BOSTITCH Vs. Porter Cable Vs. Ridgid Air Compressor

Looking for the best air compressor? Then you’ve just come to the right place because we will share with you the top 3 best air compressors in the market today.

Picking a good air compressor actually comes down to your needs and your current projects. Meaning, it will be based on what features you’re looking for.

Most of the air compressors in this review are small enough to be easily stored but take note that they’re powerful enough for various kinds of heavy projects.

The pros and cons of air compressors are just too many to list, and along with that, there are so many air compressors in the market today that it becomes quite difficult to pick. And that’s the reason we’re here.

Anyways, we just want to help you get the best air compressor for your needs, so read on! 

BOSTITCH vs. Porter Cable vs. RIDGID Air Compressor Review

1. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon 150 PSI Oil-Free Compressor

What You Will Get With This Product?

BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is an updated version air compressor. It comes with a narrow diameter tank, reduced noise, and little modification with the plastic-built shroud. 

Power Output

This unit produces 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI which can operate many tools. You can power a lot of tools with such output. However, when it comes to framing nailers, you may face buffering issues after sinking many nails at the same time.

All in all, this unit from BOSTITCH is a perfect pick for semi-pro applications. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is not going to give you industrial power but more than enough for mid-range applications.

Tank Capacity

BOSTITCH BTFP02012’s tank doesn’t really matter when you want to operate pneumatic tools continuously for a long period of time. However, if that’s the case, you need to halt working in the middle and wait until the tank is refilled.

The unit comes with a 6-gallon pancake-styled air tank which is large enough for certain applications like carpentry. Good thing is that BOSTITCH BTFP02012 recovers really fast in mere 25 seconds.

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Noise Output

This unit generates 78.5 dB of noise which is not really quiet compared to many consumer-grade air compressors out there.

However, 110 dB is near human pain threshold, which means 78.5 dB of sound won’t really hurt you. But regardless, if noise is primary problem, you can consider certain types that only operate at 60 decibels. 

Portability

Most of the time, look doesn’t really matter when it comes to equipment and tools. Regardless of that, this unit comes with a nice design and solid built.

Weighing only 29 lbs. and having 14 inch dimension means it is one of the lightest air compressors out there.

Because of its dimension and weight, you don’t really need to worry about your back getting hurt.

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Pros:

  • It is oil-free pump
  • Quick tank refills
  • Supports two air tools
  • Easy to adjust outlet pressure
  • Well-structured controls 

Cons:

  • Dial accuracy variance of roughly 2 PSI
  • Short 5 foot power cord

Top FAQs on This Product:

Q: Can you use this unit for roofing?

A: With a roofing gun, this unit can work positive two lines two guns done in just 1 day.

Q: Will it air up 110 PSI trailer tires?

A: Yes, it can easily do that.

Q: How long for pressure to build up on initial start-up?

A: It will only take 1 minute and 30 seconds. 

What Take on This Product:

All in all, this unit from BOSTICH carries the superior quality of construction. It’s one of the quietest and lightest available considering its capacity.

Its high-efficiency motor can start-up in the coldest of weather, while consistently supplying long-lasting output.

If you didn’t know, the BOSTICH Company has manufactured a relatively cheap air compressor that can hold pressure incredibly well.

While more powerful air compressors are available for certain professionals, having heavier-duty equipment will certainly make your life easier. 

2. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor

What You Will Get With This Product?

C2002 from Porter-Cable is quite special that many users all over the glove use in their day-to-day lives. Even though Porter Cable Company is located in America, the company has an influence in many parts of the world.

Construction and sturdiness

This unit is one of the most durable air compressors in the market today. This air compressor is ideal blend that lets you do pro work while also maintaining low-key tasks that are usually overlooked.

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In addition, its durability will mostly depend on how well you can maintain it. Make sure to keep it clean, so that there’s no mud or dust stuck in its bearings.

Built Design

The pancake design of this unit lets you carry it and travel with ease. Some users who have used this unit also claim that this air compressor is the best they’ve ever utilized.

Due to the high-quality material that was used in its production, its pump will work for you for many years. Its new features include rubber feet and a water drain valve.

These have made the work easier because when you are using this pump in water tanks, there are many issues concerning the water that leaks into the pump.

The valve deals with them. We have explained the other features of the Porter-Cable electric air compressor in detail below.

Tank Capacity

Its tank capacity can hold 1 gallon of air and can pressure up to 125 PSI. This is simply an ideal model if you are looking for a light-duty air compressor that is easy to transport and store.

As we mentioned above, perhaps the only gripe of this model is that it only comes with a 1-gallon air tank. But then again, that also makes the unit very portable while producing a great amount of output.

Pump Output

Now, the unit’s pump actually works in a specific manner. It utilizes no oil and provides users a highly maintained level of gas while providing the pressure they need. It doesn’t matter how long or how much you use the unit, its pump will work very effectively.

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Pros:

  • 5 gallons tank capacity which is enough to power plenty of tools
  • Oil-free operation needing easy maintenance
  • Convenient and fast to start
  • Fast recovery time in just 2 minutes
  • Durable and tough casing 

Cons:

  • Tend to emit low sound when in use
  • It’s quite heavy 

Top FAQs on This Product:

Q: Do the product dimensions matter?

A: Not really, but it’s worth being aware of them for convenience for purposes like outdoor usage.

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Q: What is the best feature of this unit?

A: Obviously, it’s the portability aspect of this unit.

Q: What are the main uses of this unit?

A: You can use it around work and at the house. You can also use it camping or even in your boat!

What Take on This Product:

Obtaining the best air compressor out there is not an easy task particularly if you don’t know what factors you need. But we’ve explained all it to you, so you’re now fully aware of this unit’s capabilities.

PORTER-CABLE C2002 is absolutely more than what you pay for it. It will surely help you in many years.

3. Ridgid 6 Gallon 150 PSI Maintenance Free Portable Electric Pancake Compressor

What You Will Get With This Product?

This unit from RIDGID is a solid one. It comes with a smaller handle but is still comfortable to carry. Its motor housing’s thick molded plastic is durable and has nice design.

It also comes with a pair of one-handed connections for your air hoses which is a convenient feature that separates it from the rest.

Drain Valve

Moreover, its drain valve is conveniently placed under the rim of the tank in order to preclude catching on anything but can be easily accessed when the user wants to use it.

In addition, its unique design for the regulator knob lets the user to lock the regular at a particular PSI by simply pushing its knob in to lock and needs a simple pull in order to unlock and let the knob to turn.

Is It Worth the Price?

But honestly, this unit’s hose connections are probably the main thing that gives it an impressive edge over other air compressors out there.

All in all, this unit is a solidly built, reliable, portable, and lightweight piece of equipment from a great manufacturer.

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Pros:

  • 150 maximum PSI for the toughest applications
  • Large 6 gallon capacity tank reduces cycle frequency
  • 2 universal push-to-connect quick couplers accept both ¼ in industrial and automotive plugs
  • ¼ turn ball valve tank drain allows you to drain tank fast with 1 easy turn
  • Locking regulator holds knob in place to preclude unwanted pressure changes 

Cons:

  • Quite loud
  • Not really ideal for outdoor use
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Top FAQs on This Product:

Q: Where is the drain placed?

A: It is placed below the power card right when it comes out of the unit just below the unit’s warning label very near the bottom of the air tank.

Q: What is the minimum generator this unit can work with?

A: You need at least 1500W watts.

Q: Is this unit strong enough to blow out outdoor garden hose faucets?

A: Yes it is. 

What Take on This Product:

This unit from RIDGID is packed with great features. It is powerful and perfect for trim and finishes work with 150 PSI. It can work with multiple people on the worksite with dual universal quick connectors and utilize 2 nailers at once.

Incorporated with a best-in-class oil-free pump for maintenance-free and reliable performance, this unit has everything you need to get your work done. 

What is the Difference between BOSTITCH BTFP02012 vs. PORTER-CABLE C2002 vs. RIDGID 6?

Pump and Motor

Compared to Porter-Cable C2002 and RIDGID 6, BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is designed with a 0.9 running HP motor that can draw 15Amps and operates at 2700 RPM.

15 Amps draw means that the regular outlet at home can power it. You don’t need to install a new outlet that comes with higher amperage.

Because this unit is profiled with a lube-free maintenance-free pump, it doesn’t need any oil to operate.

That means that this unit is easy to start up and doesn’t come with any hassle of oil changing. Its pump can max out 150 PSI inside the compressor in less than 2 and half minutes.

Built Design

The pancake design of the Porter-Cable C2002 lets you carry it and travel with ease on which BOSTITCH BTFP02012 and RIDGID 6 can’t really provide even though RIDGID has a pancake design.

Some users who have used this unit also claim that this air compressor is the best they’ve ever utilized.

Due to the high-quality material that was used in its production, its pump will work for you in many years. Its new features include rubber feet and a water drain valve.

These have made the work easier because when you are using this pump in water tanks, there are many issues concerning the water that leaks into the pump.

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The valve deals with them. We have explained the other features of the Porter-Cable electric air compressor in detail below.

Draining Mechanism

Compared to BOSTICH BTFP02012 and Porter-Cable C2002, the drain valve of RDGID6  is conveniently placed under the rim of the tank in order to preclude catching on anything but can be easily accessed when the user wants to use it.

In addition, its unique design for the regulator knob lets the user lock the regular at a particular PSI by simply pushing its knob in to lock and needs a simple pull in order to unlock and let the knob turn. 

Final Thoughts

We hope that with the information we shared with you, you can now make a good purchase. Remember all that you must always consider your needs.

There are plenty of tools people would consider integral to their collections. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a sports fan, or just someone with a large collection of inflatable pool floats, a 12v air compressor should, undoubtedly, be a part of your stockpile.

Here’s a good tip. Try asking yourself if that particular unit comes with the right features you can use, otherwise move on to another product we listed above.

But we doubt you’ll have a hard time acquiring one soon because all three air compressors we featured above will surely satisfy your needs.

If you have any feedback about this review, please comment down below and we’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible!

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