We have done a lot of research on the best pancake air compressors, and this is the list we have come up with.
If you want to learn more about pancake air compressors, their advantages and disadvantages, and how we picked the best pancake air compressor take a look at our best pancake air compressor article.
The List
Now on to our best pancake air compressor picks.
You can click on the name of a pancake air compressor in the list to go directly to more information about that compressor.
| Top Pick | Metabo HPT “THE TANK” | Check Prices |
| DeWALT DWFP55126 | Check Prices | |
| CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K | Check Prices |
Metabo HPT “THE TANK”
This is our top pick for the best pancake air compressor because it has several stand out features compared to other air compressors in this class.
Plus this air compressor has a really cool name, “THE TANK.”
Quick Specs
- 200 PSI Max Pressure
- 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI
- 6 Gallon Tank
- 79 dB Noise Level
- 41 Pounds
- Oil Free Compressor
- 120V AC
- Made in China
Standout Features
Here are some of the stand out features we like about this pancake air compressor that stand out.
More Pressure
Most pancake air compressors you will find on the market today have a maximum pressure of around 150 PSI, maybe a little more and a little less.
Our top pick has a maximum pressure of 200 PSI, which is definitely a stand out feature in the pancake air compressor class.
More CFM
In addition to more maximum pressure our top pick for the best pancake air compressor also has a greater CFM capacity that average.
The average CFM for a pancake air compressor is in the 2.5 SCFM range, and this compressor is rated at 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI.
We did note that the Metabo lists its rating in CFM versus the more standardized SCFM unit.
Users of the compressor have reported using it in applications that require 4 SCFM with success.
Durability
I guess it comes as no surprise that a pancake air compressor with “THE TANK” in its name would be durable.
It has nice durable construction that includes a metal handle in place of the plastic handle on many other pancake air compressors.
Some Dislikes
Here are a few things we do not like about the Metabo HPT pancake air compressor.
A Little Heavy
The Metabo HPT weighs in at a little over 40 pounds, which is a heavier than more other pancake air compressors.
Most of the other compressors in this class weigh in at a little over 30 pounds.
If you do not need the extra capacity and durability of the Metabo HPT, and the extra weight will be an issue for you then you might be more satisfied with one of our other, lighter picks.
On the Loud Side
The specifications we saw said this pancake air compressor had a noise level of 79 dB which is in the normal range for this type of compressor, but on the high end of the scale.
We saw that several users have reported the Metabo HPT is on the loud side compared to other compressors they have experience with.
DeWALT DWFP55126
Our next pick for the best pancake air compressor is the DeWALT DWFP55126.
Let’s take a look at the general specification for this air compressor.
Quick Specs
- 165 PSI Max Pressure
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- 6 Gallon Tank
- 75 dB Noise Level
- 30 Pounds
- Oil Free Compressor
- 120V AC
- Made in the USA
Standout Features
This pancake air compressor had specifications that are mostly average, but it does have a few nice standout features that we should mention.
Above Average PSI
Most pancake air compressors come in at around 150 PSI for their maximum pressure.
This DeWALT air compressor has a maximum pressure of 165 PSI, so this this a little above average for a pancake air compressor.
Quiet Operation
When we say quiet operation we should qualify that we mean quiet for a pancake air compressor.
The DeWALT is the quietest pancake air compressor on our list, coming in a 75 dB.
This would be around the noise level of average city traffic, just to give you an idea.
Control Cover
Another standout feature of this DeWALT air compressor is that it has a cover for the controls.
This cover is nice to protect the controls, but is easily removable if needed.
On the Lighter Side
This DeWALT air compressor weighs in at 30 pounds, which is the lightest on our list by a few pounds.
Unless you intend to move this compressor around a lot or weight is a very important factor for you for some other reason it is not much of a difference.
It is something that you should be aware of though in case it is important to you.
Dislikes
We did not find anything that stands out as something we dislike about this pancake air compressor.
CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K
Our last pick has mostly average specifications for the pancake air compressor class.
Check CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Prices
Quick Specs
- 150 PSI Max Pressure
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- 6 Gallon Tank
- 82 dB Noise Level
- 32 Pounds
- Oil Free Compressor
- 120V AC
- Made in the USA
Check CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Prices
Standout Features
As mentioned earlier this pancake air compressor had mostly average specifications for the pancake air compressor class.
Even though this compressor had average specifications there are a few stand out features to go over.
Included Accessories
This CRAFTSMAN air compressor comes with an accessory kit that is a nice addition, especially for someone using this compressor in their home garage.
This accessory kit includes:
- Tire Chuck
- Tire Gauge
- Blow Gun
- Blow Gun Rubber Tip
- Blow Gun OSHA Safety Nozzle
- Three Inflator Adapters
Made in the USA
This CRAFTSMAN pancake air compressor is also made in the USA, specifically in Jackson, Tennessee.
If buying USA made products is important to you then you will be interested in this.
Check CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Prices
Dislikes
There is really only one thing that stands out as a negative of this pancake air compressor.
On the Loud Side
This air compressor’s specifications list its noise level at 82 dB which is pretty loud, and hearing protection is recommended for noise levels of 85 dB or above.
A noise level of 82 dB is getting pretty close to a noise level that needs hearing protection.
Check CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Prices
