Before we get into the details about the best pancake air compressors, we want to take you through a glib introduction as to what are actually called ‘pancake air compressors’. With the first look at the best pancake air compressor it shouldn’t take you long to understand why they are so termed. For a quick image, think about a traditional compressor’s cylindrical air tank, picture the two weld seams at the domed ends, and sever the tank at both seams. Re-join your domed ends, and voila! The pancake air tank.
What are Pancake Air Compressors
This type of air tank design has been around for a minute, and is getting increasingly popular, as it offers a lightweight, compact air tank form that merges well into portable air compressor designs. This type of flexibility in compressor mobility was feverishly welcomed by contractors and craftsmen alike, and so the pancake air compressor was born.
Most pancake air compressors feature similarly lightweight oil and maintenance free air heads/pumps, though there are units with the traditional oiled piston and cylinder setup. As with any safe and certified air compressor, safety and drain valves are included. For control of the air tank charging and for end use set-pressures, a dial knob regulating valve is usually included, as are dial gauges for set and sometimes tank pressure readings.
Typical Use of Pancake Air Compressors
As pancake compressors are often always limited in weight, making them easily portable, they boast a superb practicality for construction, finishing and roofing projects. Builders, joiners and carpenters alike can make use of pancake compressors in energising tools for stapling, nailing, painting, sanding and routing tasks. These compressors often feature a compact stacked design with a handle grip for easy lifting and toting. They are perfect for multilevel construction projects, and depending on your choice in size and model, can be used with multiple instantaneous tool setups.
Manufacturers have now become even more competitive in the end user experience of their products, and so pancake compressors compete for minimal decibel (dB) levels, making them less noisy and more indoor-site friendly than their crude predecessors. Recall that most pancake compressors are low cost and maintenance free, making them inevitably a transient tool-piece. In choosing your model be sure to pay attention to manufacturer stated pump life – most times quoted in hours of use. With great care and heeded use however, these compressors easily make good on their investment with returns in time, money and respect earned on your jobsite.
The Best Pancake Air Compressor Reviews
Dewalt DWFP55126 6GAL Pancake Air Compressor
Topping our list is the Dewalt DWFP55126 6GAL Pancake Air Compressor, a well-built unit from a trusted name in tools. With an unusually large air tank, this compressor classes itself as a ‘heavy duty’ unit. Peak pressure is a generous 165psi, and the oil and maintenance free pump churns 2.6 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at 90psi. As most finishing tool heads have small CFM ratings (below 1CFM), this is more than enough potential to keep both quick connect outlets flooded with charged air for your entire project. For monitoring and personalising your unit, there is an integrated user control panel that includes tank and set pressure gauges and a dial knob regulator for air flow control. The assembly is relatively light, weighing only 30lbs and the design features a convenient carry handle for easy lifting. It is electrically powered, using 120VAC to energise the 1hp motor. A one year limited warranty is included.
Pros
Oil and maintenance free
Double output connections
Large storage
Quiet operation (75dB)
Cons
Rubber hose to air tank
Porter-Cable C2002 6GAL UMC Pancake Air Compressor
Porter-Cable’s C2002 6GAL UMC Pancake Air Compressor is much like its Dewalt counterpart. Similarly sized with a 6GAL pancake air tank, and with an integrated user interface and double output connections, this Porter-Cable offering goes toe to toe. Maximum pressure, achieved by tank build-up, is 150PSI, and the flow rate at peak pump pressure (90psi) is 2.6CFM. Flow peaks at 3.7CFM at a pressure of 40psi, speeding up the compressor’s recovery time, and keeping your tool head warm. Of course the air head is oil and maintenance free, and it requires a 120VAC connection for operation.
Pros
Oil and maintenance free
Double output connections
Large storage
Budget friendly
Includes 1yr warranty
Cons
Rubber hose to air tank
Rolair D2002HPV5 Pancake Air Compressor
The Rolair D2002HPV5 Pancake Air Compressor is a pro-grade unit that features an unusual (for pancake compressors anyway) cast iron oil cooled air head. With this compressor, you may never need to buy another. Routine maintenance is a must. This professional grade compressor is a high flow beast, producing in excess of 4CFM at 90psi. The ultra-thin, green clad pancake tank is rated for 4.5GAL of storage and forms a half of the air head’s protective ‘enclosure’, which is completed by the tube frame handle bar. Though the handle bar cushion suggests easy portability, it will take some effort to move the 62lb assembly from truck to site and back. Once one site however, the Rolair pancake is all business. It is electrically powered, and uses a 120V electrical system.
