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 2.4. The California Air Tools 20040C leads on airflow, value and noise. The DeWalt DXCM251 wins on tank. The DeWalt DXCM251 costs $327.29 less ($822.71 vs $1,150).
DeWalt DXCM251
#18 in StationaryFull review
A belt drive compressor for a 120 V garage, for someone who wants a longer lasting oil pump and high tank pressure without wiring in 240 V.
Amazon $822.71$822.71
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 6.2 CFM at 90 PSI), value ($108.49 per CFM at 90 PSI ($1,150, 10.6 CFM) vs $132.70 per CFM at 90 PSI ($822.71, 6.2 CFM)) and noise (75 dB(A) vs 78 dB(A)).
- Choose the DeWalt DXCM251 for tank (25 gal tank vs 20 gal tank).
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 | DeWalt DXCM251 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 51 $108.49 per CFM at 90 PSI ($1,150, 10.6 CFM) | 34 $132.70 per CFM at 90 PSI ($822.71, 6.2 CFM) |
| Airflow 25% | 84 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI | 32 6.2 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Tank 10% | 20 20 gal tank | 30 25 gal tank |
| Noise 15% | 40 75 dB(A) | 28 78 dB(A) |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| California Air Tools 20040C | DeWalt DXCM251 | |
|---|---|---|
| Air | ||
| Airflow at 90 PSI | 10.6 CFM | 6.2 CFM |
| Airflow at 40 PSI | 12.8 CFM | - |
| Max pressure | 125 PSI | 200 PSI |
| Tank | 20 gal | 25 gal |
| Duty cycle | 70 % | - |
| Pump and motor | ||
| Power | Corded electric | Corded electric |
| Motor | 4 hp, 240 V | 2 hp, 120 V |
| Running amps | 14 A | 15 A |
| Stages | 1 | 1 |
| Oil-free pump | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Style | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Noise | 75 dB(A) | 78 dB(A) |
| Weight | 148 lb | 155 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |