Gallon, Campbell Hausfeld, Pancake Air Compressor, 5 SCFM @ 90 PSI/100 PSI Maximum, 25′ Recoil Hose & Accessories. more info

At just a foot high and less than two feet wide out of the carton, this compressor was quite a bit smaller than we expected, so to be fair, we quickly lowered our expectations. The joke was on us, though, because this little powerhouse just doesn’t quit, and we learned that you can’t judge a compressor by its size.

We should have known better when the first thing we saw was the word Emglo emblazoned in black on that famous DeWalt yellow. Emglo’s half-century in the compressor business is evident in this model, and with a couple of small exceptions (we’ll get into that in a minute), we don’t think anyone could make a finer piece of air power.

Structurally, it’s top-notch. DeWalt/Emglo’s great new roll-cage shape protects your investment in the shop, in the truck and at the job site, and the gauges are easier to read than many we’ve squinted at over the years. It weighs in at around 60 pounds, and the way the handle’s designed, you can carry it much like a suitcase without overexertion. To let out any moisture that’s accumulated, it’s just an easy turn of the ball-valve tank drain, then just wrap the cord on its holder and you’re ready to go.

In the performance department, we have to say this machine blew us away, moving 4.5 cfm at 100 psi. Now, this may be a plus or a minus in your book, but we liked the fact that the compressor is factory set to power on at 100 psi an+d shut off at 120 psi, and the cycle time was under 15 seconds. We didn’t find it unusually loud, but we’re given to wearing hearing protection with tools such as this one anyway (and we hope you are, too.) It has air aplenty for two nailers at once, and with that fast recovery, the job will get done in no time.

If we had to say what we didn’t like, there are two items on that list: First, we thought the power switch would have been better seated on the front panel rather than the side, but that’s a miniscule complaint. What you do want to watch out for, though, is the proximity of the reset switch to parts that get searingly hot while in use. A little care will save you some pain.

In balance, this is one of the best compressor’s we’ve seen for the size, power, ruggedness and incredible portability it offers. Here’s to a great pairing of two great toolmakers.–Kris Jensen-Van Heste more info

This highly portable oil free pancake-style air compressor packs a punch with an induction motor that provides improved performance and extended life, whether you’re filling tires or firing a nailer. Complete with a soft-start motor, the C2002-WK can easily run off of normal household circuits and is able to run at 3.5 SCFM for faster recharge of its 6-gallon tank. The motor features replaceable brushes in order to extend motor life and 150 PSI max pressure to allow for extended run time. It also includes 120 PSI cut-in pressure that provides 30 PSI Bonus Air and High-Flo air regulator to protect against a large pressure drop. The C2002-WK includes a 13-Piece Accessory Kit with a 25-foot nylon hose, blow gun and attachments, tire chuck, tire gauge, quick coupler, plugs and Teflon tape. more info

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This ETQ portable generator uses a fuel-efficient propane engine that consumes only 1.5 lbs./hr. propane @ 50% load. Surge Watts: 3,500, Rated Watts: 3,000, Engine Displacement (cc): 208, HP: 7, Engine: OHV 4 stroke, Run Time: 1.5lbs per hour at 50 percent, Receptacles (qty.): 2, Noise Level (dB): 65 at 23 feet, Fuel Type: Propane, Start Type: Recoil, Low Oil Shutdown: Yes, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 24.7 x 18.31 x 18.30 more info

This Eastern Tools portable digital inverter generator provides a run time of up to 3 1/2 hours at 50% load, making it a great choice for recreation, camping, sensitive electronics and emergency use. Surge Watts: 800, Rated Watts: 750, Engine Displacement (cc): 38, HP: 2, Engine: OHV 4 Stroke, Run Time: 3 1/2 hours at 50% load, Receptacles (qty.): 3, Noise Level (dB): 67, Fuel Type: Gasoline, Fuel Capacity (gal.): .48, Start Type: Recoil, Low Oil Shutdown: Yes, Battery Required: No, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 17 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 14 1/2 more info

The DeWalt D55570 Heavy Duty 1.5 HP 8 Gallon Electric Wheeled Portable Compressor with Dual Voltage and Dual Control provides 6.5 CFM delivered at 100 psi for quick recovery. With a low-profile design and a built-in fully-pneumatic tire to improve job site mobility, this compressor also comes with a twin cylinder, cast iron, and oil lubricated pump with Emglo’s 50 years of proven durability and reliability. Other compressor features include a dual control feature that allows start/stop or constant run operation, and a dual voltage feature that allows easy switching from 120- to 240-volt operation. Backed by a manufacturer’s 1-year warranty, this compressor comes with DeWalt synthetic compressor oil and a 3/8-inch NPT pressure regulator. more info

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When you’re ready to go camping, tailgating or just need a portable power supply, the Honeywell HW2000i provides portable, quiet and clean power for all your recreation needs. Provides a powerful 2000 watts of power and weights only 58 lbs., this unit runs off of unleaded gas and will run over 5 hours on a full tank providing 120V outlet power and added 12V DC power. The HW2000i is an inverter generator so it provides very clean power to run high performance electronics like plasma TV’s and computer equipment. For safe, clean, portable power you can take anywhere, the Honeywell HW2000i is just the right size for you. Generator is CARB compliant (meets California emissions requirements) and 50 State approved. more info