Oil-Lubricated Portable Air Compressor Buying Guide

Although oil-lubricated air compressors are not a familiar tool in automobile workshops, they have their benefits. They don’t create much noise compared to cheap oil-free air compressors. Also, they serve for several years when proper maintenance is taken. At the same time, an oil-lubed air compressor offers stable performance. That is why it is becoming a popular companion for the garage, the job site, or the workshop among serious DIYers and professionals.

Since many options are available in the market, you may get confused when buying the best oil-lubricated portable air compressor. At any point, we are here to help you to find the best oil lube air compressor.

Let’s have a closer look at our in-depth review!

Why Do You Need the Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor?

Unfortunately, most customers are unaware of the benefits of small oil-lubricated air compressors. This is the reason; people prefer to buy an oil-free air compressor over a lubricated air compressor.

Well, here are a few reasons that you should buy an oil-lube air compressor.

Offers Smooth Performance

Several air tools, such as paint sprayers, nailers, impact wrench, etc., require continuous and smooth air supply from air compressors. The smoother performance of oil-lubricated air compressors helps you to complete projects like spray painting quite efficiently.

Serves for a Long Time

Pre-lubrication is the main characteristic of oil-free air compressors. So, they don’t require frequent maintenance, and thus they get dried over time. Later, Teflon becomes worn out, and you have to invest in a new air compressor.

But oil-lubricated air compressors are free from this problem. Periodic maintenance is necessary, which guarantees a long lifespan.

Creates Less Noise

When operating, you will barely hear noise from an ultra-clean lubricated air compressor. As a result, your neighbor will not complain when you operate this tool. More importantly, you will be able to concentrate on your task.

Powerful

Oil lube air compressor kits are equipped with a powerful motor that ensures higher PSI and CFM ratings than oil-free models. This way, you can accomplish a project more efficiently.

Choosing the high pressure air compressor 4500 psi, here are more.

Multi-purpose Use

The outstanding feature of oil-lubricated air compressors is their versatility. You can use this tool in both industrial and DIY jobs. At the same time, they are effective enough in different pneumatic projects. Keep in mind that the versatility of the lubricated roll air compressor comes in handy when you are a serious DIYer.

Quick Comparison of Top 6 portable oil air compressor
Top Pick WEN 2202 Air Compressor	Tank capacity: 20-Gallon Max. pressure: 135 psi Air Flow: 5 cfm Power Source: 120V Weight:  86 lbs.	PriceDetail review
Makita MAC700 Air Compressor	Tank capacity: 2.6-Gallon Max. pressure: 130 psi CFM: 3.3 Power Source: 120V Weight:  59.6 lbs.	PriceDetail review
WEN 2287 Air Compressor	Tank capacity: 6-Gallon Max. pressure: 125 psi CFM: 4.2 Power Source: 120V Weight:  51 lbs.	PriceDetail review
DEWALT D55151 Oiled Hot Dog	Tank capacity: 4-Gallon Max. pressure: 100 psi CFM: 3.2 Power Source: 120V Weight:  58 lbs.	PriceDetail review
Twin-Stack ‎Ingersoll Rand 42672949	Tank capacity: 4-Gallon Max. pressure: 135 psi CFM: 4.3 Power Source: 120V Weight:  77 lbs.	PriceDetail review
GENERAL INTERNATIONAL AC1104	Tank capacity: 11-Gallon Max. pressure: 115 psi CFM: 4.8 Power Source: 120V Weight:  62 lbs.	PriceDetail review

Top 6 Oil-Lubricated Portable Air Compressor Reviews

A portable air compressor is an amazing thing. It’s the perfect tool for DIY projects, and it’s especially useful for fixing small problems around the house.

But the problem is that these compressors are expensive. And you’re going to need a lot of them for everything.

So where do you start looking for the best oil-lubricated portable air compressor in Australia? Here’s a list of the top 6 best oil-lubricated portable air compressors that are sure to deliver great performance, and are backed by excellent customer service.

1WEN 2202 Oil-Lubricated Portable Vertical Air Compressor

• Tank capacity: 20-Gallon
• Max. pressure: 135 psi
• Airflow: 5 CFM

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Highlight Features:

• Extremely portable design with wheels and handle
• Sturdy construction with reinforced steel
• Tank capacity: 20-gallon
• Easy-to-reach quick drain valve
• Auto-shutdown feature when it reaches its highest PSI level.

The first thing which will grab your attention is the vertical design of the WEN 2202 air compressor. It is engineered with portability and convenience in mind. Due to its vertical design and solid no-flat wheels, you can conveniently move around grabbing this air compressor’s handle.

Another reason why you should give WEN 2202 a try is its capacity. With a maximum pressure of 135 PSI, it will let you complete most household tasks like inflating a car tire or spraying paint on a wall. After all, this particular air compressor is made to be used all day long.

The 20-gallon tank is made of reinforced steel which makes it much lighter than its competitors. It also features a 1/4-inch NPT quick coupler for quick pipe attaching with air fitting tools. Moreover, you will find an easy-to-reach quick drain valve that releases water from the system.

