If you have had previous experience dealing with machines, then you will know that lubrication is a vital part when it comes to maintaining the top performance of a gadget.
The same thing goes for air compressors. Truth told, despite the wide variety of this versatile tool, its most popular type is oil-lubricated air compressors.
Compared to the oil-less counterparts, oil-lubed air compressors enjoy a longer lifespan, as well as a more stable working performance.
In case you are looking for the best oil-lubricated air compressor on the market, let’s have a look at our in-depth review below. We promise to give you a comprehensive insight into the top 7 most favorite oil-lubricated air compressors of 2020!
Top 5 Best Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor
- 1. Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor
- 2. WEN 2202 20-Gallon Oil-Lubricated Portable Vertical Air Compressor
- 3. Air Compressor, 30-Gallon Horizontal Tank, Portable, Single-Stage
- 4. NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Air Compressor
- 5. Craftsman 3 Gallon Oil Lube 135psi Portable Air Compressor
A Review of the Best Oil-lubricated Air Compressors
1. Industrial Air ILA1883054 Oil-lubricated Air Compressor
Editor Rating: Alright, let’s begin our venture into the land of air compressors with a product from Industrial Air. Model ILA1883054 is a 30-gallon oiled compressor, and its features are to be explored!
What strikes us most about Industrial Air ILA1883054 is its durability. With the cast-iron tank and the aluminum-covered twin-cylinder pump, IAL1883054 is built to last.
Another reason explains for its sturdiness is ILA1883054’s high capacity. The maximal pressure of up to 155PSI enables this item to perform a wide range of tasks, coupled with the heavy-duty induction motor. This detail ensures your machine’s ability to run without any trouble. Yay!
Some of you may get worried that such a cumbersome air compressor will not be highly portable. But guess what? Industrial Air has attached a pair of pneumatic wheels, so feel free to move your compressor around!
However, there is one thing we dislike about ILA1883054. If used in extremely cold weather, the motor oil becomes rather thick, so it will not function very smoothly.
Besides that minor flaw, we believe Industrial Air ILA1883054 is your best choice if you are looking for a heavy-duty air compressor.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use onboard control system.
- Attached working pressure gauges.
- Included air compressor oil in the purchase.
Cons:
- Possible air leaks.
2. Craftsman 3-Gallon Oil-lubricated Air Compressor
Editor Rating: If Industrial Air’s item is a bit out of reach for you, why don’t you have a look at this affordable air compressor from Craftsman?
Craftsman’s 3-gallon air compressor is a much more economical choice for the majority of middle-class customers. But a cheap price does not mean the machine cannot compete with other high-end products.
Made from steel – a household-friendly material – Craftsman compressor makes sure it can perform the most basic tasks under your roof. Its maximal reach of 135PSI is cut out for car tires inflation, as well as operating pneumatic gadgets like small-size paint sprayers or nail guns. How convenient, right?
That is not to forget that a purchase of Craftsman 3-gallon air compressor comes three other accessories: the ball tire chuck, the male plug, and a seal tape. No more worries about having to spend your money on buying extra pieces.
Still, we would not recommend this product to you if what you are looking is a noise-free air compressor. Since the machine’s capacity is pretty high, it can be lousy during operation.
But at such a reasonable price range, Craftsman air compressor is still worth a try. See for yourself whether this product is the best fit!
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- See-through glass for an easier check-up.
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy tasks.
3. WEN 2202 20-Gallon Oil-lubricated Air Compressor
Editor Rating: Another affordable oil-lubricated air compressor for you to choose is WEN 2202. WEN 2202 comes in three sizes (6-gallon, 10-gallon, and 20-gallon), but today we will review the 20-gallon vertical version.
The first thing we notice about WEN 2202 is its vertical form. Most air compressors are horizontal, which makes WEN 2202 outstanding concerning its appearance. Personally speaking, we think the vertical form allows for better portability, as you can move the air compressor around on its handle and wheels.
Another reason why you should give WEN 2202 a go is its capacity. With a maximum pressure going up to 135PSI, WEN 2202 can perform most household tasks, whether you need to inflate your car tires or paint spray the walls. Yay!
But bear in mind that WEN 2202 is not a noise-free machine. While using it, you can expect a lot of loud movements. In case you are in a crowded neighborhood, you might want to have second thoughts about buying WEN 2202.
If you think you can put up with a bit of a blast, then we have nothing more to complain about WEN 2202! Try it out and see for yourself!
Pros:
- Two-year warranty.
- Sturdy construction from reinforced steel.
- Highly portable.
Cons:
- A regular drain required due to water accumulation.
4. Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV 8-gallon Oil-lubricated Air Compressor
Editor Rating: Campbell Hausfeld is a well-known manufacturer in the industry, and today, we are more than excited to explore its 8-gallon oil-lubricated air compressor. Let’s see what it has to offer!
First off, Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV prides itself on its versatility.
The oil-lubed pump increases the power and longevity of the gadget, enabling it to be compatible with multiple tools. From gun nails, to air ratchets and paint sprayers, Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV has got your back!
And that is not to mention how lightweight this machine is. Its weight is only 8 ounces, so you can move the compressor around, even with bare hands.
But rest assured that the manufacturers have seen to this problem by attaching four rear wheels and an onboard handle. Say bye bye to all the fuss when trying to transport a heavy air compressor, everyone!
