A low maintenance 30 gallon compressor for a 120 V garage that mostly runs nailers, tire filling and intermittent air tools.
Amazon $719.99The DeWalt DXCMLA1983012 is the better air compressor overall, rated 3.0 to 2.4. The DeWalt DXCMLA1983012 leads on value and tank. The DeWalt DXCMLA1983012 costs $102.72 less ($719.99 vs $822.71).
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 $822.71Prices 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 DeWalt DXCMLA1983012 for value ($120 per CFM at 90 PSI ($719.99, 6 CFM) vs $132.70 per CFM at 90 PSI ($822.71, 6.2 CFM)) and tank (30 gal tank vs 25 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 | DeWalt DXCMLA1983012 | DeWalt DXCM251 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 42 $120 per CFM at 90 PSI ($719.99, 6 CFM) | 34 $132.70 per CFM at 90 PSI ($822.71, 6.2 CFM) |
| Airflow 25% | 29 6 CFM at 90 PSI | 32 6.2 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Tank 10% | 40 30 gal tank | 30 25 gal tank |
| Noise 15% | 50 noise level not published (neutral score used) | 28 78 dB(A) |
| Warranty 20% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| DeWalt DXCMLA1983012 | DeWalt DXCM251 | |
|---|---|---|
| Air | ||
| Airflow at 90 PSI | 6 CFM | 6.2 CFM |
| Airflow at 40 PSI | 7.7 CFM | - |
| Max pressure | 155 PSI | 200 PSI |
| Tank | 30 gal | 25 gal |
| Pump and motor | ||
| Power | Corded electric | Corded electric |
| Motor | 1.9 hp, 120 V | 2 hp, 120 V |
| Running amps | 20 A | 15 A |
| Stages | 1 | 1 |
| Oil-free pump | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Style | Vertical | Vertical |
| Noise | - | 78 dB(A) |
| Weight | 126 lb | 155 lb |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |
