Top Selling 6 Gallon Best Pancake Air Compressor 2024 [Buying Guide]

Compressors make our routine or tough tasks easier. Some tasks are of such difficulties that they can’t be done by us. And this is where the role of air compressors enters our lives.

For DIYers, hobbyists, professionals, home, and garage owners it’s important to have a compact, portable, easy-to-carry compressor. Plus, getting an affordable one is a good sound for ears.

You don’t want to hold large heavy compressors i.e., 20, 30, 60, or, 80-gallon along with you all the time for the small jobs.

So getting the best pancake air compressor will make your work smoother. These small compressors are also known as “6 Gallon Air Compressors”.

Best 6 Gallon Air Compressor 2024 [Buying Guide]

Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)

Cubic feet per minute is the volume of air put through per minute of an air compressor running at its most desirable conditions.

Thus greater the CFM, the greater will be the air output. This ensures efficient tool performance.

Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI)

Both the CFM and PSI are related to each other. Higher PSI ratings assure longer tool running time. This means these small air compressors are tough enough to deal with different air tools running times despite the moderate range of tank capacity.

Noise

During the operation of the tool, the noise level irritates us. Makes it hard to understand the mutual talk. It gives a negative impact on you and your work.

So it’s natural that the noise level must be in a tolerable range for smooth and calm working. I know these pancake air compressors have a moderate noise level of 70 to 80 dB.

But, if your home and working environments demand a more silent guy. Then I would recommend quiet air compressors. These guys come with a noise range of 50 to 65 dB.

They will give you the much-needed quieter environment you’re seeking not to mention the further tips you can apply to make your air compressor quiet.

Tank Size

The tank size ensures the capacity of holding air for any task. For the continuity of tasks and to save precious time from refilling, a tank with higher capacity is good to have around.

Space And Portability

Despite the usage, portability is also of great importance. Transporting the tool from one site to another or moving it around within a site becomes a real problem.

So, having a small-sized, low-weighing air compressor is ideal for transportability. Especially for home and garage owners who are always shifting things in their garages to make space for their air compressors.

My idea is to rebuild or upgrade your garage according to your power tools arsenal and the work you do to maximize the space and portability. Plus, your garage should always be looking kind of awesome and it should have a manly feel. You Know!

Durability

Durability ensures long life and keeps the tool accurate. Since many factors hinder the compressor’s performance. Such as:

Factors That Affect Compressors Performance

1. Deadly cold winters
2. Hot sweaty summers
3. Rough job-site conditions
4. The type of work you’re doing
5. Or the type of tool you’re using
6. Using compressors for longer time periods
7. How much work do you do with your air compressor?

Wow! that’s a pretty damn list I just figured out. Thus, the compressor should have a strong build to withstand all these environmental harshnesses and work burdens without losing pressure.

Oil

Oil-less air compressors are more beneficial in their own right than oiled ones. Because of less maintenance, cost-free, and no oil spill cleaning hassle, etc.

While oil-lubricated air compressors are built for mainly heavy-duty jobs. But, they can be used for small jobs as well and they have their own perks. But, right now I am not going into the deep blue sea of this oil vs oil-free compressor conundrum.

6 Gallon Best Pancake Air Compressor Reviews 2024

C2002 PORTER CABLE 6 Gallon Air Compressor [Best 6 gallon Pancake Air Compressor Overall]

Porter compressor is loaded with the motor operated at 120V providing 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. It is specially designed for high tool performance and quick compressor recovery.

The motor also features replaceable brushes for a longer lifespan and improved performance. Perfect for filling tires or firing a nailer. The low ampere current is drawn to ensure a fast start in cold weather.

It is featured with 120 PSI cut-in pressure delivering 30 PSI “Bonus Air”. It means the pressure can extend up to 150 PSI for a longer tool run time. Also, the High-Flow air regulator helps to protect against a large pressure drop.

The 6-gallon tank is pancake-shaped with rubber feet to avoid vibrations. The pump on the other hand is oil-free which ensures durability, no maintenance, and longer life. This makes it best for everyday tasks on different sites.

The cord wrap and low weight of 34 lbs make it highly portable for any worksite or to move around within the worksite even without wheels.

The ergonomic design with a firm shroud handle makes its transportability easier. While the console cover protector provides safety to the main control components.

The air coupler and plug are factory-installed on the air hosing to prevent leakage and save extra labor.

CMEC6150K CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Air Compressor [Best Rated Pancake Air Compressor]

It has adequate pressure for a lot of applications. 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI. 150 Max PSI can build up for faster refilling and for lots of applications and tasks. Also, it can start up easily in cold weather for sure.

Since it is oil-free, thus no cleaning, no maintenance is required. The oilless pump is durable and has a long operational life.

Maximizing portability and storing air. The 6-gallon pancake is perfect for that as it weighs only 30 lbs.

