11 Best Pancake Air Compressors 2020 – Reviews & Buying Guide!

It’s a nice weekend evening and you are planning a leisure trip with your kids at the riverside. Along with other things you will be packing, we bet you can never forget taking air rackets and football because come on, these are your kids’ playthings!

Well, you can’t guarantee that the air pressure in your car’s tires won’t be affected on the way! Can you? We already know your answer and to give you our best advice, take one of the Best Pancake Air Compressors with you on your journey and we bet, you won’t ever regret this!

Deciding to buy an air compressor doesn’t mean that the job is done. You still have a long way to go since you have to pick among a huge variety of products. Being a newbie, you have no idea which brands to go for? How much should be the tank capacity or how many gallons in a pancake air compressor will be suitable to cater to your needs?

In order to get you out of this messy situation, our team of research ninjas has compiled the following list of some best value models which you can choose from. We have put in a lot of research finding the products with higher ratings and have also mentioned the pros and cons.

Without any further ado, let’s get to the business!

Buying Guide & Tips

Pancake compressors are very useful due to the small size and the benefits they offer to users. If you are buying a pancake air compressor for the first time or even already have it, still you need to read the buying guide as we are going to share very useful information with our readers who are looking for the best air compressor reviews for their home and cars.

In our extensive buying guide, we have tried to simplify the technical terms and explained the important factors you should consider when making a deal. Having knowledge of important parts and functions will give you more confidence during purchase. You can understand things better and make a comparison among different compressors. So, without any further ado, let’s discuss the following list of important products features you should consider before settling on one of the best value models in 2020!

Oil-Less Pumps

We have made a list of tools that are available in the market. As they are compact and lightweight, they are also easy to maintain. The reason behind the easy & simple maintenance is their oil-less pumps. Sometimes, it’s said that these air compressors are oil-free which isn’t true at all. They have oil in the motors, but you don’t need to change it that often.

Usually, manufacturers coat the moving parts with Teflon to reduce friction. It prevents the spillage of oil and keeps the air compressor safe from any possible damage. However, the coat starts removing over time, and the components of the air compressor are vulnerable to damage. The good thing is that the entire process takes many years and sometimes decades.

Oil-less pumps don’t need a frequent oil change, unlike the oil pumps. Oil-pumps are more durable but require high maintenance as their oil needs to be changed regularly.

Size of the Tank

Air Compressor tank size is measured in gallons and the larger the tank size is the better it will perform. Some models have a one-gallon tank that is obviously too small if you want to inflate car tires which require more pressure.

Most of the models & products come with a tank-size of 8-gallon or 6-gallon. They weigh up to 30-35 pounds which is satisfactory. If the weight of the gallon is more than 40 pounds, then definitely it’s not acceptable and way too high than the expected weight.

Power & Pressure Dynamics

There are different metrics to measure the pressure and power of the pancake air compressor. Horsepower, CFM, and PSI are commonly used metrics. Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) metric informs how much air pressure is delivered while Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) is used to measure the pressure inside the tank.

Horsepower is basically the output measure of the air compressor and helps to calculate the efficiency of the pancake air compressor.

Size and Portability

The size of an air compressor is another important factor you shouldn’t ignore. Always go for the small size so you can carry it easily. The purpose of buying a compact air compressor is to enjoy the portability feature which vanishes when the size of the air compressor is too big.

Another major reason for buying a compact size air compressor is its space-efficient property. It occupies less space and can easily be kept in the car’s trunk. It helps the user to easily take it with him to journeys.

Noise

Quiet work operation is a major benefit of an air compressor. If an air compressor is too loud, then its use would be inconvenient for people around you. The use of a way too loudly air compressor is also not good for a home garage as it can disturb your family members and neighbors.

The loudness of an air compressor is measured in dB. The loudness of every machine is different from the other. Opt for the low loudness level to enjoy quiet work operation. Remember, an increase in 10dB implicates that the loudness has got doubled. It seems that there is a minor difference between 50dB and 60dB air compressors, but the reality is quite opposite.

Accessories, Kits & Aftermarket Parts

Pancake compressors come with different types of accessories that assist you during the inflation process. The best models & products include inflating kits and helping material such as a single outlet, power cord wrapping system, and hose pipe. On the basis of these kits and accessories, you can choose the good value model that meets your requirements.

