The Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors You Can Buy Online

A 30-gallon air compressor holds sufficient power in its super-sized air tank. And that means more power for air tools requiring more pressurized air to function.

What’s more, an air compressor with sufficient air tank capacity could power multiple air tools at once due to its impressive air pressure output. As such, you have sufficient reasons to buy a 30 gallon air compressor.

Here are the best 30 gallon air compressors you can buy online.

But getting the best performance from these machines means choosing the best 30-gallon air compressor. One problem, though – the market has plenty of air compressors. And this makes choosing the best air compressors quite a chore. 

We have rounded up some of the best 30-gallon air compressors on the market. Besides the air compressors featuring 30 gallons air tanks, they also churn out impressive CFM and PSI for your pneumatic tools.

We have also included a buyer’s guide to help you spot the best air compressors on the market. So, be sure to read to the end for more information on air compressors to buy.

What Air Compressors Should You Consider Buying for Your Projects?

NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor

This NORTHSTAR PORTABLE GAS POWERED AIR COMPRESSOR features the legendary Honda GX390 OHV Engine. The 389-cc gas-powered engine is fuel-efficient despite churning out 11.7 HP that transfers to the pump via belt drive.

What’s more, this engine features a 3-Amp charging system. It is also quiet and easy to operate.

The two-stage pump boasts a full cast iron construction. This material makes the pump very durable. But the pump still features a design that improves its performance in any work environment.

If you look at the V-style cylinder orientation, you realize such an orientation improves cooling for a longer operation time. 

Also, this pump has dual crankshaft bearings for smooth running and low vibration technology for exceptional durability. The pump has plenty of features that make it a durable component.

Aside from the highly durable pump, this unit features a 30 gallon air tank. This air tank is ASME-certified and boasts a weather-resistant powder coating. As such, it is another durable component.

The pump derives massive power from the Honda engine, resulting in an impressive airflow rate of 24.4 cubic feet per minute at 90 PSI pressure.

The 30 gallons air tank boasts a 175 PSI maximum pressure for powering all your power tools. 

Other impressive features include an oil-level sight glass, a liquid-filled pressure gauge, a high-quality steel belt guard, and a flywheel that improves engine cooling.

With all these features, this NorthStar portable air compressor is a unit to buy for your projects.

Manufacturer	‎NorthStar
Model Number	‎459382
Capacity	30 Gallons
Product Dimension	41 x 19 x 40 inches
Item Weight	196 Pounds
Power Source	Corded Electric
Horse Power	11.7 HP
CFM	24.4 CFM

Pros	Cons
4 CFM at 90 PSI.	It has no transportation wheel.
175 PSI maximum pressure.	The fuel tank is only 1.6 gallons.
Durable pump.
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors Reviews

Industrial Air ILA1883054 30-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor

INDUSTRIAL AIR ILA1883054 30-GALLON BELT DRIVEN AIR COMPRESSOR is an electric-powered unit featuring a heavy duty induction motor.

The motor comes wired for 120V electricity, but it could also use 240V electricity as it is dual-voltage. It churns out 1.9 HP that it uses to drive the pump using a belt drive.

The cast iron pump is durable, thanks to its excellent material. Also, it has two cylinders for maximum performance.

It is oil lubricated for smooth operations, and this improves the running hours of your electric air compressor.

What’s more, the pump has an Aluminum head and valve plate for increased cooling. As a result, this unit works for hours without its pump becoming too hot.

The pump works tirelessly to give a 5.7 CFM airflow rate at 90 PSI working pressure.

Also, this unit could provide 7 CFM of air at 40 PSI. Therefore, it is powerful enough to power any air tool you have.

The air compressor features a 30-gallon tank with a maximum working pressure of 155 PSI. 

The air tank is vertical and has pre-attached pneumatic wheels for excellent mobility. Also, this air tank has a front handle that eases transportation.

The whole unit weighs 190 pounds, making it a portable 30-gallon air compressor. 

As you would expect, the air compressor features onboard controls granting you access to a quick-set regulator, pressure gauges, and on/off switch.

This unit is reasonably powerful and will power your air tools. As such, it is another excellent investment.

