Best BOSTITCH Air Compressors vs Best Porter Cable Air Compressors
If you are looking for BOSTITCH vs Porter Cable Air Compressors that is powerful and durable. You cannot go wrong with a BOSTITCH or Porter Cable model. Both of these brands are highly reputable and offer excellent quality air compressors.
In an attempt to make your life a little easier, we have compared the two brands, using a similar model of air compressor that can be found from both companies. This should show you which is better: BOSTITCH vs. Porter Cable air compressors, according to your specific needs and preferences.
Which is Better: BOSTITCH vs Porter Cable Air Compressors
[amazon box=”B00UHNM1R0,B000O5RO1Y” grid=”2″]About the Brands
BOSTITCH is a proud American company that was founded in 1896. The company is owned by Stanley Black & Decker, and its headquarters are based in Rhode Island. As well as a strong range of air compressors, BOSTITCH is most commonly known for its range of fastening tools, including nail guns, staplers and riveters, as well as the fasteners that these tools use (nails, staples, etc.).
Porter Cable is also an American brand. They were founded in 1906 in Jackson, Tennessee. Although this brand is 10 years younger than BOSTITCH, they have still been providing great tools for over a century, and have the experience necessary to remain popular in such a competitive industry. Porter Cable is also a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, and they are well-known for their range of saw tools as well as their air compressors.
BOSTITCH vs. Porter Cable
6-gallon pancake compressor
[amazon box=”B00UHNM1R0,B000O5RO1Y” grid=”2″]The smallest BOSTITCH air compressor is 1.2 gallons, with a 120 psi max (model # CAP1512-OF). Their range goes all the way up to the BTFP02012 which has a 6-gallon tank and a max 150 psi. This range offers non-oil lubricated options, as well as oil-lubricated pumps so that you can choose what style suits you best. In terms of air compressors, the BOSTITCH range is clearly designed for smaller jobs that don’t require a continuous stream of air.
On the other hand, Porter Cable has air compressors for all needs. Their smallest model (the CMB15) has a 1.5-gallon tank and a max 150 psi. Their largest air compressor model is the PXCMV5248069 2-stage air compressor. This 80-gallon air compressor is capable of powering two tools at the same time, and max 175 psi. This is a commercial-grade tool and is great for larger tasks.
From this comparison, it is clear that Porter Cable caters to a wider audience in terms of their range. Their air compressors range from personal to commercial and are designed for use in all tasks. On the other hand, BOSTITCH only offers relatively small air compressors. These will be great for some uses, but certainly not all.
In order to properly compare the two brands, we have compared the same air compressor from each of them – a 6-gallon pancake compressor. This allows you to see the strengths and weaknesses of each brand so that you can make an informed decision about what air compressor is right for you and your needs.
BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (BTFP02012)
[amazon box=”B00UHNM1R0″]Specs:
Model: BTFP2012
Fuel Type: Electric
Pump Type: Oil-free
HP: 0.8 HP
Tank Size: 6.0 gallons, pancake shape
Max PSI: 150
SCFM @ 90 PSI: 2.6
Dimensions: 17.00 x 17.00 x 19.50 inches
Weight: 29 pounds
Noise Level: 78.5 dBA
What we like about this BOSTITCH model:
Although there isn’t much difference in size and weight between this model and the Porter Cable alternative, this air compressor is a little smaller and it weighs slightly less. For some people, this may make all the difference when it comes to convenient storage, and transporting it around by yourself. As with any pancake air compressor, this model is designed for smaller tasks, and it can easily be refilled quickly.
BOSTITCH also offers customers the opportunity to purchase this air compressor as part of a combo, so that you can also get the accessories you need to use this in a range of situations. Purchasing the accessories is a great way to ensure that you have all of the additional parts that you require to get the air compressor working.
This BOSTITCH air compressor is just a great choice for around the house. It’s small size and slightly lower noise level means that you can use it almost anywhere with no issues. It’s also capable of functioning when connected to an extension cord, giving you a greater range of use. Whether you are filling tires or drilling holes, this air compressor can provide the power that you need.
This air compressor comes with a 1-year limited warranty on all of the compressor parts. Although BOSTITCH is a quality company that very rarely has issues, you are covered against any problems you might have from the manufacturing process.
What we dislike about this BOSTITCH model:
If you purchase the air compressor alone, it does not come with a hose. This inconvenience drastically increases the chance that you pay for the combo and all of the additional parts that come with it, even if it is just for the hose. The hose itself that BOSTITCH offers is 50-feet, making it a really great hose to use, it is just unfortunate that you must purchase it separately.
Porter Cable Pancake Air Compressor (C2002)
[amazon box=”B000O5RO1Y”]Specs:
Model: C2002
Fuel Type: Electric
Pump Type: Oil-free
HP: 0.8 HP
Tank Size: 6.0 gallons, pancake shape
Max PSI: 150
SCFM @ 90 PSI: 2.6
Dimensions: 19.00 x 19.00 x 18.00 inches
Weight: 34 pounds
Noise Level: 82 dBA
What we like about this Porter Cable model:
Just like the BOSTITCH pancake air compressor, this model is perfect for small jobs. It is small and compact, making it easy to carry and easy to store. The tank is small (6 gallons), but it refills fast, so you can get back to work swiftly. It weighs approximately 34 pounds. Which is still light enough for most people to safely transport themselves, without requiring the help of someone else.
This air compressor has been designed to function in any weather. Whether it’s extremely cold or hot, you will still be able to get your jobs done with this air compressor. The 120-volt, low-amp engine can be used in almost any environment that you need. This is also perfect for using with an extension cord, offering you more convenience to use this compressor wherever you need it.
This Porter Cable air compressor is simple and easy to use, making it perfect for people with little to no experience with air compressors. The brand offers clear instructions and no-nonsense design, allowing users to have a flawless experience.
Finally, we also like that Porter Cable also offers a 1-year warranty on compressor components. This way, customers are covered against any manufacturing errors or damage that might affect the quality of your air compressor’s output.
What we dislike about this Porter Cable model:
One of the main complaints that other users have about this air compressor is the noise that it makes. Air compressors are going to be loud, however, this one is exceptionally so. If you plan on using your air compressor to tinker around the house and you live close to neighbors, you may want to think about looking at a different brand.
When you purchase this air compressor as a combo with the additional accessories, it comes with a 25-foot hose. Although this is great, the length could be longer for greater convenience. It is also annoying for those who must now purchase the combo when there certainly are other brands (not BOSTITCH) that include this with the air compressor automatically.
So what brand is better?
Ultimately, BOSTITCH vs Porter Cable Air Compressors are two great brands that provide excellent air compressors. So you cannot go wrong with either of them. When comparing the very similar 6-gallon pancake model. You can tell that both of the brands offer a high-quality product that is going to be similar, no matter which one you choose.
They have the same HP and SCFM, so you will get the same power for your tools. Their prices are almost identical, so you don’t need to consider that when you make your decision.
There are some differences between the BOSTITCH vs Porter Cable Air Compressors that may sway your mind, beyond this specific model. Porter Cable has a much more extensive range of options. They cater to users who require a much larger tank for larger tasks, such as spray painting or sandblasting. So if you wanted an air compressor larger than the 6-gallon pancake model that we compared, your only choice is Porter Cable.
You should also consider what tools you will be using the air compressor with. Each brand also specializes in their own specific type of power tools. Which many people find work better with an air compressor of the same brand. This is especially important if you actually require greater power and tank capacity than the 6-gallon pancake model can afford you.