Work smarter, not harder, with pancake air compressors. These small yet powerful air compressors are used from small pneumatic tools to our bicycle tire and everything which requires air topping at the list of our much-needed everyday use appliances. They contain a great deal of pressure and power to accomplish your work efficiently.

Pancake air compressors are a highly useful but unique tool. These are compact, show brilliant performance and are travel friendly. Each has various features to offer, including CFM capacity, max PSI readings, oil-free motor pumps, lower noise levels, and much more.

However, everyone got their preferences about air compressors according to their needs and the nature of their work. Some prefer more PSI readings; some go for quiet compressors, while few prioritize multitasking over any other feature.

Finding a suitable pancake air compressor for your home garage can be tricky because each one of them offers the best yet slightly different services. Luckily, we have made a list of the best pancake air compressors with pros and cons also if you want to buy anything before read our buying guide which we describe in our post along with their bright and dark side to make things a bit easier for you.

Our Top Pick

Consider These Things

Before buying a pancake air compressor for your construction site, project, or home garage, kindly take into account the following factors.

Max PSI reading: First thing to consider in a pancake air compressor is its maximum PSI readings. Typically, air compressors have a full PSI reading of around 90. At the same time, few will go higher up to 165 PSI. Higher the PSI reading is the better option because it reflects the air-blowing capacity of the compressor.

Oil-free vs. Oil machinery: Oil lubricated machinery no doubts work efficiently for a more extended time, but they require high maintenance and are not travel friendly. On the flip side, oil-free machinery asks for less maintenance, creates less noise, and is a travel and eco-friendly. An oil-free machinery is a good option for pancake air compressors.

Tank Size: Most pancake-style air compressors consist of 2.5 gallons to 6 gallons, but new pancake air compressors are coming into the market with advanced features and bigger tank sizes every month in the parrel world. It is ideal for picking an air compressor with a big tank size with low PSI and CFM capacities because a lot of air is readily available for pumping into power tools.

Noise: Air compressors create noise during work, but few have quiet compressors. Any air compressor having a sound level low or equal to 80db is the best choice to make. You can see the product literature to know about its sound level.

Duty Cycle: Don’t forget to consider the duty cycle of the pancake air compressor because it will tell you how long the compressor will work smoothly without any rest. Please select the one with good power ratings and one satisfying your work needs. Typically, portable air compressors have around a 50% duty cycle. Moreover, a higher duty cycle is a plus point in your way.

CFM Capacity: CFM capacity usually measures cubic feet per minute. CFM capacity tells how much air the air compressor is compatible with pumping out. Larger the CFM value better it is. Please remember that it has nothing to do with the overall quality; in fact, CFM capacity depends on the PSI capacity of the air compressor.

Best Pancake Air Compressor – Detailed Reviewed

I have used a Bostitch pancake air compressor for framing with a nailer and stapler, and it went smoothly. I have shot around 1000 nails quickly. Additionally, it took only 3 minutes to reach its maximum PSI of 150, impressive. In contrast to the other air compressors, the Bostitch pancake air compressor has an oil-free pump that targets the high flow.

Two couplers support, accessory kit, and 3 nails gun make it the best choice among the best air compressors. Please note that the Bostitch pancake air compressor is compatible with working under cold weather with excellent efficiency.

Key Features:

• 3 Nails Guns: Bostitch pancake air compressor has a dream set of nailers. It has a brad nailer, a finish nailer, and a heavy-duty crown stapler which will accompany you in your every project.
• 6 Gallons capacity: The tank capacity of this air compressor is about 6 gallons which is the same as 22.7 liters of capacity.
• Intense Air Pressure: Bostitch air compressor is designed to deliver air at the rate of 2.5 SCFM for the total CFM capacity.
• Two Couplers Supports: Portable air compressor comes with two universal couplers, allowing two users to work simultaneously.
• Accessories Kit: This air compressor has an accessories kit comprising of 10 unique parts, contributing to easy pumping and tire maintenance.
• Sound Level:  Electric air compressor has 78.5 dB., which is decent for most work environments.

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Compared to other listed air compressors, the DeWalt pancake air compressor produces less noise, around 75.5db. DeWalt air compressor comes with a 0.9 horsepower motor and 6 gallons, eventually contributing to high flow pumping.

However, being completely oil-free reduces the risks of any mechanical damage. It is safe to say that an electric air compressor is easy to carry around about its weight and size. DeWalt air compressor is the best pancake air compressor for air tools as I have used it for blowing and inflating tires.

