You have a new painting sprayer to get your tasks done, but still, need a high-quality and portable air compressor to complete your set.

However, you start to have cold feet due to a variety of compressors outside with attractive advertisements.

And, sometimes these introductions are marketing hypes, which don’t work well as expected. Also, you don’t have enough time to do all the research and shop around for a perfect air compressor.

If you are in this frustrating situation, keep reading this post to check out our 11 hand-picked pancake air compressors and detailed buying guide.

Let’s walk through it and make the right decisions.

Top 5 Best Pancake Air Compressor

Full Buying Guide for the Best Pancake Compressor

Capacity

CapacityWe mention the size of the tank measured in gallons from at least two up to more than 30 gallons.

In the meantime, the pancake compressors only can provide you the capacities between 2 and 8 gallons. And most of the time, it is 6 gallons. If you are planning to use intermittent tools, a small tank can be enough you.

So, your job right now is to depend on your requirements to feel free to choose a product fitting your work.

Power & Pressure

Power When you go shopping for an excellent air compressor, don’t forget to look at its metrics including CFM and PSI. These figures show you how great this product is, and then you can easily pick the right one based on your needs.

CFM refers to the amount of air a compressor produces in CFM (Cubic Feet per Meter) while PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) describes the air pressure level inside the tank.

Remember that even with a high PSI, a pancake compressor won’t work efficiently if the tank is too small. So, take them into your account.

Portability

PortabilityA plus point of pancake air compressors is their high portability. But, various products will have different weight and physical dimensions, so you need to consider all of them.

The lighter a pancake compressor is, the more quickly you can carry it around.

Noise

NoiseOf course, you don’t want to have any air compressor with loud noises. The noisy output can impact your hearing and bother your neighbors, which is frustrating all the time.

Therefore, keep in mind to check the loudness between 60 and 90 decibels carefully before buying a pancake air compressor. Otherwise, you might be in troubles with the loud sound.

Warranty

Whenever you decide to purchase any compressor, don’t miss to consider the warranty. It will add to your confidence in the product quality. A good pancake air compressor usually offers you at least a one-year warranty.

Top 11 Top-picked Pancake Air Compressors

1. Porter-Cable C2002 Pancake Compressor – Best For High Portability

Porter-Cable C2002-WKEditor Rating:

To begin with, welcome to our first pick! The Porter-Cable C2002-WK pancake compressor won’t let you down. With a high-quality accessory kit including 13 pieces of tools, you can make use of them to complete your tasks with ease.

If you intend to buy a well-designed, compact compressor, it is worth your pennies. The product is quite lightweight and easy to carry around your workplace despite the heavy-duty design.

Moreover, the Porter-Cable C2002 can offer you an oil-free pump required no maintenance. You don’t have to feel annoyed with replacements all the time.

Still, this model needs to reduce noise output. It can bother you and your neighbors, and even affect your hearing negatively. Also, the electric cord is relatively short, which can limit your flexibility at work.

Pros:

  • Well-designed model
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Oil-free pump
  • Quick charging

Cons:

  • Loud noise
  • Short electrical cord
  • Failed pressure switch sometimes

Our verdict:

In general, the Porter-Cable C2002 is an excellent choice if you are looking for a pancake air compressor with a high-quality and lightweight structure.

But, consider the downsides before making any decisions.

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2. PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 3.5-Gallon Pancake Compressor – Best For Small Jobs

PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 Air CompressorEditor Rating:

Are you want to save some buckets on a pancake compressor with your small jobs? If yes, don’t forget to consider Porter-Cable PCFP02003 which is one of the most fabulous options for light tasks such as roofing and inflating in a low-cost range.

With typical plus points of pancake compressors from Porter-Cable, this product won’t fall short of expectation about easy portability and less maintenance. Also, the power output is quite strong with the maximum pressure of 135 PSI to meet your needs.

In contrast, because of the small tank, it only can offer you enough air for short missions, which restricts your flexible use.

Pros:

  • Very lightweight and easy to move
  • Oil-free pump with less maintenance
  • Include a quick coupler to get regulated air

Cons:

  • Low capacity
  • Include no accessories

Our verdict:

This model is a perfect choice for those who are working on small duty with affordable price and above-average quality.

