The right size and power of the air compressor are essential to blow off hair, keep the work area clean, and color the hair in the barbershop frequently. Conversely, if you fail to pick the best air compressor for barber shop, your business can go down slowly. Customers can get disturbed because of loud noises, or the air tool may not run correctly due to a lack of airflow.
DIYers Pick: 5 Top Air Compressor for Barber Shop
| Image | Product Name | Specification | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor |
Color: Red Capacity: 6 Gallons Product weight: 32.5 Pounds Max pressure: 150 PSI Noise Rating: 71 Decibels |
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BOSTITCH (BTFP02012) | Color: Orange Dimension: 16.9” x 16.5” x 19.5” Power Source: Corded Electric Capacity: 6 Gallons Customer Rating: 4.7/5 |
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DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor |
Color: Yellow Capacity: 6 Gallons Weight: 30 pounds Max pressure: 165 PSI Noise rating: 75.5 dB |
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California ( CAT 8010) | Color: Silver Capacity: 8 Gallons Weight: 48 pounds Max Pressure: 120 PSI Noise rating: 60 dBA Warranty: 1 year |
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Makita 2.0 HP Big Bore | Color: Black/Green Model Name: Makita MAC700 2.0 HP* Power Source: Corded Electric Dimensions: 18 x 22 x 10 inches Voltage: 120 Volts |
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By the way, if you are looking for a review of the best air compressor for LVLP spray gun, check the related article here.
Doing some research on air compressors and selecting them intelligently can help you run the barbershop better and lead through progress. We have reviewed the 7 best air compressors that are highly suitable for barbershops for optimum performance and described each of them in greater details below.
Additionally, we share some air compressor buying and using tips, especially for a barbershop.
Top Air Compressor
CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor for Barber Shop
- This 6-gallon portable air compressor will be a versatile option to use in both barbershops and home garages whenever required.
- With a high-performing motor and two couplers, this compressor will start easily in cold weather and allow you to run both an air nozzle blowgun and an airbrush at a time.
- It produces up to 8 hours of runtime to blow hair in the barbershop throughout the day for quality customer service and to keep the area clean.
- This pancake air compressor is a highly durable and oil-free pump that doesn’t require much maintenance, making it perfect for a busy barbershop.
- It can deliver 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI to refill the tank quickly and avoid disturbing your hair cutting job.
- Brand: Craftsman
- Capacity: 6 Gallons
- Product weight: 32.5 Pounds
- Max pressure: 150 PSI
- Noise Rating: 71 Decibels
Indeed, this is the best air compressor for a barbershop. It’s a portable pancake-style air compressor from a reliable brand that will make you crazy comparing the typical same type unit.
Whether your barbershop requires a quick filing, powerful or large-capacity air compressor, this item is your way to go. This Craftsman air compressor can deliver a max of 150 PSI along with 6-8 hours of runtime to let you run your air nozzle blowgun and airbrush nonstop.
- This pancake-style Craftsman air compressor is highly recommended for any barbershop for stable placement, long runtime, and a smoothly operating air gun with the least amount of maintenance. The compressor comes with 13 different accessories, including a blowgun with safety nozzles.
- This air compressor is slightly noisy, which is acceptable for a lower price compressor. And this item isn’t suitable for large applications like blowing out sprinklers.
Runner Up
BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor for Barbers
- This 6-gallon air compressor delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI for long air tool run time and quick recovery.
- It has a highly efficient motor for easy start-up in the winter season and a 50-foot cord for improved versatility at the barber station, avoiding hair clogging up.
- This barber air compressor is highly lightweight and has two universal couplers for versatile use in both barbershops and homes.
- Constructed with high flow couplers and regulators, this budget-friendly air compressor will maximize the hair-blowing job.
- Brand: Bostitch
- Capacity: 6 Gallons
- Item weight: 31 pounds
- Max Pressure 150 PSI
- Noise rating: 78.5 dBA
- Warranty: 1 year
You may see this BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor pretty much the same as the previous model at first look. Of course, both are similar in pancake style, oil-free design, max PSI, two universal couplers, or even portability and weight. Then why are we recommending two of the same types of compressors? Giving a deep look, you’ll find the unique reason.
