Editorial Review
This one’s a bit of a paradox: The do-it-yourselfer might pass by this compressor in favor of an oil-free, no-maintenance model, but it’s actually one of the best on the market for the homeowner, hobbyist and weekend warrior.
There are three factors that made us form this opinion. First, it’s the quietest compressor we’ve ever encountered. It’s a remarkable departure in a genre of tools that normally force you to suspend conversation while it’s cycling. The MAC700 puts out 80 decibels, according to the folks at Makita, and when you compare that to the 90 and up you get from most units, that’s practically a hum. So we like this for household use, especially in a basement shop.
Next on our list of pluses for the DIY-er is the low-amp draw, and with that, fewer trips to the breaker box and less chance of premature motor failure. The other feature that won us over is the easy-on-the-hand lever handle ball valve that saves your knuckles when you drain the tank. It’s also got a really fast cycle, so by the time you take a sip of water, you’re ready to work again.
It’s made like a champ, with a roll-bar handle that protects your investment, a cast-iron cylinder for durability and an oil sight glass that makes maintenance a breeze.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
What’s in the Box
Oiled single hot dog compressor with handle; 1/4-inch brass Makita universal coupler
Cached date: AWS Called=true
Customer Reviews
Great value for the money 
2008-06-09
This compressor is being used in an industrial environment operating vacuum pumping station. Typical use is 9 hours per day. We have found this compressor to be extremely quit and dependable. We operate 6 different compressors and as they become obsolete, they will be replaced by the Makita MAC700. You can spend more for a compressor but you will not find anything better.
Compact quality compressor 2008-05-03
I was a bit hesitant in ordering the Makita MAC700 compressor, due to a number of reviewers that received damaged units. My compressor arrived with a small hole and oil stain on one side of the shipping carton, but the contents were absolutely perfect. Follow the instructions to set up the compressor - and you will be happy. The build-quality, relative quietness, and specifications absolutely (and literally) blows away the "red pancake" unit seen and sold everywhere. I had one of those X-X brand red oil-free units, and quickly returned it, simply because I could not tolerate being in the same room with it. To appreciate this unit, you likely have to experience the "competition." In this compact compressor class, the MAC700 unit has no competition.
Hotdog purrs like a cat 2008-04-28
I bought this compressor to replace my Campbell Hausfield 4 gallon compressor. The CH compressor was just too blasted loud; I live on the 2nd floor of a 3 floor condo building, and it would shake the place, vibrate the floors and sound like a Mac truck driving through. So when the reviews said this was very quiet, I decided to go ahead and give a try. It seemed like a good deal for the money. It is.
In a nutshell, here's what makes this compressor a great tool:
1. It is VERY QUIET. Some small compressors were actually rated quieter, but this is the quietest I've heard and it uses oil. Oil compressors simply last far longer than oil-less. This one even has a glass oil-sight gauge, so just one quick glance to ensure it is lubed. No dipstick mess, and it comes with oil.
2. It is heavy, so you know it is a solid tool. It weighs more than my old 4 gallon CH! It is easy to carry with the stacked design though, doesn't bang against your leg.
3. Nice little details, such as the drain valve is opened/closed with your fingers; no wrench required.
4. Though a smaller tank, it is still 2 HP as many 4 gallon models are, so I guess it just kicks on more often. But it won't bother you nearly as much as most; you can hold a conversation standing right next to it.
5. I can't believe this is a high-end brand compressor at this price. I would put it up against anything twice the price at any big box home improvement store. Highly recommended.
Compact & quiet 2008-04-25
The compressor arrived from Amazon in perfect condition. I was a bit concerned that it would be damaged as so many reviews had mentioned. Luck of the draw I guess. The MAC700 is compact, quiet and cycles quickly. It is not as quiet as my DEWALT D55140 Heavy-Duty 1 Gallon but close. I bought the MAC700 to replace a PC pancake which screamed like a banshee. Overall, the MAC700 is a well balanced performer, powerfull enough for light framing but quiet enough for trim. The only negative is that it is heavy for its size.
