Best pancake air compressor?

Just to clarify this question nice and early!  The best pancake air compressor is so called because of the squashed flat appearance of the air tank.  Not only is this a very safe and solid method of construction. But it is also a neat configuration that keeps the size and the weight down.  So quite often these little pancake compressors are known to be the best portable air compressors.  Also the easiest to use on work sites, in your garage, or even around the house.  You will find the best pancake air compressor is excellent for renovations and all sorts of household jobs.

 

What are the advantages of the Best pancake air compressor?

Not only is a pancake air compressor small in size, but there is no shortage of power either.  This is the most important part!  Firstly, although the air tank or reservoir is fairly small, the engine power and the air pump capacity are higher.  This means the pump can refill the air tank in a shorter time.  And you never run out of compressed air.

The alternative to this scenario, is where an air compressor has a much larger air tank.  But this comes at the price of much higher weight.  Do you need a portable air compressor to take with you on the job?  Then the pancake air compressor is just right for you.  A pancake air compressor offers the perfect blend of power, weight, size and versatility.

Pancake air compressors have enough air pressure for all air tools

You can have confidence that unless you have any especially high powered tools, a pancake air compressor will be able to supply sufficient air pressure to drive any air tool that you like.  Make sure you check the pressure rating before your buy, and this is as simple as checking the PSI rating.  PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch of air pressure.  The typical pancake air compressor will supply enough air pressure for most applications.

What is the difference between PSI and SCFM?

Since most pancake air compressors have a similar tank size and operate at similar PSI ratings.  The next consideration might be how fast the air tank can be refilled by the compressor.  The indication of this is known as SCFM, which stands for standard cubic foot per minute of compressed air.  The higher the number, the faster your air compressor can recharge the air tank.  And the less time you have to wait in between charges.

Benefits of a Pancake Air Compressor – Maintenance free

Pancake air compressors are easy to operate, and are easy to maintain.  In most cases, you never have to worry about them at all.  They provide what is known as an oil free pump design.  So you never have to worry about stopping to check the oil level.

Pancake air compressors are easy to use

Put all of these factors together, and it is no wonder that these lightweight air compressors are so popular.  Small and light, yet very powerful, you can transport a pancake air compressor with you on any job or workplace.  Plus have the confidence that you will have enough air supply to finish the job.

 

What other features come with a pancake air compressor?

All air compressors come with a set of gauges so that you can monitor the performance of the machine, while in operation.  The most obvious gauge is for air pressure, which will be measured with a pressure gauge, or PSI gauge.  The pressure gauge needs to be easy to see and easy to read.  Keep a close eye on the gauges so that you can always judge if the air compressor is working properly.  Make sure that the pressure is right, and make sure it can keep up the pace.  Air pressure can also be measured in bar, so don’t be confused if the pressure gauge doesn’t look the same.

Pressure and Temperature Gauges are important!

The next important gauge is a temperature gauge.  It is always a risk that the air compressor motor can overheat.  This can be due to excessive use or hot weather or enclosed work space.  The only way you will know is to monitor the temperature gauge during use.  If there is a problem, then you will need to shut the machine down to allow it to cool.  Or maybe even get it serviced to make sure nothing is wrong. If you prefer to have thermal overload protection, then you should look out for this feature.  Overload protection will shut the air compressor down automatically in case of over heating.

Some brands are designed with the instrumentation gauges neatly aligned at the front of the machine.  These are often the best, as they are easy to read, and are protected from bumps and scratches.  This is important if you use your air compressor a lot.

Beware the handle doesn’t get too hot

Most pancake air compressors are designed with a built in handle, which makes them easy to move and easy to transport.  You need to be aware that after you have run a pancake air compressor for a period of time, the machine will warm up.  If you need to move it around on the work site, then you need to make sure that you can touch the handle without getting burned.  No point having a portable air compressor if it gets too hot to handle!

How much does a Pancake Air Compressor cost?

Pancake air compressors are generally very reasonably priced and affordable.  This is because they are smaller and more compact than other styles of air compressor.  With a neat sized air tank, and small quiet engine.  A pancake air compressor can be an ideal blend of power and economy.  For around the $100 mark, there is a range of reliable inexpensive air compressors to suit most needs.

Do you know the best way to make sure that you buy an air compressor that can do everything you want?   Make sure that you upscale your requirements, just a little.  If you work out what PSI and CFM you need to do the job, then it is always safer to buy an air compressor with a little extra capacity.  Just so you don’t run out of oomph, just when you need it most!