This air compressor is preferable for a busy barbershop than the previous one, even at a slightly lower price. Impressively, this compressor reaches its maximum PSI in less than 3 minutes and runs continuously without any pressure loss. It means a barber won’t have to wait long to bluff off hair from the customer’s neck or around the work area.
- It’s a solid air compressor for a busy barbershop to blow off hair safely throughout the day, with a longer run time and quick recovery time. This affordable compressor is also lightweight and perfect for lots of applications.
- The air compressor is noisier than the previous item. And it doesn’t include accessories that you’ll need to buy separately.
Best Ovarall
DEWALT Pancake Quiet Air Compressor for Barbershop
- This lightweight air compressor has two universal couplers for running two air tools at a time to maximize the service at the barber station.
- With a rerouted outlet tube and console cover, this quiet air compressor is highly safe and user-friendly.
- This barber air compressor reaches up to 165 PSI within a short time and delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI to run most of the pneumatic tools efficiently with little recovery time.
- Construct with high flow regular and longer cord to maximize air tool performance keeping the unit at safe distance.
- Brand: DEWALT
- Capacity: 6 Gallons
- Item weight: 30 pounds
- Max pressure: 165 PSI
- Noise rating: 75.5 dB
- Warranty: 1 year
You can’t go wrong with the durability of DEWALT products. This DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor is another worthy example of the brand’s tough construction. With a combination of a sturdy carrying handle, rubber feet, and a solid pancake tank, this air compressor will provide you with years of damage-free service.
When it comes to delivering compressed air to the pneumatic gun in the barber station, this tool reaches up to 165 PSI within 3.5 minutes. It means the compressor will refill the tank in a shorter time without disturbing the barber. Another impressive thing is that it has faster and more thorough tank draining.
- It’s a well-built and top-class air compressor that is suitable for barber stations and other compressed air projects. The compressor is also quieter. It is lightweight and comes at a decent price.
- Some complain that it’s tricky to regulate the pressure and has a slight leak near the regular. But it’s a common issue, and a little Teflon tape will help fix the problem.
Professional
California Ultra Quiet Tank Air Compressor
- This ultra-quiet barber air compressor only produces 60 decibels of sound to keep the environment cool.
- This larger capacity air compressor is surprisingly lightweight and has a wheel kit for easy transport.
- It has a powerful 1.0 HP motor that operates at 1680 RPM and creates less wear and noise, while an Oil-Free Dual Piston Pump ensures performance.
- With an 8-gallon air tank, this compressor offers up to 60 minutes of continuous run time, making it perfect for large compressed air projects.
- Brand: California Air Tools
- Capacity: 8 Gallons
- Item weight: 48 pounds
- Max Pressure: 120 PSI
- Noise rating: 60 dBA
- Warranty: 1 year
To be honest, you can’t compromise on the noise level when you buy an air compressor mainly for home use. It is even tougher to find a larger capacity air compressor that is both quieter and stronger. If this is the case, let me introduce the California Tank Air Compressor, which is the quietest air compressor in the industry and comes with a larger capacity steel air tank.
It means installing this air compressor in your barber station. Your customers won’t feel disturbed while you get a longer air tool run time. This compressor is also compatible with any regular outlet, thereby eliminating the necessity of modifying the power supply system.
- This monster air compressor is preferable for a larger barber station to run a blowgun and an airbrush for a longer time. It’s a durable, lightweight, quiet, and easy-to-carry air compressor that also comes with a wheel kit and air filter.
- The PSI rating of this compressor is slightly low. So it may take a bit longer to refill the tank. And the welding around the tank also seems old, but the silver paint covers it nicely.
Premium Pick
Makita 2.0 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
- It is equipped with a powerful 2.0 HP motor to run any tough quality pneumatic tool conveniently, making it suitable for demanding compressed air projects.
- It has a roll bar handler for both extra protection and easier portability.
- This Makita air compressor has a big bore cylinder and piston for superior durability and lasts a long time.
- Design with a large automotive industrial air filter for enhanced air intake and efficient blowing of hair in the barbershop.
