California Air Tools 8010A Aluminum Tank Air Compressor | Ultra Quiet, Oil-Free, 1.0 hp, 8 gal

My wife and I are renovating a mid-1960s house, ultimately planning to live here full-time. My 27gal compressor back home was sorta-portable (wheels & stood vertically) but not easily transportable between the two houses. While researching for a small, quiet compressor for the reno my original compressor violently self-destructed. (:- Portability became much more important. The 8010 is small enough and light enough to strong-arm into a car trunk. Tank capacity is completely adequate for my needs (air gun, light sandblasting, minor cut-off work.) At this level its ideal. BUT--I also needed a relatively-quiet unit. My original was not, and as my wife has offices at both locations Im particularly careful about how much noise I generate. This California Air Tools compressor is billed as ultra-quiet, and thats an excellent description. This is easily the quietest compressor Ive every used, and that includes the little carry-along tire compressors one carries in a car trunk. I have a cousin who has a home-shop in which she makes things for her business. I learned they needed a compressor for some airbrushing they need to do. As noise in her shop is also a big consideration, I was able to recommend this compressor without reservation. Id buy it again, for sure. And yes, I did buy it. I have never accepted compensation for anything I review.

So, I bought this compressor to replace a noisy old oil based Harbor Freight compressor of about the same capacity. This one might have a slightly smaller tank but they were about the same overall dimensions. The harbor freight model was SUPER loud, but you get what you pay for I guess. This compressor is such a huge difference. Its a little quieter than my washing machine when its on and is very nicely built. Its oil-free, so it depends on friction modifying surfaces to keep the parts moving. These might wear out eventually, but my use is very light so Im not in the slightest bit worried. I bought the aluminum version and its extremely light!! When the box arrived, I was shocked at how light it was. The only draw back compared to my old compressor is the recharge rate is definitely slower than my harbor freight compressor. It takes a good amount of time to recover the tank pressure when doing things like using a blower attachment (prob a minute or two). But for less demanding applications, its a really nice unit!

I dont mind having it in the same room when its on. And it does the job. I wish the on/off switch felt more robust. Also, the center of gravity makes it very awkward to roll around. But this purchase has made a significant difference in the quality of our work life considering that when we use it, we use it continuously for hours. Our previous air compressor (one of the cheap, red pancake models that are ubiquitous) stressed us out.

I just purchased a new decibel meter from Amazon to test some of my power equipment noise levels. When I got my new California air compressor I was anxious to see how close to the 60 decibels it actually was. Well upon first running the compressor I noticed lots of rattling noise coming from it, and when I used the meter is was registering it at around 84 decibels from about 8 ft away - this is where i placed it in my work shop. Bottom line it is not anywhere near 60 decibels. ( I wish it was) But you still need hearing protection when it it running.

I didnt know sir compressors got this quiet. In a closed single car garage standing right next to the compressor I can have an inside voice conversation. With the door to the house closed my wife can just barely hear it.

I used one of these at the track and liked it so much I bought my own. Very small footprint, amazingly quiet and the pressure is terrific for setting the bead on tires. Great deal.

I just got my new compressor, easy to put together it’s actually smaller than I thought it would be but man it’s just inquired. I write very few reviews but I wanted to let everybody know that I am optimistic this is the best compressor I’ve ever bought. It is actually quieter than a normal conversation which shocked me. I got the aluminum model for the lighter weight. I’m sure this thing will work flawless for 20 years

The compressor works well. Gets up to pressure quickly. I did measure the decibels from ten feet and I got 67-68 db on my phone decibel meter. So certainly not 60 db But definitely quieter than the standard compressors. Mine did not say to not use an extension cord. Though others have commented on this. So be cognizant of this. I use mine in one location right next to the main power outlet.

After a long search for a quiet air compressor, I finally found a winner. I took it to the lake to blow up some inflatables and I was pleasantly surprised by the low noise level of the air compressor. Its lightweight and fits perfectly in my RVs lower storage compartment.

I absolutely love this compressor! Compared to my old pancake compressor this one is virtually silent! It comes up to pressure very quickly and is ready to use in about a minute. I don’t move it around much but it is very maneuverable.