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If you are looking for the best air compressor for home garage, automotive shop, or home use to operate your small pneumatic/air hand tools such as nail guns, impact wrenches, paint sprayers, blow cleaning tools, or inflating car/bike tires, toys, balls, the Pancake air compressor is one of the best choices you have.
Pancake air compressors are compact, portable, small, quietest, and easy to operate.
It has a unique pancake shape air tank and it can handle a good amount of compressed air while consuming less energy. It is the biggest advantage of pancake air compressors.
- Pros and Cons Of Pancake Air Compressors
- How to use pancake Air Compressor
- What factors you should consider when buying a pancake air compressor?
- Best Pancake Air Compressors 2023
- #1: DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor (DWFP55126)
- #2: CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor (CMEC6150K)
- #3: Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor (EC710S)
- #4: PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor (C2002)
- #5: DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Cordless Air Compressor Kit
- #6: BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (BTFP02012)
- #7: Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor (DC060500)
- #8: Speedway 50959 3-Gallon Pancake Style Oil-Free Air Compressor
- #9: PowerMate Vx VNP0000101.01
- #10: Numax S3GIUPCK Pancake Air Compressor
- Final Verdict
Pros and Cons Of Pancake Air Compressors
Pros
- Less power consumption
- Compact and lightweight design
- More stable cylindrical shape tank
- No wheels – This is great for when you work on incline surfaces like rooftop
- Easy to handle
- Safe to use even beginners
- Less maintenance
- Affordable price
- Less trouble
Cons
- Not suitable for handling large power tools
- Not suitable for transferring air to long-distance
- No wheels – Sometimes this will be a disadvantage for transport
Generally, you can find a range of 1 to 6 gallon pancake air compressor models in the market. The 6-gallon air compressors are more popular due to the large capacity. The Bostitch BTFP02012 is our favorite 6-gallon pancake air compressor in the market.
Editor’s Pick
Bostitch 6 gallon air compressor (150psi) is one of the best air compressor for home garage. It is affordable, oil-free, and easy to use
Usage: This is the best air compressor for air tools, painting cars, auto body works, and many more.
Most models are lightweight (around 30 lbs) and easy to carry to any place. Also, you can easily climb a ladder holding it one hand. Most pancake air compressors are oil-free, which is mean no oil mix with the compressed air. So, they provide less maintenance.
These types of portable air compressors are using small single-phase motors to run the compressor. You can start the compressor immediately using your home AC power outlet and use your
How to use pancake Air Compressor
If you are a beginner, Check this YouTube video to know how to use a pancake air compressor.
What factors you should consider when buying a pancake air compressor?
Maximum Pressure (Max PSI):
This is the first thing you have to check when buying a pancake compressor. All compressors have a max pressure reading and it is marked in from the PSI units. Generally, you can find the pancake air compressor’s max pressure range from 90 PSI to 165 PSI in the market. But, I suggest buying a high PSI capacity compressor to doing a variety of jobs easily.
If you
Maximum CFM Capacity
This is also one of the important factors you have to check when buying the air compressors. It says how much air can pump out from the compressor. The unit is cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher CFM compressors are great to work with. Generally, it is marked in the nameplate as SCFM per PSI.
Tank Capacity
The large tank size air compressors are great because it can store more air. If the compressor has low PSI or CFM, a large size tank can store more air to pump. Typical pancake-style air compressors have about 6 gallons of tank capacity. But, small tank capacity pancake air compressors also in the market. such as 2.5 gallons, 3 gallons, etc.
Oil vs Oil-Free Models
When comparing the oil vs oil-free pancake air compressors, oil compressors are highly efficient and highly durable than oil-free compressors. But, they need special maintenance to use.
However, Our main goal of buying a pancake air compressor is portability, easy to use, and less maintenance. So, it is better to buy an oil-free pancake air compressor for home garage. The oil-free machines provide less maintenance, noiseless, and Eco-friendly operation.
Noise
All compressors are the machines running by the motor. So, definitely, they have vibration and noise. But, you should be smart to buy a compressor, noise is less than or equal to the 90db.
Size & Weight
Checking the size and weight is very important when buying a portable air compressor. Compact size and less weight will help you to easily carry your compressor from place to place if you are a private contractor.
In a nutshell, these are the main points that you have to know when buying a pancake compressor.
Now let’s check the best pancake air compressors in the market in 2023. These are the best selling pancake air compressors in Amazon.
Quick Comparison
#1: DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor (DWFP55126) – “Overall Best”, 6-Gallons, 17.2 x 16.6 x 20.1 in, 165 max PSI, 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
#2: CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor (CMEC6150K) – “Best Selling”, 6-Gallons, 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 in, 150 max PSI, 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
#3: Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor (EC710S) – “Best Pick”, 6-Gallons, 16.5 x 16.5 x 18.5 in, 150 max PSI, 2.8 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
#4: PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor (C2002) – “Best Handling”, 6-Gallons, 19 x 19 x 18 in, 150 max PSI, 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
#5: DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Cordless – “Best Cordless Model”, 2.5-Gallons, 115 x 12 x 18 in, 135 max PSI, 1.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
#6: BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (BTFP02012) – “Best Budget”, 6-Gallons, 17 x 17 x 19.25 in, 150 max PSI, 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
#7: Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor (DC060500) – “Quietest Operation “, 6-Gallons, 16 x 23 x 16 in, 125 max PSI, 2.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
#8: Speedway 50959 3-Gallon Pancake Style Oil-Free Air Compressor – “Best Low Profile”, 3-Gallons, 14.9 x 14.9 x 15.35 in, 100 max PSI, 1 SCFM @ 40 PSI – Read Review
#9: PowerMate Vx VNP0000101.01 – “Best Lightweight”, 1-Gallons, 12.8 x 11.81 x 14.33 in, 100 max PSI, 0.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
#10: Numax S3GIUPCK Pancake Air Compressor – “Best Lightweight”, 3-Gallons, 13.63 x 14 x 14 in, 100 max PSI, 0.5 SCFM @ 90 PSI – Read Review
Best Pancake Air Compressors 2023
#1: DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor (DWFP55126)
Dewalt is a very popular brand name in the tool industry. They are manufacturing high-quality power tools such as hammer drills, angle grinders, nail guns, compressors, and many more.
This is a high-quality Dewalt pancake air compressor that features a high-efficiency motor for easy start-up in cold weather or extension cord application.
Its high flow regulator and couplers enhance air tool performance and a long life oil-free pump for maintenance-free operation.
It is not too noisy. Ideal for operating small pneumatic hand tools efficiently. It provides two universal couplers for work two users simultaneously.
Specification
- Brand: Dewalt
- 165 max PSI
- 6.0-gallon tank (22.7 L)
- 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI pump. SCFM @ 40 PSI 3.7 SCFM
- Noise level: 75.5 dBA
- Power Supply 120V, 60Hz, 10 amps
- Weight: 32 lbs. (14.6 Kg)
- Size: 17.2 x 16.6 x 20.1 inches
#2: CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor (CMEC6150K)
This is one of the best selling pancake compressors on Amazon.
It is a very popular product and comes with very cool features. It includes oil-free pump for maintenance-free operation and long life.
Also, this mini air compressor is lightweight and portable ideal for operating handheld pneumatic power tools for DIY household works. It has a long run time and quick recovery.
Specification
- Brand: Craftsman
- 6-gallon air tank
- 150 max PSI
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- Power Supply 120V, 60Hz, 10 amps
- Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 Kg)
- Size: 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 inches
- Made in the USA
#3: Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor (EC710S)
Metabo is one of the top brand name in the town.
This portable air compressor has an oil-free high efficient motor for reliable start-ups even in cold weather.
Its operation is very quiet and no pollute the sound level of the environment. This is a small yet the powerful machine that is very easy to handle even beginners.
Specification
- Brand: Metabo HPT
- 6-gallon air tank
- 150 max PSI
- 2.8 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- Noise level: 73 dB
- Motor: 1 HP
- Power Supply 120V, 60Hz, 10 amps
- Weight: 36.5 lbs (16.5 Kg)
- Size: 16.5 x 16.5 x 18.5 inches
#4: PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor (C2002)
This is a highly portable low profile pancake compressor for doing any lightweight pneumatic jobs such as filling tires, firing nails, spray paint, air cleaning..etc.
This portable compressor is lightweight and very easy to handle. This mini compressor features an induction motor that provides long life and optimum performance.
For convenience, this efficient unit runs off of normal household circuits and offers mess-free operation.
Specification
- Brand: PORTER-CABLE
- 6-gallon air tank
- 150 max PSI
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- Noise level: 70 dB
- Motor: 1 HP
- Durable oil-free pump
- Power Supply 120V, 60Hz, 10 amps
- Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 Kg)
- Size: 19 x 19 x 18 inches
#5: DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Cordless Air Compressor Kit
Do you know the biggest advantage of this DEWALT FLEXVOLT pancake compressor? It is a cordless machine. That means it is super portable and you have no limitation to work anyplace.
This product is manufactured in the USA. It features an efficient brushless motor paired with a heavy-duty, oil-free pump that provides cordless convenience with the power of a corded tool.
Another premium feature of it the one turn regulator, a patented regulator for fast, accurate pressure adjustment; the one turn regulator allows the user to simply adjust the regulator knob so the indicator is pointing to the desired PSI.
The compressor will then self-regulate. This compressor has a durable roll Cage which protects the tool, along with rubber feet help to prevent the tool from walking when in use.
Specification
- Brand: Dewalt
- 2.5-gallon air tank
- 135 PSI max PSI
- 1.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- Voltage: DC, 60V
- Noise level: 79 dB
- Weight: 21.5 lbs (9.7 Kg)
- Size: 115 x 12 x 18 inches
- The compressor can achieve 1, 220 nails per charge
- Fast charging
- Made in the USA
#6: BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (BTFP02012)
BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is one of the best pancake compressors in the market. It comes with every feature you expect in this type of model. It is a 6-gallon oil compressor and perfects to operate your pneumatic hand tools.
It is portable and lightweight. It features an oil-free, maintenance-free pump which help to long tool run time with quick recovery.
It has a high-efficiency motor for easy start-up in cold weather or extension cord application. It has two universal couplers to easily support two users.
Specification
- Brand: BOSTITCH
- 6-gallon air tank
- 150 max PSI
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- Noise Level: 78.5 dB
- Power Supply 120V, 60Hz, 10 amps
- Weight: 29 lbs (13.1 Kg)
- Size: 17 x 17 x 19.25 inches
#7: Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor (DC060500)
Campbell Hausfeld is a top brand name in the air compressor industry. This model may be the quietest air compressors in the industry. So, it can use any places without trouble.
It features a long life, an oil-free pump, and an induction motor. The Dual Piston pump system is engineered for high performance and durability and it produces 25% more air compared to other 1.0 HP air compressor Motors.
It is well balanced to work in any places but it may be bit heavy.
Specification
- Brand: Campbell Hausfeld
- 6-gallon air tank
- 125 max PSI
- 2.4 CFM @ 90 PSI
- Noise level: 68 dB
- Power Supply 120V, 60Hz, 10 amps
- Weight: 62 lbs (28 Kg)
- Size: 16 x 23 x 16 inches
#8: Speedway 50959 3-Gallon Pancake Style Oil-Free Air Compressor
This is a super portable and convenient low profile pancake air compressor with all the trimmings. It is very easy to use for any small pneumatic applications.
It is oil free compressor and very easy to maintenance. It consume less energy compare with other models.
It is lightweight and easy to transport any places. you can run with this using your household power.
Inflation Kit with built-in chuck for easy single-handed applications. Built-in regulator and dual gauge manifold for Precision tire inflation. Low profile, compact, high-performance portable air compressor design Air Kit for fast/accurate inflation applications.
Specification
- Brand: Speedway
- 3-gallon air tank
- 100 max PSI
- 1 CFM @ 40 PSI
- Noise level: 68 dB
- Power Supply 120V, 60Hz, 10 amps
- Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 Kg)
- Size: 14.9 x 14.9 x 15.35 inches
#9: PowerMate Vx VNP0000101.01
This is a small great portable pancake air compressor. PowerMate Vx VNP0000101.01 is ideal for inflating bike tires, beach toys, sports balls, and rafts, blow cleaning, airbrushing, and light-duty nailing and stapling.
It comes with the oil free pump. So, it features less maintenance and long life time.
It comes with a 25 ft. recoil air hose, inflation needle, 2 raft/mattress inflation nozzles, adapter fitting, ball tire chuck, quick coupler, and a male thread connector.
The whole unit is lightweight and portable. Also, its centralized handle makes this unit easy to carry and move anywhere.
Specification
- Brand: Powermate VX
- 1-gallon air tank
- 100 max PSI
- 0.4 CFM @ 90 PSI
- Noise level: 68 dB
- Power Supply 120V
- Weight: 12 lbs (5.4 Kg)
- Size: 12.8 x 11.81 x 14.33 inches
#10: Numax S3GIUPCK Pancake Air Compressor
This is a 3-gallon pancake air compressor built with a 1/2 HP motor. It is perfect for supplying power to your pneumatic tools, upholstery, and fabric applications, as well as handling all your inflation needs.
Numax S3GIUPCK is an oil-free compressor. So, it is very little maintenance. For motor protection, it comes with thermal overload protection.
The drain valve and safety valve are durably constructed of brass to resist rust and corrosion, and a universal quick connect coupler makes it fast and easy to hook up your air powered tools.
The anti-vibration rubberized feet prevent unnecessary movement during running.
Specification
- Brand: Numax
- 3-gallon air tank
- 100 max PSI
- 0.5 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- Noise level: 85 dBA
- Power Supply 120V, 60Hz, 10 amps
- Weight: 18 lbs (8 Kg)
- Size: 13.63 x 14 x 14 inches
Final Verdict
Buying a pancake air compressor is a great idea for home. It will help you to easily do your home DIY works. As well as, the pancake air compressors are consuming less energy and very safe to use even beginners.