Key Features:

• Double Couplers: DeWalt air compressor consists of two couplers, making it convenient for two users to work simultaneously. Moreover, couplers have 2 small gauge displays for showing pressure values.
• High pressure: DeWalt electric pancake air compressor has impressive pressure ratings of around 165 PSI, making the process smooth and faster.
• Protected rubber legs: To prevent the marring of the machine, this air compressor comes with 4 protective rubber leg covers.
• Airflow capacity: The air pushing capacity of the DeWalt pancake air compressor is around 2.6 CFM making it matchless in its work.
• Fast tank draining: 6 gallons tank capacity of DeWalt pancake air compressor additionally have ball drain to support faster and easier draining of the tank.
• Cold start feature: Easier to use in the cold weather and do comes with a 14-gauge extension cord.

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Porter-cable air compressor weighs around 31.2 pounds which makes it portable. However, the porter-cable air compressor has a maximum of 150 PSI which is sustainable to run for quite a long time. Compared to other air compressors, it requires low maintenance and has a large shroud, handles, and console cover to increase the motor’s lifetime.

To my surprise porter-cable air compressor uses only a 120V motor, making it work remarkably even in the extreme cold weather. The Porter-cable air compressor has a maximum CFM capacity of 2.6 SCFM to enhance recovery time.

Key Features:

• Low amperage motor: The compressor of the porter-cable air compressor runs on only 120V, making it reliable and durable.
• Oil-free pump: Porter-cable air compressor has an oil-free pump to avoid any inconvenience in motor working.
• Stability check: Porter-cable air compressors have rubber feet specially designed to provide stability. Moreover, 6 gallons tank consists of a drain vale to avoid any risk of rust in the machine.
• Added motor protection: A large shroud, handle and console cover of the Porter-cable air compressor give aids to its motor, increasing the engine’s lifespan.
• Two Couplers: Porter-cable air compressor comes with 2 regulated air couplers to support two cars at a time. Moreover, it comes with 2 gauges as well.
• Pressure and airflow: Porter-cable air compressor has a maximum PSI rating of 150, generating 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.

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I have used Campbell Hausfeld for blowing, inflating tires, and removing dirt from the items. Additionally, it has 125 PSI of maximum pressure and airflow of around 2.4 CFM. However, this best quiet pancake air compressor has a 1HP horsepower capacity, making it decent machinery for everyday usage.

Campbell Hausfeld air compressor has a tank size of 6 gallons and has oil-free pumps, thus increasing the lifespan of the motor pump. Moreover, the accessory kit comes with three products: a hose, an impact wrench, and a paint sprayer.

Key Features:

• Super Quite: Campbell Hausfeld has only 68 decibels of sound level, which makes it the best decision for air tools working environment.
• CFM instead of SCFM: Unlike other air compressors, the Campbell Hausfeld pancake air compressor uses CFM for more accurate and realistic gauge values.
• Accessory kit: Campbell Hausfeld pancake air compressor comes with a luxury accessory kit comprising a paint sprayer, an impact wrench, and a hose.
• Durable construction: The Campbell Hausfeld air compressor has quality components that directly contribute to a compressor lasting 4 times longer than other air compressors.
• Weather friendly: The best pancake air compressor has high-quality assurances that aid the compressor to run even in the coldest weather conditions.
• Oil-free pump: 6 gallons size of Campbell Hausfeld has oil-free pump contributing to enhancing the motor’s lifetime.

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Moreover, the air compressor has 6 gallons oil-free pump motor, which reduces the risks of leaving oil stains behind. Additionally, its compressor fills faster and takes just3 minutes to reach its maximum capacity, 150 PSI. Bostitch air compressor combo kit uses CFM instead of SCFM for more accurate values.

Compared to many other best pancake air compressors available in the market, the Bostitch air compressor has a quiet compressor causing lower noise levels. I have shot 400 nails smoothly with this machinery. However, impact-resistant shrouds are here to protect the gauges.

Key Features:

• Bostitch Combo kit: Bostitch pancake air compressor has the best air tool kit, including Finish or Brad nailer, nailers, and crown stapler for driving glitch-proof nails, easy depth adjustment, and construction tool application, respectively.
• Intense Pressure: Bostitch air compressor combo kit reaches its maximum level of PSI 150 in just a couple of minutes.
• Quite Compressor: Compatible for indoor and outdoor works due to a bearable noise level of‎78.5 dB.
• Sturdy and low maintenance: The Bostitch air compressor combo kit comes with an oil-free tank and is light in weight, sturdy, and portable.
• Airflow Capacity: Bostitch air compressor combo kit reaches 2.8 CFM at 90 PSI with 150 PSI maximum.
• Easy startup: Bostitch air compressor requires no proper professional guidance; just read the instructions, and you are good to go.