 

Here is a range to choose from the best pancake air compressor reviews:

 

1. Dewalt DWFP55126 Pancake Air Compressor

The DeWalt DWFP55126 pancake air compressor has a 6 gallon air tank, which is rated for a maximum of 165 PSI.  This offers the flexibility to run 2 simultaneous power tools from the high flow regulator.  Fast recovery times, means that even if the air tank runs low, the DeWalt air compressor will recharge quickly.  And you will have no problems getting the job completed.

Best Pancake Air Compressor for indoor use

If you need to work inside or outside, this neat little pancake air compressor has you covered.  It is safe to start up even in very cold conditions, and better still, it runs very quietly if you need to work indoors.  With a sound rating of just 75 dB, this air compressor is a surprisingly strong performer.  Well designed and engineered, it outputs a healthy 165 PSI for a machine under 15 kg.  The rubber mounting feet make sure the noise and vibration stays as low as possible.

Great for household tasks and renovations, you can use the DeWalt air compressor for air nailing, tire inflation, and a range of air tools.  The best part is you can have two operations going at the same time!  It is very low maintenance because of the oil free pump design, and because it is very simple to operate.

The DeWalt DWFP55126 pancake air compressor is no fuss – check it out at Amazon.

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

2. Porter-Cable PCFP02003 Pancake Compressor

Another pancake air compressor that we really like is the Porter-Cable PCFP02003.  Even though it looks like a small compressor, it can pump out a serious 135 PSI maximum and runs a 3.5 gallon air tank.  Again, this Porter-Cable air compressor is based on an oil free design.  So you never have to worry about messing with oil changes or oil spills.

This neat little pancake air compressor has an electric motor.  It is designed to draw low starting current, and is always ready to use at the flick of a switch.  At 82 dB, it is a little noisier than some other compressors.  But that might not be a show stopper, depending on where you want to use this machine.

Check out our detailed review of the Porter-Cable PCFP02003.

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

 

3.  BOSTITCH BTFP72646 Pancake Air Compressor

The BOSTITCH BTFP72646 pancake air compressor is a very handy unit that comes with a 3 tool combination kit, suitable for interior nailing, cabinetry, as well as molding and paneling.  Although not as powerful as the larger air compressors on the market, this neat little package from Bostitch is more than suitable for a do it yourself handyman, or keen renovator.

The BOSTITCH BTFP72646 drives a 6 gallon storage tank, at up to 150 PSI, and weighs in at around 15 kg.  To make it really easy to use, Bostitch have designed an excellent control panel into the design of this air compressor.  Not only are the gauges easy to read, but the control panel also protects the delicate instruments form knocks and scratches, which means this machine will be in good conditions for years to come.

This package comes with a small air nailer, a finishing nailer and a heavy duty staple gun, so that you can handle most of the interior renovation tasks that you will encounter around the house.

Click here to read our full listing of the BOSTITCH BTFP72646 Pancake air compressor reviews.

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

4. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Pancake Air Compressor

The Porter-Cable C2002-WK oil-free Compressor also makes the list for best pancake air compressor as a great all rounder, and available at a great price.  It runs a 6 gallon reservoir, with an air tank pressure of 150 PSI, which is very impressive for such a small compressor.  The CFM rate is very useful at 2.5, which means even when the air tank is depleted, the air compressor pump will recharge in a short time, and you can carry on working.

The Porter-Cable C2002-WK pancake compressor comes fully installed and ready to use, which saves you the hassle of set up and installation.  The motor is electric powered, with a low amp start up sequence, and is especially suited to cold weather starts, which is way in front of gas powered engines which take a bit of time to warm up.

Porter-Cable C2002 – low maintenance pancake air compressor

Better still, the compressor is an oil free design, so there is no hassles with messy oil changes, and means that you can get on with the task at hand instead of worrying about how to maintain the unit.  The unit includes a convenient water drain valve, so there are no corrosion problems inside the equipment and this little pancake air compressor is guaranteed to last.

All in all, the Porter-Cable C2002-WK oil free pancake compressor is a very convenient machine for all your air powered jobs around the home.  You can even take it with you when you need to power a remote work site.  It is a very affordable air compressor for all those little extra jobs around the house and garage.  Click here to check the price of the Porter-Cable C2002 at Amazon.

 

Purchase this Product on Amazon.com

 

Why Choose the Best Pancake Air Compressor Reviews?

It is no wonder that these lightweight pancake air compressors are so popular.  Small and light, yet very powerful, you can transport a pancake air compressor with you on any job or workplace.  You can have the confidence that you will have the best pancake air compressor to finish the job.

Save