Warranty

When you check the compressor review of any model out there, it often happens that one customer shows 100% satisfaction on the product while the other says that some parts were missing in the package he received. If you buy an air compressor that comes with a warranty, then you don’t have to worry about the defective or damaged piece accessory kit as you can easily replace or return it. That’s why we recommend you to choose a product that gives you a minimum one-year warranty.

Why Should You Buy The Best?

Well, there are many reasons why and how having one of the best air compressors can save your day from ruining!

Pancake air compressors are portable, simple, and easy to move from one place to another. That is the biggest reason for buying one for yourself. The other types of air compressors are either too large or too noisy. To move them, you need a wheeled table or have to mount it on a specific space. The use of these tools is very difficult especially when you want to take it with you or need to use it in the home.

Commonly, the weight of a pancake air compressor isn’t more than 40 pounds and it occupies very little space in the car trunk. They are also designed in such a way that they don’t need any tool or equipment to be operated. However, some models come with inflating nozzles whose sole purpose is to fill the air in small things such as football, air mattress, and inflate balls. These accessories are useful for you and you don’t have to invest extra money on them.

Even more so, suppose your kids are playing while on a picnic and their air rackets or footballs fall short of air pressure! What to do now? You’ll be an awesome “Daddy” if you have the best product in your car’s trunk which you can use to pump the air in the right holes!

Recommended: Top 11 Best Digital Tire Pressure Gauges 2020

Top 11 Best Pancake Air Compressors Reviews 2020

We have discussed everything in detail about the crucial features & compressor review (s) that you’ll find out there in the market. Now, we are going to share with you the top picks which are available in the market and also online. We have mentioned the comprehensive details, pros, and cons of these tools so you can easily choose the best option for you.

	Product Names	Max. PSI	SCFM/CFM
1	DEWALT 6 Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Air Compressor	165 PSI	2.6 SCFM
2	CRAFTSMAN Oil-Free 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor	150 PSI	2.6 SCFM
3	PORTER-CABLE 6-Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor	150 PSI	2.6 SCFM
4	PowerMate Vx 1 Gallon Pancake with Accessory Kit	100 PSI	0.4-0.6 CFM
5	Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor Combo Kit	150 PSI	2.8 CFM
6	California Air Tools 2010A Oil-Free 2 Gallon Air Compressor	120 PSI	2.20-3.10 CFM
7	BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor	150 PSI	2.6 SCFM
8	Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor	125 PSI	2.4 CFM
9	Campbell Hausfeld 1 Gallon Oilless Pancake Air Compressor	110 PSI	0.36 CFM
10	PowRyte Elite 4 Gallon Oil-Free Portable Pancake Air Compressor	135 PSI	2.2 SCFM

1. DEWALT 6 Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Air Compressor

DEWALT is known for its durable and reliable products. You won’t disappoint from buying its 6-gallon product that is probably one of the best value models available in the market. The features it offers can’t be found in any other pancake and it’s the reason for listing it at the top of the list.

The powerful motor of the Dewalt dwfp55126 pancake is highly efficient. Its performance isn’t dependent on the weather circumstances and works perfectly even when there is extremely cold weather outside. Moreover, it works well when on a long extension cord.

The best feature of this product is the oil-free pump that eliminates the need for an oil change over time. Due to this property, the compressor requires minimum maintenance and you don’t have to worry about the cleaning of the compressor.

If talking about the delivered air pressure, then it’s 165 max PSI pressure and 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI pump. The environment- friendly tool works quietly and produces a low sound as a 75.5 dBA noise level that never disturbs people in the surroundings.

This compressor comes with two universal couplers that make the use of the compressor possible for two users at a time. You can carry and store it easily as it has just 30lb weight while there are protective rubber leg covers to ensure safety.

The price of the DEWALT dwfp55126 6gallon pancake is higher than the other models on the list. Other than that, it also has some quality control issues such as leaky fittings that raise questions on its high price.

 

2. CRAFTSMAN Oil-Free 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor

It’s another good option for people looking for the best model for their inflatables. The 6-gallon pancake delivers 150 PSI max pressure that is sufficient for car tires, footballs, air mattresses, and many other inflatables. 150 PSI pressure level is enough for small car tires but not recommended for big vehicles and inflatables which require high-pressure levels.

