Best Pancake Air Compressor Reviews 2023
Looking for a Pancake Air Compressor?
We reviewed the top 5 and give you the honest lowdown of the pros and cons of each pancake compressor with no BS or added fluff. All of our top selections are best-selling brands and models with hundreds of positive 4-and-5-star consumer reviews.
What is a Pancake Compressor?
In case you don't know they are light and portable compressors with flattened round tanks resembling a large pancake. Most models have 6-gallon air tanks, are 1 HP or less and weigh around 30 lbs. or so.
We have researched dozens of top pancake compressor models and selected the following as the top 5 for 2023.
Top 5 Pancake Air Compressors of 2023
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Porter Cable C2002 | Quietness 82 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.6 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | Low Price & Good Performance. Great Amazon Reviews! | |
 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 | 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 | |
 DeWALT DCC2560T1 | Quietness -- dB CFM @ 90 PSI 1.2 CFM Tank Size 2.6 Gallon | Rechargeable Cordless Ultra Portable Lightest Weight Only 21.5 Lbs. |
Any of these portable pancake compressors would be great for inflation of tires or inflatables, running finish nailers and small air tools. These compressors lack the CFM capacity to run large air tools, if you need to use larger pneumatic tools, you'll need a larger compressor with a bigger air tank.
2023 Pancake Compressor Buying Guide
Porter Cable C2002 Pancake Review
The Porter Cable C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor is our top pick in the 2023 Top Pancake Air Compressor category. We did a larger rev
Note: Due to Covid supply chain issues, the C2002 & PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit are frequently out of stock. Also, the typical low sales price has been fluctuating wildly. If you are interested in one and find it in stock at an agreeable price, you should grab it. It won't last...
The Porter Cable C2002 pancake compressor has been a best seller for years, primarily due to high performance per dollar that this model offers. The 0.8 HP motor coupled with a low maintenance oil free pump provides 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI for faster recovery. The pancake style 6-gallon air tank is pressurized to 150 PSI which allows for longer usage periods between compressor cycles.
This unit features a robust design with shrouding protecting the compressor's vital components and controls, while still maintaining good portability weighing only 34 lbs. Other notable features include an integrated power cord wrap and dual factory installed quick-connect air couplings allowing you to operate two air nailers at the same time.
One item we think could be improved upon is the noise level. The Porter Cable C2002 emits 82 dBA using the ISO3744 standard, which is somewhat louder than many competitive models, however given the lower cost of the C2002 this is a trade-off that many are willing to take.
Currently, we don't recommend that you buy the Porter-Cable C2002-WK combo package which adds a 13-piece accessory kit to the deal. The low-quality accessory kit combo adds around $50 to the price and in our opinion is a poor value. Many of the negative reviews that this compressor receives are regarding the cheap accessories such as the air chuck which fails to fully depress the tire's valve preventing you from inflating the tire. We feel your money would be better spent buying the C2002 compressor only deal and spending the $50 or so that you'll save on a good quality air hose and accessories. However, some Porter Cable C2002 pancake compressor & air tool bundles are a good value, like the PCFP12234 described below.
Porter Cable PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit
Porter-Cable PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit
If you are looking for a pancake compressor and air tool bundle deal, take a look at the Porter-Cable PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit. This package deal includes:
The price of the bundle varies, so look for a deal, here is a link to check the current price of the Porter Cable PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit.
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If you already own a C2002 pancake compressor and need service or support, you can contact Porter Cable
Monday thru Friday 8 AM to 5 PM EST at this phone number: 1 (888) 848-5175
Full AIRpsi.com Porter Cable C2002 6-Gallon Compressor Review
Porter Cable C2002 Specifications
Our C2002 Ratings
Quietness
82 dB is not quiet by any stretch, however it is not deafening either.
Quality
This is a good quality compressor considering the low price tag.
Cost
The C2002 is very competitively priced and retails around $120.
Overall Rating : 4.5
If you are looking for a budget portable compressor, then the Porter Cable C2002 is an excellent choice.We gave the C2002 an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
Porter Cable C2002 Pancake Compressor
ASIN: B000O5RO1Y - UPC: 885911004619
Bostitch BTFP02012 Review
The Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon 150 PSI Oil-Free Compressor is another top pick in the 2023 Best Pancake Compressors category.
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is the largest competitor to the Porter Cable C2002 with almost identical specifications such as a 0.8 HP AC induction motor and low maintenance oil free compressor pump providing 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI with a maximum operating pressure of 150 PSI for it's 6 gallon tank. One notable exception is the BTFP02012 noise rating is slightly lower at 79 dB. When comparing noise ratings, lower numbers are quieter.
The Bostitch high flow regulator and dual universal air couplers help your air tools run at maximum efficiency. This compressor is very portable and easy to carry around and store due to the fact that it weighs just 29 lbs. and it's pancake style tank is only 17" round.
Bostitch BTFP3KIT Pancake Combo Kit
BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT 3-Tool Pancake Air Compressor Combo Kit
If you are looking for an air compressor combo kit, the BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT 3-Tool and Compressor Combo Kit was a good deal at the time we compiled this review. The BTFP3KIT includes the highly rated BTFP02012 pancake air compressor combined with three popular Bostitch air tools.
Also included in this 3 tool combo package is a 15' 1/4" air hose with fittings and a sample assortment of fasteners for the air tools. The combo kit was about $100 more than the compressor alone which we considered as a good value if you need or want the air tools anyway.
Bostitch BTFP02012 Specifications
Our BTFP02012 Ratings
Quietness
78 dB is not quiet, however standard for pancake compressors at this price.
Quality
This is a good quality Bostitch air compressor considering the budget price tag.
Cost
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is competitively priced and usually retails around $100 - $140.
Overall Rating : 4.5
Either the Bostitch BTFP02012 or the BTFP3KIT 3-Tool combo kit are good choices. If you're on a tight budget this is a compressor you should seriously consider. We gave the BTFP02012 an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
Bostitch BTFP02012 Pancake Compressor
ASIN: B00UHNM1R0 - UPC: 0077914061144
Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 Review
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. If noise is a concern, the DC060500 is the quietest pancake compressor we reviewed.
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 at 90 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 DC60500 Specifications
Our DC60500 Ratings
Quietness
68 dB 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, usually retails around $250 - $350.
Overall Rating : 4.5
This is great quiet pancake air compressor that still produces ample power. If compressor noise is a concern the DC060500 is an excellent choice. We gave the Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
Campbell Hausfeld DC60500 Compressor
ASIN: B00K34UZBW - UPC: 0045564641931
Why Choose A Pancake Compressor?
The pancake is one of the most compact portable air-compressor designs available today, making it very popular with construction trade workers and home DIY enthusiasts. With its stable platform, and compact tank for a 6 gallon or under unit, it provides as an excellent air source for pneumatic nail guns and staplers.
Pancake compressors are also typically affordable, with many models selling for $120 or less which places them within the reach of almost anyone's budget. Heavy duty, cordless or extra quiet pancake models cost considerably more, however still offer good bang for the buck considering the added value of the popular upgrades.
What About Pancake Combo Deals?
Many of the top pancake compressor brands are offered as a combo deal. You get the compressor bundled with popular air accessories and/or air tools (usually pneumatic staplers or nailers).
Sometimes these combo kits are an excellent value and other times not so much. You'll need to check the prices and quality of all the individual components included in the bundled kit to determine if the deal makes sense for you.
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 your new pancake air compressor.
Bottom Line
All of the pancake compressors featured here are Amazon top sellers with hundreds of positive reviews from consumers that report any flaws along with the best features that they like most. Figure out what you need, and how much you want to spend, then pull the trigger. If you've never owned a compressor before you'll be amazed at the plethora of uses, you will find for compressed air around your home or garage.
Welcome to my site, I am an avid DIYer and have worked professionally in industrial maintenance for over 40 years.
This vast level of experience affords me an excellent background to provide unbiased reviews and opinions about air powered tools and equipment.
You will find many useful tips and product reviews as you explore AIRpsi.com.
Dan Karas