But still, similar to WEN 2202, Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV is a noisy machine. If it is a deal-breaker for you, you might reconsider your purchase.
If it is not, then congratulations! We believe Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV is of good value, and it will not let you down.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- High capacity.
- Highly durable.
Cons:
- More expensive.
5. NorthStar Single-Stage 20-gallon Oil-lubricated Air Compressor
Editor Rating: Next up on our list is the 20-gallon air compressor from NorthStar. Compared to other 20-gallon products like WEN 2202, NorthStar air compressor is rather expensive. So, does its performance live up to such a high price? Let’s see
When it comes to durability, we believe not all machines can be on par with NorthStar.
The air compressor comes with a cast-iron V-twin pump, making it a sturdy component. That is not to mention the oil-lubricated inside the tank for extra durability, which means there is no way your air compressor will shut down midway. Hooray!
The charm of NorthStar air compressor also lies in its portability kit. The machine is designed in vertical form, which creates a smaller footprint compared to its horizontal counterparts. Furthermore, there are attached bearing wheels and tires, so you can easily move the air compressor around without much difficulty.
However, many customers have complained about the pressure regulator of this machine. It turns out that NorthStar installs a pretty restrictive regulator, making it impossible to power a ½’’ impact gun.
This minor drawback can be solved by using an upgraded version – the ⅜’’ regulator. If you do not mind a bit of change, then we would say NorthStar air compressor is the high-end product you need.
Pros:
- Quiet performance, little rattles.
- Suitable for most household projects.
Cons:
- Expensive.
6. Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 30-gallon Oil-lubricated Air Compressor
Editor Rating: In case you are looking for a high-capacity air compressor, then make sure you do not miss out on Campbell Hausfeld VT6271.
Compared to Industrial Air 30-gallon air compressor, this item is slightly more costly. But stay tuned to find out more about this big guy!
Reliable and highly functional are the two words we use to describe Campbell Hausfeld VT6271.
When powered, the machine can reach up to 135PSI, combined with the horsepower of 3.7. Most demanding tasks like bolting, paint-spraying, or stapling can be done with this air compressor.
Do you need a few more reasons to pick Campbell Hausfeld VT6271? Alright, then let’s have a look at its durability and portability. The tank of the gadget is from cast-iron, so it will not bend or break easily.
Plus, Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 comes with two wheels and an onboard handle. So guess what? Feel free to roam the machine around your house without feeling like you have to push a super heavy dude.
However, there can be a problem with this air compressor. Since Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 is a heavy-duty tool, it may experience some scratches while being shipped to your location.
But really, who cares about a few cuts on the outside? As long as Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 works well with your household projects, we would say we have nothing to complain!
Pros:
- Quiet performance.
- Durable.
- Easy storage.
Cons:
- Limited power cord.
7. Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Oil-lubricated Air Compressor
Editor Rating: Finally, on our list today is a product from Makita. Model MAC700 – in our opinion – is the best oil-lubricated air compressor, which is why we save it for last! Now, are you ready to explore the amazing features of MAC700 Big Bore with us?
First off, MAC700 Big Bore is a high-capacity air compressor, which a cast-iron engineered pump, a cylinder, and a piston. Together, they create a blasting combination that promises to offer customers the most powerful performances.
And do not forget about copper discharge tubing inside the machine. Most air compressors suffer from water getting built up inside the tank, which requires a frequent cleanup. But MAC700 Big Bore sees to the problem by adding the discharge tubing, hence heat and moisture will be dissipated. Yay!
Another reason why MAC700 Big Sore tops our list of the best air compressors is its being almost noise-free. The oil-lubricated drive belt makes things work smoothly while producing minimal rattles, which is a big advantage.
However, we are slightly concerned about the portability of MAC700 Big Sore. Unlike most heavy-duty air compressors, this gadget does not come with wheels. It only has a roll-bar handle, so you have to manually lift and transport 59.6 pounds around. Ouch!
Overall, MAC700 Big Sore is very much a reasonable purchase. It might not be the cheapest product on the market, but we guarantee you will not regret spending money on this machine!
Pros:
- One-year warranty.
- Highly durable.
- Powerful performance.
Cons:
- Flimsy pressure gauges.
The Advantages of an Oil-lubricated Air Compressor
An oil-lubricated air compressor is usually more expensive compared to its oil-free counterparts. However, most customers seeking a high-quality air compressor would choose the former over the latter.
That is because oil-lubricated air compressors pride themselves on some distinctive advantages.
- Smoother performance.
- Longer lifespan.
- Less noisy.
- More powerful.
- Less maintenance required.
- Suited for both household and industrial purposes.
Clearly, an oil-lubricated air compressor may be expensive in the first place, but it will save you from a lot of trouble later on. Why would you shy away from such a reasonable investment, right?
Best Air Compressor for Paint Sprayers
Final Thought
An oil-lubricated air compressor is an ideal choice regardless of whether you are an amateur or a professional worker. Not only is it more durable and sturdy, but it also provides users with a higher capacity.
Among the top 7 choices, we would say that the best oil-lubricated air compressor is Makita MAC700 Big Bore. While it might be costly in the first place, we believe this brand is worth your investment, considering its powerful performance in the long run.
Do you think our review has been helpful for you? Do not forget to bookmark it for later use, or share it around with your friends and families!
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.
