After exploring how to choose the best airbrush and see the best IWATA airbrushes let’s take a look at the German airbrush brand. Choosing a Harder & Steenbeck airbrush means investing in a tool that’s both reliable and upgradeable. With models like the Ultra, Evolution, and Infinity, this article helps you understand the real differences, choose based on your needs, and avoid common mistakes, with real feedback.
The 3 Best Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes
1. Harder & Steenbeck Ultra 2024 – Simple, Efficient, No Frills
- 0.45 mm nozzle, tolerant of thick paints
- Built-in trigger stop knob
- Push-fit cup (not threaded), easy to clean
- Single seal, replaceable after a few years
- Ideal for basecoats, varnishes, primers
The Ultra 2024 is designed for beginners</strong] who want an airbrush that is easy to master. The 0.45 mm nozzle strikes a good balance: fine enough for controlled coats, wide enough to prevent clogs. The trigger stop helps limit needle movement, which is reassuring while learning to control paint flow. This model is less upgradeable than other H&S units (no 0.2 mm nozzle, no threaded cup), but it remains reliable and easy to maintain.
👉 A great first airbrush.
2. Evolution CR Plus – Versatile, Durable, Precise
- Comes with a 0.28 mm nozzle
- Triple seal system for long-term durability
- Chrome finish, easy to clean
- Quick-connect fitting included
- Compatible with 0.2 / 0.4 / 0.6 mm needles
The Evolution CR Plus is a versatile and upgradeable airbrush, ideal for those who want to go further without stepping into professional territory. Its fine nozzle allows for good detail while maintaining paint tolerance. The triple seals ensure lasting airtightness and reduce the need for heavy maintenance, even after years of use. The chrome finish makes cleaning easier, and the quick-connect fitting adds real convenience. No trigger tension adjustment, but that won’t be an issue in 90% of use cases.
Our rating: 4.5 / 5
👉 An excellent choice for regular painting with flexibility and reliability.
3. Infinity CR Plus – Maximum Precision, Expert Use
- Two in One kit with 0.15 mm and 0.4 mm nozzles
- Quick Fix: adjustable rear stop with reset button
- Twin-tip needle cap for better access to detail
- Triple seal + chrome coating
- Quick maintenance, tool-free nozzle removal
The Infinity CR Plus is built for precision work. The 0.15 mm nozzle enables extremely fine lines, while the 0.4 mm nozzle gives more flow for base layers and blends. The Quick Fix system lets you preset the trigger and reset it with a click — handy when switching between fills and details. The twin-tip cap makes needle cleaning easier without full disassembly. It’s also very easy to maintain thanks to its tool-free nozzle. This is a premium tool that reveals its full potential in the hands of an experienced painter.
Our rating: 4.8 / 5
👉 One of the best airbrushes in the world — the only drawback is the price.
Understanding the Harder & Steenbeck Range
- Three main lines: Ultra, Evolution, Infinity
- Part compatibility (needles, nozzles, threaded cups)
- CR Plus models feature triple seals and chrome coating
Harder & Steenbeck organizes its range around three key models that share a common DNA but target different use cases.
The Ultra is the simplest airbrush, ideal for beginners. The Evolution is a versatile model designed to grow with your skills. The Infinity takes it further, pushing toward maximum precision with more refined controls.
Needles and nozzles are interchangeable between the Evolution and Infinity lines, which allows you to adapt your tool as needed. However, the Ultra uses a push-fit cup system that is not compatible with the other models, slightly limiting its modularity.
The CR Plus versions add two major advantages:
- a chrome coating that’s easier to clean,
- and three seals (compared to one in standard models), to prevent leaks and reduce the need for deep cleaning.
👉 The takeaway: all models are reliable, but the higher you go in the range, the more you gain in control, precision, and maintenance comfort.
How to Clean a Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush
- Use a suitable cleaner or distilled water
- Quick cleaning between colors
- Full cleaning after each session
- Take care of the needle and nozzle
- Lubricate seals if needed
A clean airbrush is a long-lasting airbrush. For all Harder & Steenbeck models, the cleaning steps are similar, though they vary slightly depending on how much disassembly is possible.
Between colors, rinse the cup with distilled water or airbrush cleaner, then spray until the jet runs clear. You can also gently remove the needle and wipe it clean.
After a full session, do a complete disassembly:
- Remove the needle and wipe it with a soft cloth,
- Unscrew the nozzle with the provided wrench (except Ultra 2024, which uses a simpler nozzle),
- Clean the interior using a fine brush or cotton swab,
- Flush cleaner through the airbrush body,
- Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling.
Also remember to check the condition of the seals (especially if your model has only one, like the Ultra) and apply a thin layer of lubricant if you notice unusual resistance.
Conclusion on Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes
- Ultra 2024: ideal for beginners on a budget
- Evolution CR Plus: best value for versatility and quality
- Infinity CR Plus: the choice of demanding painters
No matter your level, Harder & Steenbeck offers a model that suits your growth. The Ultra 2024 is perfect for learning the basics with ease. The Evolution CR Plus is a robust and upgradeable tool that will support you in the long run. The Infinity CR Plus is aimed at those seeking maximum precision and fine adjustments.