The motor of this pancake is also very reliable and never takes time to start up even in the winter season. You can take it with you to your journeys in cold areas and enjoy the same performance. The lightweight of the compressor is another amazing feature that makes its use extremely comfortable and allows you to carry it without any issue.

No need to add extra oil in the air compressor as it’s oil-free and doesn’t require excessive maintenance. We all know that professionals and DIY lovers both like equipment that doesn’t need frequent cleaning as they don’t have time for it. Craftsman pancake air compressor is the best option for them as it’s designed smoothly and takes just a few seconds to be cleaned.

It comes with three inflating adaptors that help to inflate different things easily. Moreover, you are given several accessories with the Craftsman model including a tire gauge, plug assembled, blow gun, PVC air hose, rubber tip, three inflating adaptors, and tire chuck with plug.

Some customers are not satisfied with the delivered air pressure and say they get only 84PSI pressure levels. Likewise, many users term the safety control valves defective. Don’t worry about it as you get a one-year warranty with it and exchange the machine if it performs poorly.

 

3. PORTER-CABLE 6-Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor

PORTER CABLE C2002 pancake air compressor is ideal for many users due to its compact size and lightweight. 34 lbs weight lets you carry easily and take anywhere with you. It’s compact and small in size which means it never occupies much space and easy to place in the car’s trunk. Though it’s a bit heavier than the rest of the air compressors in the list it comes with a handle that lets you carry it effortlessly.

The motor of the air compressor is designed for cold weather and performs efficiently even when the temperature is below zero. It never freezes up at cold climates and takes no time to start up. Another good thing about the Portercable C2002 pancake model is its oil-free pump that works for decades without needing any maintenance.

There are inbuild couplers on the c2002 oilfree air compressor which allows two users to use the air compressor at a time. However, both couplers are present on the same side which also makes the multiple uses of the air compressor difficult as couplers on opposite sides work more effectively. 6 gallon tank also includes rubber feet and a water drain valve to ensure maximum safety and ease in the operation.

The Porter Cable c2002 pancake never includes any accessories and also has some quality control issues. Moreover, the noise level of the air compressor is also quite high that makes it a bad option for garage use. Plus, you don’t get any user manual with it.

 

4. PowerMate Vx 1 Gallon Pancake with Accessory Kit

If you need a reliable pancake air compressor to finish small jobs around the house, then PowerMate 1 gallon pancake is the best value option for you. It features an oil-free motor that doesn’t require any maintenance and works for decades without getting damaged. It means you can buy it once and then enjoy the peace of mind for having a reliable air compressor that you can use anytime.

It’s designed for frequent usage so features a small size that lets you move it easily. There is also a handle with the air compressor to carry conveniently and take from one place to another. The easy transportation feature proves the air compressor the best companion at long journeys and hilly areas where you can’t travel conveniently with low inflated tires.

Rubber feet prevent unnecessary movement of the air compressor and make its use safe at hard to stabilized spaces. Two rafts and inflation nozzles are given in the accessory kit to help out in the inflation process. Other than that, the accessory kit given includes an inflation needle adaptor and ball tire chunk.

There are some considerable issues found in the air compressor that discourages users from buying it. For instance, some customers are not happy with the delivered air pressure and say that it takes too much time to inflate a car tire while many others reveal that there is no accessory kit that comes with the air compressor.

 

5. Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor Combo Kit

Metabo HPT has made this compressor as compact as possible. It comes with a combo kit offer that includes 19 gauge brad nailer with capacity for 100 nails. The weight of the compress kit is just 2.2 lbs and the buyer gets a five-year warranty on it.

The Air compressor is also not very heavy and weighs only 35 pounds that never cause any issue in the portability. It doesn’t occupy much space in the car’s trunk while keeping it in the home is also quite effortless. Low maintenance is another great feature that encourages users to buy it. The oil-free pump is the reason for the low maintenance as you don’t have to change oil frequently.

The maximum tank pressure you get from the Metabo HTP pancake is 150 PSI that works well for home and cars equally. The durability of the air compressor is also unquestionable and one can enjoy the same features over decades.

