If you are looking for the best 20 gallon air compressor for garage or your home, then there are some excellent options to look at. Depending on your specific requirements, you may prefer something with a higher air pressure output, or maybe a larger capacity air tank, or something like a portable air compressor – it all depends. Or maybe you prefer to work in the garage or workshop, or maybe you need to travel to work each day. No matter what you need, we have checked out the latest 20 gallon air compressor reviews to suit your needs.
What size air tank do you need?
Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor
Every portable air compressor is rated in terms of the capacity of the air tank. But there are other factors that are important, and it is not just about the size of the tank. The size of the tank is a useful guide as to the overall capacity of an air compressor, and whether it will be big enough to supply you air power needs. The capacity of an air compressor is all about the volume of compressed air that the machine can deliver.
The more flow rate the machine can provide before the air compressor has to cut in is really about how big the air pump is. Needless to say, a smaller air tank cannot hold as much reserve air. The pump will fire up and recharge the cylinder more often. The air pressure is a different feature, and you need to ensure that you buy an air compressor with sufficient pressure rating to drive the tools you need. Although most larger air compressors do tend to have a higher air pressure rating. So you need to make sure you get the best 20 gallon air compressor!
The best 20 gallon air compressor must be portable
All of the best 20 gallon air compressors are built as a portable air compressor, and should have a structural frame and handles and wheels that are strong enough to allow the user to easily move the machine around. It is a bit of a trade off for power, a portable air compressor is not as powerful as the 30 and 60 gallon air compressor units. But you may be able to pick up a nice quiet 20 gallon air compressor – read on if that is interesting to you!
| Model | Air Delivery | Maximum Pressure (PSI) | Tank Size (Gallons) | Net Weight (Pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5.20 CFM @ 90 PSI Ingersoll-Rand Garage Mate | 135 PSI | 20 gal | 200 lbs |
 | 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI Porter Cable PXCMF220VW | 150 PSI | 20 gal | 97 lbs |
 | 5.7 CFM @ 90 PSI DeWalt DXCMPA | 155 PSI | 20 gal | 166 lbs |
 | 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI DeWalt DXCMLA 1682066 | 155 PSI | 20 gal | 159 lbs |
 | 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI Industrial Air IL- 1682066 | 135 PSI | 20 gal | 186 lbs |
 | 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI California Air Tools 15020C | 150 PSI | 15 gal | 90 lbs |
Every shed or garage needs an air compressor!
No matter if you have a large work space, or just a small shed, the best 20 gallon air compressor can be stored away very easily, with little impact on the rest of your space. You will be able to run a variety of power tools from air guns, staple guns, paint sprayers and even pump up the tires and basketballs!
Generally the best 20 gallon air compressor is electric powered. No matter if you prefer a pancake design, a sausage dog, or even a vertical portable air compressor, there are lots of options to look at.
Here are some of the best 20 gallon air compressor reviews:
1. Ingersoll-Rand Garage Mate 20 Gallon 
Compressor: Model# P1.5IU-A9
The Ingersoll-Rand Garage Mate 20 gallon air compressor is a great all round performer that is suitable for any garage, shed or workshop. Whether you need a portable air compressor to take with you wherever you need to work, or to work anywhere around the house, then this air compressor is extremely versatile.
Ingersoll-Rand have a reputation for high quality industrial air compressors, and this model is designed for professional applications, but is also a handy tool for the home handyman. The Ingersoll-Rand P1.5IU-A9 operates at a maximum air pressure of 135 PSI, provided by a 2 horsepower, 115 volt electric motor. The air tank is a vertical stack configuration, and as soon as the air pressure drops, the air pump starts automatically to recharge the cylinder.
Ingersoll-Rand 20 gallon air compressors are built from cast iron construction so they are built to last. Powerful enough for most air powered tools, you will have no trouble running nailers, staplers, grinders, sanders and even spray painters. Just not all at once! Never mind, not even the best 20 gallon air compressor can run all of these at the same time, but you will have fun working with this machine!
Check out the Ingersoll-Rand 20 gallon air compressor reviews at Amazon
2. Porter Cable 20 Gallon Portable 
Air Compressor: PXCMF220VW
The Porter Cable 20 gallon air compressor has the same power as some other larger air compressors, and all of this is packed into a very portable and versatile package. The Porter Cable 20 gallon air compressor is much smaller and lighter than some of its larger counterparts, and this is the real attraction with this portable air compressor. It comes with easy to roll wheels, and is very maneuverable. This important when you have a crowded garage or a busy work site. It is certainly powerful enough to do the job!
Sure the air tank is slightly smaller at 20 gallon capacity, but this can offer some advantages over the larger and heavier competition! The Porter Cable PXCMF220VW air compressor sports a very healthy 150 PSI pressure rating, which is an excellent output for such a small machine. At 150 PSI max pressure, you will be able to run all of the most common air powered tools and even those that need the extra power.
So unless you are fixated on the best 30 gallon air compressor, it is always worth considering some alternatives, just in case there are some better options!
Check out the Porter Cable 20 gallon air compressor reviews at Amazon
3. DeWalt DXCMPA1982054
20 Gallon Air Compressor
The DeWalt 20 gallon air compressor delivers all of the good things that we come to expect from DeWalt products. It comes with all the best internals and engine components such as aluminum engine head, automotive ball bearings, stainless steel reed valves on the air pump, and solid cast iron components elsewhere. This means the DeWalt DXCMPA1982054 air compressor is built to run efficiently, and it is built to last.
The pump is oil lubricated to keep the operating temperature down. The power is delivered from a 1.9 horsepower induction electric motor. It even comes with a 12 inch balanced flywheel to smooth out the running vibrations. Overall, these features help to keep the whole unit running smoothly and quietly. There really is no need to say much more about the easily recognizable yellow DeWalt 20 gallon air compressor! You are bound to be impressed by this awesome portable air compressor.
Check out the DeWalt best 20 gallon air compressor review at Amazon
4. DeWalt DXCMLA1682066
20 gallon air compressor
The next best 20 gallon air compressor is also built by DeWalt, who are specialists in small to mid range air compressors. The Dewalt DXCMLA1682066 is configured as a 1.6 horsepower vertical air compressor. This design provides enough power for the professional or home handyman. It is still a portable air compressor for any type of task you wish to use it for.
Again, the Dewalt DXCMLA1682066 has loads of nice to have features such as ball bearings, stainless reed valves and oil lubrication. All of these are excellent features to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
The Dewalt DXCMLA1682066 20 gallon air compressor comes with a sturdy construction including belt safety guard, and gauge protection. As well as wheels and handle to make it easy to move and transport. For a portable air compressor, with high power and capacity, the DeWalt 20 gallon air compressor is a very attractive option.
Check out the DeWalt 20 gallon air compressor review at Amazon
5. Industrial Air IL1682066.MN
20 Gallon Air Compressor
The Industrial Air IL1682066 features a heavy duty induction motor. But don’t worry, the best part is that it runs off a standard 110 volt power outlet. It can easily be converted to 240 volt if necessary. The powerful motor drives a v-twin air compressor pump. This impressive pump is capable of recharging the 20 gallon air tank is a very short space of time.
Industrial Air have thought of everything, an the IL1682066.MN 20 Gallon Air Compressor comes with pneumatic tires. You can move this unit around the workshop, or the work site with no problems at all.
With an all up weight of just 186 pounds, the IL1682066.MN 20 Gallon Air Compressor is capable of delivering as much power as its much larger rivals. Delivering an impressive 135 PSI, the Industrial air 20 gallon air compressor will look very impressive in your garage!
Check out the Industrial Air best 20 gallon air compressor review at Amazon
If you want the quietest air compressors on the market:
6. California Air Tools 15020C
15 Gallon Air Compressor
If are interested in obtaining a quiet air compressor, then the California Air Tools range is renowned as the quietest and best air compressors.
The CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 15020C Air Compressor has been designed to be one of the quietest 2 horsepower air compressors on the market. At a very quiet noise level of just 70 decibels, you won’t even need hearing protection with this very impressive machine.
Built with a 15 gallon tank capacity, the Cat 15020C is a little smaller than the other 20 gallon air compressors in this review. But we thought it worthy of a mention due its very impressive features. The ultra quiet air pump runs at a much slower rate than other motors. This benefits not only the noise output, but also reduces the vibration and engine wear and tear.
The California Air Tools 15020C is not only quieter but also much lighter than any other portable air compressor. It is a cinch to move around and change work sites whenever you need to.
You will certainly not complain about this machine with its low maintenance requirements, and easy to use features. In fact, no one will complain when you start up this machine – they may not even realise it is running!
The CAT 15020C is a favorite among professional and handymen because it is light, quiet, and provides all the power and flow rate of its larger competitors.
Check out the California Air Tools 15020C best 20 gallon air compressor review at Amazon
Summary – The best 20 gallon air compressor on the market:
No matter whether you need raw power output, or ease of portability. There is a 20 gallon air compressor to suit your needs. We couldn’t pick them apart! If you must have rugged reliability, then you can take your pick from the Ingersoll-Rand Garage Mate 20 Gallon Compressor. Or the Porter Cable PXCMF220VW Portable Air Compressor. Both offer traditional old fashioned grunt and dependability. Built for application on industrial sites. These air compressors will not feel out of place on any work site.
If you prefer to keep a reasonably moderate sized air compressor in your shed or garage at home. Then the best 20 gallon air compressor is likely to be something nice and compact. Yet capable of delivering high pressure air at the flick of a switch. California Air Tools have the best reputation for making quiet air compressors. So if this is important for you, make sure you take a look at the impressive CAT range. California Air Tools have an excellent range under the 20 gallon size.
If you are looking for a portable air compressor, then any of the designs by DeWalt will suit your needs. DeWalt comes highly recommended for the best 20 gallon air compressor.
Check out the DeWalt 20 gallon air compressor review at Amazon
Do you need something a little bigger for your air supply requirements? Then maybe you are looking for the best 30 gallon air compressor on the market. Be sure to check out our full range of portable air compressors.
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There are the various power tools and appliances that we use in the garage or shed. That 20 gallon air compressor uses a lot of electricity – it is good to have solar energy to save on power bills!
You seem to be an expert on this topic – I want a large air compressor, but not too big, looks like a 20 gallon air compressor is just what I am looking for.
Bob