Which air compressors are the top rated?

The <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/California-Air-Tools-1-0-Gal-Light-and-Quiet-Steel-Tank-Electric-Portable-Air-Compressor-1P1060S/300500747?emt=plpfaq_2506_aircompressors" style="text-decoration: underline;">1.0 Gal. Light and Quiet Steel Tank Electric Portable Air Compressor</a> is one of our top-rated air compressors.

What's the benefit of getting an air compressor with a higher PSI?

An air compressor with a higher PSI, such as <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Air-Compressor-Tools-Air-Compressors/175-PSI/N-5yc1vZc27pZ1z1rtp5?emt=plpfaq_2506_aircompressors" style="text-decoration: underline;">175 PSI</a> or even <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Air-Compressor-Tools-Air-Compressors/200-PSI/N-5yc1vZc27pZ1z1rtqp?emt=plpfaq_2506_aircompressors" style="text-decoration: underline;">200 PSI</a>, can be a great investment. It means you'll have a larger reserve of compressed air and can potentially run tools for longer periods without the compressor constantly cycling on. This allows for more consistent performance, especially for demanding tasks like heavy-duty sanding or operating multiple tools simultaneously.

What type of air compressor is easy to use and good for inflating tires and powering a nail gun for small projects?

A portable pancake or hotdog-style air compressor is an excellent choice for beginners tackling DIY projects. These models are lightweight, easy to store, and provide enough power to inflate tires, operate nail guns for trim work, and handle other light-duty tasks. You'll find these models easy to use and a great starting point – check out our <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/air-compressor-buying-guide/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9056752272?emt=plpfaq_2506_aircompressors" style="text-decoration: underline;">Air Compressor Buying Guide</a> for more details!

I see some compressors say "oil-less". Does that mean they never need any maintenance?

While "<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Air-Compressor-Tools-Air-Compressors/Oil-less/N-5yc1vZc27pZ1z1yp2c?emt=plpfaq_2506_aircompressors" style="text-decoration: underline;">oil-less</a>" compressors don't require oil changes, they still benefit from occasional check-ups and filter replacements to ensure optimal performance. If you prioritize convenience and want to eliminate the hassle of oil maintenance, an oil-less model is right for you!