DEWALT DXCM271 27 Gallon Vertical review
A 27-gallon, 200 PSI vertical that runs on 120V and needs no oil, with 5.1 SCFM at 90 PSI and a 78 dBA rating. At 78 dB it is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
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How loud is it?
- DEWALT DXCM271 27 Gallon Vertical78 dB
Manufacturer rating (dBA), measuring distance not stated. Brands measure at different distances, so treat 1–2 dB differences as a tie. Why dB ratings vary.
Full specifications
| Noise rating | 78 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Manufacturer rating (dBA), measuring distance not stated |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 5.1 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 6.8 |
| Max PSI | 200 |
| Tank | 27 gal |
| Horsepower | 1.7 HP |
| Pump | Oil-free |
| Stages | — |
| Power | 120V outlet |
| Duty cycle | — |
| Weight | 111 lb |
| Price band | $600–$1,500 (checked October 18, 2026) |
A dash means the manufacturer doesn't publish that figure. We never estimate one.
Our take
The DXCM271 suits people who want a large tank without running a 240V circuit. A 200 PSI cut-out in a 27-gallon tank stores a lot of air, and the 1.7 HP oil-free pump delivers 5.1 SCFM at 90 PSI and 6.8 SCFM at 40 PSI, enough for an HVLP gun.
DEWALT rates it at 78 dBA. That is quieter than many oiled shop compressors, but nowhere near California Air Tools' 70 dB 20020, which has similar CFM and a smaller 20-gallon tank.
Pick the DEWALT if you value tank size and brand support. Pick the California Air Tools if noise matters more.
Pros
- 200 PSI in a 27-gallon tank means lots of stored air
- 120V, no 240V wiring needed
- Oil-free pump
Cons
- 78 dBA
- 111 lb
What it can run
With a 30% safety margin, 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI comfortably covers these tools from our list (nailers assumed at 30 shots a minute):
- Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (0.025 cu ft per shot)
- Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer (0.09 cu ft per shot)
- Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8" Air Ratchet (3 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 3101G 1/4" Die Grinder (3 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 119MAXK Air Hammer Kit (2.9 CFM average)
- AEROPRO R500 LVLP Spray Gun (3.9 CFM average)
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Best for: Big tank, 120V outlet, no oil changes.
Buy it if: you run impact wrenches, ratchets or spray guns in bursts; you want a pump with no oil to change.
Skip it if: you need to work indoors or near people without hearing protection; you carry it up and down stairs often; you only need occasional inflation and nailing.
How it compares in its class
- Ranked #4 of 9 in shop / heavy duty.
- Quieter than 1 of the 4 other rated models in that list.
- 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI against a class median of 11 CFM, so below average airflow for the class.
- Price band $600–$1,500; see every spec side by side in the comparison table.
Ownership tips
- Drain the tank after each use (daily on a shop compressor) to stop rust from the inside.
- The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to change; keep the intake filter clean instead.
- Plug it straight into a wall outlet and use a longer air hose instead of a long, thin extension cord.
- Test the safety relief valve now and then by pulling its ring briefly, and never adjust or plug it.
General guidance; always follow the owner's manual. More in our maintenance checklist.
DEWALT DXCM271 27 Gallon Vertical: quick answers
How loud is the DEWALT DXCM271 27 Gallon Vertical?
It is rated at 78 dB (manufacturer rating (dba), measuring distance not stated), which is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
What can the DEWALT DXCM271 27 Gallon Vertical run?
With a 30% safety margin it covers Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer, Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8" Air Ratchet, Ingersoll Rand 3101G 1/4" Die Grinder, Ingersoll Rand 119MAXK Air Hammer Kit, AEROPRO R500 LVLP Spray Gun from our tool list, based on 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI.
Is the DEWALT DXCM271 27 Gallon Vertical oil-free?
Yes. The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to check or change.
What power does the DEWALT DXCM271 27 Gallon Vertical need?
It runs from a standard 120V household outlet. For larger units, a dedicated 20A circuit is best; avoid long, thin extension cords.
Spec sources
Where each figure on this page comes from (checked October 18, 2026). We don't present manufacturer figures as our own measurements.
- amazon.com: noise
- lowes.com: CFM @ 90 PSI, CFM @ 40 PSI, max PSI
- Amazon product listing: tank
- webstaurantstore.com: horsepower, pump type, weight
Alternatives to consider
California Air Tools 20020
70 dB · 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI · $300–$600
Quiet shop compressor on a 120V outlet
California Air Tools 10020C
70 dB · 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI · $300–$600
Quiet 10-gallon garage compressor for air tools
Appears in: Shop / heavy duty · Oil-free