The extra benefit is the 13-pieces accessory kit. The necessary compressor parts included in the kit are here 25′ X 1/4inches PVC air hose with coupler and plug assembled, tire chuck with plug.

There are also additional parts in the kit. Such as a blowgun with plug and OSHA safety nozzle, tire gauge, and rubber tip, and finally, three inflator adaptors.

BTFP02012 BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor [best pancake air compressor for the money]

Bostitch 6 gallon air compressor features a 2.6 SCFM, 90 PSI pump which can give output up to a maximum of 150 PSI. The max PSI not only delivers long running time but also saves time by fast recovery.

Easy to start in lower temperature or extension cord application (14 ga or larger, 50 ft. (15.2 m) or less) with the help of a high-efficiency motor.

Operational noise level of about 78.5 dB which is in the tolerable range. This noise level will not disturb the conversation while the compressor is operational.

It saves saving refilling costs and time due to its oil-free maintenance pump. Plus, it grants optimal air tool performance because of its high-flow regulators and couplers.

It is equipped with two universal couplers. The advantage of it is that it can easily support two users at the same time. The users can perform different tasks without much loss of pressure.

With a 6 gallons tank, it weighs just 29 lbs, light enough to carry easily anywhere. The well-gripped handle makes it easier to transport to any working site.

DWFP55126 DEWALT 6 Gallon Air Compressor [Best Portable Pancake Air Compressor With High PSI]

The Dewalt is equipped with a 120 V, 10 A, universal motor. It is designed with an efficient motor that can be easily started in cold weather and extension cord applications [14 ga or larger, 50 ft. (15.2 m) or less].

Its pump delivered 2.6 SCFM at the rate of 90 PSI. It offers a max. of 165 PSI which not only enables long tool run time but also faster recovers for time-saving.

A quiet environment during functioning is a demanding feature. Thus this compressor has an acceptable noise level of about 75.5 dB. Make it perfect for general usage.

You will never have to add oil, as the pump is oil-free. No leakage, no cleaning, and no maintenance but ensure long-life usage. Also, cost and time-saving benefits go side by side with the oil-less option.

6-gallon tanks with a max. The pressure of 165 PSI makes it suitable for mid to low-range tasks such as Nail Gun Handling, Air Painting, tire inflation, etc.

Also, it is easy to transport because of its lightweight body of 29 lbs. By holding it from the handle, one can quickly move it to any working site. For compact and convenient storage it has cord wrap which is also a plus point during portability.

It is equipped with Universal couplers, thus can be used for 2 users at a time without much loss of air pressure. This is because of the availability of the high-performance flow regulator and couplers

To perform fast and thorough draining, it has a ball drain valve. Moreover is protected by a console cover which also allows easy repair.

To avoid damage and prevent marring the bottom, it has protective rubber leg covers. Additionally, the outlet tube is rerouted to avoid being a catch point.

Excell U256PPE 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor [Best Portable Pancake Air Compressor With High SCFM]

It is engineered with a powerful motor of 1.5 HP delivering 2.8 SCFM @ 90 PSI. Able to start faster in low temperatures even at about -30°C because of the low amperes consumption of 7.5A.

Although such a temperature is not possible for any working site. The low voltage start-up capability of 64V makes it perfect for use in power supply deficient situations.

The max pressure of 150 PSI makes it a perfect companion for all air tools. With its consistent and reliable performance, it gets the job done timely and efficient.

Its ergonomic design made it versatile for both professionals and DIYers. It is perfect for inflation needs, stapling, finish nailing, light-duty bolting, and wrenching. It is also best suited for trim, blow cleaning, brad nailing, and hardwood flooring jobs.

It is enclosed with an oil-free, long-life, durable universal pump. The design makes it a better tool from a maintenance and refilling cost point of view.

It weighs 39 lbs, a little heavier than the 6-gallon tank. This heavyweight hiccup is balanced by the heavy-duty integrated handle. Thus without much hard effort, it can be lifted comfortably. Also, it enhances the portability to any desired working site.

The low profile and balanced design prevent it from tipping. While the rubber feet do the job to keep the unit from walking during operation.

The gauges and regulator are conveniently located on the control board. The single-hand operation quick connects permit faster application changes.

The onboard cord wrap protects the cord from any possible damage during storage and portability. Also, the motor and pump components are fully enclosed by a shroud. This protects them from any job site abuse and mishandling.

In terms of noise, it is fairly louder. But the level is in an acceptable and tolerable range, not to be the cause of irritation and bad impact on feelings.

My Personal Recommendation

Well, if I have to put my money on the line. Then I’ll go with PORTER-CABLE C2002. All other air compressors have their own strong suits but, Porter is on par with them.

For all kinds of tasks of DIYers, hobbyists, and home and garage owners, the porter cable 6 gallon air compressor is a smooth choice.

Because of its quality, performance, and trusted company support.

best 6 gallon Pancake air compressor FAQs