ConsFirst / Tire inflators / Compare
Milwaukee M18 Inflator vs DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Milwaukee M18 Inflator ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on inflation speed, gauge accuracy, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Milwaukee M18 Inflator is battery and charger not included; for the DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator it's bulky. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Milwaukee M18 Inflator | DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in tire inflators | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Tool-battery | Tool-battery |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 3% | 6% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Inflation speed | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Gauge accuracy | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Size & storage | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Durability | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–120 · $$$ over $120. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Milwaukee M18 Inflator
- Battery and charger not included
It runs only on Milwaukee's M18 battery, with no 12V plug option, and the battery and charger cost extra. Car and Driver calls this its most egregious flaw.
- Large and heavy
Car and Driver weighed it at 8.7 lb and says it's too big to carry in a daily driver. Popular Mechanics' tester measured 8 lb 11 oz with a 5Ah battery.
- Screw-on chuck
Car and Driver found the screw-on valve connector a pain for cold fingers. Popular Mechanics found it let out a little air on removal, so the tester set about 0.5 psi extra.
DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator
- Bulky
Car and Driver says its multiple power options add bulk, so it toes the line between portable and not. It weighs 5.5 lb without a battery (Popular Mechanics).
Source: Car and Driver, Popular Mechanics - Battery not included
The battery and charger cost extra (DeWalt, Popular Mechanics), and some Amazon owners say it isn't worth the price without a battery.
- Battery life and value mixed
Battery life and value for money are mixed aspects in Amazon's review summary.
Who should pick which
Pick the Milwaukee M18 Inflator if
Owners of Milwaukee M18 batteries
Trucks, SUVs and frequent top-offs
Off-road air-downs and garage use
Skip it if: You don't own M18 batteries; You want something small for the glovebox; You want a clamp-on chuck
Pick the DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator if
Owners of DeWalt 20V batteries
Tires plus air mattresses and pool toys
Backup 12V power in the car
Skip it if: You want a small inflator to keep in the car; You don't own DeWalt batteries; You want a clamp-on chuck
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