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3. Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon Compressor – Best For Semi-Industrial Tasks

Bostitch BTFP02012Editor Rating:

When it comes to a lightweight pancake compressor with high potential for professional tasks, we can’t forget to mention the Bostitch BTFP02012. This product is famous for “all-around” performance and high durability even in cold weather.

Thanks to its oil-free design, the compressor provides a high level of durability and great regulator and couplers to adapt to multiple tools. Right now, you can feel free to handle your jobs with no maintenance requirements.

Unluckily, the BTFP02012 isn’t the best choice for quietness with 78 dBA, but it’s not that bad. Besides, there are no included accessories, so prepare yourself if you decide to buy it.

Pros:

  • Durable and powerful
  • Easy to move
  • Easy to start in cold weather
  • High-flow regulator and coupler

Cons:

  • Have no accessories

Our verdict:

What if you are finding some machines for semi-professional applications? Take a look at the BTFP02012 model. It might not go for heavy duties but performs perfectly for mid-range tasks.

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4. Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor (DC060500) – A Quiet And Strong Option

Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 6-Gallon Pancake Oilless Air CompressorEditor Rating:

The brand Campbell Hausfeld is relatively well-known for high performance and great quietness. And, the DC060500 will put a smile on your face with powerful 6 gallons and less 50% noise output than other pancake compressors.

Campbell Hausfeld has designed this model with an oilless engine of 1.0 horsepower, which satisfies you with reliable performance for most tasks. Besides, 68 dBA which is a half quieter than other models protects your hearing better when it is running.

But, a minus point is that this compressor is quite expensive although you will get a one-year warranty. Also, with unique design and high quality, it is heavier twice than comparable products. However, you can still move it around quickly.

Pros:

  • Quite quiet
  • Powerful and durable
  • One-year warranty

Cons:

  • Relative costly
  • Heavier than others
  • Maximum pressure is below standard

Our verdict:

The DC060500 Campbell Hausfeld is worth your consideration if you are seeking a quiet and durable pancake air compressor. Despite its a bit high price, the model can perform well to meet your needs.

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5. Thomas Oil-Free Pancake Compressor – Quiet Choice For Quick Start In Cold Weather

Thomas Oil-Free Pancake CompressorEditor Rating:

This Thomas air compressor should be an excellent option for users to prefer smooth operation and quick start in cold weather. With 15 amp circuit, it won’t fail to make you happy at work.

One of its strengths is the design required with less care and super quietness. You don’t need to think much about hearing protection and maintenance. Moreover, they provide you with a 5-year warranty on electrical components such as start relay, capacitor, and motor.

The sad news is that this compressor will cost you more than usual, but it worths every penny.

Pros:

  • Oil-free design for less care
  • Very solid and well-built
  • Parts are easy to find to replace
  • 5-year warranty for electric elements
  • Super quiet

Cons:

  • Pricey

Our verdict:

If you don’t mind, pay a bit more money on a pancake air compressor, this product worth being in your shopping list. It stands out with high quietness and durable performance.

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6. DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor – High Efficiency And Portability

Dewalt DWFP55126Editor Rating:

DeWalt is a popular name for reliable air compressors on the market, so this list can’t lack one of their models. The DWFP55126 can make you on nine clouds with its excellent efficiency in operation under low temperatures.

One of its impressive features is the powerful motor for a quick start in cold weather. So, you can finish your tasks in no time. Also, this product has a long cord that allows you to use conveniently at work and store with ease.

A note for you is that it can be in the high-priced range. However, you can get your money’s worth with excellent performance.

Pros:

  • High-quality
  • Durable
  • Comfortable to start up, even in low temperatures

Cons:

  • A bit pricey
  • No included accessories

Our verdict:

The DeWalt DWFP55126 is a good value for money if you are planning to invest in an efficient pancake air compressor for the long term. And of course, you need to prepare a comfortable budget for it.

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7. Excell U256PPE Pancake Air Compressor – Top Reasonable Pick

Excell U256PPE Pancake Air CompressorEditor Rating:

If expensive price tags are getting on your nerves, the Excell U256PPE compressor can be your alternative. It deserves your consideration on a friendly budget with full-packed functions.

6-gallon tank and up to 150 PSI can allow you to get your small jobs done quickly without hassle. Also, you can start up the operation within a short time, even in cold weather, which helps you feel free to work in any environment.

Although Excell can give you the best price, it can annoy you a bit with some loud noises compared to other competitors.

