Tankless Air Compressor Reviews

The Pros and Cons of a Tankless AirCompressor

As with any decision in life, there are advantages and disadvantages for everything we do.  When it comes to the decision to buy a tankless aircompressor, we need to discuss the good and bad aspects before making a decision.  Actually, when it comes to choosing an air compressor, there is a bit of a paradigm around the air storage tank.

Most aircompressors have an air tank!

In fact, the air tank is often an integral part of the design of an aircompressor.  The pancake air compressor, hot dog compressor and vertical compressor are all named after the configuration of the air tank.  Furthermore, the structural design of an aircompressor is often based around the shape of the air storage tank.  The roll cage and the protective shroud are welded directly to the air tank as part of the integral structure. Even the pressure gauges and connectors are often attached right on the top of the air tank.

 

Advantages of going Tankless

Although it may seem strange at first, it is possible to buy an air compressor that has no tank.  Many of the smaller 12 volt tire inflators do not have an air storage tank.  There are some ultra quiet air compressors that do not have an air tank. And there are even some heavy duty gas powered ones that are designed to be tankless.  There are some good reasons to buy a tankless aircompressor.

Does Not Need Certification

An emerging issue these days is the certification of the compressed air tank.  When it comes to ongoing safety management, the regulatory statutes may require an inspection regime for compressed air vessels.  This can be a hassle to maintain a properly certified compressed air device.  With a tankless, you never have to worry about having the machine tested and certified.

Lightweight and Portable

The biggest advantage of a tankless aircompressor is the lighter weight.  Most air storage tanks are made from heavy materials such as cast iron or stainless steel.  Even a small air tank tends to add a lot of weight to an air compressor.  So a tankless model can save a lot of weight, and make it much more portable.  Not only is it more portable, but it is generally smaller also.  Small size is always an advantage when it comes to storing an air compressor when not being used.  But a smaller air compressor is also much easier to handle, and carry around wherever you need to go.  A small model is certainly much easier to transport in the trunk of the car, or the truck.

Instant Air Flow

Another advantage of is that you get instant air delivery.  There is no need to wait around for the compressor to build up to operating pressure.  With tankless aircomps, the air is delivered directly from the air outlet, at the desired air pressure.   As soon as you turn on the electric tankless aircomp, it is ready to go!  It is also possible to buy a gas powered air compressor without an air tank.  But it is wise to let these machines come up to operating temperature before starting work.

Disadvantages of going Tankless

Whenever we try to go against the flow, I ask myself, why is everyone going the other way?  In the case of a tankless aircompressor, we should ask, why do most air compressors have an air tank?  Without a doubt, the air storage tank serves an important purpose for an air compressor, but do we need one?

An Air-Compressor Tank Saves Power

The key role of an air storage tank on an air compressor is as a reservoir for the compressed air.  When the air compressor pump has filled the air tank to the maximum operating pressure, it simply shuts off.  Not only does the automatic shut off save power, but it also saves wear and tear on the machine.  The benefit of having a reservoir of compressed air is that you can draw down on the air supply.  This means that you can continue to use air powered tools (otherwise known as pneumatic tools ) and accessories without the air pump running continuously.  When the operating pressure drops below the threshold, the air pump automatically cuts in, and recharges the air supply.  This means that you can buy an air compressor with less horsepower than you really need.  The additional power can be supplied from the air storage tank for the times when you really need it.

An Air-Compressor Tank Saves Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining an air compressor, the amount of running time is important.  The maintenance interval depends on the number of hours that the machine has run for.  The good news is that when the air compressor shuts off automatically, then there is no accumulation of running time.  When the running time is reduced, there is less wear on the air compressor, and less need to do maintenance.

Tankless AirComps Run Continuously

A disadvantage is that the air pump has to run continuously.  There is no air supply unless the motor and the air pump are switched on.  This means that the device is drawing energy at all times, and the components are working continuously.  Even if you are not using the compressed air supply.

An Air Tank Acts as a Pressure Regulator

The benefit of an air storage tank is that the air supply is regulated by the size of the tank.  For example, the fluctuations and irregular flow of air from the air pump are smoothed out by the air tank.  Any pulsations or fluctuations from the air pump are absorbed within the air storage tank.  When the air is discharged from the reservoir, the compressed air is smooth and regulated at the desired operating pressure.  There are no peaks or spikes in the operating air pressure, just a steady air supply at a regular air pressure.

May Suffer From Air Fluctuations

Another disadvantage is that the air supply is subject to fluctuation in the air flow.  Depending on how fast the motor is running, or whether the air pump is driven by a piston.  There can be noticeable fluctuations in the air pressure when using a tankless aircompressor.

Where Do You Buy Tankless Aircompressors?

Even though it might appear that there are numerous disadvantages to buying a tankless aircompressor, there are some useful device on the market.  We have provided a list of the best tankless aircompressor reviews.  So, hopefully you can find a model to suit your requirements.

1. Iwata-Medea Studio Series Ninja Jet Single Piston Air-Compressor

The first cab-off-the-rank on our review list is a contender for the smallest aircompressor.  In terms of performance, this small tankless aircompressor is limited to functions such as air brushing or tire inflation.  However, it is very small and lightweight, and takes up very little space.  The Iwata Medea Studio Series Ninja jet aircompressor is a great choice for studio artists.  This small tankless aircompressor is light enough to move around the studio with no problems and is quiet to operate.  With an oil free air pump, it requires very little maintenance, and provides enough compressed air for all your studio projects.