Manufacturer	‎Industrial Air
Model Number	‎ILA188354
Capacity	30-Gallons
Product Dimension	24.75 x 24.75 x 49.75 inches
Item Weight	‎190 pounds
Power Source	Corded Electric
Horse Power	1 hp
CFM	7.0 Cfm

Pros	Cons
7 CFM at 90 PSI.	Poor oil packaging.
9 HP dual-voltage motor.	The flywheel is not high-quality.
It comes with oil.
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors Reviews

California Air Tools 30020CAD Steel Tank Air Compressor 

This CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 30020CAD STEEL TANK AIR COMPRESSOR is also electric-powered and features a 2 HP motor.

The motor boasts a quiet operation as it produces below 70 decibels of noise.

As such, this is one of the quietest electric air compressors. You want to connect this unit to a 110V electricity outlet as this is its voltage requirement.

 Aside from the powerful motor, the air compressor features an oil free pump. The pump has two pistons for increased performance, resulting in 5. 30 CFM at 90 PSI.

With this incredible airflow rate at sufficient pressure, you can power your air tool to complete the project at hand.

Despite its oil-free performance, the pump still impresses with its over 3000 hours of trouble-free operation.

It beats rivals hands down with these insane hours of operation, making it a workhorse you should consider buying.

Since this 30 gallon air compressor features a steel air tank, you can rest assured your air compressor will work for many years without reducing its impressive power.

Besides, the air tank is ASME-certified and large enough to store more pressurized air for more air-demanding power tools. 

If you run an auto repair shop, you can benefit from this electric air compressor immensely. The unit gives quite a punch while cutting down on noise for a peaceful working environment.

Therefore, this is another air compressor to have in your shop for impressive performance.

Manufacturer	‎California Air Tools
Model Number	30020CAD
Capacity	30 Gallons
Product Dimension	24 x 29 x 43.5 inches
Item Weight	‎126 pounds
Power Source	AC
Horse Power	2.0 Hp
CFM	5.30 CFM

Pros	Cons
30 CFM at 90 PSI.	It has no rubberized grip on the handle.
Low-noise performance.	The motor is not dual-voltage.
Oil-free and heavy duty pump.
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors Reviews

Ingersoll Rand 2475F13GH 13hp 30 gal Single-Stage Compressor

INGERSOLL RAND 2475F13GH 13HP 30 GAL SINGLE-STAGE COMPRESSOR is the perfect choice for field service applications.

You can also use it in a fleet application as it has the power to handle your most demanding projects.

First, this unit features a gas-powered engine that churns out 14 HP. Since this air compressor needs no electricity to function, it is a perfect choice for field applications where there might be no electricity.

The engine drives a two-stage pump using a belt drive. The fully enclosed belt guard makes using your air compressor safe. The pump guarantees long life as it comprises a durable cast iron material.

Due to the exceptional quality of this construction material, the pump can work for over 15,000 hours without any trouble. And this is unmatched trouble-free performance.

The pump ensures your air tools have a 24 CFM airflow rate at 90 PSI. The air compressor also features a 30-gallon air tank with a maximum working pressure of 175 PSI.

What’s more, this air tank features a weather-resistant powder coating for durability and prolonged elegance. 

The splash lubricated oil system ensures your air compressor components run smoothly to give you maximum power when you need it.

Since this unit is ideal for field applications, it features truck mounts. As a result, you can head to the field with this unit mounted onto your truck. 

It works for thousands of hours and packs quite a punch, making it a perfect choice for heavy duty performances.

If you’re looking for something for your most demanding pneumatic tools, consider this gas-powered air compressor.

Manufacturer	‎Ingersoll Rand
Model Number	‎45466067
Capacity	30 Gallons
Product Dimension	‎43.8 x 22 x 40 inches
Item Weight	‎455 pounds
Power Source	‎Gas Powered
Horse Power	13 Horsepower
CFM	24.4 CFM

Pros	Cons
14 HP engine power.	It weighs 469 pounds.
24 CFM at 90 PSI.	It is also pricey.
Durable and heavy-duty pump.
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors Reviews

BelAire 3G3HHL 13 HP 30 Gallon Gas Driven Honda Engine Horizontal Compressor

BELAIRE 3G3HHL 13 HP 30 GALLON Air Compressor has one of the most powerful gasoline engines. This unit features a 13 HP Honda engine that delivers massive power to the pump via the featured belt drive.