Pros:

  • Oil-free pump for no maintenance
  • Cold weather startup ability
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Can be noisy

Our verdict:

Though Excell is a new company on the air compressor market, it is an excellent choice for your tight budget. With this price, the pancake compressor still provides you with excellent quality for small and medium jobs.

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8. PowRyte Elite 4-Gallon Oil-Free Compressor – Stylish Design

PowRyte Elite 4-Gallon Oil-Free CompressorEditor Rating:

Are you interested in a compact compressor for small framing jobs, blowing and inflation with light air tools? Take a look at PowRyte’s Elite with the tank size of 4 gallons.

The model can provide you with an excellent power output of up to 2.2 SCFM at 90 PSI to complete your minor tasks. Besides, the brand offers you a one-year warranty on everything. Therefore, this policy decreases some risks for you when you choose to buy it.

But, due to the design for small duties, it doesn’t have enough stable air for you to go for medium and heavy tasks.

Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • Portable
  • Powerful

Cons:

  • Not for medium and heavy tasks

Our verdict:

The PowRyte’s Elite compressor is one of the most stylish on the market, which works efficiently for your functions with steady output. However, it shouldn’t be your choice if you tend to use for medium and industrial duties.

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9. Ridgid 6 Gallon Electric Pancake Compressor

Ridgid 6 Gallon Electric Pancake CompressorEditor Rating:

Our next product in this list today is the 6-gallon Ridgid compressor. Being built with the finest components, it can give you excellent performance with high portability. Although Ridgid is quite a new brand on the market, it worths your investment.

In addition to high-quality components, Ridgid also supports you with a 3-year warranty so that you can be confident to buy it. Also, a locking regulator can prevent accidental pressure changes, which increase your safety.

But, after all, the model isn’t suitable for a tight budget. So if you don’t want to spend much money on a pancake compressor, it might not be your option. No worries. You can have another choice.

Pros:

  • Nice design
  • Portable
  • A 3-year warranty
  • Great safety feature

Cons:

  • Quite expensive

Our verdict:

Personally speaking, we have a good impression of the Ridgid product thanks to its beautiful design and extended warranty. It can help you feel reliable with one of the best coverage on this list.

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10. Rolair D2002HPV5 Pancake Compressor

Rolair D2002HPV5 Pancake CompressorEditor Rating:

Another prominent air compressor from a new company “Rolair” is coming to you. Despite their young age on the market, the Rolair D2002HPV5 still can make you happy with essential functions and exceptional durability.

Specifically speaking, you can feel confident to use it for a long time thanks to the splash lubrication. While the total capacity is only 4.5 gallons, the product still works finely and durably accompanied by the constructed cast iron.

Unfortunately, one of this main downside is the noise. With 80 dBA, it can be a bit noisy whenever the compressor makes runtime. Also, some people noted that they have a relatively weak switch.

Pros:

  • Modern and compact design
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Can a bit noisy
  • Weak switch

Our verdict:

Do you want to invest in a pancake air compressor for light duties within a low-cost range? The Rolair D2002HPV5 can meet your essential needs with high durability and portability.

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11. Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 1-Gallon Pancake Compressor

Campbell Hausfeld Air CompressorEditor Rating:

Are you looking for a portable air compressor from a reliable brand?

You can’t miss the boat to check out the Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 for your small jobs including brad nailing, inflating tires, airbrushing, and simple stapling tasks.

This engine is oil-free while it is very lightweight, only 12.9 lbs. So, you can move it everywhere you want. Plus, it includes a variety of accessories such as a 25-foot recoil hose, two inflator nozzles, air chuck, and needle adapter.

Still, the lightweight is a two-edged sword. This feature explains why you need to expect that the air output is quite low, which is only useful for light tasks.

Pros:

  • Very lightweight
  • Available in 2 or 3 gallons
  • Include many accessories

Cons:

  • Low power and air output

Our verdict:

One of the biggest strength of Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 is its included accessories. In this low-cost line, this product pops up with very light weight and flexibility for minor jobs.

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Come to the Conclusion

Finally, we are here, at the end of this review. Bravo!!!

With the 11 top-picked pancake air compressors and detailed instruction for buyers, we hope that these pieces of information can help you to make better decisions.

And, if you already made up your mind, don’t wait to share with us your thoughts. Also, stay tuned because we will come back to you soon with new buying tips.