Iwata Medea Studio Series Ninja jet tankless aircompressor feature list:

• Oil free piston design
• Lo maintenance compressor
• Full metal shroud for protection
• Built in carry handle
• High pressure hose compatible with Iwata airbrush
• Built in airbrush holder

Click here to see the price of the Iwata Medea Studio Series Ninja jet aircompressor.

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

 

2. Silentaire Scorpion IW-C 1.5 horsepower Air-Compressor

Silentaire have a reputation for producing unique and different aircompressors.  The Silentaire range of tankless aircompressors is impressive for many reasons.  The first is that these aircompressors are virtually silent when running.  The Silentaire Scorpion is certainly impressive because it has no air tank, and is very lightweight.  With a maximum operating pressure of just 55 psi, it is not a high pressure aircompressor.  But if you only have a requirement for lower pressure supply, then the Silentaire Scorpion 1W-C is a great choice.  Weighing in at just 10 pounds, this tankless aircompressor a great choice for many applications.  This mini aircompressor is easy to use, easy to carry, and easy to store away when not being used.

Silentaire Scorpion tankless aircompressor feature list:

• 1.5 horsepower
• Virtually silent compressor
• Oil free pump
• Maintenance free
• 55 psi maximum operating pressure
• Flowrate 1.05 CFM at operating pressure
• Dual voltage supply – 110 volt or 230 volt

Click here to see the price of the Silentaire Scorpion 1W-C  aircompressor.

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

 

3. Silentaire Scorpion II Tankless AirCompressor

The next option for those looking for a tankless aircompressor is the Silentaire Scorpion II.  This machine is the latest design from Silentaire, and offers greater performance over its smaller cousin.  The Silentaire Scorpion II comes with a double piston air pump, which provides greater air supply, at 55 psi.  The Silentaire Scorpion II is a clever design with automatic shut off when not being used.  It also has protection in case of overheating or over pressure and will shut down automatically.  The automatic shut off feature saves wear and tear on the machine by reducing the hours that the machine is running.  This tankless aircompressor also comes with a moisture trap to eliminate condensation problems in the air lines.

Silentaire Scorpion II features:

• Dual piston compressor
• Tankless Compressor
• Oil free, low maintenance air pump
• Output compressed air: 1.1 CFM
• Maximum Operating Pressure: 55 PSI
• Quiet to operate
• Compressor dimensions: 10.0 x 4.5 x 7

Click here to see the price of the Silentaire Scorpion II  aircompressor.

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

 

4. Gast DOA-P701-AA Oil less Air-Compressor

The Gast tankless aircompressor is a novelty design of aircompressor which utilises a diaphragm air system.  This innovative design reduces the number of moving parts in the machine, and requires less maintenance.  It also provides the advantage of reducing the amount of weight.  This is a very lightweight aircompressor, because it does not have an air tank.  Nor does this compressor rely on a heavy metal air pump.

Gast DOA-P701-AA features:

• Current requirement – 0.8 amp
• Voltage – 110 v
• Duty Cycle: Continuous
• Diaphragm compressor pump
• Air Flow Rate – 1.1 CFM
• Maximum operating Pressure – 60 PSI

Click here to see the price of the Gast DOA-P701-AA tankless AirCompressor.

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

 

5. Silentaire Super Silent 20-a Whisper Quiet Air-Compressor

The Silentaire range of quiet aircompressors are truly whisper quiet to operate.  With a noise level less than a normal conversation, this handy aircompressor will not cause any distractions.  The Silentaire Super Silent 20-a Air-Compressor is an innovative machine with built in moisture trap and line pressure regulator.  It also comes with a safety release valve, air filter and automatic shut off for protection.  The Silentaire Super Silent 20-a Air-Compressor can deliver up to a maximum operating pressure of 85 psi.  The flowrate is a very handy 0.7 CFM, at operating pressure.  The pressure has a variable control setting and is regulated anywhere between 55 and 85 psi.

 

Silentaire Super Silent 20-a Air-Compressor features:

• Fully automatic
• Output: 0.7 CFM
• Max Pressure: 85 PSI
• Operating Pressure: 55-85 PSI
• Noise Level: 30 Decibels

Click here to see the price of the Silentaire Super Silent 20-a Whisper Quiet AirCompressor.

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

	Model	Max Pressure	FlowRate	Tank Size	Weight
	Iwata-Medea Tankless Air compressor	35 psi Max	Low Flow Rate for Airbrushing	Tankless Air Compressor	6.6 lbs
	Silentaire Scorpion IW-C 1.5 hp Air Compressor	55 psi Max	1.05 SCFM @ 55 PSI	Tankless Air Compressor	10 lbs
	Silentaire Scorpion II Tankless Air Compressor	55 psi Max	1.2 SCFM @ 55 PSI	Tankless Air Compressor	8 lbs
	Gast DOA-P701-AA Tankless Air Compressor	60 psi Max	1.1 SCFM @ 60 PSI	Tankless Air Compressor	20 lbs
	Silentaire Super Silent 20-a Tankless Air Compressor	55-85 psi	0.7 SCFM @ 85 PSI	Tankless Air Compressor	38 lbs

Which is best – Tankless aircomp OR air comp with tank?

The lesson is to do the research to discover which is the best tankless aircompressor for your application. Then you can choose the best type of product to meet your expectations.  If you need an aircompressor with a tank, then click here to check out our list of the best small and portable air compressors.

If you think your needs can be satisfied by a tankless aircompressor, then we hope we can help you find the best one for your needs.  Please drop us a line – we would like to know what brand/model you recommend also!