Best Pancake Air Compressor To Buy | Review Guide [2020]

Review

Using a power tool for professional works can be very helpful at different needs. There is a suitable air compressor for every type of work that you need to do. You may require tire inflation, nail guns, and other tools that require the air force to work on. Without having a proper air compressor, you may not be able to complete works faster and you will need manual nail guns. If it’s just for a short time and you do not require high capacity, taking the help of the best pancake air compressor may do the job for you.

A pancake air compressor is a small type of air compressor that can have an air volume capacity from 1 to 6 gallons. As a result of this, it always has a low profile design and can be quite compact. They are quite good to use small air tools like tire inflation or nail guns and can prove to be very handy.

Top 5 Best Pancake Air Compressors | Tested & Verified

CRAFTSMAN Pancake Air Compressor 6 gallon [Best Overall]

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The CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor has outshined every other device with the impeccable performance and the reliable options. This product features a 6-gallon tank which can be highly useful for regular works.

What makes this a Great Option?

Oil-free pump: The motor does not require any external lubrication even if it dries out at times. You can simply clean and reuse it. In fact, you won’t require any lubrication at all.
Easy to start: It comes with a single push-button start. With a single click, the motor starts up so that you can continue work. The buttons are soft and very delicate to push.
Accessory Kit: This device comes along with a 13-piece accessory kit. You won’t have to buy any spare parts other than the power tool. Simply attach it with the hose and you can start using this.
Safety Nozzle: All types of equipment follow the standards for the OSHA model. It is quite durable and the blowgun comes with a plug. You need to affix the plug and then start using the device.

Some Potential Issues

Price is high: The features that you can get with the device will always outshine the price margin. To be fair, the price is a bit higher, you can get competitive features in a lower price.

Any long term concerns?

There are no casters present. You need to lift this pancake air compressor if you want to carry it. Without casters, it may get difficult to pull the compressor from one place to another and you may require extra hands to do so.

The CRAFTSMAN Pancake Air Compressor 6 gallon comes with a complete pack of the 13-piece accessory kit. In a short, it has all the essentials that you require for any essential work like inflating the tire or other works.

DEWALT 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor [Best Performance]

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When it comes to the performance, having a 40 PSI at 3.7 SCFM will blow your mind. The DEWALT 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor is one such device that is made to surprise all the professionals with the high-efficiency power tools.

What makes this a Great Option?

High Power: This product operates with 165 PSI of power. It is one of the highest when it comes to the pancake compressors. With such high power, it can quickly snap up the work.
Low Noise: The noise levels are preset for a quiet work setting. It releases the maximum sound of 75 dB making it comfortable to work with. In any open area, it may seem to be comfortable.
High-Efficiency Motor: This device comes with a powerful motor that is easy to start. It has an easy start-up procedure for better works. The motor operates at 60 Hz making it much more efficient to work with.
Low power consumption: The air compressor comes with low power consumption when it comes to regular and long hours of work. It consumes only 10 Amps of power to work efficiently.

Some Potential Issues

No Accessories: There are no major accessories included and you may have to purchase them externally. This may increase the price when you assemble all the spare parts of the product. You can alternatively purchase a bundle pack.

Any long term concerns?

The DEWALT Air Compressor seems to be a bit heavier than the others. So you may need extra force to pull when the tank is full. However, it has safe rubber pads. So you won’t have to worry if the compressor falls from your hand.

This product from DEWALT comes with an impressive extension cord which is 15 meters in length. It helps you to travel at a longer distance from the initial power source. You can work anywhere with this product.

PORTER-CABLE 6-Gallon Air Compressor [Best Budget]

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At this budget, this pancake air compressor from Porter-Cable offers some of the best features. This device comes with a quick compressor recovery time and can work duly with 90 PSI at a rate of 2.6 SCFM. It is one of the finest models from the manufacturer.

What makes this a Great Option?

High pressure: The PORTER-CABLE 6-Gallon Air Compressor comes with high-pressure capacity. It can easily deliver a max 150 psi of pressure. You can always expect this pressure to be enough for completing your nail gun working requirements.
Big Tank: This device features an impressive six-gallon tank with the kit. It can provide proper stability while working at a higher force. However, the best part is that you can always refill the tank in the least possible time.
Rubber feet: Though there are no casters present, the PORTER-CABLE 6-Gallon Air Compressor comes with rubber pads. This helps the compressor to stay stable while working.
Low power consumption: The motor can easily start at low power rates. 120 Volt DC is enough for it to work. As a result, it can save up a lot of money when you have a longer time running with the compressor.

Some Potential Issues

Noise is more: The noise production from the PORTER-CABLE 6-Gallon Air Compressor may seem to be more at times. So if you are working in a closed area, the sound may seem to be more disturbing.

Any long term concerns?

The PORTER-CABLE 6-Gallon Air Compressor comes with a water drain valve. However, you need a proper hose fitting for it to drain the water. Make sure that you take exact measurements before you purchase the hose fitting.

This product features both water drain valve and rubber feet. As a result, it becomes quite compatible with all the standard safety features. The procedure for air moving out of the blower is also smooth and is uninterrupted.

BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor

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The BOSTITCH compressor is one of the best-reviewed air compressors when it comes to the performance and the stability of the product. Even when it clocks at a150 PSI, the product remains impressively stable to work with.

What makes this a Great Option?

High Efficiency: This comes with a highly effective motor to work with. It has an easy start-up even in cold weather. It simply works with a 90 PSI pump that can be enough for a simple inflation work or even working with nail guns.
Low Noise: It can work with a low noise production that is effective to work in a closed room. The max noise output is 75 dB which is not very high at all. However, when the compression requirement is low, it even generates a lower sound.
High Flow regulator: The motor comes with an effective regulator at the top. You can alter the PSI settings as per required. There is a simple knob on the top of the air compressor. It will allow you to get the alternate settings.
Includes couplers: Couplers in the air compressor protects the device from overheat. There are simple couplers at the mouth of the pancake compressor that allows you to keep it safe and always keep s the temperature under check.

Some Potential Issues

Power Consumption: This product consumes more power than most other pancake air compressors available. It relatively consumes more than 30 Amperes which is much higher than most other products. For the longer run, the electricity bills can be higher.

Any long term concerns?

The pump is maintenance-free, but you need to always clean the garden hose and keep the pressure in check while using. If the garden hose is not cleaned properly, it will lead to formation of debris inside the air compressor.

If stability and performance come to you as a priority, you can always pick out the BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor. This product can easily deliver 2.6 SCFM at 90PSI which makes the compressor to be highly in demand.

CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Pancake Air Compressor [Best for Tire Inflation]

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The CMEC6150K is a great way of inflating your tire as it works with a quick speed. This pancake air compressor comes with a 6-gallon tank that can deliver you with a proper result. It can be a great purchase if you have small requirements of work.

What makes this a Great Option?

Oil-Free Pump: The pump does not require any lubrication to work smoothly. It also does not require you to keep cleaning. The best part is that you won’t even have to add on any type of additional lubricants to make the pump work better.
High power performance: The CMEC6150K has a capacity of delivering 150 PSI max power. This can be suitable for multiple power tools. Considering the maximum tank capacity, this rate of airflow can be highly beneficial.
Comes with a blowgun: This device includes a blowgun that also includes a plug for better fitting. You simply need to install the hose with the blowgun to clean. The blowgun is thick and has a decent diameter allowing good air performance.
Includes accessories: The pancake air compressor comes with an entire set of accessories with the product. You do not have to buy anything from the market. Moreover, it includes a small storage space to keep the parts safe and secure.

Some Potential Issues

It is heavy: The CMEC6150K is much heavier than many other air compressors at this budget. You may face some difficulties in pulling to product from one place to another because of this. However, you can get better grips for carrying the product.

Any long term concerns?

At times in high pressure running, we observed that this air compressor vibrates more. However, it has rubber pads at the bottom to provide stability and width to the product. Even if you have longer works, it will not be many problems.

The CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Pancake Air Compressor comes with a maximum size of 6-gallon tank supported along with a high-performance pump. The recovery rate of the pump is around 90 PSI and can give you a faster performance to flow the air.

Buying Guide | Best Pancake Air Compressor

When you just cross find the suitable pancake air compressor, you’ll almost find thousands of products available. Each of them comes with minute changes either with the brand or the performance. Thus, picking up the best one out of all can always be a daunting task in hand. With so many models and specifications to consider, you need to find the best match that is available for you. You can just have a look at the buying guide mentioned below.

Air Pressure

When it comes to a pancake compressor, the air pressure plays a big part of the product that you are trying to buy. The basic measurement of the air pressure is measured as PSI. Having a high pressure means that the air compressor will be compatible with multiple other tools. But if it has low air pressure, it will only be able to inflate the tire. If you are working with other instruments like nail guns, you would at least require 120 PSI of pressure. So make sure that the gun or the power tool that you use is compatible with the product that you will purchase.

Capacity of Air

Without a tank, the air compressor is basically of no use. To keep working, it always requires an adequate amount of air pressure that will allow you to inflate the tire or work with the nail guns at frequent intervals. If you just have a small work to complete, having a small capacity means that you will not be able to continue with longer works. So it’s better to have a pancake air compressor that will have at least 6 gallons of maximum capacity. Such products can be really helpful to even complete the long requirements of work.

Motor Power

The process of work for a pancake air compressor is simple as it allows you to work with an oil-free pump. The pump starts to work in regular mechanisms that allow you to get a higher rating for the air combustion. So, if you have higher air combustion, it will help you to gain better air pressure. Because of this, you need to make sure that the motor power is on the higher side. If you are considering a pancake air compressor, the motor should work with a 1HP or 2HP depending on the model that you choose. But it will be helpful for you to get better performance with high motor power.

Air Flow

Another important factor that you need to consider is the option of having a higher airflow rating. When you install a gun to the hose of the air compressor, it requires decent airflow to operate with the product. If the airflow is not high enough, it will not be able to continue the work for long. Usually, the airflow rating is measured with PSI. In simple words, the better rating that you have, the better it will be for your work. However, you must also consider choosing a product that will have airflow settings. So, you will be able to change the settings according to the power tool you are using.

Size

Usually, all the pancake air compressors come with a small size and compact body. Since it is small, the product becomes handy for the professionals and allows them to carry from one place to another. Try to choose an ideal pancake air compressor that has the right size and also the bodyweight is low. It will help you to transfer the product from one place to another in any case when you need to lift the compressor even when it is filled with air. If you have casters at the base of the compressor, it is an added advantage for you to choose.

Cost

If this is the first-ever pancake air compressor that you are willing to buy, the budget may become a big factor for you. Picking out the right product considering your low budget will always be a difficult task. You need to consider all the safety parameters and the features that the product will offer. Try to pick a pancake air compressor that will have all the basic requirements fulfilled while you are choosing the best product that matches your cost. Always remember not to compensate on the features while you are considering a low budget pick.

Frequently Asked Question [FAQ]

What is a comfortable noise for any air compressor?

Now, this depends on the environment you are working on. If you are working in a closed room, you would feel that even 70 decibels seem high. But if you are working in an open area, you can pick any product with a max of 80 decibels.

What Ampere should I use to run the product?

More than the Amperes, stable and reliable current sources should be the priority. Usually, the pancake air compressors do not consume more current. So you can opt for a 15 Ampere plug source to start the motor. But make sure that the current is reliable and is not fluctuating.

Will this work with a nail gun?

The pancake air compressors are designed to work with any type of air tool that it is compatible with. By compatibility, you need to check the power source, the requirements of the nail gun and also the right fittings. You may have to buy a hose that fits properly to both the compressor and the gun

I need a compressor to inflate pool rafts. Will this be adequate?

Of course, it is. The mechanism of inflating the pool raft will be the same as tire inflation. However, all the products have a maximum of a 6-gallon air tank. If the size of the raft is bigger, you need to refill the tank again and start over-inflating it.

Editor’s Choice

Choosing the top pancake air compressor is never an easy task when there are so many products available in the market. Thus, figuring out the top product is always a daunting task. To help you out further, I have reviewed the top 3 products which edge out the other because of some minute specifications and performances. You can simply have a look at them.

The CRAFTSMAN Pancake Air Compressor 6 gallon is the top choice product when it comes to performance, reliability and the features that it provides. It comes with a 6-gallon tank capacity and also brings up 150 Max PSI. This can ensure you complete work satisfaction as it becomes compatible with multiple power tools.

The DEWALT 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor is the top pick product when it comes to the performance. This pancake air compressor features a max 165 PSI of power and 2.6 SCFM. It also features decent features which maximize the air tool performances. The tank also has a high capacity of 6-gallons.

When it comes to a budget-friendly choice, the PORTER-CABLE 6-Gallon Air Compressor is the product to choose for. It is my budget pick as the air compressor is ready to deliver you reliable performance for all needs. The product features a max of 150 PSI for work.

Conclusion

If you have the right pancake air compressor, completing your work in a jiffy is no more a problem. You just have to set it up using a power source and quickly finish the pending tasks. This is the reason why choosing the right set of tools to pair with the compressor is important. We hope that the reviews mentioned above will help you to find the best product available. Do let us know down below about which product you liked the most and why was it so efficient to work with.