2Makita MAC700 Big Bore Oil-Lubricated Portable Air Compressor

• Tank capacity: 2.6-Gallon
• Max. pressure: 130 psi
• Airflow: 3.3 CFM

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Highlight Features:

• Big Bore cylinder and piston built to last
• Pumps run at lower RPM resulting in lower noise
• Rollbar handle for easy transport and extra protection
• It consists of an induction motor
• Oil sight glasses for easy maintenance.

Everyone wants to get top-notch performance for a long time from their oil-lubricated air compressor. The MAKITA MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor is a high-capacity air compressor that promises to deliver long-lasting and powerful performance on different projects.

This air compressor has copper discharge tubing, responsible for dissipating heat and moisture from the machine, ensuring its longevity. For this reason, regular cleaning is not necessary, which is a bonus. Also, most homeowners appreciate its noise-free performance, which creates only 80dB of sound.

More importantly, for efficient maintenance, it consists of the oil sight glass. Its powerful 2.0HP 4-pole motor produces 3.3CFM @ 90 PSI. You will love to know that it comes at a pocket-friendly price, making it a value-adding tool in your workshop.

3WEN 2287 Oil-Lubricated Portable Horizontal Air Compressor

• Tank capacity: 6-Gallon
• Max. pressure: 125 psi
• Airflow: 4.2 CFM

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Highlight Features:

• Hot dog style tank
• Rubber-footed legs for maximum stability
• Reinforced steel construction tank
• It has 2 air gauges for internal pressure monitoring and regulating the air flow rate.

Are you looking for a perfect companion for your workshop or garage? Look no further and buy the WEN 2287 6-Gallon Oil-lubricated Portable Air Compressor. It is efficient enough that you can handle a variety of woodworking and painting jobs proficiently.

Many workshop owners complain that their air compressor is unstable on the surface when operating. The good news is that; this oil-lubricated air compressor is so stable due to its rubber-footed legs and two wheels. Moreover, the onboard handle and wheels maximize the portability of the device.

Additionally, it is designed with a 13A motor and reinforced steel tank, creating maximum pressure of 125 PSI. Besides, it comes with an auto-shut-down safety feature. When the air compressor reaches its highest PSI level, it stops functioning. Overall, it is a perfect compressor that works as expected and is easy to set up.

There are some other excellent 100% duty cycle on board air compressors, here.

4DEWALT D55151 Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor

• Tank capacity: 4-Gallon
• Max. pressure: 100 psi
• Airflow: 3.2 CFM

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Highlight Features:

• It runs amazingly and has a quick recovery time
• Highly portable
• Gas-powered twin hot dog air compressor
• Cast iron cylinder improves the lifespan of the pump
• Delivers consistent air pressure.

The DEWALT D55151 4-Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor is a versatile device that can perform a wide array of tasks from finish to trim to home/hobby applications. It features a lightweight, portable design with a 14Amp, 2 HP electric motor. Durability is confirmed by its oil-lubricated characteristics.

In terms of performance, it is a KING! It delivers 32.CFM @ 100 PSI, allowing you to do simple DIY tasks. It features an overload protection that protects the motor from damage. The great thing is, that it provides consistent pressure, which is mandatory for the prolonged lifespan of pneumatic tools.

Usually, air compressors show poor functionality and take time to start in cold weather. This device consists of dual soft-start valves that help the air compressor start in no time during cold weather. Plus, it fills the tanks pretty quickly, at around a minute. This is a great little compressor that works flawlessly.

5Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Oil-Lubricated Portable Air Compressor

• Tank capacity: 4-Gallon
• Max. pressure: 135 psi
• Airflow: 4.3 CFM

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Highlight Features:

• Takes only 1 minute to fill from empty to total capacity
• Simple and easy to use
• Great portability and deliver better performance
• Shows efficient performance in the most demanding situation as well
• User-friendly front panel.

The ergonomically designed Twin-Stack P1IU-A9 2HP 4-Gallon Air Compressor is ideal for woodworking, construction, and DIY jobs. It weighs only 77 lbs. and hence can be transported to the work site conveniently by most people. Operating the device is so simple using its front panel, making it suitable for beginners as well.

125 PSI is its maximum operating pressure, allowing you to complete your task perfectly and quickly. The unit runs for a prolonged period since it has a 4-gallon twin-stack tank with decent compressed air. As a result, a project can be done with less interruption.

You will always get an efficient performance from it since it features a powerful 2HP motor. Also, the pump utilizes all-season synthetic lubricants for improved efficiency. More importantly, it lasts approximately 2,000 hours between change-outs. Additionally, quiet operation is confirmed since it is belt-driven.

6GENERAL INTERNATIONAL AC1104 Electric Oil-Lubricated Compressor

• Tank capacity: 11-Gallon
• Max. pressure: 115 psi
• Airflow: 4.8 CFM

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Highlight Features:

• It generates 115PSI of maximum pressure
• Extremely quiet
• Rubber grip handle and no-flat wheels for easy transportation
• Patented easy-to-read pressure gauge
• Wallet-friendly.

The General International Electric Oil-lubricated Air Compressor is the final product on our list, full of flawless features. This durable machine guarantees long-lasting and efficient performance throughout its lifespan. Its pump life is 3X more compared to oil-free air compressors.

It comes with two 19 ¾” wide wheels for enhanced portability. Moreover, the rubber grip handle ensures comfortable transportation around the Jobsite. This machine has 2 built-in easy-to-read pressure gauges, allowing its user to adjust the line pressure according to the project requirement.

Furthermore, the 11-gallon tank capacity makes it one of the rugged options in the market. Every part of the air compressor is built with longevity in mind. Also, if you prefer a quiet oil-lubricated air compressor for your workshop, this would be a great fit. In summary, it allows you to work with different pneumatic tools quite comfortably.

Buying Guide

Things to consider before buying the best oil-lubricated portable air compressor:

Finding the best device is challenging since a professional oil lube air compressor is available in the market with a wide range of specifications.

Consider the below factors when buying the best home oil lubricated air compressor.

CFM & PSI Measurement

CFM and PSI are 2 basic and common metrics of air compressors.

The amount of airflow is known as the CFM rating, which lets you determine the output of air in your unit. On the other hand, the tank’s pressure is referred to as PSI level.

Buy an air compressor that comes with equivalent or more than 90PSI. It is a good enough airflow rating to work with basic pneumatic tools.

Portability

This is another crucial factor when you will need to carry your air compressor to your job site. An oil-lubricated portable air compressor should be lightweight and equipped with different features so that you can carry them comfortably.

The good news is, that most portable air compressors consist of no-flat wide wheels and a soft grip for easy transportation.

Getting you the best portable air compressor for off roading.

Noise Level

Who doesn’t love to work in a less noisy area? An oil-lube air compressor shouldn’t create noise when operating for the comfort of you and the people around you.

Moreover, you will be unable to concentrate on your work if your selected model creates noise. Furthermore, your neighbors will be disturbed.

It would be best to buy a model that doesn’t exceed 90dB sound level.

Construction

Intently check the oil-lube portable air compressor’s construction before buying.

Cast-iron and stainless steel constructed devices are durable and serve long-term service. Don’t invest in a cheaply made air compressor because after a few days; it will start malfunctioning.

Carefully read the manufacturer’s specifications to learn about the construction material.

FAQs

What is the difference between oil-free and oil-lubricated air compressors?

Oil-lubricated air compressors are durable, compressing with massive CFM rating and PSI. Also, they are purposefully designed for industrial and commercial-based projects. Moreover, being oil-lubricated, they create less noise. They require lots of maintenance and are expensive.

While oil-free models are compact designed and less durable than oil-lube models. Additionally, they can’t fulfill the needs of heavy-duty compressing purposes. Besides, they generate noise when operated. In addition, they are low-maintenance devices and come with an inexpensive price tag.

Is oil Free air compressor better than an oiled one?

Oil-free air compressors are preferable to oiled ones. They run quietly and efficiently without consuming too much energy, and they’re easier to maintain than oiled ones. However, they tend to have lower compression rates, so if you need high pressure, then you might need to go with an oiled one.

How long will an oil-free compressor last?

Due to the long product life, oil-lube air compressor’s popularity is increasing day by day. An oil-free compressor lasts up to 2,000 hours.

Can you put motor oil in an air compressor?

Technically, you can put motor oil in an air compressor. However, the oil you are using needs to have a specific composition and properties, making it an ideal alternative to compress oil. If the motor oil’s viscosity and weight match with the usual air compressor oil, use the motor oil without hesitation.

What oil do you use in a portable air compressor?

Any type of oil can be used to lubricate the bearings and other moving parts in a portable air compressor. However, if you use mineral-based oils, it can cause your compressor to stop working. So, you should always use synthetic oil for the best results.

Should I oil my oilless air compressor?

Yes, you should oil your oilless air compressor. Oil helps prevent wear and tear on the compressor and the motor. You can purchase a dedicated air compressor oiler to maintain the compressor and motor, but you can also do it manually. Simply turn the oiler on, and let the compressor run for a few minutes to ensure that the oil has spread evenly on the motor.

What is the top-rated portable air compressor?

The top-rated portable air compressor, by our recommendation, is the WEN 2202 20-Gallon. This unit provides the most power, the best performance, and the greatest ease of use. It comes with a heavy-duty motor, and it can deliver up to 5cfm, which is enough for small jobs like repairing leaky pipes or fixing minor plumbing issues.

Final Words

In conclusion, to make the right decision, you need to first gather all of the facts. Then, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best meets your needs. You need to know exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t settle for less than perfection. If you’re looking for the best portable air compressor, you have come to the right place. I’ve collected and ranked the top 6 best oil-lubricated portable air compressors based on reviews and ratings. I hope this helps you find the perfect oil-lubricated portable air compressor.

Hopefully, this guide will be helpful when choosing the best model.