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 2.8. The California Air Tools 20040C leads on airflow and tank. The Craftsman CMXECXA0331042 10 Gal wins on value and warranty. The Craftsman CMXECXA0331042 10 Gal costs $822.01 less ($327.99 vs $1,150).
Craftsman CMXECXA0331042 10 Gal
#13 in StationaryFull review
A budget 10 gallon compressor for nailing and tire filling around the house.
Amazon $327.99$327.99
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 4 CFM at 90 PSI) and tank (20 gal tank vs 10 gal tank).
- Choose the Craftsman CMXECXA0331042 10 Gal for value ($82 per CFM at 90 PSI ($327.99, 4 CFM) vs $108.49 per CFM at 90 PSI ($1,150, 10.6 CFM)) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
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 | Craftsman CMXECXA0331042 10 Gal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 51 $108.49 per CFM at 90 PSI ($1,150, 10.6 CFM) | 74 $82 per CFM at 90 PSI ($327.99, 4 CFM) |
| Airflow 25% | 84 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI | 6 4 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Tank 10% | 20 20 gal tank | 0 10 gal tank |
| Noise 15% | 40 75 dB(A) | 50 noise level not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| California Air Tools 20040C | Craftsman CMXECXA0331042 10 Gal | |
|---|---|---|
| Air | ||
| Airflow at 90 PSI | 10.6 CFM | 4 CFM |
| Airflow at 40 PSI | 12.8 CFM | 5 CFM |
| Max pressure | 125 PSI | 150 PSI |
| Tank | 20 gal | 10 gal |
| Duty cycle | 70% | - |
| Pump and motor | ||
| Power | Corded electric | Corded electric |
| Motor | 4 hp, 240 V | 1.8 hp, 120 V |
| Running amps | 14 A | - |
| Stages | 1 | - |
| Oil-free pump | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Style | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Noise | 75 dB(A) | - |
| Weight | 148 lb | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |