Porter Cable has been in business since 1906, providing quality products for homeowners and businesses. With over 100 years of experience, it’s hard to believe that this brand is one of the younger ones active in the air compressor industry, but it is. That “youth” gives customers certain advantages with the models this brand produces, however, which is why these Porter Cable air compressor reviews are so important.
The Best Chart for Porter Cable Air Compressors
What type of air compressor is right for you? Which model from the Porter Cable brand will best meet your needs? The chart below highlights the best options that are available from this brand right now.
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Porter Cable 3.5 gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor | 4.6 | $ |
 | Porter Cable UMC Pancake Compressor w/ 13 Piece Accessory Kit | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Porter Cable 150 PSI 1.5 Gallon Oil Free Fully Shrouded Compressor | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Porter Cable 20 Gallon Portable Air Compressor | 4.2 | $$$ |
 | Porter Cable 3 Tool Combo Kit | 4.7 | $$$ |
 | Porter Cable Finish Nailer/Air Compressor Combo Kit | 4.3 | $$ |
 | Porter Cable C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor | 4.4 | $ |
 | Porter Cable Brad Nailer Combo Kit | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Porter Cable Factory Reconditioned C2002R Pancake Compressor | 4.4 | $ |
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
The Advantages of Buying Porter Cable Air Compressors
Unlike other brands that manufacture air compressors, the entire history of Porter Cable has been dedicated to helping professional tradesmen, woodworkers, and DIY homeowners. They know what you’re going to need to get your project completed the right way on your first attempt. It is this attitude that has gone into the design and development of their air compressors, allowing you to have confidence in the performance you’ll receive.
Porter Cable air compressors are generally designed to meet specific needs you may have. This is a tremendous advantage because you receive a compressor that will quickly and efficiently help you get your project done. There’s enough versatility built into these models as well that you’ll be able to do some coordinating work with your main tasks and still feel satisfied by your final result.
There’s a reason why many people review Porter Cable by calling them the brand standard when it comes to the tools and compressors they produce. It’s because you know what you’re getting so you don’t feel like you have to gamble with your money.
How to Find the Best Porter Cable Air Compressor
In a word: information. It is up to each of us to perform our own due diligence when shopping for a new air compressor. When you read through the best Porter Cable air compressor reviews on independent websites, you’ll see that a number of negative reviews get posted simply because the compressor couldn’t meet a consumer need that it was never intended to meet. That’s not fair to the brand, to the air compressor, or to the project that needs to be completed.
Information about your project helps you to determine what type of air compressor from Porter Cable you’re going to need. Information about the air compressors allows you to choose a model that has the features and advantages that you’re going to need. Information about its durability and reliability will let you see if you’ll be able to use your preferred compressor for half-dozen years or half-dozen weeks.
This is where we aim to give you a helping hand. Our experience in the contracting industry has allowed us to do more than just try an air compressor out for a couple of days or pretend to be an expert because we sat through an in-store demo one day. We’ve used Porter Cable products for landscaping needs, home renovation needs, foreclosure clean-outs, and other general labor needs. You’ll find the long-term pros and cons provide you with a realistic outcome instead of false hope.
Real information instead of a sales pitch: that’s how you find the best Porter Cable air compressor to meet your needs.
Tips To Purchase the Best Porter Cable Air Compressor
Porter Cable air compressors can generally be classified into three generic categories: portable compressors, home-use compressors, and commercial-grade compressors.
The portable air compressors from this brand are generally good as an inflator. You may find that some of the upper end portable models can run some basic air tools, but you’ll want to reserve most of the portable units for filling tires, sports equipment, and other inflatables.
Home-use compressors are generally stationary, but some of them do have some limited portability. If you need air tools to work on your vehicle, have a lot of DIY projects to get done, or just want a high-powered compressor for your home that comes at a reasonable price, then this is the option for you.
If you plan on using your new Porter Cable air compressor on a daily basis, then you may wish to consider an investment in a commercial-grade option instead. These compressors can run virtually any air tool, are typically a little quieter, but do require more maintenance than the other two compressor classifications.
What Are the Prices of Porter Cable Air Compressors?
Porter Cable is one of the more affordable compressor brands on the market today. For an entry-level compressor, you can find them under $100 frequently. Home-use compressors are typically around the $200 mark, while commercial-grade options tend to start around $600. There are variations that increase or decrease the price point of specific models from these figures, so think of these prices more as a guide than a benchmark.
What Do Our Reviews Have To Say?
PC 3.5 Gallon Pancake
For $100, it is important to have reasonable expectations with this Porter Cable air compressor. It ran a ratchet for us fairly well, but it won’t run a contractor-grade nail gun for roofing. It will fill up the tires in your wheelbarrows, cars, and bicycles, but won’t fill up the tire on a bulldozer very well. It is electric-powered, so invest in a longer air hose than try to rely on an extension cord which could affect your amperage.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
PC 150 PSI 1.5 Gallon Oil-Free Compressor
If you’re looking for a solid portable air compressor, this model has a lot of potential. It offers 2 SCFM at 90 PSI, so your recovery times are very fast. The 1.5 gallon tank is light enough to carry around, yet large enough to prevent this compressor from running continuously. The compressed air levels help you get more bang for your buck with the air as well, giving you longer tool running times. The pump is oil-free and durable with low maintenance features and the 120v low amp motor starts up well in virtually any atmospheric conditions. The water drain valve is a little awkward and you might find the rubber feet can leave marks on some flooring surfaces, but at this price point, the positives far outweigh any negatives.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
PC Portable 20 Gallon Compressor
If you have the need for a high quality air compressor which is guaranteed to be of good quality, then look no further. This 20 gallon tank is ASME certified. It is also UL and CSA certified. The 7 inch wheels give you some mobility and the rubber feet on the legs give this vertical compressor the stability you need. Quick connects are available, as well as a pressure regulator and the gauges you’ll need for a good working experience. Receive 4 SCFM at 90 PSI with the 1.5 HP motor and you’ll get your next project done in a snap.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
PC Finish Nailer Compressor
Sometimes you need an air compressor which is designed to be an all-in-one solution for your DIY needs. At other times you’re better off having a compressor which is designed to meet some specific needs. If you primarily use an air compressor for finish carpentry, then this is the combo kit you’ll want to consider today. This pancake compressor runs on a standard household outlet, has a 6 gallon capacity, and operates as a 150 PSI compressor. The air hose is a standard 0.25 inch diameter and has 25 feet of length. It’s oil-less, convenient, and an effective solution to the needs you’ve got.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
PC Brad Nailer Combo
Brad nails are just about impossible to drive manually. These small nails are designed to run 18 gauge in size and are almost invisible when looking at the completed project unless you know exactly what to look at. This makes them great for installing trim or flooring if you don’t want to use putty, but the downside is that the wrong compressor can affect the minimal amount of holding power that brad nails already have. This Porter Cable compressor combo kit is the perfect investment for you if finishing work is on your to-do list today.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
The best Porter Cable air compressor reviews will help you maximize what this brand is able to provide you with their wide variety of compressor models. If you’re looking for a simple, yet affordable and elegant solution to your DIY needs or small business contracts that require air tools, then consider your options with this brand and you’re not going to be disappointed by the results.