Pros
Cast iron, oil cooled setup for long life
High flow unit
Copper tubing to tank
Protective roll cage design
1yr limited warranty
Cons
Heavy
Expensive
Requires maintenance
Bostitch BTFP02012 6GAL Pancake Air Compressor
The Bostitch BTFP02012 6GAL Pancake Air Compressor is another typical pancake unit. 2.6CFM at 90psi and a peak service pressure of 150psi. It features twin gauges (tank and line pressures) and double quick connect outlets for multiple tool use. The assembly weighs in at under 30lbs, making it negligibly lighter than its competitors, and hums quietly as you get the hours in. It is electrically powered, and requires 120VAC for operation. Safety, drain and a regulator valve are all included. The unit tends to the expensive, but you can count on the Bostitch quality, and the one year warranty that stands behind it.
Pros
Oil and maintenance free
Double output (quick connect)
Includes air hose
Lightweight (29lbs)
1yr limited warranty
Cons
Pricey
Porter-Cable PCFP02003 3.5GAL Pancake Air Compressor
For a truly low budget option, the Porter-Cable PCFP02003 3.5GAL Pancake Compressor is a sweet deal. It delivers 2.0CFM at 90psi, with a max service pressure of 135psi. It includes tank and line pressure gauges, and a single quick connect outlet for service air. It is certified oil and maintenance free, and weighs a meagre 26lbs for convenient portability. This unit requires 120VAC.
Pros
Oil and maintenance free
Lightweight (only 26lbs)
Low investment cost
1yr limited warranty
Cons
Reduced flow and storage
Ryobi YG63CK 6GAL Vertical Pancake Air Compressor
This Ryobi YG63CK 6GAL Vertical Pancake Air Compressor is a pleasingly styled unit rated for 2.6CFM of air flow at 90psi, and a peak service pressure of 150psi. The vertical tank and integrated pump setup is functional, trendy and easily stored, with a smaller footprint than traditional stacked pancake units. It includes double pressure gauges and double output connections using industry standard quick connect fittings, an easy turn regulator knob and a comfort grip handle bar for convenient lifting. Stored air capacity is six gallons and includes a pneumatic nailer and 25ft air hose to get you started on your finishing projects immediately. The pump is oil free and electrically powered (120VAC).
Pros
Oil and maintenance free
Lightweight vertical design
Includes hose and pneumatic nailer
Trendy appearance
1yr limited warranty
Cons
Noisy
Package deal price
Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 1GAL Pancake Air Compressor
At the end of our list is this light duty offering – the Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 1GAL Pancake Air Compressor. Peak pressure rating is 100psi and there is a single quick connect output. Tank and line gauges are installed, and a dial knob regulator controls the flow and recovery. This is a great compressor for weekend work and works well for airbrush applications. It is bottom-end price, so be prepared for a few crudities in design. The gauges and regulator are delicate and is not what you would want to take on a 40hr site work week. As an extension of the value offer, the purchase includes a handy accessories kit and a 25ft recoil compressor hose. The entire assembly weighs only 13lbs.
Pros
Oil and maintenance free
Includes hose and accessories kit
Low budget option
Ultra-lightweight
1yr limited warranty
Cons
Limited storage
Low budget assembly
Choosing Your Own Pancake Compressor
We have given you the tools and the list to choose the best pancake air compressor from our pancake air compressor reviews. In choosing your own unit, be particularly specific to your own air flow needs and intended use. Pay attention to the tank size, as this will come into play with tool use and compressor recovery times. Determine beforehand if you will need multiple tool head flexibility, but don’t go buying a more expensive large tank unit when you only plan to use the thing on your own weekend furniture projects. With limited life, it’s not a trans-generational product you will pass on to your grandchildren, so prioritize your immediate needs.
As a contractor, you may opt to start with smaller, cheaper compressors; then you can build your credibility and acquire larger units as your business activity increases. You will find many pancake air compressors to be pretty similar in design, and your final decision coming down to your own trivial tastes and preferences. Your favourite brand, the casing and colours you like, number and type of gauges; hard as opposed to flexible piping to the tank – regular stuff that will affect your everyday experience with the unit.
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