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Additionally, you can use all your pneumatic tools with it because DeWalt’s small air compressor conveniently performs all the works of cordless motors. However, this is the best pancake air compressor for framing nailers. One time battery charge helped me shoot 1220 nails without any issue, serving the runtime to complete various applications.

The quiet compressor produces about 79 dB of the operational sound, and the oil-free pump of the DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60Vrequires less maintenance. DeWalt’s small air compressor is portable and sturdy according to its tank size.

Key Features:

• Brushless Motor: DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V has a brushless motor with a heavy-duty oil-free pump which provides cordless convenience with the power of a corded tool.
• Small air compressor: DeWalt portable pancake air compressor has a tank size of around 2.5 gallons making it a small air compressor.
• 1220 nail shot per charge: Using one DCB606 battery and a DeWalt DWFP12233 brad nailer, the DeWalt air compressor consistently shoots 1220 nails with ease.
• Roll cage and Regulator: Roll cages are specially designed for heavy-duty work and a one-turn regulator for proper pressure adjustment.
• Fast tank draining: DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V has a quarter-turn ball drain valve for draining the tank quickly and swiftly.
• Intense pressure: 1.5 SCFM reaches 40 PSI with the maximum 135 PSI of the DeWalt air compressor.

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Moreover, it took only 30 seconds as its recovery time, and again, it was ready for work. A lot of pressure is packed inside the small size of the Metabo HPT air compressor. Quite compressors produce low noise, around 73dB, during work, making it a good pancake air compressor with high ratings. Additionally, Metabo HPT portable air compressor is just 41 pounds making it not a big deal to carry around.

I had a pleasant experience with the Metabo HPT air compressor as it helped me frame nailers, smoothly, hence saving my time and energy. This product is highly recommendable for home garages and construction sites.

Key Features:

• Multi-tasker: Metabo HPT pancake air compressor does multitasking as you can simultaneously run 2 framing nailers or 2 roofing nailers or 2 siding nailers or 3 finish nailers or 5 brad nailers.
• 6 Gallons size: This portable air compressor is sturdy, and its 6 gallons size has much-needed pressure to deal with your workload competently.
• Intense Pressure: Max 200 PSI serves a 25% greater PSI value than any standard pancake air compressor. However, 1.3 horsepower boosts up your day-to-day productivity.
• Air Flow: 4 CFM @ 90 PSI allows for several large body nailers on a single compressor, increasing airflow up to 30%.
• Oil-free motor: Metabo HPT pancake air compressor has an oil-free designed motor that typically requires less maintenance.
• Productivity: THE TANK is compatible with drives nails flush with no delay. Moreover, it rolls with power and performance through the most demanding job sites to get the work done!

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Conclusion:

This article mentions all the best pancake air compressors in its comprehensive review. Let us make this a bit easier for you by listing our 3 best pancake air compressors:

• DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor has a remarkable highest pressure limit of around 165 PSI and has the best pancake air compressor review.
• Bostitch Air Compressor Combo Kit is the best portable air compressor with an accessory kit as it consists of high ratings and favorable reviews.
• PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor, an electric pancake air compressor, is listed among the best-rated pancake air compressors.

In case you need more information about the best pancake air compressors, please read the FAQs section.

FAQs:

1. What is the best motor for a pancake air compressor, oil-free or oil-lubricated?

Oil-free motor pumps require low maintenance and leave no oil stains after the job. Moreover, there is no need to change the oil from time to time. On the other side, oil-lubricated motor pumps are efficient in working but require high maintenance, and you have to change oil timely to avoid any inconvenience. So, it is safe to say that oil-free motor pumps are better than oil-lubricated motor pumps.

2. What are the things to consider before buying any pancake air compressor?

There are several things to consider before buying any pancake air compressor. These include:

• Max PSI reading.
• CFM capacity.
• Tank capacity.
• Duty cycle.
• Oil-free or not machinery.
• Noise level.

3. Which brand has the best pancake air compressors?

It is hard to take any name here. Many renowned companies manufacture pancake air compressors, each with unique features. Here is a list of companies having the best pancake air compressors so far.

• Bostitch.
• DeWalt.
• Porter-cable.
• Campbell Hausfeld.
• Eastwood.