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A Kobalt air compressor is a versatile tool for both professional and DIY projects. Have you ever needed to run to the gas station to fill up a wheelbarrow tire? Ever wonder how to quickly spray paint small items or power a staplegun with ease? An air compressor is your workshop partner for completing many jobs. They range in price and functionality, and Kobalt has an air compressor for every need.
Air compressors power a variety of devices, inflate tires and other products. They are even useful for detail cleaning in workshop settings. How they work is simple. Compressors collect air through an intake, pressurize the air with pistons and store the compressed air in a tank for release when needed. Models come in various styles, including small portable models for light work and large, powerful vertical tanks. Larger models are intended to remain in a workshop where they provide constant performance.
Kobalt Air Compressor Functionality
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We’ve all seen air compressors, and even the least handy person probably knows that these tools are useful for when your tire pressure light pops on in your car or when the kids’ bikes tires are running low. Air compressors, however, are part of Kobalt’s pneumatic tool line and have much more functionality than filling tires. A Kobalt air compressor can power air guns, pneumatic wrenches, grinders, saws and more. Air power is surprisingly strong, a fact that professional mechanics and contractors know well. These professionals frequently use pneumatic tools for jobs because air power outperforms even top of the line electric and cordless power tools.
The Kobalt Brand
Kobalt produces a wide range of air compressors and other tools for Lowes, the national chain of home improvement supplies and appliances stores. While the brand is only available at Lowes, its product line is considerable, including everything from essential hand tools to garage organization products. Kobalt tools debuted as Lowes’ premium store brand in 1998. At the time, Lowes wanted to compete directly with Sears and Home Depot, each of which had its own popular in-house tool brands.
While Lowes owns Kobalt, several different companies manufacture the tools, including Danaher for Kobalt hand tools, and Campbell Hausfeld for its air compressors. Most importantly, because of Lowes’ national footprint, the quality of its tool line is consistent, and customer support is top-notch.
Kobalt air compressor product line
Currently, Kobalt produces ten air compressor models for Lowes. Six of these are portable, lower-powered models that focus on homeowner jobs and quiet operation. The remaining four are all about power. These compressors are only available at Lowes stores and at Lowes.com. We reviewed each model features, noting power, portability and other functions, taking into account user reviews that reflect how the products perform in real-life conditions. Here are the complete details on each of the current Kobalt air compressor product line:
Quiet Tech and Portable Compressor Range
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Air compressors can get loud. In a professional shop environment, workers wear ear protection, so they are willing to sacrifice peace for performance. DIYers prefer a balance between noise reduction and power. Quiet Tech is the trademarked name for Kobalt’s low decibel air compressor technology. 80 percent quieter than the standard Kobalt air compressor product line, these models also boast twice the motor life. While some are strictly for low-power jobs, such as filling bicycle tires and pool floats, others can quietly power all sorts of home remodeling tasks.
[amazon link=”B075CKK3ZM” title=”Kobalt 2-Gallon” /]
[amazon box=”B075CKK3ZM”]
Air compressors can get loud. In a professional shop environment, workers wear ear protection, so they are willing to sacrifice peace for performance. DIYers prefer a balance between noise reduction and power. Quiet Tech is the trademarked name for Kobalt’s low decibel air compressor technology. 80 percent quieter than the standard Kobalt air compressor product line, these models also boast twice the motor life. While some are strictly for low-power jobs, such as filling bicycle tires and pool floats, others can quietly power all sorts of home remodeling tasks.
[amazon link=”B075RZJBRZ” title=”Kobalt 3-Gallon” /]
[amazon box=”B075RZJBRZ”]
Similar to the 2-gallon model, this product features a lightweight, portable design intended to facilitate moving from job to job. This model also does not feature Quiet Tech but rather keeps its motor operating at around 78 decibels through noise filtration. 100 percent of users online at Lowes.com recommend this product, with reviewers noting its low cost and portability. Several pointed out that the compressor fills its 3-gallon tanks rapidly, thanks to a strong motor.