This Makita air compressor will be a long-lasting installation in any barber station. With a combination of a cast-iron pump and a big bore cylinder and piston, this air compressor unit will ensure improved bore and stroke to deliver max performance for many years.
Another impressive feature is that this compressor can deliver 3.3 CFM at 90 PSI. It means the compressor is suitable for running any heavy-duty air tool efficiently while running the air nozzle blowgun and airbrush.
- This air compressor is highly durable, powerful, and portable to run any air tool conveniently without causing any motor failure, wear out, or voltage drop. The compressor also comes in a compact design and won’t take up much valuable space in the barbershop.
- This compressor is slightly more expensive and louder than its competitor. And it’s hard to drain out as the drain isn’t placed at the bottom.
Big Bore 3 HP
Makita 3.0 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
- This barber air compressor has a removable cast iron cylinder to reduce wear and ensure increased pump life along with easier maintenance.
- It includes a foldable long handle and rugged wheels for improved portability, avoiding waist pain, and is stored in a tight space.
- This air compressor is suitable for running a wide range of heavy-duty compressed air tools, making it perfect for versatile use.
- It comes with a storage compartment and a long air hose for safely storing air fittings and running the machine from a safe distance.
- Brand: Makita
- Capacity: 5.2 Gallons
- Item weight: 75 pounds
- Max pressure: 140 PSI
- Noise rating: 90 dB
If you are not satisfied with the power of the previous model, check out this Makita 3.0 HP Air Compressor. Following the title tag, this Makita air compressor is constructed with a powerful 3.0 HP motor and can deliver 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI. So, along with a barbershop, you will find this air compressor for tough projects like angle grinding, chiseling, cutting, drilling, and greasing. That’s not the end, this heavy-duty air compressor.
It comes in a low-profile design with a folding handle and rugged wheels. As a result, the unit will fit into a small space in your barbershop while still being easily transportable.
- It’s a solid-built, extremely powerful, versatile, and portable air compressor. This compressor’s low-profile design allows it to fit into tight spaces while running light-to-heavy-duty air tools smoothly.
- The compressor has a slightly smaller air tank. So it won’t offer much runtime like other items, and the unit is quite loud as well.
Customer Choice
PORTER-CABLE Pancake Air Compressor
- Design with a durable oil-free pump and a low-amp 120-volt motor for an easier start in any weather and low maintenance service.
- This pancake air compressor includes rubber feet, a water drain valve, a shroud, and a handle for improved convenience and stability.
- This lightweight air compressor has two regulated air couplers to operate two air guns in the barber at a time.
- Brand: PORTER-CABLE
- Capacity: 6 Gallons
- Item weight: 31.2 pounds
- Max pressure: 150 psi
- Boise rating: 80dB
- Warranty: 1 year
This air compressor from Porter-Cable is another best air compressor for barbershops out there. It features all the functions required in an air compressor to fit in a barbershop, including sufficient tank size, maximum pressure, and lightweight and portable construction, and durability.
Apart from these, the air compressor unit impressed us most with its induction motor design and running on regular outlet ability. It means you can operate this compressor using any regular household circuit and enjoy optimum service without motor failure.
- This portable air compressor is highly suitable for any barbershop along with other air tool applications in any weather with a longer run time. It is also compact, powerful, and fits within your budget and space as well.
- The compressor may not be suitable for small barber shots due to its loud operation. and its plastic housing can begin rattling.
Greater details on how to use a porter cable air compressor, you can find in the related article How To Use A Porter Cable Air Compressor
Factors to pick the Best Air Compressor for Barber Shop
An air compressor is an essential tool in a barbershop to blow up clippers, and stations and supply compressed air to barber airbrushes for coloring the hair.
Though a regular air compressor will be quite acceptable for a barbershop, the best one is definitely more beneficial. Track these key factors to pick up the best air compressor for your barbershop:
PSI and CFM ratings
Compressed air tools like blowguns and airbrushes are commonly used in barbershops and require compressed air. An airbrush runs smoothly between 5-50 psi. And an air compressor must deliver 6-11CFM of compressed air at 90 psi to run a powerful air blowgun.
So when picking an air compressor to run those machines, make sure it meets the requirements for PSI and CFM ratings. In this case, a 20-gallon air compressor can be a shortcut solution as it delivers up to 5-6 CFM at 90 PSI.