Great Compressor 2008-04-23
Just got this compressor yesterday and I've already put it through the paces. I'm not sure if I got lucky or if a disproportionate amount of people feel compelled to write the negative reviews based on shipping damage; anyway, mine arrived just fine. This is quite possibly the best compressor value for less than $200. The build quality is excellent; near Rol-Air quality for 1/3 less. For those of you used to a oilless compressor this one almost sounds like a whisper. For you trim carpenters or weekend warriors, you will not be disappointed.
Makita MAC700 Compressor - overall works well 
2008-07-04
Makita MAC700 The Hotdog 12.4 Amp 2 Horsepower 2.6 Gallon Oiled Single Hotdog Compressor
Received product quickly; easy directions for setup and use; so far works as intended and my expectations which is home project, currently powering a nail gun for floor installation, later wood trim and possibly some small furniture projects. I'd recommend it but have no previous compressors to compare it with.
The best "Hot Dog" around! 2008-07-01
After using a Jacuzzi roll-around compressor inherited from my father for 27 years, I decided I needed a more portable unit. I tried a friend's "pancake" unit and it was so noisy, I rejected that option immediately. After reading most, if not all, of the 113 reviews written by others, i decided on the Makita Hot Dog. I was a bit fearful after reading about all the damage reports from others who had ordered from Amazon but, I am pleased to report, that apparently Makita read these reviews too, and the packaging around mine was considerably beefed up with three layers of heavy-duty cardboard and foam bricks strategically placed where they were the most needed. There was not a bit of damage to the compressor even though the box had one small puncture (in a non-critical place). It was delivered by UPS, not FedEx, as stated by others.
I am extremely pleased with this purchase. It is everything others have mentioned - quiet, well built, feature laden, portable. It has the air-hose connection appurtance that accepts both the automotive and tradesman styles of hose-end male connection. Buy it - you won't regret it!
Be ware of the hang tag wire 2008-06-23
When I received the compressor, there is a slight damage on the box right at where the oil filler cap is. The "Add-oil" warning tag was laying at the bottom of the box, with hang wires looking like having been cut-off. I suspected that the tag was hang to the oil filler cap and the rest of the wire was still there. I opened the plastic oil filler cap and sure enough, two pieces of metal wires laying at the bottom of the crank case. I fished them out. Had I not noticed the tag, who knows what kind of damage those two thin wires would do to the crank shaft and the piston. Make sure the hang tag wire is out before you fill in the oil!
The compressor has been working fine. I used it outdoors and there has been no rust, no damage.
aweome little compressor! 2008-06-18
This little guy is an awesome compressor. I install interior trim and handrails, and didn't need a bigger compressor because I work alone most of the time. For use with 16ga and smaller nail guns, it is perfect, I have had up to three guys using this thing, and it keeps up fine. It is incredibly quite compared to every compressor I have heard, all of the guys I work with wish they had found this before they bought theirs. It does have a deceptive heft to it for its size, but nothing terrible, still lighter than most. Only gripe is that because it is an oiled compressor, oil will seep out if it falls over, which isn't to hard because of its shape if you throw it in the back of a truck without organizing your tools around it to keep it up. A+ over all IMO.
A Nice Compressor for small jobs 2008-06-15
My MAC700 arrived without any damage compared to other reviews. It seems to have a fairly fast recovery. It is excellent for Brad nailers and 18 guage staplers. It will supply a framing nailer for a few nails, but it does not have the capacity or output for much more. It is certainly not recommended for roofing or framing nailers. I am quite pleased with the low noise level compared to my Porter Cable Job Boss. I like the portability and efficiency for small jobs, baseboard, trim,etc. It is money well spent for its intended capacity. One will not be disappointed in their purchase. Jerry
