3 best pancake air compressors

Pancake air compressors are a type of portable air compressor commonly used in various applications, including power tools, inflation tasks, and home improvement projects. Here's what you should know about pancake air compressors and their related applications:

Portable Air Compressors: Pancake air compressors are compact and highly portable, making them ideal for tasks that require mobility. They are designed to be easy to transport and store, thanks to their flat, round shape resembling a pancake, which is where they get their name.
Air Compressor Inflators: These compressors are often used as inflators for tires, sports equipment, and inflatable objects. Their portability and versatility make them convenient for tasks that require precise air pressure control, such as inflating car tires or sports balls.
Power Tools: Pancake air compressors are frequently used to power pneumatic (air-powered) tools. These compressors provide a source of compressed air that powers tools like nail guns, staplers, impact wrenches, and paint sprayers. The consistent air supply allows these tools to operate efficiently.
Power Hand Tools: In addition to traditional power tools, pancake air compressors can also operate pneumatic hand tools, such as air ratchets, air sanders, and pneumatic drills.These tools are commonly used in automotive repair, woodworking, and construction applications.
Tools for Home Improvement: Pancake air compressors are valuable tools for various home improvement tasks. They can be used for tasks such as framing, installing trim, finishing work, and inflating bicycle tires or air mattresses.
Tank Capacity: Pancake air compressors typically have smaller tank capacities compared to larger stationary models. While they may have limited storage for compressed air, they are suitable for tasks that require intermittent use of air tools or inflation tasks.
Oil-Free Design: Many pancake air compressors feature an oil-free pump design, which reduces maintenance requirements. This means you won't have to worry about regular oil changes or lubrication, making them more user-friendly.
Noise Levels: Pancake compressors tend to produce less noise than larger, stationary models, which can be advantageous for indoor use or in noise-sensitive environments.
Pressure Regulators: These compressors often come equipped with pressure regulators, allowing you to adjust the air pressure to suit the specific requirements of your tools or tasks.
Durability: Quality pancake air compressors are designed to be durable and reliable, with features like sturdy handles and rubberized feet for stability and protection.

In summary, pancake air compressors are versatile and portable tools commonly used in power tool operation, inflation tasks, and various home improvement projects. They offer the convenience of mobility and are especially well-suited for applications that require intermittent use of compressed air or when working in locations where larger compressors may not be practical.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best pancake air compressors on the market

CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, Pancake, Oil-Free with 13 Piece Accessory Kit (CMEC6150K)

Craftsman

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Craftsman 6 gallon air compressor features an oil-free pump for maintenance-free operation and a long life. It is lightweight and portable at 30lbs, and features a long runtime and quick recovery.

6 gallon pancake maximizes portability and stored air
Durable, oil free pump for long life and no maintenance
150 max PSI to ensure adequate cut in pressure for a variety of applications
2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI allows for quick compressor recovery time. Voltage - 120 volt
Easily starts up in cold weather
13 piece accessory kit includes: 25' X 1/4inches Pvc air Hose with coupler and plug assembled, tire chuck with plug, blow gun with plug, tire gauge, blow gun with OSHA safety nozzle, rubber tip, three inflator adaptors
1 year limited warranty, refer to "warranty & support" section below for full details

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this made by black and decker? what lind of gears does it have? are they vynil
Answer:	Three.but have adapter to use 2 holes.
Question:	Is this unit built in the U.S
Answer:	No it doesn’t come with it. You have to buy it separately. You can get it from Home Depot.
Question:	What is the noise rating on this? Is it louder than comparable brands
Answer:	Yes it connects to an air compressor.
Question:	How many amps? Need to know if it will trip my standard 15 outlets or if it needs to run on a 20 amp outlet
Answer:	I will use Amazon when I need them. Just purchased product so do not need one now.

Metabo HPT "THE TANK" Pancake Compressor, 200 PSI, 6 Gallon (EC914S)

Metabo HPT

Based on 52 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Metabo HPT is reinventing the jobsite compressor with THE TANK . With class leading PSI and weighing only 41lbs, this lightweight compressor packs more pressure into a smaller body. It is engineered with the power to run a framing, roofing or siding crew, and versatile enough to run a team of five 18Ga nailers at a time. THE TANK offers serious pros a next level compressor, which provides the most demanding framer no downtime while driving nails flush. THE TANK has the capacity and PSI to simultaneously run framing nailers or siding nailers or roofing nailers at the same rate of production as a traditional jobsite compressor. Finish crews can even run 15Ga or 16Ga finish nailers or 18Ga brad nailers. At 200 PSI and 4 CFM at 90 PSI, you can get more work done with less weight. THE TANK rolls through the toughest jobsites with the power and performance to get the job done! Compared to model EC710S Compared to model EC99S

MORE PRESSURE: At 200 PSI, this compressor offers 25% greater PSI than a basic pancake compressor
30% MORE AIR FLOW: 4 CFM @ 90 PSI allows for multiple large body nailers to be used on a single compressor
VERSATILITY: Simultaneously runs 2 framing nailers or 2 roofing nailers or 2 siding nailers or 3 finish nailers or 5 brad nailers
PRODUCTIVITY: Consistently drives nails flush with no delay
LIGHTWEIGHT: At only 41 lbs, it is 22% lighter compared to a traditional twin-stack compressor
CAPACITY: 6-gallon tank provides all the air to run a crew
DURABLE: All metal handle outlasts the harshest demands of the jobsite

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this compressor be usable for sprinkler blowouts
Answer:	Your electric motor should be running around 3450 RPM. It will say it on a tag on the motor. Your pump should be running around 1050-1200 RPM depending on your pulley sizes.
Question:	Will this run a standard 1/2" impact wrench
Answer:	yes!
Question:	Where is the tank drain located on this compressor
Answer:	Looking from the pulley side (with the pump cylinders behind the flywheel) it turns counter clockwise as most compressors do. The fan blades built into the flywheel will blow air across the cylinder fins when turning counter clockwise.
Question:	Would this compressor work for an airbrush and is it loud
Answer:	Yes I believe so that this will work for you

Product features

MORE PRESSURE

At 200 PSI, this compressor offers 25% greater PSI than a basic pancake compressor*

* Compared to Model EC710S

30% MORE AIR FLOW

4 CFM @ 90 PSI allows for multiple large body nailers to be used on a single compressor

VERSATILITY

Simultaneously runs 2 framing nailers or 2 roofing nailers or 2 siding nailers or 3 finish nailers or 5 brad nailers

LIGHTWEIGHT

At only 41 lbs, it is 22% lighter compared to a traditional twin-stack compressor**

** Compared to model EC99S

BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo Kit, 3-Tool (BTFP3KIT)

Bostitch

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Bostitch BTFP3KIT 3-Tool Portable Air Compressor Combo Kit is ideal for interior and exterior finishing and trimming project for a variety of crafts like furniture, cabinets, and staircases. It features a 150 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM delivered 90 PSI pump, which enables long tool run time with quick recovery. The air compressor features long-life oil-free, maintenance-free pump for convenient use. It has a Bostitch high efficiency motor for easy start up in cold weather or extension cord application [14 ga or larger, 50 ft. (15.2 m) or less]. At only 78.5 dBA operational noise level it offers you a quiet work environment. The SB-1850BN 18 GA brad nailer drives 18GA brad nails from 5/8 in. to 2 in.. SB-1664FN 16 GA straight finish nailer drives 16 GA straight finish nails from 1-1/4 in. to 2-1/2 inch. The BTFP71875 heavy-duty 3/8 in. crown stapler drives 3/8 in. crown staples from 1/4 in. to 9/16 in. and 18GA brad nails from 1/2 in. to 5/8 in.. 1/4 in. x 15' PVC air hose with fittings is included. Includes: 1) 6-gallon Pancake Compressor, 1) 18GA 2 in. Brad nailer, 1) 2-1/2 in. 16GA Straight Finish Nailer, 1) Heavy Duty 3/8 in. Crown Stapler, 1) 25' Air Hose.

CORDLESS AIR COMPRESSOR: The BTFP02012 is at 6 gallons, 150PSI, and 2.6SCFM with a high efficiency motor.
BRAD NAILER: The SB-1850BN drives 18-gauge Brad Nails from 5/8" to 2" for a wide variety of applications
STRAIGHT FINISH NAILER: The SB-1664FN drives 1-1/4- to 2-1/2-inch, 16-gauge finish nails.
HEAVY DUTY CROWN STAPLER: The BTFP71875 drives heavy duty 3/8" Crown staples from 1/4" to 9/16"
AIR HOSE: 15-foot, 1/4" x 25' PVC air hose with fittings air hose, and fittings offer plenty of length for maneuverability
WARRANTY: This kit is covered by a 1-year limited warranty for peace of mind

User questions & answers

Question:	How long for pressure to build up on initial start up? Thanks
Answer:	If it's not holding pressure check all connections you may have a loose one.
Question:	If i buy this for my husband, do i need to buy an air hose, and if so, what do i buy? this is all stuff i know nothing about. thank you
Answer:	Air hose and some attachments come with. In the future you may want to get a kit with air gun, tire inflater and changeable fittings.
Question:	Can this be used for roofing
Answer:	It works perfectly to run one roofing gun. I’ve bought two of them and they both could handle the work load perfectly. And to comment on one of these guys replies to your question, He said the compressor would run continuously and burn up” well that’s not only untrue but impossible. You would have to be able to lay 5 square an hour all day long not just an hour or two for it to even be remotely possible to burn up that compressor. Not saying you couldn’t lay 5 square an hour but you can’t do it for several hours straight that’s for sure. I personally have put on 11 bundles per hour for the first 2 hours and the compressor did not run continuously and even if it did it wouldn’t have burnt up. Those specific compressors are designed to click off and on as many times as you can make them do so.
Question:	Can a framing nailer be used on this compressor or just finishing
Answer:	Yes, I run my Hitachi framing nailer off this. Maybe 30-40 .141 x3" nails into dimensional lumber before the compressor kicks on. Could I use a more powerful compressor for framing? Sure. But the weight and cost of this thing are very nice. Would be underpowered for roofing or sheathing applications, though.