Portable air compressors are one of the most useful tools you can have around. They can be used for a variety of tasks and can be taken just about anywhere. The only problem is that many of them require a lot of maintenance and don't last very long. This article will show you how to avoid these issues and which compressors are better.

When you're ready to purchase a portable compressor, you'll find that you have two choices: Aluminum or Cast Iron. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. One of these is practically maintenance while the other requires a little more work.

Are "maintenance free" Aluminum compressors really better?

Many of the so-called "maintenance free" Aluminum compressors, sometimes referred to as "oil-free", can be found in your local hardware store.They look very tempting to buy and seem great on the surface but lets dig a little deeper and find out what you're really getting.

Cheap Aluminum Cylinders

If you see a portable compressor for sale that's made with an aluminum cylinder, the price tag might look pretty good to you. There's also the advantage of not having to worry about adding oil or cleaning up the mess. There's only one problem with this type of aluminum-based model. Many consumer reports show that they don't last very long and if there's ever a mechanical problem, it can cost a lot of money for repairs. You'll have to ask yourself if it's really worth the trouble. It's true you can save a few bucks in the beginning but in the long run, you'll either end up having to replace it or spending a lot of money having to repair it.

The Cast Iron Portable Compressor Solution

Portable air compressors made with cast iron cylinders do require oil and are more expensive than the aluminum variety. So, why would you choose one?  Because they tend to last a lot longer than the aluminum compressors and have less mechanical issues. If you truly want a quality portable air compressor and don't mind adding a little oil every now and then, you might want to consider purchasing a cast iron unit. Many reviews show that the cast iron based air compressors have an extremely high customer satisfaction rating.

So, how do you decide which portable air compressor to choose? If price is an issue and you're not going to be using your compressor every day, it might be better to choose an aluminum-based compressor. For those who're going to be using their compressors for heavy duty work and want it to last a long time, a cast iron portable air compressor is the answer.

The next logical step is to read detailed reviews for the particular model you want.
There are several cast iron and aluminum based portable air compressors to choose from, however, there are only a few top choices that more customers prefer. To read the most up to date and accurate air compressor reviews, visit: Portable Air Compressor Reviews