Air compressors are a piece of extremely versatile equipment that you can use for a range of different applications. However, to the uninitiated, it can seem like a daunting thing to buy. This is why it can be a bit difficult for people to invest in it, even though it could end up saving them loads of time and money. That is without putting into account the fact that it is also a huge improvement in their work quality.
A major issue that a lot of compressors have is a lack of information on their performance and what they have to offer. What that leads to is a lot of confusion, resulting in the buyer remaining clueless about what to buy.
We find that to be a huge problem and would want to remedy that situation. To do that, we took on the responsibility of conducting proper research on the products that you could benefit from the most. As a result of that research, we have compiled a list of 10 best-rated pancake air compressor options. You can use this as your guide to buy your own or even better, consider the options listed here.
One thing we can assure you is that you will not only be much more informed about pancake air compressors, but you will also be able to finally take the step forward and purchase something that can benefit you truly. So, let us see what options you have to choose from.
Comparison of 10 Best Pancake Air Compressors in 2020
Image | Model | Features | Latest Price |
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PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor |
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BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor |
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Campbell Hausfeld Pancake Air Compressor |
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DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor |
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CRAFTSMAN Oil-Free Air Compressor |
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Briggs & Stratton Air Compressor |
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Ridgid Portable Electric Pancake Compressor |
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Powermate VX Pancake Compressor |
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Metabo HPT Air Compressor Combo Kit |
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NuMax Portable Electric Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor |
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Top 10 Best Pancake Air Compressor Reviews in 2020
Provided below is our complete list of pancake air compressor options that you can choose from. Each of them has all the information you could need to make an informed decision.
1. PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor
Buying a good air compressor requires a lot of attention to detail and that is what you should look for here as well. The PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor may look quite ordinary but it is certainly a lot more than that when it comes to its operation. The compressor has a big six-gallon tank that can take care of all household work and even some degree of professional applications.
The tank has a 150-psi pressure rating and it is more than enough to keep tools running for long periods with continuous use. With the standard 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi, the tank can recover its pressure quite quickly after each use. The motor on the PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor is also quite sturdy and reliable.
It runs on standard 120 volts of power supply and has quite a low amperage. The pump is oil-free and requires no maintenance at all. This means a long life which is great for the money you spend on it. The gauges are also located right on the front and are easily readable too. Overall, it is certainly one of, if not the best pancake air compressor for the money.
- Reliable product
- Great value for money
- Great build quality
- The oil-free pump increases life expectancy
- Quite a heavy unit
- Can be very loud
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2. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
Bostitch is no stranger to making work tools and their pancake air compressor is a great tool too. The first thing you notice right off the bat is the price of the unit which is quite low for the package. Even though nothing else is included, you will probably end up more than happy. This product comprises a lot of standards which include a 150-psi motor, a six-gallon tank, and a 2.6 SCFM rating at 90 psi. the thing that makes the Bostitch shine among the competition is the quality of the product and their overall reliability.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the compressor is bare-bones either. The motor on the Bostitch pancake air compressor has an incredible efficiency which allows it to run flawlessly and easily. This stays true even in rough conditions like cold weather. You can also use it with an extension cord which you can plug directly into the power supply.
The oil-free design means you don’t need any maintenance on the pump, and it can keep on working for a long period. The place where the Bostitch Pancake Air Compressor shines is the noise level. A lot of compressors, even the small ones, can end up being quite loud. This, however, runs at a mere 80 dBA which is quite reasonable for a product of this size. The thing that can annoy you is probably the weight. The rubberized feet also help keep the unit stable at all times.
- Great build quality.
- Noise level is reasonable
- Maintenance-free parts
- Good recovery time
- A little on the heavy side
- The sound rating may not be true in all scenarios
3. Campbell Hausfeld Pancake Air Compressor
If you don’t want to go all out on a pancake compressor but want a complete kit, then the Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 Air Compressor may be a good option for you. This is a small-sized compressor that you can use for most household work. The small 1-gallon capacity means this compressor is quite lightweight and is therefore very portable as well.
However, that is where the limitations end as this small compressor is still quite powerful. The motor runs at 110 psi and uses ordinary 120v household power. It also has a 0.36 CFM at 90 psi rating which makes it more than enough for the weekend DIY warrior and other general-purpose use.
The oil-free design means it is also maintenance-free and can keep on running for a long time. The kit comes with a 25-foot coiled hose as well which is also quite good in terms of quality. It also provides more than enough range for you to use anywhere in the room while plugged into the outlet.
The most common uses for this could include brad nailing, brushing, stapling and inflation work. The air pressure pump is very conveniently located and can be read quite easily to monitor the pressure level for both the compressor and the output during operation. While some people may consider this to be a small unit, there are bigger alternatives available too. However, for its category and usage, it is a very sturdy little pancake air compressor.
- Great entry level pancake air compressor
- Good build quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Does what it is intended for quite well
- A bit loud for its size
- Pressure build-up time is a bit long
4. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
When it comes to work tools, there is very little doubt about the quality standards that you find with DEWALT. If you want to buy a compressor that you can rely on for being a solid investment, then the DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor is a very easy choice to make. While it is a bit more expensive than the rest, it makes up for that difference in terms of quality and reliability.
The tank has a 6-gallon capacity and is rated for providing 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi. When using at 40 psi, it is also able to go as high as 3.7 SCFM. The motor on the DEWALT pancake air compressor is quite powerful and can deliver a maximum of 165 psi, a value that probably no other air compressor could match.
However, it does not mean a great level of energy consumption as you can use this compressor on any ordinary light wall socket and have it running in no time. The motor is also quite good for starting the compressor in cold conditions. One of the biggest plus points that this air compressor has is its noise level.
At just 75 dBA, it has the lowest noise level created by any compressor on our list yet. This best quiet pancake air compressor also has a limited 1-year warranty which makes buying this one of the easiest decisions of your life. We just wish that for the steep price, there was other stuff added as well and not just the compressor.
- Great build quality
- Very reliable and easy to use
- The relatively low noise level
- Comes with warranty
- A bit more expensive than others
- No accessories included.
5. CRAFTSMAN Oil-Free Air Compressor
CRAFTSMAN has a well-established name when it comes to work tools. It is, therefore, no surprise to see it produce a high-quality air compressor as well. This particular pancake air compressor has aa 6-gallon capacity that goes up to 150 psi pressure with a rating of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. This means the compressor is quite fast and can keep refilling quickly.
This allows for a long period of continuous use as the time allocated for refills is quite small. The motor is pretty good in terms of quality and runs on standard 120v household power outlets. This makes it a very good option for DIYs and other household use.
Of course, that does not mean you can’t use it for work as well. this unit is powerful enough to support all kinds of pneumatic tools and will keep on going even on long workdays. The oil-free design of this compressor makes it highly reliable and most importantly, maintenance-free.
The value for money on this product is also really good, considering that you have a comprehensive air kit included with it as well. So, filling up tires, even if they belong to a truck, is not a problem anymore. It also comes with a limited 1-year warranty which makes it a very easy choice for a lot of people.
- Great build quality
- Works great in all conditions
- Nice accessory kit
- Comes with warranty
- Achieving 150 psi may be difficult sometimes
- There are occasional DOA (Dead on Arrival) cases
6. Briggs & Stratton Air Compressor
When searching for the best quality pancake air compressor, the Briggs & Stratton 6-Gallon Air Compressor, Pancake 074019-00 is an option worth exploring. This 6-gallon option has a powerful compressor that provides a maximum of 135 psi which is more than enough for most household and work uses.
The filling capacity on this unit is a bit higher than most of the competition with a rating of 2.8 CFM at 90 psi. it also provides up to 4.0 CFM at 40 psi. The motor is 1.5 HP and drives an oil-free pump which hardly requires any maintenance, if at all.
It also has a special feature that a lot of other pancake air compressors usually don’t have and that is a storage bay. You can easily store all your related tools in there to create a comprehensive and easy to move package. However, that size and capacity do come at a cost since it is one of the heaviest units in our list. The weight of the compressor is almost 41 pounds.
However, that size does provide an advantage as it is also one of the quietest units in the list. The hose attachment supports all types of pneumatic tools and air pump attachments as well. Overall, if you want a quality product and don’t have a problem with spending a little extra money, this a great option for you.
- Great build quality
- Powerful motor with a quicker filling speed
- Huge knob for pressure adjustment
- Storage compartment included
- Quite heavy as compared to some other units
- Costs quite a bit more than other compressors of the same size
7. Ridgid Portable Electric Pancake Compressor
Ridgid creates some amazing work tools and their pancake compressors are no different. They may be a bit expensive but with this option, you may be able to remedy that problem. Getting a certified refurbished compressor means you can save some money and still get a top-notch air compressor.
As for the performance of this Ridgid pancake compressor, you get a 6-gallon tank that can deliver a pressure of 150 psi. It has a decent refill rating of 2.6 SCFM and when added with the 6-gallon capacity, your refills are much less frequent. Ridgid is known for its quality so you can use this unit not just for regular household stuff but also for work applications.
A lot of people who have used it in their daily routines swear by its capacity to perform under heavy workloads as well. The renewed item also comes with a warranty which is a huge bonus. In a world where you don’t even get enough warranty for a lot of new compressors, this product can prove to be a worthwhile investment.
- Great value for money
- Easy to drain the tank
- Supports push-to-connect plugs for both automotive and industrial tools
- Great build quality
- Quite heavy at 35 pounds
- No accessories
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8. Powermate VX Pancake Compressor
Another small option on the list is this PowerMate pancake air compressor with a 1 -gallon tank. This one also has an oil-free design that allows it to run for a long time without needing any maintenance. The unit is very light and weighs just 12 pounds. This means you can take it anywhere and use it even in small spaces. Storage is also not a problem at all due to its small size, so transport is also very easy.
It is mainly used for small household tasks and inflating small tires like bicycle or motorbike tires and other equipment. Speaking of inflation, it also comes with an accessory kit which includes needles and nozzles for inflating tires and small items, and even two dedicated nozzles for inflating rafts.
The pressure capacity for this compressor is quite decent at 100 psi. However, given the small size of the compressor, you can expect it to take a little time before it reaches full pressure. The same is the case for refills as well. So, it is not suited for any tasks that may require quick refilling. The motor is quite good and can run easily regular household power at 110 volts.
- The lightweight unit allows for easy movement
- Good build quality
- Gauge is large and easy to read
- The accessory kit is a bonus really
- Takes a long time to build pressure
- Sometimes accessories can be missing in packaging
9. Metabo HPT Air Compressor Combo Kit
An offshoot of Hitachi power tools, the Metabo HPT Air Compressor Combo Kit is a comprehensive solution for anyone looking for a good air compressor that gets the job done reliably. Speaking of jobs, this thing can handle both household and basic professional requirements with its 6-gallon tank. While the compressor is capable of handling any type of job, it is more focused on pneumatic nail guns, considering the brad nailer included in the package.
The 25-foot air hose allows for a lot of movement and flexibility on the job and the 1 HP motor makes sure it fills up quite quickly. The package also includes safety glasses and lubricants for pneumatic tools which is essential for the nail gun.
The weight of the compressor is about 35 pounds which is quite on the heavy side but still a bit better than some other options in this range. The value for money is also surprisingly good, given how good the brand is in terms of quality. The results people have seen with this kit are also very good and that too qualifies it for the quality that we have come to expect from Hitachi’s power tools over the years.
- Great consistent performance
- Great value as a kit
- Built for use in extreme conditions
- Quite heavy for the size
10. NuMax Portable Electric Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor
If you are looking for a compressor that is small and can power pretty much any pneumatic tool that you may have, the NuMax S3GI12CK 3 Gallon 1/2 HP Portable Electric Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor with 2-in-1 18-Gauge Brad Nailer and Stapler, 25′ Air Hose, 11-Piece Inflation Kit, and Fasteners (400 Count) is a great kit to opt for.
This particular kit comprises of all the different everyday tools that you could want for your home projects. The value for money is therefore quite amazing here and you get all that without compromising on the quality the least bit. The best feature of this compressor is that it is completely electric.
This means there is no maintenance required and you don’t have to use oil in this either. The compressor comes with a ½ HP motor that is completely electric and is, therefore, maintenance-free. The compressor has a lot of great functions built into it like overload protection, overheating protection, and other safety measures.
This means that even with such a low price, you get to use this product for long periods. The overall life is also great on this particular kit. The 3-gallon tank is sufficient for powering up all your pneumatic devices. There is a clear gauge for the reading tank and output pressure as well. The anti-vibration feet make it very stable on pretty much every surface and the handle on top makes it very easy to take it around with you.
- Great value for money
- High-quality materials
- Works great in every environment
- Easy to use, carry, and store
- Some people may find 3 gallons a bit small
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Informative Section
Buying the Best Pancake Air Compressor on Market
As the heading indicates, your focus should be to buy only the best product when it comes to pancake compressors. To focus on getting a cheap pancake air compressor means putting your equipment at risk. This means you may have to loosen your pocket a little and shift your focus towards the things that matter.
To find the best pancake air compressor, you need to keep in mind several factors that affect the overall operation of the compressor. In addition to that, you will also need to think about your requirements and figure out which compressor meets them the best.
Full disclosure, we are not going to ask you to put a price out of the equation completely. That could be a problem because a lot of people have a very restricted budget, even more so when considering their needs. Let us discuss what are the things that you should consider if you want to buy the compressor that suits you best.
1. Tank size
One of the very first things you need to check is the size of the tank you want. You will find compressors with tanks as small as 1 gallon, all the way up to 30 gallons as well for professional units. However, those are mostly hot dog style compressors and not pancake ones.
Pancakes usually max out around 8 gallons as bigger units could end up taking more circular space. The size of the tank is a good measure for aligning your workload. The more work you intend to do, the bigger your tank should be. Regular users mostly go for tanks that are 6 gallons or more.
2. Power/Pressure
The CFM and PSI values that come with compressors should give you an idea of how much pressure they can provide. The pressure capacity will allow you to figure out how much work you can do before needing a refill. The CFM will tell you how quickly your tank will regain peak pressure after each shot.
CFM is the most important factor in pressure as this gives you a direct idea of the amount of pressure the machine can deliver for you. To put it in simple words, make sure you have a tank that has a CFM rating of 2.6 or above if you want to use it continuously and frequently.
3. Loudness
Compressors are usually loud, but you still need to manage that loudness to some extent. Most compressors have a loudness rating given in dB, but you have to check for yourself too. Most run around 60-80 dB minimum depending on size. Try and buy a unit that has the smallest possible dB rating without compromising on any of the other factors.
Conclusion
There are some other factors as well that you may consider which include size and portability, how easily the tank drains, accessories included, warranty period and terms, and of course, price. With all these factors in mind our comprehensive list, you should be able to make a good decision for yourself.
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