The brad nailer kit combo has a 25ft long hybrid air hose, a central pneumatic tool lubricant, and safety glasses. Other than that, a 360-degree adjustable exhaust port is also a part of the brad nailer key that is very useful in removing debris, dust, and oil from the air compressor.

Visual nail reloads indicator, selective actuation, and an easy-to-clear nose are some other accessories you get with the air compressor which combine to give quality and performance to the user. Its performance doesn’t affect due to the cold weather while it also takes just a few moments to gets started.

 

6. California Air Tools 2010A Oil-Free 2 Gallon Air Compressor

Do you hate noise and quiet operation is your first priority? Go for the California model that is ultra-quiet and works at 60dB only. It makes the environment-friendly air compressor and highly suitable for domestic use. Quiet operation is also good for human ears and never causes any trouble for high blood pressure patients.

The air compressor oil free pump is present in it which means you don’t have to spend extra money on buying oil for the air compressor. Moreover, the air compressor also doesn’t require any regular cleaning and excessive maintenance. It works efficiently over the years and you enjoy the same durability.

To ensure the sturdy feature of the air compressor, the air compressor features an aluminum tank that protects it from weather circumstances and keeps it safe from any damage. Stainless steel reed valves, Teflon cylinder, and dual valve plate design are some other valuable components that strengthen the air compressor.

It’s lightweight and weighs only 35-pounds. You can carry it easily and keep it in your home and car’s trunk without facing any trouble. The material used in the air compressor is rust-free that gives you the liberty to keep it anywhere as weather conditions, water, and moisture won’t affect its structure and performance.

 

7. BOSTITCH 6 Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor

Bostitch BTFP02012 is also oil-free just like the other models on the list. It works efficiently and doesn’t require any maintenance. Due to the oil-free feature, you don’t have to worry about the oil stains and spots while there is also no need for the oil change.

The tank size of the air compressor is 6-gallon and the maximum delivered air pressure is 150 PSI. The efficient motor comes with a high-efficiency start and works well in the cold weather. No need to replace the oil of the motor and you can use it for decades with a little maintenance.

The weight of the latest Bostitch BTFP02012 pancake model is 30 pounds and there is also an additional handle with it. It helps you carry the air compressor easily. You can easily use the air compressor for two inflatables as it comes with two couplers. This feature also makes the air compressor time-efficient and a multitasking companion.

The compact size of the air compressor makes it a portable air compressor in real means and allows you to enjoy portability features as much as you want. Take it with your long journeys or use it at home, you get excellent performance in both ways. You also get a one-year warranty with this model.

The downside of the air compressor is the loud noise that makes the use of air compressor inconvenient at home. There is no other side effect reported till yet and one can buy the air compressor without worrying about the quality if a loud noise isn’t something that bothers you.

 

8. Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor

Cambell Hausfeld is known for its durable and reliable products. The air compressor is one such product that never disappoints you and delivers up to 125 PSI max air pressure. You can use it to inflate different things including footballs, mattresses, and small car vehicles.

The best feature of the Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 is its 50% quieter operation than other compressors. So, you can inflate car tires easily and without worrying about disturbing the peace of your family members and neighbors. It comes with two-piston engines that increase the efficiency of the air compressor and delivers 25% more air.

The key components of the air compressor last up to four times longer and give the best performance after many years of use. Another great perk of this air compressor is its acceptable weight as weighs only 62 pounds that never cause any issue in the portability.

The Hausfeld dc060500 works very quietly and doesn’t occupy much space in the car’s trunk while keeping it in the home is also quite effortless. Moreover, the efficient air compressor requires low maintenance is another great feature that encourages users to buy it. The oil-free pump is the reason for the low maintenance as you don’t have to change oil frequently.

The downsides of the air compressor are various. For instance, it never delivers high air pressure when compared to the other air compressors on the list. The price of the air compressor is also higher and it’s twice heavier than competitors.

 

9. Campbell Hausfeld 1 Gallon Oilless Pancake Air Compressor

Campbell Hausfeld is one of the best models that is also durable and longlasting. It keeps with you for years and requires very little maintenance. The oil-free pump doesn’t need to replace oil frequently while it also doesn’t require regular cleaning.

