Last year, AirInflator Pro made its debut in the Indian market with the introduction of the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor. This product was well-received due to its compact design and built-in battery. Now, the company has launched its successor, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S.
According to the company, the newer model boasts a more powerful motor for faster performance. Priced at ₹2,499, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S is the only affordable portable air compressor in India from a reputable brand that includes a built-in battery. This eliminates the hassle of dealing with tangled cables.
Compared to most other portable air compressors, it is significantly smaller, making it easier to store in tight spaces within vehicles.
On paper, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S appears to be the ultimate solution. But how does it fare in real-world scenarios? Can it be relied upon in challenging emergency situations? Let's dive into this review of the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S to find out.
Despite its built-in battery, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S is notably smaller than the majority of other air compressors in India that depend on external power sources. This compact size is an impressive feat, allowing it to be stored conveniently in various locations within your vehicle, such as the glove box, seatback pocket, or beneath the floor mat in the trunk. Unlike other air compressors, it doesn't consume valuable interior space, which is often limited in compact Indian cars. For two-wheelers, it can even fit under the seat or in a backpack, thanks to its integrated battery. In my opinion, the AirInflator Pro's compact size is one of its standout features.
The device features a front display that provides information on current and desired tire pressure, as well as mode details. Below the screen, a directional pad allows you to control the device, while an air hose is located at the top. The hose neatly retracts into the body, lending the AirInflator Pro a sleek and premium appearance. Additionally, it includes an LED flashlight at the top, which proves useful for nighttime use.
One noteworthy aspect is that the air hose is relatively short compared to hoses in other air compressors. Consequently, when attaching the hose to the tire nozzle, it may not reach the ground but instead dangles from the nozzle. However, this design is intentional and can be observed in the product's TV commercial. Interestingly, the air hose also serves as the on/off switch, activating when the nozzle is released and deactivating when it is retracted.
The AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S exhibits outstanding build quality. Its body is constructed from high-quality, soft-touch plastic. Every component, including the screen, directional pad, air hose, LED flashlight, and USB Type-C port, is well-constructed. When held, it imparts a premium, sturdy, and robust feel, demonstrating resistance to flexing. This durability is crucial as portable air compressors in a car's glovebox or a bike's storage can be subjected to considerable jostling, especially on India's roads. The AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S withstands such abuse without any loose parts.
Overall, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S impresses with its design, ergonomics, and build quality.
Performance
While the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S' compact size is its standout feature, it also presents a limitation. In order to maintain its portability, AirInflator Pro had to incorporate a smaller motor than what is found in most other portable air compressors. Consequently, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S takes considerably more time to inflate tires.
To assess its performance, I used it to inflate a completely deflated car tire. My vehicle, a Kia Sonet 1.5 CRDi VGT 6AT GTX Plus, features 215/60/R16 tires. I deflated one of the rear right tires entirely and then used the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S to inflate it to the factory-recommended pressure of 34 PSI.
It took the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S a total of 13 minutes and 20 seconds to inflate the completely deflated 215/60/R16 tire to 34 PSI. In comparison, my Michelin 12266 air compressor completed the same task in just 6 minutes and 16 seconds—half the time it took the AirInflator Pro. Clearly, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S is significantly slower than other options available in the market.
However, it's important to consider that the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S is compact and operates independently on its own power, eliminating the need for dealing with cumbersome power cables. So, while it may be slower, it offers advantages in terms of convenience.
Most two-wheelers lack a 12V DC output, rendering air compressors that rely on external power sources incompatible with them. This is where the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S excels, as it is perfect for two-wheelers. This gives it a significant advantage over other air compressors on the market.
The accuracy of tire pressure is commendable. After inflating the tire to 34 PSI, I checked the pressure using a Michelin 4203 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge, which measured 33 PSI. Additionally, my Kia Sonet's built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) recorded 33 PSI. A tire pressure accuracy within +/- 1 PSI is generally considered sufficient for most scenarios.
The AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S is equipped with a 2,000mAh (14.8Wh) battery. With a full charge, it can operate for approximately 18 minutes. In this time frame, I was able to inflate one completely deflated 215/60/R16 tire of my Kia Sonet to the factory-recommended pressure of 34 PSI, and another tire to 15 PSI before the AirInflator Pro ran out of battery and shut off.
On average, tires tend to lose about 3-5 PSI of air per month. For most people, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S will be used to top off the lost air. It can easily add 3-5 PSI of air to four tires at least two or three times on a single charge, which I find to be quite satisfactory.
In the worst-case scenario of needing to inflate a completely flat tire to the factory-recommended pressure during an emergency, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S can accomplish this comfortably on a single charge, at least for tires up to the size of 215/60/R16. In my opinion, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S offers sufficient battery life for most practical use cases.
That said, I do wish that AirInflator Pro offered an option to use a 12V DC power source as a backup in case the battery runs out. This would provide the best of both worlds, allowing users
to enjoy the convenience of a battery-powered air compressor without worrying about a depleted battery.
As mentioned earlier, the AirInflator Pro comes equipped with a USB Type-C port for charging. If you own a modern Android smartphone, you can use your phone's charger to recharge the AirInflator Pro. According to Xiaomi, the Portable Electric Air Compressor 1S can charge at a rate of 10W and should reach a full charge within three hours.
During my testing, I found that the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S took precisely 2 hours and 10 minutes to charge from 0% to 100% using a 120W USB Power Delivery (PD) charger and a 60W USB Type-C PD cable. This is 50 minutes faster than what AirInflator Pro claims. Typically, brands tend to underestimate charging times, so this deviation is a pleasant surprise.
