Air compressors are one of the most versatile tools you can own. Its multifunctional uses make it the Swiss army knife of tools. One of the most significant issues most people have when shopping for an air compressor is the size. And unless you are using your air compressor for commercial uses, then a pancake air compressor would be perfect for you.

People have the other major issue when shopping for an air compressor is the brand and model to pick. All air compressors have pros and cons; what matters are the features they have. And if there are suitable for your needs. So how do you pick out the air compressor that suits you? Here are the best pancake air compressors in the market.

Who makes the best pancake air compressor?

The most popular pancake air compressor brand in the market is Dewalt. And with good reason. For starters, they have the highest maximum pressure of all pancake air compressors in the market. This means you can do more with it compared to the other types of pancake air compressors.

Dewalt pancake air compressors also have a fairly reasonable price making them pocket friendly. Lastly, they are highly rated on most online retail sites that sell tools, proving their reliability.

Top 5 Best Pancake Air Compressors of 2020

• DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor (DWFP55126)
• BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (BTFP02012)
• CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor (CMEC6150K)
• PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor (C2002)
• PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 Pancake Compressor

DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor (DWFP55126)

This reliable Dewalt air compressor has a maximum operating pressure of 165 PSI that is sufficient for nail guns, spray paint guns, and other garage tools. The air compressor features a high flow regulator and couplers to maximize air tool performance.

The air compressor has a removable console cover that protects the controls. It also has protective rubber leg covers to prevent marring. It also comes with two universal couplers to easily support two users. It has an oil-free pump for maintenance-free operation.

It is equipped with a highly efficient motor for easy start-up in cold weather. It also allows extension cord applications of 14 gallons or larger and 50 ft. (15.2 m) or less. 

Features

• Item weight: 14.6 kilograms
• Maximum operating pressure: 165 psi
• Oil-free pump
• Two universal couplers
• Ball drain valve
• Protective rubber leg covers
• High flow regulator and couplers
• Power supply 120v
• Universal motor

Pros

• High-efficiency motor
• 75.5 dba noise level
• Maintenance-free operation
• Convenient cord wrap for easy storage

BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (BTFP02012)

The Bostitch pancake air compressor guarantees a long life of maintenance-free use. It has an oil-free pump that makes it easy to use and does not require regular maintaining. The air compressor has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI and 2.6 SCFM* delivered @ 90 PSI.

It features a highly efficient motor for easy start-ups in cold weather. It can also be used with extension cord applications of 50 feet or 15.2 meters. The air compressor also features a high flow regulator and couplers to maximize air tool performance. It has two universal couplers that can support two users easily.

Features

• Capacity: 6 Gallons
• Item Weight: 31 Pounds
• High flow regulator and couplers
• Maximum pressure: 150 PSI
• 78.5 DBA** rating
• Electric Power Supply
• Oil-Free pump
• SCFM @ 90 PSI = 2.6

Pros

• High-efficiency motor
• Maintenance-free
• Easy to use

Cons

• Too loud

CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor (CMEC6150K)

The Craftsman 6-gallon pancake air compressor features an oil-free pump that does not require maintenance and makes it easier to tackle spray painting jobs. It has a maximum air pressure of maximizes portability and stored air 150 PSI making it ideal for high-pressure applications.

The air compressor quickly starts up in cold weather. It also comes with a 13-piece accessory kit that includes: 25′ X 1/4inches PVC air hose with coupler and plugs assembled, tire chuck with plug, blow gun with plug, tire gauge, blow gun with OSHA safety nozzle, rubber tip, three inflator adaptors. It also has a one-year limited warranty.

Features

• Size (LxWxH): 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 inches
• Item Weight: 32.5 Pounds
• 150 max PSI
• Voltage – 120 volt
• 13-piece accessory kit
• One year limited warranty
• Oil-free pump

Pros

• Durable
• No maintenance
• Easily starts up in cold weather
• Lightweight
• Quick recovery

Cons

• Pressure drops if used for a long time

PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor (C2002)

This quiet pancake compressor is designed to provide more extended air tool performance. It measures 18.3 x 18 x 19 inches making it easy to store and carry. It also comes with a 13-piece accessory kit. You have won’t have trouble making it very quiet if you want to run it in your home garage.

The air compressor features a built-in automatic thermal overload protection and a high-flow air regulator for optimal air performance, which allows it to attain a higher pressure—giving you the flexibility to use it on a variety of jobs.

Its maximum pressure is 150 psi, and its air coupler and plug are pre-installed on the air hose to save user labor and prevent air leaks. The tank also features a water drain valve and rubber feet.  The low-amp 120-volt motor starts quickly in cold weather and can also be used for extension cord applications.

Features

• Maximum tank pressure: 150 psi
• 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi
• Air coupler and plug
• 6-gallon pancake-style tank
• Low-amp 120-volt motor
• Durable oil-free pump

Pros

• Maximum air performance
• Easy to carry
• No maintenance

Cons

• Slow recovery time

PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 Pancake Compressor

This mini air compressor packs a mighty punch. It has a maximum pressure of 135 PSI and has 2.0 SCFM delivered @ 90 PSI pump allowing for longer run time and quicker recovery. It features a durable oil-free pump for long life and no maintenance. It also features a low Amp 120V motor with an 82dBA decibel level.

The air compressor weighs 26 lbs. making it easy to carry. Its compact size also makes it easy to store. The motor starts quickly in cold weather or with an extension cord and has a factory-installed quick coupler for quick access to regulated air.

Features

• Capacity: 3.5 Gallons
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• 2.0 SCFM delivered @ 90 PSI pump
• 135 max PSI
• Oil-free pump
• Low Amp motor
• Weight:  26 lbs.
• Noise level: 82dBA
• Two gauges
• 1 Quick-Connect coupler

Pros

• Durable
• No maintenance
• Starts quickly in cold weather
• Can be used with an extension cord
• It has a factory-installed quick coupler for quick access to regulated air

Cons

• It produces a burning chemical smell when it overheats

Will a pancake air compressor fill tires?

Yes. To inflate a tire, you need around 35 to 70 PSI of pressure, depending on the tire’s size. And since most pancake air compressors have a maximum air pressure exceeding 100 PSI, they should inflate the air tires.

All you have to do is set the air compressor to the right pressure for the tires you need to inflate. Then connect the air compressor to the tire and inflate them. You will need a tire chuck to connect the compressor to the tire. And a pressure gauge to keep track of the pressure inside the tire. So you can stop inflating the tire when it reaches the required pressure.

The pros and cons of a pancake air compressor

Pros

• Most of them use oil-free pumps, which are maintenance-free.
• They are usually lightweight, making them easy to carry
• They are compact, making them easy to store

Cons

• Most of them do not come with an accessory kit.
• They can only be used for small tasks and applications.

Conclusion

The best pancake air compressor should be easy to use, maintain, and store. It should also have a quick recovery time. The air compressor should also have a longer run time to enable you to power a time-consuming job without losing pressure or jeopardizing its life expectancy. Lastly, they should be compatible with most accessory kits to allow you to use them for multiple applications.