The best portable mini compressors in the UK 2023

The portable mini compressor is a staple of home repair. Its primary function is to inflate wheels and other spare mattresses. But it can also be used as a blower, stapler or screw gun. In short, you need to have one on hand just in case. But which one to get? Read our guide to make your choice.

Compresseur d'air portatif 1100W Nuair Miny 1
9/10

Best value for money

Compresseur d'air portatif 1100W Nuair Miny

Best mini portable compressor in 2021

Powerful, compact and above all lightweight, this equipment has all the characteristics of an ideal portable air compressor. In addition, it is easy to maintain.

80,80 £ on Manomano
BLACK+DECKER ASI300-QS 2
8/10

Best value for money

BLACK+DECKER ASI300-QS

Best entry-level mini portable compressor

Powerful, lightweight and easy to use, the portable air compressor is the perfect companion for inflating your tires or mattresses. With this equipment, no more time-consuming and energy-intensive inflation tasks.

51,99 £ on Amazon

Take this corded air compressor from BLACK&DECKER with you on your water sports activities. Equipped with a pressure adjustment device and an automatic shut-off at the end of inflation, it also features a lighted dial for maximum visibility at night.

With a power rating of 160 PSI/11Bar, it will be more than enough to handle a variety of inflation tasks. This air compressor can be plugged into a domestic AC outlet or cigarette lighter (12V)

Mecafer Fifty 425090 3
8/10

Best value for money

Mecafer Fifty 425090

Best high-end mini portable compressor

If you're looking for a vertical air compressor, the Mecafer Fifty 425090 is the best. It's a little noisy, but its versatility means you can do a lot of DIY jobs around the house. However, remember to turn down the pressure before use.

134 £ on Amazon

Atypical and revolutionary, the Mecafer Fifty 425090 quickly became the new market reference. It is a vertical compressor, perfect for blowing thanks to its 126 L/min flow. You can use it to clean, inflate, spray, wash, paint, staple, nail, drill, screw or unscrew and chisel.

Be careful, because the factory setting of 10 bar is incompatible with most tools to be used with this compressor. So don't forget to turn down the pressure. The 2 HP motor, oil-free 1-cylinder head with coaxial drive and 50 L tank contribute to the excellence of this unit. It is plugged into the mains and weighs 25 kg for 86 cm high.

EINHELL 1 CYLINDER TH-AC 190 OIL FREE COMPRESSOR 4
8/10

A great choice

EINHELL 1 CYLINDER TH-AC 190 OIL FREE COMPRESSOR

A nice alternative

This Einhell compressor is a versatile device that will make your job much easier. Practical and lightweight, it is specially designed for inflating, but also allows you to paint, screw and staple.

84,80 £ on Darty

The Einhell Compressor TH-AC 190 is a powerful device equipped with a 1100 W motor. This motor is not lubricated, so you can use it without maintenance. The device has a blow gun with pressure gauge and a hose with quick coupling for inflating tires.

This versatile tool is ideal for home repairs, but it's also perfect for use in a workshop or garage. It offers a suction power of 190 L/min at a speed of 1500 rpm for a maximum pressure of 8 bars.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best mini portable compressor

Any specific needs?

Best mini portable compressor in 2021

Best entry-level mini portable compressor

Best high-end mini portable compressor

A nice alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best portable mini compressors

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Compresseur d'air portatif 1100W Nuair Miny 5
9/10
BLACK+DECKER ASI300-QS 6
8/10
Mecafer Fifty 425090 7
8/10
EINHELL 1 CYLINDER TH-AC 190 OIL FREE COMPRESSOR 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Compresseur d'air portatif 1100W Nuair Miny
BLACK+DECKER ASI300-QS
Mecafer Fifty 425090
EINHELL 1 CYLINDER TH-AC 190 OIL FREE COMPRESSOR
Powerful, compact and above all lightweight, this equipment has all the characteristics of an ideal portable air compressor. In addition, it is easy to maintain.
Powerful, lightweight and easy to use, the portable air compressor is the perfect companion for inflating your tires or mattresses. With this equipment, no more time-consuming and energy-intensive inflation tasks.
If you're looking for a vertical air compressor, the Mecafer Fifty 425090 is the best. It's a little noisy, but its versatility means you can do a lot of DIY jobs around the house. However, remember to turn down the pressure before use.
This Einhell compressor is a versatile device that will make your job much easier. Practical and lightweight, it is specially designed for inflating, but also allows you to paint, screw and staple.
Lightweight, compact and easy to store
Digital pressure setting
The best vertical compressor on the market
Oil-free compressor
Easy to maintain
Automatic shutoff at end of inflation
Great versatility : inflates, chisels, paints, nails, sprays, cleans, blows, staples, drills, screws and unscrews
Power : 1100W
Nozzle storage compartment
Luminous display for optimal nighttime visibility
General quality of the unit
Light : 5,3 kg
Airflow of 180L/Min
Accessory storage compartment
Air delivered at 7 bars : 125 L/min
Suction rate : 190 l/mn
Tankless compressor
Compact design for easy storage
Powerful 1500 W motor
2 years warranty

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Buying guide - mini portable compressor

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How to choose your mini portable compressor

The portable mini compressor is designed primarily for travel. Also, you must take into account certain parameters including its weight and dimensions to be sure to have a model that meets your expectations.

#1 - Weight

Weight is the first consideration when choosing a mini portable air compressor. It goes without saying that this equipment is designed to be carried or moved. Most of the models available today weigh in at 5 to 10 kg. Therefore, devices in this weight range should be preferred. Generally speaking, equipment weighing more than 20 kg no longer falls into this category.

#2 - Size

Given that it is designed to be moved, this type of equipment must have compact dimensions. Generally speaking, it should occupy a space no larger than 60 cm in width and height. Also make sure that the hoses, if attached to the unit, can wrap around it so that it doesn't take up too much space.

#3 - Pressure

You should choose the pressure of the compressor based on how you want to use it. If you plan to use it regularly, choose a model with a pressure exceeding 10 bars. For occasional use, a compressor with a maximum of 7 to 8 bars will be fine.

#4 - Airflow

You

should choose the pressure of the compressor according to the use you want to make

of it.

If you plan to use it regularly, choose a model with a pressure exceeding 10 bars. For occasional use, a compressor with a maximum of 7 to 8 bars will be fine.

#5 - Accessories

The accessories that come with compressors allow you to take advantage of the versatility of this equipment. The presence of a pressure gauge and a pressure regulator will greatly facilitate your use of the device. Some models, such as the Mecafer Fifty 50 L, have wheels that make it easy to move around, which is a real plus. Also check if it comes with an inflation handle, a grease gun or an airbrush.

Portable mini compressor, we all need one.

The air compressor is a piece of equipment usually found in a garage or workshop. It is the essential device for the maintenance of tires, but it also helps for stripping, painting, fixing screws and many other jobs. All of these types of work are part of our daily lives, which tells us that the compressor is essential to us.

In addition, with the mini models, we have a device that takes up little space and is easy to move. So, no more need to go with the manual pump for a swimming pool or an air mattress, as well as for the wheels of the bicycle. Since it can also staple and screw, it is a highly versatile tool that can change our lives.

The different types of portable mini compressors

There are currently two main types of portable air compressors: vertical and horizontal models. Here is a closer look at the differences between these two types of products

Horizontal mini portable compressors

Horizontal mini compressors are very common on the market today. They may or may not have a tank. This type of unit has all the features of an air compressor including a weight of no more than 20 kg and a powerful motor that often exceeds 1000 W.

Easy to move, this first type of device is nevertheless less mobile, because it lacks certain elements specific to vertical models such as handlebars or wheels for certain models. The BLACK+DECKER ASI300-QS belongs to this category.

Vertical mini portable compressors

Vertical models are also very popular with amateur and professional users. Typically, they are equipped with features that make it easier to move them, such as wheels and handlebars. These features are the main difference from horizontal compressors. They are usually equipped with a tank.

In our product selection, we have focused on vertical compressors. Indeed, the Nuair Miny 1100W Portable Air Compressor, the Mecafer Fifty 50 L and the Einhell TH-AC 190 Compressor all belong to this category.

Portable mini compressor or standard compressor?

The mini portable compressor

The whole point of a mini portable compressor is that it is light and easy to move around. This type of device fits easily in the trunk of a car or on the seat of a two-wheeler. It can also be carried at arm's length over a reasonable distance. On the other hand, this transportability has a price. It often implies a lower capacity and power compared to a standard model.

Standard compressor

Standard compressors are equipment designed for heavy-duty applications. They are far superior to mini compressors in terms of pressure and tank capacity. However, they do weigh a lot and are not designed for frequent travel, as some models weigh 50 kg or more on the scale.

Verdict

Standard compressors are more suitable for professional or heavy duty use. In terms of performance, pressure or tank capacity, they are far superior to mini compressors. However, for everyday home use, a portable mini-compressor will do just fine.

Tips

Empty the tank

In order to keep your mini air compressor running smoothly, it is important to empty the tank, to prevent moisture from seeping in

Don't skip maintenance

The oil in your mini portable compressor should be changed every 200 hours of use. Also remember to check the air filter every 3 months. Properly maintained, your mini compressor can last up to 20 years.

Clean up around you

Mini air compressors should be used in a clean and healthy environment.

Wear PPE

When using the mini compressor, it is best to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and if possible, noise-canceling headphones.

Be careful with the temperature

Check the temperature of the air compressor. If it is below 5 degrees, it is best not to use it.

FAQ

What are the basic rules of using a portable compressor?

With the mini-compressor, follow safety rules: keep away from flammables, protect yourself with personal protective equipment including goggles and a mask.

How to evaluate the performance of a mini portable compressor?

To get the model that will do the job perfectly, pay attention to the airflow, pressure and maneuverability of the unit. Also, make sure its dimensions really do match those of a portable mini-compressor.

What is the lifespan of a good mini portable compressor?

If properly maintained and you follow the operating instructions, it can last up to 20 years. It all depends on how youuse it.

What can the mini portable compressor be used for besides inflating tires?

This type of unit delivers compressed air that allows it to be used as a blow gun. It can clean dusty or slightly rusty parts. Some power tools can be launched withcompressed air.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Mini Air Compressor, Entretien-voiture.ooreka.fr
  2. How a compressor works, Topcompresseur.fr
  3. Which portable air compressor to choose for tire pressure?, Tiregom.fr
  4. 10 Best Portable Air Compressors By Consumer Guide 2021, Theconsumer.guide
  5. Best 12 Volt Portable Air Compressors Review, Chcompressors.com
  6. Best Air Compressor Reviews [2021] - Buyer's Guide, Thediyhubby.com
  7. The Best Portable Tire Inflators and Air Compressors, Autoguide.com
  8. Best portable tire inflators in 2021, Cnet.com
  9. Air compressor for home garage. Best oil lubricated compressors, Treadmillreviewzblog.com
  10. The 11 Best Portable Air Compressors of 2021, Thespruce.com
  11. Mini portable compressor - 70 models on AgriEuro Promo, agrieuro.fr
  12. Mini portable 220v compressor at best price | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  13. The 10 best mini portable air compressors ..., decideur.co
  14. Portable compressor at mini price - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  15. Mini portable 220v electric compressor at mini price, manomano.fr
  16. mini-compressor - Portable compressor, compresseurportatif.com
  17. Amazon.co.uk : mini 220v compressor, amazon.co.uk
  18. Portable compressor: The TOP 2021 and our buying guide, topchargeur-auto.fr
  19. Mini 12v compressor : What is the best compressor ...., mundo-pieces-auto.fr
  20. Portable Compressor : guide 2020-2021 comparative tests ..., komparama.com
  21. Comparative of the 7 Best Portable Air Compressors ..., ecomparatif.fr
  22. Amazon.co.uk : mini compressor, amazon.co.uk
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  24. Mini Portable Compressor Stanley AIR KIT in Promo on ..., agrieuro.fr
  25. Mini compressor ⇒ TOP 3 best models - Tutti-quanti, tutti-quanti.fr
  26. The 8 Best Portable Air Compressors in 2021 ..., thedifferentmagazine.com
  27. Bosch EasyPump : All about this mini compressor, meilleur-compresseur.fr
  28. Lidl compressor best brand choice in 2021 ..., lejustechoix.fr
  29. Which is the best mini compressor? - MOTORCYCLE EQUIPMENT, gpmotosport.com
  30. The energy multispecialist - Mecafer, mecafer.com
  31. MICHELIN digital programmable mini compressor : Norauto.fr, norauto.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Compresseur d'air portatif 1100W Nuair Miny 9
Compresseur d'air portatif 1100W Nuair Miny
BLACK+DECKER ASI300-QS 10
BLACK+DECKER ASI300-QS
Mecafer Fifty 425090 11
Mecafer Fifty 425090
EINHELL 1 CYLINDER TH-AC 190 OIL FREE COMPRESSOR 12
EINHELL 1 CYLINDER TH-AC 190 OIL FREE COMPRESSOR

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