In conclusion, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S impresses with its compact design, appealing aesthetics, and robust build quality. While it may take longer to inflate tires compared to air compressors that rely on external power sources, its convenience factor should not be overlooked. The battery life is adequate for most common scenarios, including topping off tire pressure and handling emergencies. It's an excellent choice for individuals who wish to keep an air compressor in their vehicles for occasional use and emergencies, especially for two-wheeler owners due to its built-in battery.
However, it may not be suitable for those who frequently need to inflate completely deflated tires, such as individuals living in areas with poor road conditions or off-road enthusiasts. In such cases, an air compressor with a 12V DC input would be more appropriate, as it offers faster inflation and peace of mind regarding battery life.
Despite this, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S serves its purpose well for the majority of users and offers a reliable solution for maintaining proper tire pressure. The absence of a 12V DC power option is a minor drawback in light of its overall convenience and performance.
In summary, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S stands as a valuable addition to your vehicle's emergency toolkit, providing peace of mind when it comes to tire maintenance and inflation.
To summarize, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S is a compact and feature-packed tool that offers both convenience and reliability for maintaining proper tire pressure. Here are some key takeaways:
- Compact and Portable: The AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S's small size allows it to fit easily in your vehicle's glove box, under seats, or even in a backpack for two-wheelers. It doesn't consume valuable interior space, making it an excellent choice for compact vehicles.
- Built-in Battery: Unlike many other portable air compressors that rely on external power sources, this model features a built-in battery. This is particularly advantageous for two-wheeler owners who may not have access to a 12V DC power source.
- Excellent Build Quality: The device impresses with its high-quality construction and durability. It's designed to withstand the rigors of travel without any loose parts or quality compromises.
- Performance: While it may take longer to inflate tires compared to some other models on the market, its convenience and the absence of tangled power cables compensate for this drawback. It's suitable for topping off lost air and handling emergency situations.
- Battery Life: The AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S provides adequate battery life for most common scenarios. It can comfortably inflate a completely flat tire to the factory-recommended pressure on a single charge.
- Charging: Charging the device is relatively quick, and it can be conveniently charged using a standard USB Type-C port. It charges faster than the claimed time, which is a positive surprise.
- Minor Drawback: The absence of an option to use a 12V DC power source as a backup, in case the battery runs out, is a minor drawback. However, this may not be a significant issue for most users.
In conclusion, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S is a valuable tool to have in your vehicle for emergencies and routine tire maintenance. Its compact size, built-in battery, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for the majority of users, especially two-wheeler owners. While it may not be the fastest at inflating tires, its convenience and reliability make it a worthwhile addition to your vehicle's toolkit.
To conclude our review of the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S, here's a final assessment and some additional thoughts:
Final Verdict: The AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S, with its compact design, solid construction, and built-in battery, offers a practical solution for maintaining proper tire pressure in your vehicle. While it may take a bit longer to inflate tires compared to some other models, its convenience and the absence of tangled power cables make it a compelling choice for most users.
Use Cases: This air compressor is particularly well-suited for individuals who want a reliable tool for occasional tire maintenance and emergency situations. Two-wheeler owners will appreciate its portability and battery operation, making it a valuable addition to their riding gear.
Battery Life: The battery life is sufficient for most common scenarios, and it can handle tasks like topping off lost air or inflating a completely flat tire in emergencies. For most users, the battery should provide peace of mind.
Charging: Charging the device is straightforward, and it's faster than what the manufacturer claims, which is a pleasant surprise. The compatibility with a standard USB Type-C charger makes it even more convenient.
Backup Power Option: While the absence of a 12V DC power source option is a minor drawback, it won't be a significant issue for the majority of users. However, having this feature as a backup would have been beneficial in case the battery runs out during critical situations.
In summary, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S offers a practical balance between portability, convenience, and performance. It may not be the fastest air compressor on the market, but its compact size, built-in battery, and overall reliability make it a valuable tool for maintaining proper tire pressure and handling unexpected flat tires. Whether you're a car owner or a two-wheeler enthusiast, this device can provide peace of mind on the road.
To recap, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S is a versatile and reliable tool with several key advantages:
Compact and Portable: Its small size makes it easy to carry and store in various vehicle compartments, offering convenience without sacrificing space.
Built-in Battery: The integrated battery is a notable feature, particularly for two-wheeler owners who lack 12V DC power sources. This feature sets it apart from many other air compressors in the market.
Sturdy Build: The AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S boasts a robust construction, capable of withstanding the challenges of travel and rough road conditions.
Performance: While it may not be the fastest air compressor, its ease of use and absence of tangled power cables make it an attractive choice for users looking for a hassle-free solution to maintain tire pressure.
Battery Life: With sufficient battery life for most common scenarios, it can handle emergencies and routine tire maintenance with ease.
Charging: The device charges relatively quickly, and its compatibility with standard USB Type-C chargers simplifies the recharging process.
Minor Drawback: The lack of a 12V DC power source option as a backup, while a minor limitation, may not be a significant concern for most users.
In summary, the AirInflator Pro Electric Air Compressor 1S provides a practical and reliable solution for tire maintenance and emergency situations. Its compact design, built-in battery, and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to your vehicle's toolkit, offering peace of mind on the road. Whether you're a car owner or a two-wheeler enthusiast, this air compressor is a dependable companion for maintaining proper tire pressure and handling unexpected flat tires.