80 gallon air compressors are used in different areas. They are often used by contractors, homeowners who like to DIY, and small mechanic shops. If you’re thinking of owning one, I’ve compiled a list of the best 80 gallon air compressor you can find.
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My Top 80 Gallon Air Compressor Reviews
80 gallon air compressors are great for air heavy tools. It’s also more reliable compared to portable air compressors that can lose air during projects. 80 gallon air compressors are just the right volume and space to store easily inside the garage.
Campbell Hausfeld 80 Gallon Horizontal Two-Stage Air Compressor
The Campbell Hausfeld 80 Gallon Horizontal Two-Stage Air Compressor is a great pickup that’s ideal for auto repair facilities and tire repair outlets. If you’re thinking of opening up a small shop, this air compressor will serve you well.
This horizontal two-stage air compressor is ideal for handiworks such as sanding, grinding, paint spraying, cutting, and bolting.
It has a high airflow of 25 CFM at 90 PSI and can power multiple air tools easily. It’s the most reliable air compressor on this list for powering multiple air tools.
The Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor features Viton high-temperature O-rings that have high-pressure sealing. It also features a ductile iron crankshaft that provides a smooth and silent operation.
It has an impressive industrial-rated NEMA motor. It powers on single-phase electrical power onto a cast-iron, two-stage pump that will work for more than 15,000 hours of usage.
Another impressive feature that makes it unique among the air compressor on this list is the pump head and valve plate. They are designed with Viton(r) high-temperature O-rings that have better high-pressure sealing compared to paper gaskets.
This air compressor also has a fully enclosed metal belt guard to ensure safe operation.
Overall, the Campbell Hausfeld 80 Gallon Horizontal Two-Stage Air Compressor is the most reliable one you can pick. It’s also versatile so you can use it in many applications.
Pros
- Dedicated 2-stage pump for better efficiency
- A fully enclosed metal belt guard guarantees safety in operation
- Low weight level makes it easy to transfer around
Cons
- Electric-powered air compressors may have some issues in operation
- Not suitable to run for too long since pistons may burn out
BelAire 318VL 80 Gallon 1-Phase Vertical 2 Stage Air Compressor
If you want something that will be worth it, then the BelAire 318VL 80 Gallon 1-Phase Vertical 2 Stage Air Compressor might be worth your pick.
It has a 7.6 HP (horsepower) which is higher compared to the Campbell Hausfeld Air compressor that only has 5 HP. It can deliver 175 PSI max pressure. It produces 25.3 CFM at 100 PSI and 22.3 CFM at 175 PSI.
It also has a fully enclosed belt guard like the Campbell Hausfeld air compressor. It is safe to use because of its safety features and it meets the ASME specifications too.
This air compressor runs quietly. It also runs cooler than the Campbell Hausfeld air compressor although it doesn’t have the ability to run multiple air tools.
Build quality wise, it is great. It is made with a solid cast iron cylinder and has a tank drain and discharge valve. Its construction is traditional and works safely.
You also get a magnetic starter ensuring that the motor will start safely under a large motor load. It also allows the motor to operate at 100% duty cycle.
The product has a 2-year warranty so you can easily replace it when you notice any faulty or defective parts.
Overall, this is one of the best to get when you want something worth it. It has a lot of safety features and operates smoothly.
Pros
- Study construction so it doesn’t easily compromise its effectiveness
- Magnetic starter and other safety features make this one of the safest to operate on this list
- Start-stop pressure switch control allows you to control the pressure for better flexibility of use
Cons
- Doesn’t really need 7.5 HP for home use
- Maybe a bit heavy for transport
Ingersoll Rand 2340N5-V 80 Gal Two-Stage Compressor
Ingersoll Rand is a popular brand in the air compressor industry. Their Ingersoll Rand 2340N5-V 80 Gal Two-Stage Compressor is among the affordable ones you can get on the market.
This air compressor’s main features are its finned copper intercooler and cylinders with radial fins. They aid in reducing hot spots and keep the air compressor operating at lower temperatures. Although it does not compare to the BelAire air compressor at maintaining cool temperatures during operation.
The cylinders are removable and a splash lubrication system replaces the oil pump. This is one of the best air compressors on this list for those who want to do less maintenance.
It has a decent motor with All Season Select synthetic lubricant. The ODP motor operates at 5 HP and is great for industrial-grade work providing consistent air pressure.
It has a 175 PSI maximum pressure range which works ideally on most air pressure tools.
It also runs quietly like the other air compressors on this list.
Since this is an affordable air compressor, don’t expect it to work perfectly compared to other air compressors on this list. Don’t expect this air compressor to last long. If you want to keep this air compressor longer, you may want to do regular maintenance.
Overall, this is one of the best air compressors you can buy at a very affordable price. It works well however, don’t expect it to last long.
Pros
- A portable air compressor with sturdy construction
- High oil protection for long term usage
- Contains the highly in-demand type-30 air compressor
Cons
- Expected lifetime use of 10,000 hours which is greatly lower than other air compressors on this list
- Cooling isn’t as effective as I thought it would
MegaPower Vertical Air Compressor
If you want something that has a durable and reliable construction, the MegaPower Vertical Air Compressor is your best pick.
This is an electric air compressor that is equipped with a 6.5 HP single phase 230 volt motor. It has a higher horsepower compared to the Campbell Hausfeld air compressor.
It has a heavy duty, oil lubricated, cast iron 2 stage pump that produces 18 CFM at 90 PSI and 14.5 CFM at 175 PSI which is its maximum PSI.
If you find the Ingersoll Rand lacking or not up to your standard, the MegaPower Vertical Air Compressor can be an alternative for you. You only have to spend a few more hundred bucks than the Ingersoll Rand to get this.
The MegaPower air compressor is great for heavy shop and industrial use. It is reliable for most applications.
The construction design is really solid and it uses a cast iron 2 cylinder. It even feels more durable than the Campbell Hausfeld.
When it comes to portability, it nearly has the same weight as the BelAire air compressor. You can transfer it around the house with some work. So I recommend that you plan carefully where you should place this air compressor before buying.
Overall, this is a great durable and reliable air compressor. It’s a fairly reasonable price compared to most air compressors on the market and works fine in most applications.
Pros
- Excellent durability construction for longevity
- Not as expensive as most 80 gallon air compressors
- The motor is reliable for most applications
Cons
- Not great for portability since it’s heavy
- While the motor is versatile it also isn’t that efficient when compared to high-end air compressors
Features to Consider for 80 Gallon Air Compressor
Air compressors are used mostly for DIY works around the house or anything related to machinery. These are some of the features you have to check before buying an 80 gallon air compressor for efficiency.
| Product | Power Source | Horsepower | Material | Max PSI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor | AC/DC | 5 HP | Cast iron | 175 PSI |
| BelAire Air Compressor | Corded Electric | 7.5 HP | Cast iron | 175 PSI |
| Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor | Corded Electric | 5 HP | Cast iron | 175 PSI |
| MegaPower Air Compressor | AC | 6.5 HP | Cast iron | 175 PSI |
Construction
80 gallon air compressors are really expensive. Hence, you want it to have the best durability so it can last for a long time. For that, you should consider the materials used for the air compressor.
The best 80 gallon air compressors are mostly made of cast iron. Anything other than that has questionable durability. You also have to check the expected working hours of the pump. It can go from 10,000 hours to 20,000 hours of use.
If you want the best in terms of durability, the MegaPower Vertical Air Compressor has the best build construction. However, if you want a balance of construction design and expected usage hours, the Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor is your best choice with 15,000 hours of expected use.
Applications
For what purposes are you planning to use the air compressor? If you just want an air compressor for inflating car tires small and simple applications, you don’t have to use much power.
If you’re gonna be using it a lot on multiple applications both simple and demanding ones, then you will need an air compressor that can accommodate those applications.
You can never go wrong with the Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor that can work multiple air tools at once. However, the BelAire Air Compressor is also great because it allows you to control the pressure output so it’s flexible to use.
Air Pressure
Air pressure in air compressor tanks is named PSI (pounds per square). Most air compressors have 115 PSI. Most air tools require 90 PSI for them to operate.
The PSI amount depends on whether you want less or more. However, make sure you can adjust the PSI too so you can use the air compressor at different pressure outputs.
All of the air compressors on this list have more than 90 PSI so they will definitely work on most air tools. The BelAire Air Compressor has a bit of an advantage since you can control the pressure with it.
Horsepower
Horsepower is the measurement of the air compressor’s motor capability. High HP means higher air pressure. However, having high horsepower doesn’t really translate to better performance.
What’s more important is if the air compressor can handle the horsepower it is using. Some do have high horsepower and end up being unusable after a year or two of use. So make sure that you have the right balance of horsepower and efficiency.
For that, the Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor is the best at it. It only has 5 horsepower and manages it really well.
Noise Level
Since I’m dealing with machinery, you should expect a bit of noise when operating it. An air compressor is no exception. However, air compressor manufacturers have found ways to minimize noise levels.
You don’t want to get a complaint from neighbors about your loud air compressor. If you work indoors, you should look for an air compressor that produces lower decibels (a measure of noise level).
All the air compressors on this list perform at lower dB to some degree. The BelAire Air Compressor performs the quietest on this list and will be great for you if you live in a tight neighborhood.
Cubic Feet Per Minute
Cubic feet per minute or CFM measures the air compressor’s output volume. It is the amount of air that comes from a compressor over a period of time. To use a tool continuously, you will have to supply it with a higher CFM.
Hence, you need to determine the minimum rating for CFM for the tools you’re planning to use. Multiply the tool’s rating by 1.5 and that is the minimum requirement to operate for long use.
CFM is dependent on the tools you’re using, so there’s no best option, only the most compatible one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 80 Gallon Air Compressor Quiet?
80 gallon air compressors are not that quiet when you compare them to lighter ones. Larger air compressors are usually loud because they are operating under heavy-duty. They also produce high CFM while maintaining correct pressure. 80 gallon air compressors can be quiet. However, it will not be as quiet as you expect it would be.
How Much Does an 80 Gallon Air Compressor Weigh?
Generally, 80 gallon air compressors weigh around 450 pounds to 700 pounds. Hence, they’re not really great when it comes to portability.
How Much PSI Do I Need For Filing Tires?
PSI levels vary among cars. You have to check your car’s PSI that is listed on the sticker attached to your driver’s door. Most passenger car tires have 32 to 35 PSI. It can go different depending on the manufacturer and build type.
Conclusion
These are the best 80 gallon air compressor. They are mostly heavy-duty and will perform most heavy applications. However, 80 gallon air compressors are rarely portable. Therefore, you better have your place ready to accommodate one before buying.