Best CO2 Inflator
- Best Overall: Ezi CO2 Inflator
- Best Alternative: LEZYNE Trigger Drive Bicycle Tire CO2 Inflator
- Best Value for Money: LEZYNE Control Drive C02 Inflator
- Most Versatile: Genuine Innovations Microflate Inflator
- Best Heavy-Duty: ICO CO2 Inflator
- Best Precision Control: SILCA EOLO IV CO2 Regulator
- Best Value Bundle: PRO BIKE TOOL CO2 Inflator
If you want the best CO2 inflator to quickly top off your tire before a critical commute or trail ride, you’ve come to the right place.
CO2 inflators are one of the essential parts of any biker’s kit.
The problem is that there are so many different kinds and brands, it can be hard to know which one will work best for you.
We’ve done all the research for you and found out which ones stand out from the crowd. These are our top picks regarding quality, price, and customer satisfaction.
They’re easily portable, easy to use, reliable, and they’ll make sure your bike is up to spec every time!
33,312
Customer Reviews
14
Testing Hours
7
Tested Products
13
Sources Researched
7 of the Best CO2 Inflator
Ezi CO2 Inflator
Best Overall: Your ultimate all-in-one CO2 kit
- Designed for 16g cartridges
- Works with threaded and unthreaded 16g cartridges and Presta and Schrader valves
- Release control trigger with lock
Ezi CO2 inflator is your handy, all-in-one yet minimalist kit to help you get back on the road in a minute. Portability is not a problem; you can fasten the kit on the saddle, seat post, or even put it in your jersey pocket.
The Ezi CO2 inflator includes one 16g cartridge, so you can use it right away. It also has an enclosed cartridge holder, so you don’t need gloves to protect your hands from the chilling temperature of the gas when released. Note that this inflator allows a maximum pressure of 100 psi.
With the release control trigger, you get precise pressure control when inflating. Plus, you won’t need to worry about accidentally releasing CO2 thanks to its trigger lock. Here’s a premium quality CO2 inflator that’s easy to use with whatever cartridge type available to you.
LEZYNE Trigger Drive Bicycle Tire CO2 Inflator
Best Alternative: Easy and controlled inflation
- Works with threaded cartridges, Presta and Schrader valves compatible
- CNC-machined 7075 aluminum with brass internals
- Includes 16 g cartridge with neoprene sleeve
- Weighs 23 g
Lyzene Trigger features a twin chuck head made of aluminum with brass internals, so you know it lasts long while being lightweight. The trigger valve operation offers easy and controlled inflation in seconds.
Trigger is compatible with threaded cartridges and Presta and Schrader valves. The package also includes a 16g cartridge plus a neoprene sleeve to protect your hands from the cold when operating.
LEZYNE Control Drive C02 Inflator
Best Value for Money: Fast and furious operation
- 100 psi maximum pressure
- Works with threaded cartridges, Presta and Schrader valves compatible
- CNC-machined aluminum with brass internals
- Head only
- Weighs 20g
Fast and furious seems to describe Lezyne Control. It comes with a CNC control knob twist so you can regulate the rate of gas release while allowing a maximum pressure of 100 psi. The CNC aluminum head works with threaded cartridges plus Presta and Schrader valves.
Lezyne Control’s compact and straightforward design makes the work easier. Simply push to the valve, twist the knob, and your back on the game in no time. The rubber seal also works well with the cartridge, so only a slight gas is lost before you open the valve.
Genuine Innovations Microflate Inflator
Most Versatile: Multi- cartridge compatible
- Compatible with threaded 16g, 20g, and 25g cartridges
- Presta and Schrader valves compatible
- With built-in “trigger lock”
- Weighs 23g
Genuine Microflate offers multi-cartridge compatibility, so you won’t be having a hard time searching for cartridge replacement. it can fit 16g, 20g, and 25g threaded cartridges. It also works well with Presta and Schrader valves.
Microflate is designed with a built-in “trigger lock,” which allows quick and manageable inflation while preventing accidental release of gas. The heavy-duty construction also protects your fingers from the freezing temperature when using.
ICO CO2 Inflator
Best Heavy-Duty: High-quality plus multi-function cartridges
- Threaded cartridge
- Uses 16g CO2 canister
- Compatible with 3/8-24 TPI thread inflators
- 100 psi maximum and approx. 40psi minimum
High-quality CO2 cartridges are what you get with ICO. The cartridges assure 100% carbon dioxide packed in 100% recyclable steel, TUV certified. The packages come in 10 pcs- 16g packs, so you have a guaranteed replacement whenever needed.
