Air pumps are very handy tools and come in many shapes, sizes and for a variety of different uses too. Whether it’s a
basketball pump for the big game or a pump for your
inflatable pool, camp bed or
car tires, all air pumps are designed to move air from one place to another. There are two main types of air pump: manual or electric. Many people prefer electric air pumps due to their convenience and the fact that they’re quicker too.
One of the first things you may want to consider before rushing into your electric air pump purchase is the size of the particular unit you’re after. Electric air pumps vary in size depending on what the customer is using the product for. A good example of this is if you are purchasing an electric air pump for the tires of your car. You may want the product to be compact and small in size so it can fit easily into your trunk for emergencies. If you’re using the pump at home, however, then the size of the product may not be as important.
Another thing that will help you decide which the best electric air pump is for you is whether the pump is stationary or handheld. The benefit of using a handheld electric air pump is that they’re easily portable and can be easily stored in your car. Stationary air pumps, however, are ideal for car and bicycle tires although they’re far more difficult to relocate.
Electric air pumps also come in a variety of voltage levels. Some low voltage products (12V) can be easily plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter and are therefore perfect for on-the-go use. Remember that the lower the voltage of the product the longer it can take to get the job done. If you need to fill items quickly then a higher voltage air pump (120V or more) may be more suitable.
Finally, you may want to consider whether or not you want an air pump with a gauge system that’ll tell you when your item is almost full. This feature will ensure you don’t pump too much air into the bed/tire and reduce the risk of you damaging the product. Products that don’t come with a gauge can sometimes be more difficult to use as the user will have to continuously test their item manually.
Price
When it comes to the cost of your new electric air pump this is mostly going to depend on the size of the product as well as voltage levels. More expensive electric air pumps ($35-$40) tend to have a higher voltage and therefore fill items such as airbeds and tires much more quickly. They also tend to include a gauge which means you don’t have to manually check your items for air pressure. This isn’t to say more affordable electric air pumps ($20-$30) aren’t as good; they’re simply smaller in size and therefore usually contain a smaller voltage.
These types of products are ideal for pumping tires in emergencies due to the fact that they can easily be stored in your car and plug into your cigarette lighter. Cheap electric air pumps ($15 or less) are available as well, but be aware that these products may not work as well and may take much longer to fill your tires, air bed or pool equipment.
Features
When it comes to choosing the perfect electric air pump for you this is going to depend on what you’re using the product for and how portable you need the pump to be. There are a few specific features, however, that we recommend keeping an eye out for to ensure you choose the best electric air pump for you!
Here are some important features to look for:
- Long power cord
- Gauge pressure meter
- Suitable for a variety of uses
- Storage case or handle
Construction and Design
A key feature we recommend looking for in your new electric air pump is a product that has a long power cord. This will allow you to reach long distances without having to move the pump itself and is ideal for larger vehicles such as SUVs and vans. For the highest-quality air pump, choose a product with an ‘accordion style’ hose.
As mentioned previously, an electric air pump with a gauge pressure meter will make the task of pumping your tires or air bed a lot simpler. This is because it prevents you from overfilling the product and informs the user when the product you’re filling is at the perfect air pressure level.
Another useful feature to have included in your new electric air pump is a product that’s suitable for a variety of uses. Whereas some electric air pumps are only suitable for tires, other products can be used for camping beds, inflatable pools and pool accessories too. This prevents you from having to purchase several different pumps and will take up a lot less space in your garage too!
Finally, we recommend picking up an electric air pump that comes with either a storage case or a handle. This will make it much easier when it comes to moving the pump to and from the car or garage. If you’re using the air pump for emergency uses in your trunk then this will perhaps be the best type of product to use.
Performance and Ease of Use
When it comes to caring for your new electric air pump there really isn’t too much to it. Most air pumps require minimal set-up and usually come with a handy how-to guide to help you get started. Some air pumps come with different nozzles making them suitable for a variety of uses. If you have selected this type of product then you can simply click the nozzles on and off with ease. You may want to also keep the product clean by giving it a wipe down after each use; this will improve the longevity of the air-pump and ensure it keeps working perfectly for years to come!
If you’re after a particularly high-end product then we suggest selecting a product that includes an LED light. This will make it easier to re-pump car tires in low light and is ideal for emergency situations. These types of pumps are also a great choice if you don’t have a product with a gauge meter as they’ll allow you to view the air pressure of your item more clearly.
Fingers crossed, after reading through our handy little buying guide you have now figured out exactly which style of electric air pump is most suitable for you as well as the different features you want included in your new product. This will make it much easier when narrowing down your options and selecting the best electric air pump for your car, pool or camp beds! So, let’s take a look at our top 5 picks!
Features
With over 26 years of experience behind it, Airhead manufactures a wide range of watersport products and accessories for a variety of uses. Today, Airhead is one of the leading manufacturers of inflatables and inflatable accessories worldwide. If you’re looking for a reliable brand with innovative products then Airhead is the brand for you!
We are big fans of the Airhead Kwik Tek Air Pump due to its great reviews online and the fact it comes so highly recommended too! This 120 volt canister air pump is ideal for towables, air mattresses, beach toys and pools, with an accordion hose that locks directly onto the pump and valve. As well as this, Airhead’s pump also has three universal valve fittings as well as a handy carry handle and a 10-foot power cord. With a volume of up to 300 liters per minute, this product has a .92 psi maximum pressure and is made using the highest quality materials.
Features
P.I Auto Stores was founded in 2014 by Steve Shoulder. Steve’s goal was to create a range of auto-care products teamed with the best customer care possible. P.I Auto Stores is the first sub-brand of its kind, specializing in a range of auto-care products. Steve also tests all P.I’s products himself to ensure 100% faith in all his team’s products.
We wanted to feature P.I Auto Stores Premium Digital Tire Inflator due to its great ratings on amazon and variety of buying options. This simple-to-use air pump can be plugged right into a 12 volt cigarette lighter or any other 12 volt outlet. The microprocessor in this product also allows you to monitor tire pressure and automatically stops when your set pressure has been reached, with an accuracy of +1 Psi. This digital tire inflator is capable of inflating a medium-sized car tire in under 4 minutes with a maximum pressure of 150 Psi. Its heavy-duty design uses only the highest-quality materials to ensure a long-service life. As well as this, this tire inflator can be used for cars, bikes, motorcycles, RV’s, SUV’s, ATV’s, sports equipment, inflatables and trucks too!
Features
Coleman is an outdoor company that has been providing lighting solutions for over 100 years. Today, Coleman sells a HUGE variety of products ranging from stoves and grills, lanterns and lights to sleeping bags, beds and SO much more. Whatever it is you need for, whether it’s camping, barbequing, or fixing your car, Coleman has everything you’ll ever need!
We loved Coleman’s QuickPump and the brand's popularity as a whole. With fast inflation and deflation, Coleman’s QuickPump has double lock valves and can inflate a queen or double airbed in just three minutes. This air pump has adaptors for both Boston and pinch valves and has a portable design with a rechargeable battery that allows you to inflate and deflate on the go! This product is available in 4 different styles such as 12 V Pump, 120V Pump, 4D Battery Pump and Universal Rechargeable pump, the product we are talking about. Each one has its own specifications, so we invite you to check them out and see which one fits your needs the best.
Features
For over 40 years Intex has been creating airbeds, above ground pools, spas, furniture, boats and pretty much anything else you can think of! The brand’s aim is to deliver high-quality products that are not only affordable but comfortable, safe and fun too! Intex also routinely tests its products to ensure they meet its customer’s standards every time.
We decided to feature the Intex Electric Air Pump due to the brand’s overall popularity and the product’s impressive ratings and reviews! The sleek design of this air pump has an easy carry handle for storage and portability purposes and can fit easily in the palm of your hand. Operating on a 120-volt power outlet, this air pump includes an accordion style hose with three nozzles in small, medium and large sizes. As well as this, this air pump also includes a thermo protector for safety.
Hopefully, by now you’ve browsed through our top picks of the best electric air pumps and found the ideal one for your car, van or whatever else you may be using the product for! If this isn’t the case, however, then don’t you worry! We have purposefully selected brands that not only have great products but a variety of products too. Simply browse through the brands other collections to find the best electric air pump for you!