Tank size
For a busy barbershop, choose an air compressor with a larger tank to keep the air tool running for a long time between refilling. Typically, barbers use 5 to 10 blow nozzle air guns in their barber station. So an air compressor with a 15-20 gallon tank will be the right choice to get the required amount of airflow at the right air pressure.
Noise Rating
An air compressor includes noise rating levels that indicate the amount of noise a certain model produces. It is measured in dB, where the lower the number, the quieter the compressor is.
In most cases, an air compressor with a 65-to-80 dB NRR is the perfect choice for indoor use. It’s a vital factor to check carefully. If you fail to pick the quiet unit, your customers will feel disturbed while using the compressed air tool. As a result, your barbershop will go down slowly.
Extra Utensils
In general, an air compressor comes with lots of accessories that are handy for certain applications. When it comes to picking the best air compressor for a barbershop, check the accessories like an airbrush, and some extra tips. It will save you extra bucks that you may need to spend on buying separate airbrushes.
How to Keep an Air Compressor in a Barber Shop from Getting Clogged With Hair
Most barbers use a compressor to blow off the hair from the customer’s neck, and barbershop. Compressed air is also essential for a barber to keep the scissors, clippers, and other equipment clean. Though it’s a handy tool for a barber station, it comes with the risk of getting clogged with a customer’s hair. Follow these tips to safely use an air compressor in your barbershop to prevent those awkward situations:
Keep the compressor Off of the Floor
Some barbers keep their compressors on the floor near the working area. It may seem like a convenient place for your compressor unit. But doing so will increase the risk of clogging the compressor with hair when you’ll some customer’s head. It will be safer if you place the compressor slightly off the ground. Before using the shelf as a safe place, make sure it is strong enough to hold the compressor.
Keep Hair Cleaned Up Throughout the Day
Clean up hair from your barber’s station frequently. You can also blow off the hair after every cut to maintain a clean work area. Generally, the back of the compressor pulls hair toward the user, and lingering hair sitting throughout the day makes it more possible. Sweeping up the hair more frequently will not only reduce the risk of clogging but will also provide a cleaner appearance.
Clean the Filter Regularly
After a busy day of cutting and sweeping up hair, you should do some maintenance on your compressor to keep it in good shape. It means removing the back of the compressor and cleaning off the hair from the filter properly. Changing the filter by following the user’s manual will also be a smart decision. At the end, drain the water from the tank to prevent corrosion inside the unit.
If you are having problems with your compressor and looking for advice, read more in the related article What To Do With Broken Air Compressor
FAQs
What type of air compressor do barbers use?
Barbers need an air compressor mainly for running their 5 to 10 blow nozzle air guns to blow off hair and maintain a clean work area. Despite this, barbers need a sufficient amount of compressed air to keep the air gun running for a long time. Therefore, 15-20 gallon size air compressors are preferable for a barber station as they perfectly meet those requirements.
How to install an air compressor in a barbershop?
Installing an air compressor in a garage or home is quite straightforward. But when it comes to a barbershop, the DIYer needs to go through a complicated process like fitting lots of accessories, drilling, safe powering, and placement. Thus, it’s better to leave the barbershop air compressor installation task to expert DIYers.
How many PSI do I need in an air compressor?
Most compressed air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI to run efficiently. Even though a typical air compressor can handle 90 PSI, you should pick a unit that produces more airflow than required. If the compressor fails to deliver enough air volume, you won’t be able to operate the air tool correctly.
How to pick an air compressor?
Air compression comes in a wide variety of types, sizes, designs, and quality, thus varying in price. So, before selecting an air compressor for a certain purpose, determine your requirements and preferences within your budget, and then go for the matched unit.
Final Words
So, choosing the best air compressor for a barbershop means you can keep the work area clean and offer optimum service to the customer. Though barbershops don’t require a higher flow of air volume, you can’t ignore the features like quietness, extra runtime, and space-saving design.
In this case, the Craftsman air compressor should be the overall top choice. You can also consider the California Ultra Quiet Tank Air Compressor, but it will take a bit more time to refill the tank and can be overpriced for some barbers.