Kobalt 2-Gallon Portable Hot Dog Air Compressor
For a little more money, homeowners can get similar power and portability with Quiet Tech. The 2-gallon Kobalt air compressor with “Hot dog” construction — which means that the smaller tank is horizontal and resembles hotdog. It is portable and perfect for hobbyists that need only brad nailing and stapling. This contrasts with other portable air compressors that often use a pancake tank, which is vertical and squat. This entry-level model operates at a noise level below 70 decibels, which is considered very quiet. This also features an oil-free motor, so maintenance is minimal. User reviews rave at its quiet operation, with several indicating that they did trim nail work at night while others in the house slept.
[amazon link=”B06ZY44J1B” title=”Kobalt Quiet Tech 4.3-Gallon” /]
[amazon box=”B06ZY44J1B”]
If you need a big step-up in power, but want to hold on to portability and noise reduction, the 4.3-gallon Quiet Tech compressor fits the bill. This is the lowest-priced Kobalt air compressor that is strong enough to power framing nailers. With this product, you can handle most carpentry jobs with ease. Quiet Tech keeps the sound below 70 decibels, and the oil-free motor and portable design mean that you can easily move this compressor throughout your house and not have to worry about maintenance. This model also features rubber wheels and a sliding handle for maximum portability. This model has a five-star rating from Lowes.com users and near-unanimous approval.
[amazon link=”B01HCNCCTE” title=”Kobalt 0300841 8-Gallon” /]
[amazon box=”B01HCNCCTE”]
For a jump up in power, you can get a similarly portable solution with Kobalt’s 8-gallon compressor. This model does not feature Quiet Tech and operates at above 70 decibels. Noise, therefore, will likely be an issue, so forget about nailing down hardwood flooring while the kids sleep. This model is, however, quite portable for its power. Wheels and a handle help move it throughout your project site. Users on Lowes.com give this model a three and a half star rating, which is not the worst but also not exceptional.
Kobalt 26-Gallon Electric Vertical Air Compressor
A highly-powerful Quiet Tech compressor, the Kobalt 26-gallon model, features a vertical tank. It’s intended for shop application, but also has wheels for some portability. You won’t be picking this tank up and walking around the house with ease, but that’s not this compressor’s purpose. Highly user rated and fully-functioned, this model is a quiet beast. It’ll power any conceivable pneumatic tool without surpassing 70 decibels.
Professional Tank Compressor Range
If you need a compressor that will stay put in your garage or workshop, and you need uninterrupted power, you’ll probably want a compressor with a larger tank. Kobalt has a line of larger models, each resembling the vertical tank design of the Kobalt Quiet Tech 26-gallon model, but without Quiet Tech technology. These are professional-grade models, that require oiling and maintenance. Unlike smaller tank models, larger capacities mean that there is less downtime waiting for pressure to refill. For the most part, each of the four models offered by Kobalt in this range is identical except for tank volume. The larger the tank, the more output and less time needed for air recharging.
30, 60 and 80-gallon electrical vertical air compressors
Kobalt’s electrical vertical air compressor product line comes in three tank sizes: 30, 60 and 80-gallon. Built with heavy-duty construction, with cast-iron lubricated pumps, these air compressors are meant to work. Rated for 10,000 hours of use without repair, which is a lot of time in your shop or garage. Prices range from $449 – $899 at Lowes.
60 lower decibel
A new product in the Kobalt air compressor line, the 60-gallon lower-decibel combines the noise-reduction features of a portable tank with vertical tank performance. This model operates at 71 decibels. Price, $499 – $599 at Lowes.
Our Verdict
Your choice of Kobalt air compressor is going to depend on your needs. The lower-priced models are quality tools for small tasks. However, homeowners and DIYers will get the most functionality out of the Quiet Tech product range, such as the 4.3-gallon model. If you need maximum power or uninterrupted use, you will be looking at a vertical tank model. You can achieve a quiet workshop with either the 26-gallon Quiet Tech or 60-gallon lower decibel and have the best of both worlds.
What compressor do you think is right for you, let us know down in the comments.