The belt drive has a steel guard that protects you from the spinning flywheel. Hence using this air compressor is safe.

The pump boasts a solid cast iron construction that ensures it is durable as it is powerful. The single-stage pump impresses with its 25.25 CFM at 100 PSI. Also, this pump could deliver power at the airflow rate of 22.28 CFM at 175 PSI.

The maximum working pressure for this particular air compressor stands at an astounding 175 PSI. As such, this is another powerful air compressor to have for your most demanding air tools.

The air tank capacity is also quite generous, with this unit featuring a 30-gallon air tank for additional power. The tank is ASME-certified, meaning this is a genuinely durable air compressor.

You will find the air tank features a pull-type tank drain. Other features making your unit stand out include an oil monitor, electric start and recoil start, and an alternator. 

The tank has a discharge valve and ASME safety valve. However, your air compressor tank features no wheel. And with the whole unit weighing a massive 378 pounds, it has limited mobility.

You might want to mount it on your truck and head out to the field to power your pneumatic tools. But this air compressor stands out pretty well and is among the units to buy.

Manufacturer	BelAire
Model Number	‎3G3HHL
Capacity	30 Gallons
Product Dimension	44.6 x 19 x 45 inches
Item Weight	‎0.16 ounces
Power Source	Gas Powered
Horse Power	13 HP
CFM	25.3 CFM

Pros	Cons
25 CFM at 100 PSI.	It weighs 378 pounds.
175 PSI maximum pressure.	The engine is a bit loud.
Durable pump.
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors Reviews

DeWalt DXCMLA1683066 1.6 HP 30-gallon Single Stage Oil-Lube Vertical Portable Air Compressor

Once again, this DEWALT DXCMLA1683066 1.6 HP 30-GALLON AIR COMPRESSOR proves that an electric-powered air compressor handles your light-duty projects quite impressively.

The unit features a 1.6 HP motor that powers the unit’s pump via a belt drive. The induction motor is dual-voltage for use in any region.

Whether you have a 120V or 240V electricity supply, you can use this air compressor to complete your project.

The pump boasts a cast iron construction and features V-twin cylinders for maximum power output. Also, the pump is oil-lubricated for prolonged exceptional performance.

Combine the long working hours with a durable pump construction, and you get one highly durable electric air compressor.

The pump works fine while staying cool the whole time, thanks to the aluminum head and valve plate that dissipate heat. And this works to improve the durability of the pump.

Since the pump receives sufficient working power from the motor, it produces 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI. Also, it could produce 6.2 CFM at 40 PSI.

The air compressor features a 30-gallon air tank with a maximum working pressure of 155 PSI. The air tank has pre-attached pneumatic wheels that improve mobility.

Also, it features handles with rubberized grips for ergonomics.

If you’re looking to remove rusted bolts, you will appreciate this unit’s built-in high-flow regulator. The air compressor weighs only 171 pounds and is very portable.

Therefore, consider buying this unit for your projects.

Manufacturer	‎MAT Industries, LLC
Model Number	‎DXCMLA1683066
Capacity	30 Gallons
Product Dimension	25 x 24.5 x 49 inches
Item Weight	‎171 pounds
Power Source	Gas Powered
Horse Power	1.6 HP
CFM	6.2 CFM

Pros	Cons
3 CFM at 90 PSI.	It doesn’t include filters.
6 HP Dual-voltage induction motor.	Unresponsive customer support.
155 PSI maximum pressure.
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors Reviews

Eastwood Elite QST-30 60 Scroll Air Compressor

EASTWOOD ELITE QST-30 60 SCROLL AIR COMPRESSOR features a design like no other, and you instantly notice this by looking at the air compressor once.

The motor drives the pump directly, and this component arrangement guarantees compactness. The 4 HP motor is powerful enough to drive the pump and boasts over 100,000 hours of trouble-free performance.

It is a continuous-duty motor that handles heavy-duty projects without a hitch. The scroll pump also comprises cast iron material that makes it very durable. And with sufficient power from the motor, the pump churns out 12.7 CFM at 90 PSI.

Since this indicates that the unit provides more air volume at the correct working pressure, the air compressor can power multiple pneumatic tools.

The noise level remains below 70 decibels during operation, making this unit another quiet air compressor on the market. To be precise, this unit produces only 63 decibels of noise, making it the perfect option for users looking not to upset their neighbors.

The air tank is horizontal and boasts a whopping 30-gallon capacity. It even has four never-flat wheels attached to it for mobility reasons. So, transporting this air compressor across the worksite is never a daunting and strenuous task. 

However, the motor is not dual-voltage; it uses 220 – 240V electricity. And at full load capacity, the motor consumes 17 Amps. The 145 PSI maximum pressure ensures you can power even the most demanding air tools.

So, if you want to power your porter cable and other pneumatic tools, you can rely on this air compressor for sufficient power. Therefore, it is another excellent buy.

Manufacturer	Eastwood
Model Number	QST-30
Capacity	30 Gallons
Product Dimension	44" wide X 39" tall X 21" deep
Item Weight	400 Pounds
Power Source	Gas Powered
Horse Power	4 hp
CFM	12.7 cfm

Pros	Cons
7 CFM at 90 PSI.	It weighs 400 pounds.
Low-noise performance.	It consumes more electricity.
100,000 trouble-free working hours.
Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors Reviews

What You Want to Know Before Buying an Air Compressor

When looking for the best 30 gallon air compressor, you want to check beyond air tank capacity. And that’s because there is more to an air compressor than its air tank capacity.

Once you have also checked other features, you will buy the best model on the market. But the question is: what qualities do you consider first? Well, they include the features below:

Air Tool Pressure Requirements

Air tools such as a porter cable, impact wrench, and rock drills require pressurized air delivered at a specific CFM (airflow rate in cubic feet per minute). Of course, each air tool has its specific pressure requirement.

And you can expect some pneumatic tools to require more pressurized air. As such, you want to start by checking each air tool pressure requirement before buying an air compressor.

After knowing how much CFM and PSI your air tools require, you can pick an air compressor that supplies the needed power.

When looking for the best unit for your pneumatic tools, look for one that powers your most demanding air tool. You will be sure to power all your air tools if you do this.

The Airflow Rate In CFM

Once you’ve looked at your pneumatic tools for their power requirements, you want to check if your preferred air compressor is up for the challenge.

And one way of doing this is by checking the CFM rating. Fortunately, air compressors specify their CFM rating. 

The airflow rate in cubic feet per minute tells you the volume of air an air compressor supplies to the connected air tools per minute.

The higher the CFM rating, the more air the air compressor supplies every minute. And a unit with such a high CFM is more powerful.

Since many air tools work at 90 PSI, you want to check your air compressor’s CFM rating at 90 PSI. Pick an air compressor with a high CFM rating at 90 PSI if you want more power for your air tools.

You can start at 5.3 CFM, but you could go as high as 24.4 CFM.

Air Pressure in PSI

The CFM rating tells you the volume of air an air compressor supplies to the connected pneumatic tools per minute. On the other hand, the PSI rating tells you the pressure level in pounds per square inch of the supplied air.

Many air tools require 90 PSI air pressure to work efficiently. 

But some air tools require only 40 PSI. Since 40 PSI and 90 PSI are the common pressure requirements by many air tools, you want to ensure your preferred air compressor supplies sufficient air at these pressure levels.

And you can check for this by looking at the maximum pressure an air compressor generates.

Your preferred air compressor should produce more than 100 PSI maximum pressure to power your air tools. A unit producing as much as 175 PSI is an excellent choice as it can power your air tools sufficiently.

Therefore, consider buying air compressors with a sufficient maximum PSI rating.

Horsepower

Whether your preferred air compressor features a gasoline engine or an induction motor, it produces power in horsepower and transfers it to the pump directly or via a belt drive.

That means you have to check the horsepower rating when buying an air compressor.

The more horsepower an air compressor produces, the higher the CFM and PSI ratings. As such, you want to ensure your favored air compressor produces sufficient horsepower.

Generally speaking, induction motors don’t churn out as much horsepower as gas-powered air compressors.

For an electric air compressor, you want to settle on at least 1.6 HP (horsepower). But for gas-powered air compressors, you want at least 10 HP from your unit.

Horsepower is such an important aspect of an air compressor. So, check for this rating and pick the best air compressor packing sufficient power for the pump.