There are a number of accessories you get with the air compressor among which the most useful accessories are the tire inflator nose and 25-foot hose pipe. Both are very helpful in the car inflation process.

The weight of the air compressor is just 13 pounds which lets everyone carry the compressor easily and keep it in the trunk. The best part of the Cambell Hausfeld is the affordable price. You get all the amazing features at 25% less price than you spend on the top brands.

The small air compressor is equally useful for cars and home and works well to inflate footballs, air mattress, air pools, and tires. No need to worry about the damage of the air compressor as it’s a highly durable and well-designed product that never damages easily and worths your money.

If talking about the downside of the air compressor, then it’s too small and comes with just a 1 gallon tank. However, the overall features and price of the air compressor make it a great choice for people looking for efficient air compressors. You won’t disappoint for buying it and will love the delivered air pressure and outstanding features.

 

10. PowRyte Elite 4 Gallon Oil-Free Portable Pancake Air Compressor

PowerRyte Elite Pancake is a 4 gallon air compressor designed for small tasks farming jobs, football, air mattresses, small roofing. It works very efficiently and you don’t face any issue in the inflation process. It’s also an oil-free and maintenance-free air compressor that never requires oil replacement even after decades of use.

The compact size and lightweight of the air compressor make it the first choice of people looking for small air compressors for their homes. It operates at a low noise level that is another good reason for choosing it for your home garage. Due to the small size, it’s also space-efficient and easily be placed anywhere.

135 PSI pancake compressor is the maximum pressure you get from this 4 gallon air compressor that is enough for different inflatables. It comes with multiple accessories that include a flow regulator, a universal coupler, and a nice gauge. These accessories assist you during the inflation process. There is another 20pc accessory kit included in the ait compressor that is a combination of a tapered nozzle, air blow gun, 2 inflation needles, and a 25-ft recoil air hose.

It’s one of the most stylish and value air compressor in the list that also has a handle so you can hold it easily. The durability of the model is average and it doesn’t last as long as the other air compressors in the list. However, if used properly, it lasts for five to ten years. There is no other potential downside of the air compressor is reported by customers till yet.

 

11. Stealth 1 Gallon Ultra Quiet Portable Air Compressor

Ultra-quiet operation distinguishes it from other air compressors. It works at 60db and never causes any trouble for people around you. Due to the silent operation, the air compressor is highly recommended for home and garage uses.

The life-cycle of the air compressor is 1000 hours while the delivered air pressure of the air compressor is 125 PSI. It features an oil-free motor that doesn’t require any maintenance and works for decades without getting damaged. Buy the versatile air compressor once and then enjoy the outstanding features and peace of mind for having a reliable air compressor that you can use anytime.

Whether you need an air compressor for home renovation or DITY tasks, it’s the best option as It’s designed for frequent usage so features a small size that lets you move it easily. To help users hold it conveniently, there is also a handle with the air compressor to carry conveniently and take from one place to another.

Moreover, easy transportation and minimum space required to keep, prove the air compressor a good value companion at long journeys for travelers. To keep the air compressor stabilized, there are rubber feet embedded in it that also prevents unnecessary movement of the product.

You get multiple accessories with the air compressor such as a 6 ft extension cord, gauges, user manual, and lifetime warranty. There are some considerable issues found in the air compressor that discourages users from buying it. For instance, low air pressure and small size make it unsuitable for medium and large-sized products while many others reveal that there is no accessory kit that comes with the air compressor.

 

Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Words

We have reached the end of the blog and hope that the entire information and suggestions would be helpful to you in your next purchase. The best pancake air compressors are listed in the blog after checking customers’ reviews.

However, many people think that if they are paying extra bucks for an air compressor, it means they are getting the best value model. It’s not true in every case. The compatibility and usability of an air compressor depend on your requirements. If it meets your needs, then it’s the best value air compressor no matter what’s the price.

There are some quick tips we would like to share at the end of the blog to help you make the best deal. For instance, never choose an air compressor that has quality control problems and avoid buying a product that never comes with any warranty. Consider the CFM & other factors, weight, and size of the air compressor seriously. Don’t forget to let us know how much this article proved useful for you and which air compressor you found most suitable for your car and home.

And also do share with us your experience if you’re using any type of air compressor already.