The cartridges come with reliable threads and work well with 24 TPI inflators. ICO also is a perfect match for road and mountain bikes and can inflate 40 psi minimum and 100psi maximum.
In addition to being a tire inflator, ICO cartridges also work as a pet convincer and mosquito magnet. So you might as well use the extra at home. You’re not only enjoying your ride adventures but also saving from these additional expenses at home.
SILCA EOLO IV CO2 Regulator
Best Precision Control: Compact design with turn-screw control valve
- CNC 6063 aluminum construction
- Easy access to both Presta and Schrader valves
- Works with 16 g and 20 g threaded cartridges
- Turn-screw valve
When you thread a 16 g cartridge into the EOLO IV’s 90° head, you’ll immediately feel how solid that knurled valve feels under your thumb. There’s no fumbling or guesswork—just a confident twist that releases exactly the right amount of CO₂. Since it accepts both Presta and Schrader valves and works with 16 g or 20 g cartridges, you never have to carry multiple adapters or worry about compatibility on mixed-valve rides.
Whether you’re on a quick urban commute or tackling chunky singletrack, the lightweight (23 g) construction means it barely adds bulk to your kit. And knowing SILCA backs this regulator with a lifetime warranty gives you confidence that it will keep performing for years to come.
PRO BIKE TOOL CO2 Inflator
Best Value Bundle: Quick & easyinflation for road & mountain bikes
- 1-turn valve system
- Works with both Presta or Schrader valves
- Uses 16g threaded canisters
- Weighs 16g
When you use the PRO BIKE TOOL inflator, you’ll be amazed at how fast it works: a single twist will bring your 700×25 c road tire from 20 psi to 80 psi in less than 10 seconds. Because the valve head threads on the same way whether you’re using Presta or Schrader stems, you won’t have to fumble for adapters—especially handy on cold mornings when your hands aren’t nimble.
Including five 16 g cartridges in the bundle means you always have spares ready for long rides or multiple flats. Each threaded cartridge fits snugly into the head, so you won’t experience any unexpected hisses or seal failures when you need CO₂ most. And at just 16 g for the head, you save precious grams without sacrificing reliability—ideal if you’re logging miles on both pavement and dirt.
Parts of a CO2 inflator
Head, Body, and Base
There are a few different parts to a CO2 inflator. The head is the part that screws onto the carbon dioxide canister, and it has a small nozzle on it that releases the gas. There’s also typically a trigger or button on the head that you press to release the gas.
The body of the inflator is the part that you hold onto while you’re inflating your tire. It has a hose attached to it that leads to the nozzle on the head, so you can inflate your tire by pressing down on the trigger and holding it near the valve of your tire.
The base of the inflator typically has a small air chamber that you fill up with air using a pump or co2 cartridge, and then that pressurizes the canister inside the body to inflate your tire. One example of this kind of inflator is the Serfas TCPG Bicycle Pump.
Replaceable CO2 Cartridge (Canister)
All CO2 inflators use replaceable cartridges, which are sometimes called canisters. These cartridges come in different sizes, and each one is good for a certain number of inflations. So, you’ll need to buy a new cartridge every time you inflate your tire (or when you run out of gas), and the size of the cartridge will depend on the size of your tire.
For example, a 16-gauge cartridge is good for inflating tires up to 26 inches in diameter, while a 12-gauge cartridge is good for inflating tires up to 20 inches in diameter. You can find a list of compatible cartridges on the CO2 inflator product page for each of the examples in this buying guide.
What to Look For When Buying a CO2 Inflator
Wrap that canister
One of the most common ways to mount a CO2 inflator on your bike is with a piece of elastic, which you can wrap around parts of your frame and hook onto the inflator. However, different parts of your bike will work better than others for this purpose.
For example, if you have an aerodynamic carbon fiber bottle cage that’s built into your frame and protrudes outward, you’ll want to avoid using this as a mount because the elastic isn’t going to hold well.
Using parts of your bike as mounts is one way riders can keep their CO2 inflator with them at all times, but it’s not the only way. Another option is attaching the inflator to parts of your bike with zip ties, which are reusable and provide a more secure mount.
How fast should it inflate?
When selecting the best CO2 inflator for you, you’ll want to pay attention to how quickly it can fill up an average tire at the rated pressure (35 psi). If you have road tires
Ease of use
CO2 inflators are different from tire pumps in that you don’t have to lose any of your precious air when you’re filling up your tires. This ease of use is one reason why CO2 inflators are so popular among cyclists, but it’s important to consider the ease of using the specific model you want to buy.
For example, some CO2 inflators have triggers that are difficult to press, making it hard to get a good grip on the device. Others have large, bulky bodies that can be difficult to hold onto when your hands are sweaty.
When looking for the best CO2 inflator for you, pay attention to the size and ease of use of the device and the size and ease of use of the cartridges that it uses.
It’s also important to make sure that the inflator is compatible with the type of cartridge you plan on using.
Threaded/non-threaded canisters
The threaded canister is the most popular type of CO2 cartridge, and it’s the kind that most inflators use. This type of cartridge has a threaded neck on it that screws into the inflator head.
On the other hand, a non-threaded canister is a less common cartridge type, but it can be a good choice for some riders. These cartridges screw onto the threaded neck of the inflator head, but they don’t have threaded necks on them.
Threaded canisters are recommended for ease of use, but non-threaded canisters are more water-resistant (and better for winter or if you ride in the rain regularly). Also, threaded cartridges are slightly more expensive than non-threaded ones.
Reduced bulk
While all CO2 inflators are small and easy to carry, some are smaller and easier to store than others. For example, some models have a wrap-around design that allows you to attach it to your frame without taking up much space.
Similarly, some CO2 cartridges are reduced in size so that they take up less room in your pocket or bag for storage.
Picking the right size of the CO2 inflator is important, especially if you’re planning on carrying it with you at all times. However, most inflators are reduced in size so that they’re easy to carry around with you.
One option is to purchase an inflator with a reduced cartridge, which also reduces the size of the inflator itself.
This reduced cartridge can be a good choice if you often get flat tires and don’t expect to travel with your CO2 inflator. Otherwise, it might be better to get an inflator that’s reduced in size but has a full-size cartridge so that you have more options when it comes to buying replacement cartridges.
Pressure tap
One of the features that sets the best CO2 inflators apart from the rest is pressure tapping.
As its name implies, pressure tapping allows you to monitor tire pressure as you fill it up so that you can adjust it if necessary. It lets you know if your pressure is going too high or too low so that you can fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Not all CO2 inflators have pressure taps, so it’s important to look for this feature if you want one. It can be especially helpful if you’re not very experienced with bike maintenance and repairs.
Research Context & Key Facts
- Some users prefer inflators that use a mix of gases (e.g., N₂ + O₂) because they weigh less, cost less, and avoid running out mid-inflation—though pure CO₂ remains the most common due to its ubiquity and consistent performance.
- Research on CO₂ as a working fluid is extensive in heat pump and refrigeration systems, highlighting CO₂’s efficiency and environmental benefits in energy systems.
- Studies emphasize the thermodynamic optimization and performance maximization of CO₂ cycles in heating and cooling, though these are not directly related to bike tire inflators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CO2 Inflator?
A CO2 inflator is a lightweight device that makes it possible to inflate your bicycle tires with carbon dioxide canisters. In other words, instead of using a bicycle pump or going for a ride while the tire is slowly deflating, you can use a CO2 inflator to fill it up in seconds.
How do I choose a CO2 inflator?
When choosing a CO2 inflator, it’s important to consider the size and ease of use of both the device and the cartridges that it uses. It’s also important to make sure that the inflator is compatible with the type of cartridge you plan on using.
How many CO2 cartridges does it take to fill up a tire?
It takes one cartridge to fill up a tire on most bikes. However, some bikes require two cartridges. You can usually tell if your bike needs two cartridges by looking at the sticker on the tire’s sidewall. If it says “Presta,” then your bike needs two cartridges. If it doesn’t say “Presta,” it only needs one cartridge.
What is the pressure of a 16g CO2 cartridge?
A 16g CO2 cartridge can supply 115-130 psi of pressure.
How do I use Genuine Innovations CO2 tire inflator?
To use a Genuine Innovations CO2 tire inflator, unscrew the cartridge cap to expose its nozzle.
Next, attach the threaded neck of the cartridge onto the nozzle of the filler head. Then, screw your inflator onto your bike’s valve stem until it reaches maximum pressure (usually between 70-100 psi) and stops.
Once the inflator is connected, you can press the button on the filler head to dispense CO2 into your tire. Keep an eye on your tire pressure while it fills up; when it reaches enough pressure (usually around 30 psi), stop pressing down on the inflator’s button. This will ensure that you don’t overfill your tire.
Finally, unscrew the inflator from the valve stem and replace the cap on the cartridge. You’re now ready to ride!
Conclusion on the Best CO2 Inflator
A reliable and controlled CO2 inflation is what we want to keep our riding adventures going. So we recommend the Ezi CO2 Inflator. This is your ultimate all-in-one kit which you can take anywhere without trouble. The release control trigger offers precise and easy inflation, while protecting your hand.
Have a fun ride!
Read also:
