California Air Tools 20040C
#9 in StationaryFull review
For a home shop with 240 V that wants real air tool airflow without the noise of a belt drive compressor.
California Air Tools $1,150$1,150
The California Air Tools 20040C is the better air compressor overall, rated 3.0 to 2.7. The California Air Tools 20040C leads on airflow. The California Air Tools 20020 wins on value and noise. The California Air Tools 20020 costs $654 less ($496 vs $1,150).
California Air Tools 20020
#15 in StationaryFull review
A quiet, plug in 20 gallon compressor for a home garage that runs nailers and inflates tires without filling the house with noise.
Amazon $496$496
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the California Air Tools 20040C for airflow (10.6 CFM at 90 PSI vs 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI).
- Choose the California Air Tools 20020 for value ($93.58 per CFM at 90 PSI ($496, 5.3 CFM) vs $108.49 per CFM at 90 PSI ($1,150, 10.6 CFM)) and noise (70 dB(A) vs 75 dB(A)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every stationary air compressor; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | California Air Tools 20040C | California Air Tools 20020 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 51 $108.49 per CFM at 90 PSI ($1,150, 10.6 CFM) | 63 $93.58 per CFM at 90 PSI ($496, 5.3 CFM) |
| Airflow 25% | 84 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI | 21 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Tank 10% | 20 20 gal tank | 20 20 gal tank |
| Noise 15% | 40 75 dB(A) | 60 70 dB(A) |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| California Air Tools 20040C | California Air Tools 20020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Air | ||
| Airflow at 90 PSI | 10.6 CFM | 5.3 CFM |
| Airflow at 40 PSI | 12.8 CFM | 6.4 CFM |
| Max pressure | 125 PSI | 125 PSI |
| Tank | 20 gal | 20 gal |
| Duty cycle | 70% | 70% |
| Pump and motor | ||
| Power | Corded electric | Corded electric |
| Motor | 4 hp, 240 V | 2 hp, 120 V |
| Running amps | 14 A | 14 A |
| Stages | 1 | 1 |
| Oil-free pump | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Style | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Noise | 75 dB(A) | 70 dB(A) |
| Weight | 148 lb | 114 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |