When you have to use air tools or power tools, an air compressor is the most crucial part of making the tool run. Whether you are a hobbyist or run a workshop, a 60-gallon air compressor can be the perfect companion to your pneumatic tools.
The trickiest part is to find the best 60 gallon air compressor for your particular tool among many choices. While all the 60-gallon air compressors may give you similar power, they don’t perform the same in quality.
That’s why we are here with 7 of the top-notch 60-gallon air compressors that are sure to deliver power and quality at the same time. Let’s get into it.
What can you do with an air compressor?
Before checking out the choices, let’s get an insight into the point of getting an air compressor and what you do with it.
Here we only talk about the stuff you can do with a 60-gallon air compressor, not an industrial-grade one. So, these are limited to some small home garage tasks.
Using sanders or grinders
A lot of DIY projects require sanding or grinding activities to complete the projects. If you have a pneumatic sander or grinder, you need an air compressor to run the tool. Usually, having an air compressor putting out 90 to 100 PSI gets the job done with most pneumatic sanders.
Run nail guns
Nail guns are a great way to speed through any woodworking project without struggling with the hammer all day. While a portable air compressor might be preferable for a nail gun, a 60-gallon air compressor can offer versatility.
It allows you to use all kinds of power tools requiring a high CFM rating, which a portable air compressor can’t provide.
Use spray gun
You can rapidly paint your car, motorbike, or any DIY project within the shortest time with a spray gun. And to run a spray gun, you will need an air compressor. The usual pressure requirement for a spray gun is around 40 to 80 PSI.
Pressure washing
Cleaning your home and getting rid of all the unyielding dust and debris using a pressure washer requires you to get a powerful air compressor. Using the tool, you can clean your siding or even the sidewalks, decks, and patios.
Pump any inflatable item
While the air compressor can do a lot, you can still use it with something as basic as pumping your tires or other inflatable items. For instance, you can use the compressor to pump your air mattresses, inflatable pool items, or your motorcycle tires.
What Are The Types of 60-gallon Air Compressors?
Well, you can find a lot of variety regarding air compressors. You can get variety in them stage-wise and pump-wise. For a 60-gallon air compressor, you must mostly focus on the stage-wise variants.
There are two types of 60-gallon air compressors that you will encounter on stage-wise variants. The stage factor usually determines how often the compressor air is compressed.
Let’s check out the two types and how they function individually.
Single stage compressor
A single-stage compressor compresses the air only once in a single cycle. The process is pretty straightforward for this one. It takes air in, processes and compresses it once, and then puts the compressed air in the tank.
On a single-stage compressor, you can typically get 120 PSI power. It’s a great choice when using the compressor for home equipment or light applications such as nailing or sawing on smaller projects.
Two-stage compressor
Following the same method, a two-stage compressor will compress the air inside twice before putting it in the tank. So, first, the compressor takes air in and compresses it. Then, it sends out the air to another component for compression. After the air is compressed twice, it goes to the storage tank.
Two-stage compression aims to get more power with the same tank storage. It means there will be more air pressure from a two-stage compressor.
Typically, the air pressure is around 170 PSI for a two-stage air compressor which works well for heavy power tools used in lightweight industrial projects.
7 Best 60-Gallon Air Compressor
Most 60-gallon air compressors will more or less use the same power regardless of the brand or product.
Here, we have focused on the quality of the compressor, its performance, and some unique abilities of each one. Let’s take a look at each of these.
1. Ingersoll Rand SS5 5HP 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor – Best for beginners
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Whenever you think of air compressors, Ingersoll is a name that always comes up on that list. The Ingersoll Rand SS5 is one of those top-notch compressors which assure you the highest possible performance. It’s a single-stage compressor suitable for hobbyists and DIYers.
Even with the most demanding applications of an air compressor, the Ingersoll Rand SS5 won’t let you down. It has got some amazing power backing up with 100% continuous duty. That means the compressor doesn’t need any kind of recovery time after long hours of use.
What makes this compressor great is the beginner-friendly usage of the tool. There is an automatic pressure switch control with a start and stop option. It is assembled, so going through a troublesome assembly is unnecessary. And the maintenance of the tool is super easy.
For power, you can always rely on the 5HP motor installed inside the compressor. It can offer you an 18.1 CFM rating at 90 PSI which just makes sure the compressor is compressing your air to the max pressure within a single stroke. And adding synthetic lubricant just makes it more efficient.
Pros
- Comes with great efficiency
- Thermal overload and belt guard protection
- Very easy to use and maintain
- Provides good power
- High-quality cast-iron construction
Cons
- Not that durable
- May face issues with power outlet
2. Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor – Best overall
The Quincy QT-54 is the perfect 60-gallon air compressor any DIYer can get for their projects. It packs up all the features that give you the best possible performance when using the power tools in your garage for projects. It can compete with some top-of-the-line choices.
A feature that makes it perfect for a crowded neighborhood is its quiet operation. In the Quincy QT-54, most of the noises are within the 75dB range. So, while working on those garage projects, you won’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors with annoying noise.
The requirement of power for any DIY project will never be an issue with this compressor because of its 175 PSI max pressure limit. Pair that up with a 5HP motor, and you have got yourself a beast of a compressor.
Efficiency reaches a new level on this compressor with its significantly high CFM rating. At 90PSI, the rating stands around 15.4CFM, and for the max pressure at 175 PSI, the rating goes about 15.2CFM.
Another thing to boast about this compressor is its spin rate. With a 1310 RPM spin rate, the motor surely exceeds any kind of expectations you may have with the air compressor in terms of performance. And to cool off the compressor, it has got a finned tube intercooler installed.
Pros
- Very quiet in operation
- Enough power for DIY projects
- Cost-effective compressor
- Excellent build quality
- Efficient performance
Cons
- Customer service is bad
- The motor can have issues at times
3. California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD Ultra Quiet 60-Gal Compressor – Best for efficiency
If you want consistency in performance, California 60040 CAD is one of the best options. From the first day to the end, this air compressor’s performance stays the same. It can be a great companion to your DIY projects with its quality and consistency for years.
A great thing about this compressor is its noise level. With the 75dB noise level, this compressor is almost inaudible. It works out great when you don’t want to bother others with the annoying compressor noises.
Getting through the DIY projects shouldn’t be that difficult as you get a powerful 2HP motor on this compressor. Sure, it can’t handle heavy industrial power tools, but it can easily get you through some pneumatic tools at your home.
Efficiency is another strong suit of this compressor, with some high CFM ratings. When you have the compressor at 90PSI, you can get about 10.60CFM coming from it. And at a lower PSI of 40, the compressor puts out a CFM rating of 12.60.
What makes it even better is the life cycle and duty cycle it has. With a life cycle of 3000 hours, you won’t have to worry about wearing it anytime soon.
Pros
- Very low noise level
- It comes with decent build quality
- It fills up the air quickly
- Hassle-free and cost-effective maintenance
- No condensation with the auto drain system
Cons
- It doesn’t have a lot of power
- A bit expensive for a DIY
4. Industrial Air IV5076055 60 gallon 5 hp Two Stage Air Compressor
This is an excellent choice when you need some power in your air compressor. The IV5076055 from Industrial Air is an exceptionally well-made air compressor with features that simplify your DIYer life. It’s suitable for almost any DIY power tool out there.
Longer life on the air compressor already puts it ahead of the competition. They achieve a longer life in the compressor through a low-pumping RPM and an improved compressor cooling system. A combination of the two features reduces the stress on it for a longer life.
As for the performance, it leaves no room for complaints whatsoever. The compressor has a good air pressure of 175 PSI and a 5HP motor. Since it’s a two-stage compressor and offers a lot of power, you can even use two tools at once using this compressor.
When it’s about the CFM rating, it just satisfies thoroughly. The compressor has 15.3 CFM at 100PSI pressure, and at the max pressure of 175 PSI, it has a 13.5 CFM. That’s a pretty high CFM rating to have for your home or DIY power tools.
Pros
- It comes with good power and pressure
- Easy to move around
- Excellent durability in use
- Versatile for various projects
- It’s very quiet
Cons
- It can be a bit heavy
- Needs an extension for draining
5. Campbell Hausfeld 60 Gallon Vertical 2-Stage Air Compressor
Adding versatility to your DIY working environment gets easier with the air compressor from Campbell Hausfeld. It’s usable for almost all kinds of power tools available for grinding, sanding, spraying, or even rotating wheels. DIYers would love the performance and value they get from it.
With 3.7HP, the induction motor can give you quite a lot of power in the compression department. It’s a heavy-duty motor that can create a lot of pressure, which allows you to use a wider range of power tools.
It can reach a maximum pressure of 175 PSI which is, for the most part, enough to do some lightweight industrial-grade projects. And, of course, you can do some heavy DIY projects.
The life cycle of this air compressor is another impressive factor to consider. It provides up to 5000 hours of life cycle and tackles almost any kind of functionality like sanding, nailing, or grinding. The metal belt guard just makes sure it has got the best protection for further longevity.
A very interesting feature of the air compressor is its quick recovery time/high-duty cycle. This means you don’t have to wait too long for the air compressor to return to normal. That saves up a lot of time in your DIY projects.
Pros
- It packs up a lot of power and pressure
- Provides great cooling features
- Versatile to use in various projects
- Offers good durability
- It’s worth the money
Cons
- Noise levels are a bit high
- Pumping full pressure takes a long time
6. DeWalt DXCMV5076055 60 gallon
DeWalt has always been a trusted name in the world of power tools. And the DeWalt DXCMV5076055 compressor is just another example of their quality product. There are features on the compressor that make it the perfect equipment to go along with power tools for DIY projects.
At 175 PSI, the air pressure should be more than enough to complete some lightweight industrial projects, along with the measly DIY ones. When that pressure comes from a 5HP motor, lack of power will never be your concern at all.
Along with the power, DeWalt also ensures proper safety on this compressor. Its thermal overload protection prevents the motor from voltage fluctuation. Also, to ensure a longer life on the compressor, they use a lower pump RPM of around 767.
Adding to all that comes the immense efficiency with its CFM ratings. At a 100 PSI pressure level, it can put out a 15.3CFM rating, and at the max pressure of 175 PSI, it has a 13.5CFM.
Pros
- Heavy-duty build quality
- It comes with good power and pressure
- Great safety and reliability
- Suppresses vibration a lot
- Good value for money
Cons
- A bit noisy
- No wiring instructions included
7. Puma Industries PK-6060V Air Compressor 3.7
The PK-6060V air compressor from Puma Industries is worth checking out. This is the perfect compressor within a budget, especially for those who are into DIY and hobby projects. Even though it’s a single-stage compressor, you can still expect to do any DIY project.
Apart from the building, the air compressor is also pretty powerful as well. It comes with a 3HP motor which is unexpected to have at such a price point. The power should be enough to get through hobby projects with ease.
In the compressor, you get a maximum pressure of 135 PSI. It may not be as high as some of the ones you saw here, but it’s still pretty decent. At least, for all the DIY or hobby projects, you can easily get by with such pressure.
Surprisingly the CFM production on the compressor seemed to be quite high compared to other stats of it. It can produce a 12.6CFM rating at the lower pressure range of 40 PSI. And on the higher end of 90PSI, the CFM goes to about 12.6.
Pros
- Comes at a reasonable pricing
- Top-tier build quality
- Quiet and quick to operate
- It has an overload protection
- Features good mobility overall
Cons
- Documentation doesn’t cover much
- Lacks power for heavy projects
Things To Consider When Buying a 60-gallon Air Compressor
There are quite a lot of factors that you should go through before you buy a 60-gallon air compressor. Considering these are important so you can make a much more informed decision to get the best possible compressor for your needs.
Let’s get through these factors quickly –
Maximum pressure
First, you must consider the maximum pressure the air compressor can put out. The requirement usually depends on what tool you are planning to use the air compressor on.
If you don’t have something specific, you can wing it based on your purpose. For instance, maximum pressure of 80 to 120 PSI works great for light to medium projects. But for heavier or industrial-level projects, you need around 150 to 175 PSI.
CFM ratings
Another technical factor you must consider while getting an air compressor is its CFM rating. A higher CFM rating means better efficiency of the compressor. However, you don’t always need the highest CFM-rated compressor; sometimes low CFM rating can be enough for your tools.
To determine how much CFM rating you should be looking for in your tools, simply multiply the required CFM rating by 1.5. And in the case of using multiple tools, add all the CFM ratings of each tool and then multiply that by 1.5.
Horsepower
Horsepower can also have an impact on the buying decision of your air compressor. If you do a lot of medium to heavy projects, you must focus on the compressor’s horsepower. Ensure that the compressor you pick has more horsepower to handle your projects.
There will be options from 2HP to 7HP when you look into 60-gallon air compressors. The most powerful ones will usually have 5HP or more than that. So, if you do a lot of heavy projects, try getting a 5HP compressor.
Noise levels
A general consideration to make for buying an air compressor is the noise level of it. Since a 60-gallon air compressor is usually for home garages or home usage, the noise level can be crucial in determining whether it’s worth buying.
You don’t want to bother others with a disturbingly loud noise from your air compressor. So, always look for an air compressor with very low noise levels. Typically, anything around 75dB or below should be good.
Pricing
Well, the pricing factor is a personal preference. If you have a higher budget, you can use an expensive compressor with more power. With a lower budget, you may need to sacrifice the performance slightly.
Usually, you can find 60-gallon compressors within the budget range of $500 to $2000. The single-stage compressors with lower power and pressure specifications are on the lower end.
Durability
The durability factor is broken down into two parts. One is the build quality, which is mostly pretty solid in almost all compressors. Another one is the component quality, where you must focus a bit.
Get an air compressor that has high-quality components and provides protection from thermal overload. That way, you can ensure a longer life on the air compressor motor and get the best possible durability.
Conclusion
Choosing the best 60 gallon air compressor isn’t that difficult when you have limited choices. Just look at your budget and your project requirements. Then, go for the one that suits your needs the best.
Among the choices we provided here, Quincy QT-54 is one of the best air compressors you can find overall. While cost-effective, it also performs excellently with most medium to heavy-duty projects.
Other than that, you can try out any of the ones from the list. All of them provide you with quality and reliability of performance. They just have their unique set of features that can suit the different needs of different projects.