The Source of Power

All that horsepower your air compressor is churning out is from one of two power sources: electricity or gasoline. That means you will have to choose between gas-powered or electric-powered air compressors.

These two types of air compressors have their upsides and downsides.

A gas-powered air compressor is the best option for contractors working in areas with no electricity connection. But for areas with electricity, an electric air compressor might be the best option.

However, electric air compressors tend to produce less power than gas-powered units.

That means an electric air compressor can’t power as many air tools as a gas-powered air compressor can.

So, you want to choose between these two types of machines, especially after considering if your worksite has electricity or has no such connection.

The Pump

Besides checking the induction motor or gas engine for Horsepower (HP), you also want to take a moment to check the pump.

First, you want to ensure the pump boasts a cast iron construction for durable performance. 

Second, you want to check for a cooling system on your pump.

Since pumps with an Aluminum head and valve plate dissipate heat excellently, resulting in excellent cooling, you want to ensure your air compressor pump features this cooling system.

Lastly, you want to check for trouble-free performance. A pump that requires minimal maintenance should be the go-to pump. And one that goes for thousands of hours before requiring maintenance is what you should consider.

Once you’re satisfied with the pump’s quality, you can proceed to check for other qualities.

Air Tank Size in Gallons

The pump already does enough work to supply pressurized air to your pneumatic tools.

If you force the pump to work harder than it should, its service life will reduce significantly, thus affecting the durability of the whole air compressor. 

But if your air compressor features a large air tank, the pump can store some pressurized air in the tank. And the air compressor will supply more pressurized air on demand to power your most demanding projects.

If the air tank is large, that means more power for your most demanding pneumatic tools.

An air tank boasting 30 gallons is a great option. As such, ensure your air compressor features a 30-gallon tank.

Also, ensure this air tank is ASME-certified with weather-resistant powder coating for maintained elegance and exceptional performance.

Safety 

Some air compressors feature a drive belt for powering the pump. But other air compressors feature a motor or gas engine that drives the pump directly.

If your preferred unit features a drive belt, ensure it also features a belt guard that encloses the drive belt for safety. 

FAQs

What is the maximum air pressure the air tank can hold?

The air tank holds pressurized air that provides more power on demand. Air tanks hold air at various pressure levels, depending on the air compressor model.

But many air tanks hold air at maximum pressure ranging from 125 – 175 PSI. With this pressure level in the air tank, you can power more demanding pneumatic tools.

So, consider air tanks with maximum pressure within the 125 – 175 PSI range.

What is a CFM rating?

CFM rating refers to the volume of air an air compressor supplies to your connected air tools per minute. Usually, this air volume is in cubic feet.

A unit providing 10 CFM of air provides 10 cubic feet of air per minute. So, the higher the CFM rating, the more air the air compressor provides.

If your pneumatic tools require more air to function, you want an air compressor with a high CFM rating.

What is the best pressure for powering an air tool?

Air tools require specific air pressure levels to function correctly.

Usually, air tools require 90 PSI to function. But some require as low as 40 PSI air pressure to function. You can regulate their air pressure to your connected air tool to ensure its correct performance.

Air compressors feature regulators for controlling the PSI supply. So, ensure you regulate the supplied air to the correct PSI for best performance.

How many hours can an air compressor function nonstop?

For gas-powered air compressors, the fuel tank size plays an important role.

But for electric air compressors, you have somewhat unlimited run time.

But all in all, air compressors could run for a few hours to several days a week continuously without stopping. But this depends on the model.

Wrap Up

A 30 gallon air compressor stores sufficient pressurized air for additional power some air tools demand.

Besides the additional power, an air compressor with a large tank capacity ensures you have enough power in any work environment, especially if it is a gas-powered air compressor.

If you’re looking to power pneumatic tools such as an impact wrench, an air compressor could be an excellent power source. An air compressor has additional features that make it an investment worth considering.

They are safe to use and use gas or electricity to function. Therefore, they use readily available power sources.

If you had a daunting task finding the best unit, we hope our review has helped immensely. We rounded up air compressors with some of the best specs for unmatched performances.

We also included a buyer’s guide to help you separate the best from the rest. So, take your time and find the best air compressor for your projects.

We are confident your search will be easier than before!