2023 Best Quiet Pancake Air Compressor Reviews
Quietest Pancake
Want the Quietest Pancake Air Compressor?
We methodically analyzed dozens of contenders and selected the following quiet pancake air compressors based on dB noise levels, quality and value. The 2023 top 3 winners are low noise pancake compressors with hundreds of positive 4 & 5 star consumer reviews.
What is a Quiet Pancake Compressor?
Pancake compressors derive their name from the look of their flattish circular tanks that resemble a pancake. This unique design makes the unit very stable and portable. Most pancakes are rather noisy, however the 3 models reviewed here were specifically designed to produce less noise while still producing plenty of air power. All are similar powered, best-selling models with 6-gallon air tanks.
Note: Our 2023 review ratings are skewed towards the quietest dB ratings and therefore results may differ somewhat from the same compressor's rating when competing in a different category.
Top 3 Quiet Pancake Air Compressors
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 | Quietness 68 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.4 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | The Quietest Pancake Reviewed, Only 68 dB. Long Life, Dual Piston, Oil Free Pump | |
 DeWALT DWFP55126 | Quietness 75.5 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.6 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | Best Warranty 3 Year Limited 165 PSI - Ball Valve Tank Drain | |
 Bostitch BTFP02012 | Quietness 79 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.6 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | Low Price - Good Performance Popular for Air Nailers |
Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 Review
At only 68 dBA, the new Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 Quiet Pancake Air Compressor is one of the quietest pancake style compressors in the industry and is our winner in the 2020 Best Quiet Pancake Air Compressors category.
Campbell Hausfeld, a trusted brand since 1836, produces a full line of air compressors, air tools and accessories. This 6-gallon compressor is one of Campbell Hausfeld's new "Quiet Air Compressor Series" models. The Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 is specially designed for noise reduction and longer life of major components.
Key features include a dual piston oil-free pump that requires virtually no routine maintenance. Coupled with an efficient 1750 RPM single phase 1 HP AC induction motor that operates on standard household 120-volt power with a low 7 amp current draw, you get a powerful, quiet compressor that you can plug in virtually anywhere.
Air delivery is 2.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI or 3.5 SCFM @ 40 PSI with a 125 PSI maximum air pressure limit. Making the DC060500 a great compressor for tire inflation and powering air tools such as nailers and staplers in addition to hobby air brush spray painting and air dusting of workbenches, machinery and auto interiors.
Things we didn’t like: One aspect that we think could be improved upon is the rather heavy 55-pound weight of this unit, with no wheels it is a workout to carry this compressor long distances. Another minor flaw is the absence of dual air connectors, although this could be easily fixed with a trip to the hardware store, most competitors include dual quick connectors on their quiet pancake air compressors.
The bottom line, this is a high-quality compressor that has plenty of power for light household use and its ease of use, minimal maintenance requirements and efficiency added with the quiet 68 decibel operation make it a top choice for many.
Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 Features
Our DC060500 Ratings
Quiet
At only 68 dB this is the quietest pancake compressor reviewed here.
Quality
Campbell Hausfeld air compressors are good quality for the price.
Cost
Competitively priced for a quiet pancake and usually retails around $350
Overall Rating : 4.5
If you are looking for a quiet pancake compressor, the Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 is an excellent choice. We gave it an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 - ASIN B01IE0USMC - UPC 045564641931
DeWALT DWFP55126 Review
The DeWALT DWFP55126 6-Gal 165 PSI Pancake Compressor packs a punch while softening the noise level to a moderate 75.5 dBA for quieter operation.
The high 165 PSI operating pressure means less frequent compressor cycling with the 6-gallon pancake style air tank featuring protective rubber feet. The ball valve tank drain makes removing condensate from the tank a quick and easy job.
The .9 horsepower high efficiency motor powers a maintenance free oil-less pump that delivers an air flow of 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI or 3.4 SCFM at 40 PSI. Air tool performance is maximized using a high flow air regulator and twin universal quick air couplers.
The small size, integrated power cord wrap and light 30 pound weight make the DWFP55126 extremely portable and easy to move and store. With its 165 PSI pressure and 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI air delivery, this is an excellent low noise choice for powering air nailers or even light duty mechanic's air operated tools. Inflating tires, blowing & dusting, and hobby painting are also no problem with this compressor.
DeWALT DWFP55126 Combo Kit
DWFP55126 Pancake Compressor & DWFP12231 Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit
This compressor is also available as a combo kit. DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Compressor with DWFP12231 Pneumatic 18-Gauge 2-Inch Brad Nailer Kit
We didn't like reports that some units were shipped with loose fittings and air leaks. Leaks were easily repaired, however on a DeWALT quality compressor this should not be an issue.
DeWALT DWFP55126 Features
Our DWFP55126 Ratings
Quiet
75.5 dB is quieter than most pancake compressors, but not the quietest model reviewed.
Quality
DeWALT makes quality compressors & the DWFP55126 is no exception.
Cost
Competitively priced for a DeWALT, usually retails around $190
Overall Rating : 4.0
The DEWALT DWFP55126 is a good overall choice if you need the increased maximum 165 PSI pressure. We gave it an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
DEWALT DWFP55126 - ASIN B00K34UZBW - UPC 885911351409
Bostitch BTFP02012 Review
The Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon 150 PSI Oil-Free Compressor offers a 0.8 HP induction motor that drives a virtually. maintenance free oil-free pump. With 150 PSI maximum operating pressure and a 6 gallon steel pancake style tank, the compressor produces 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI while keeping the noise level down to an acceptable 79 dB.
Bostitch uses a high flow air regulator and dual universal couplers to help your air tools run at maximum efficiency. Weighing only 29 lbs., the BTFP02012 is extremely portable and easy to lug around from job to job. Storage is also a snap and store due to it's compact 17" diameter pancake style design.
If you're in the market for a compressor and air tools, the BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT 3-Tool and Compressor Combo Kit offered a good value at the date of this review. The BTFP3KIT includes the highly rated BTFP02012 quiet pancake air compressor combined with three popular Bostitch air tools.
- 18 GA Brad Nailer - SB-1850BN
- 16 GA Straight Finish Nailer - SB-1664FN
- Heavy-Duty 3/8 in. Crown Stapler - BTFP71875
This 3-tool combo package also includes a 15' 1/4" air hose with connectors and a sample assortment of air tool fasteners. At only $100 more than the compressor alone, we considered the combo kit a good value.
Bostitch BTFP02012 Features
Our BTFP02012 Ratings
Quiet
79 dB is quiet for a pancake, but the loudest of the top 3 quiet models reviewed.
Quality
This is a good quality compressorconsidering for the budget price tag.
Cost
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is competitively priced and usually retails around $120
Overall Rating : 4.0
Either the Bostitch BTFP02012 or the BTFP3KIT 3-Tool combo kit are good budget choices. We gave them an overall rating of 4 stars.
Pros
Cons
Bostitch BTFP02012 - ASIN B00UHNM1R0 - UPC 077914061144
Why a Quiet Pancake Air Compressor?
The portable pancake compressor is very popular with home DIY enthusiasts and construction trade workers. Its compact, stable design, and 2+ CFM air delivery make it an excellent choice for air powered nail guns and fastening tools.
Quiet pancake compressors may cost a little more, however they generally last longer and you really can't put a price on protecting your hearing. Most consider the moderate price increase, a fair trade-off for the decrease in volume of annoying noise over standard air compressors that are much louder, many over 85 decibels.
Pancake Compressor Limitations?
Please be aware that these compressors were not designed to run large air powered tools that have a high CFM requirement such as air grinders, sandblasters, commercial auto spray paint, etc. Assuming, you understand the limitations, you should be happy with a new quiet pancake air compressor.
Quiet Pancake Compressor Alternatives
If you want a quiet compressor, there are many types other than the pancake style that might better fit your needs and budget. Hot dog, twin-stack and pontoon, just to mention a few, add in horizontal or vertical stack and it can become quite confusing. Just remember that all of these compressor types are just motors that drive pumps to compress air. The compressed air is then stored in one or more tanks depending on the design of the compressor.
Any compressor can be designed to produce less noise. Typically the quieter the compressor, the more expensive it is for a given size. If you're interested in a small quiet compressor, but are not stuck on the pancake design, then take a look at our best quiet air compressor reviews.
Quick Tip: Even quiet air compressors produce some noise, using a long air hose and locating your compressor further away from you will make it sound even quieter.
The Bottom Line
If you've ever completed a tedious job such as installing baseboards by hammering finish nails and then setting and filling the holes and then performed a similar job using a quiet air nailer that instantly sets flush fasteners as fast as you can pull the trigger, you'll wonder why you didn't get one sooner. All the compressors reviewed here are Amazon top sellers with hundreds of positive reviews. Just remember that quiet air compressors are no different from any other compressor when it comes to sizing. Be sure to calculate the maximum size you'll need to provide plenty of CFM for the tools you want to operate or tasks that you want to perform, and then make your choice.
