-duty machine. The efficiency of Viair 300P makes it a high-end product, suitable only for customers dealing with car tires inflation on a frequent basis.
But that does not mean you cannot have a look at Viair 300P. Not only is it powerful, but it also comes with multiple accessories for better working performances. There is no doubt why Viair 300P should be the best bet for all garages!
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable.
- Fast inflation.
Cons:
- Limited power cord.
- Higher price compared to other average air compressors.
6. Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor
Editor Rating: Before wrapping up, let’s have a look at Viair 00073 air compressor. If you are in need of a handy machine, then we promise this model will not let you down.
We are surprised to learn that despite its small size, Viair 00073 can actually reach 100PSI max. In other words, feel free to inflate any vehicle you have with this air compressor.
Another reason we highly recommend Viair 0073 is that it has a relatively quiet pumping process. Most machines – especially heavy-duty compressors – are super loud, which can be off-putting. But Viair 00073 sees to this problem by providing an almost noise-free experience. Wonderful indeed!
Yet, Viair 00073 lacks the very detail that makes Slime products a real bargain. It all boils down to the LED Work Light! Viair 00073 is a rather old version, so if you are using in in a poorly lit area, remember to bring your flashlight along.
Still, if you do not want to spend too much money in an air compressor, Viair 00073 is a reasonable choice. It will not dry out your budget, and it works well enough!
Pros:
- Affordable price.
- Easy to use.
- Attached carrying bag for better protection.
Cons:
- Inaccurate gauge measurement.
What to Look for when Buying a 12V Air Compressor with Tank
1. Price Range.
The market for 12V air compressor with tank is extremely versatile. For around $50, you can get a fairly well-designed machine, which can cover the most basic jobs like household tasks, or vehicle maintenance.
If you are running a garage, or own more than a few cars, you might need to invest in a high-end air compressor. Most deluxe air compressors cost around $150, which is pretty high.
Remember that you do not have to buy the most expensive machine available. A different price range indicates different usages, so you need to figure out what kind of job your air compressor will do, then go for the most suitable gadget!
2. Portability.
Most 12V air compressors state that they are portable, but truth told, not all of them are! Some machines are indeed easy to move around, but there are compressors too heavy to be lifted by hands.
Before deciding on which air compressor to buy, make sure that it is highly portable for your own sake.
3. Size.
The majority of air compressors are designed to be handy and compact, so they are all in small size.
But still, look out for a few exceptions. Some 12V air compressors come with extension cords, wall outlets, or tire pressure gauge. These details can make the machine more cumbersome and bulky.
4. Included Accessories.
Most 12V air compressors are equipped with the most vital accessories, so make sure that your future purchase has all of them. These include extended power cords, extension cords, and a manual.
If possible, look for a LED light, an AC cord, and a carrying case. They are not a must, but they sure make your experience with the air compressor better!
In Conclusion
Having a 12V air compressor with tank is a life-saving experience. The air compressor itself can perform a wide variety of tasks. When connected to other power tools like painting sprayers, its usage is promised to blow your mind.
If you ask for our opinion, we would say that Viair 00077 deserves to be the best 12V air compressor with tank. Not only is it affordable for most customers, but it is also capable of performing most inflation tasks. Yay!
Do you find our review helpful? If so, do not forget to bookmark it for later reference!
I am Peter Levick, with over 10 years of experience in the home improvement industry, I have become a seasoned expert in painting and paint sprayers. Through numerous DIY projects, I have developed a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of the technical aspects involved. My expertise extends to various paint sprayer systems, and I stay updated with the latest advancements. I bring a meticulous approach to every project, ensuring stunning and durable results. Clients can trust in my craftsmanship and commitment to delivering exceptional work.
