Ordinarily it wouldn’t be hard to choose between a pancake and a hotdog. One is a breakfast food and the other is commonly found at ball parks and barbecues. Heck, even if you can’t decide between the two, you can’t go wrong by having both! But we’re not talking about food in this article. Instead, we’re talking about air compressors! And purchasing both a pancake and a hotdog air compressor is not generally the best idea. After all, most people don’t need two air compressors of completely different styles. So read on as we discuss which is right for you: a pancake or a hotdog air compressor.
Table of Contents
- What is a Pancake Air Compressor?
- What Are Pancake Air Compressors Good For?
- How Much Does a Pancake Air Compressor Cost?
- How Long Does a Pancake Air Compressor Last?
- Pros and Cons of Pancake Air Compressors
- Pancake Air Compressor Recommendation
- What is a Hotdog Compressor?
- What Are Hotdog Air Compressors Good For?
- How Much Does a Hotdog Air Compressor Cost?
- How Long Does a Hotdog Air Compressor Last?
- Pros and Cons of Hotdog Air Compressors
- Hotdog Air Compressor Recommendation
- In Conclusion
- Pancake vs Hotdog Air Compressor FAQ’s
What is a Pancake Air Compressor?
A pancake air compressor is one that has a round, flat air tank that resembles a pancake. These compressors are generally on the small side, with tanks ranging from one to six gallons.
They usually have the motor on top of the air tank, and a convenient carrying handle for taking these small compressors with you to a job site or simply moving one around the garage while you work.
Since pancake compressors are so small, they don’t come with wheels. Instead, they have rubber feet and sit low to the ground, which makes them sturdy. As mentioned above, they usually have a carrying handle so you can move them, and they weigh an average of 30 pounds, making them some of the more lightweight options on the market for air compressors. Of course, the larger the air tank, the more the compressor will weigh.
What Are Pancake Air Compressors Good For?
The main factors you’ll want to consider in any air compressor are the standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM), which is sometimes called cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the PSI, which is pounds per square inch. Together, these factors decide what kinds of air tools you can run on the compressor.
On average, pancake compressors have a CFM of around 2 to 3, and a max PSI of around 150. This means that you’ll only be able to operate air tools that require a CFM at or below the CFM provided by the compressor.
So pancake compressors do have a wide variety of uses, such as using pneumatic nailers, inflating car tires (models with larger tanks), airbrush painting, cleaning PC’s and filling sports equipment. However, you won’t be able to use one with larger air tools like 1-inch impact wrenches, dual sanders, or air shears.
How Much Does a Pancake Air Compressor Cost?
You can get a quality, 6-gallon pancake air compressor for about $150 to $175. There are cheaper and more expensive models, but you can be confident that you’re getting a good compressor without spending $200.
Pancake compressors are a favorite of many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts because of the low price tag and small footprint. Most pancake compressors are oil-free, meaning you don’t have to worry about maintenance, which is an added benefit.
How Long Does a Pancake Air Compressor Last?
There’s no standard lifespan when it comes to pancake compressors. There are many determining factors that influence the life of a compressor, including how often it is used, what it is used for, where it is stored, and how often maintenance is performed.
It’s not uncommon for home-use pancake compressors to last 20 years or more with proper care. It also depends on whether it is an oil-free compressor or not. Oil-free compressors require less maintenance, but they also don’t last as long as models lubricated with oil.
Pros and Cons of Pancake Air Compressors
There are some definite pros and cons of pancake compressors, although how much weight these have for you will depend on your preferences and what you plan on using the compressor for. Let’s take a look at them now.
Pros
- Small Footprint
- Lightweight
- Easy Carrying Handle
- Great for Home Use
- Can Handle Small Air Tools
- Most Models are Oil-Free
- Low Price Tag
- Low-Profile Design Makes for Sturdy Operation
Cons
- No Wheels for Continuous Movement
- Limited to Smaller Air Tools
- Oil-Free Models are Louder and Don’t Last as Long as Oil-Lubricated Models
Pancake Air Compressor Recommendation
You can’t go wrong with this Craftsman 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor. This American-Made compressor is excellent for use in the home or on the job site with smaller air tools. It features a 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI, with a max pressure rating of 150 PSI. It allows for quick recovery time, has a handle for easy transport, and has two couplers for multiple users. It’s an oil-free model that operates at 78.5 decibels, which makes it fairly quiet.
Bestseller
Features
- Made in the USA
- Oil-Free
- Quiet Operation
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- 150 PSI Max Pressure
- 78.5 Decibel Rating
- Starts Quickly in Cold Weather
- Quick Recovery Time
- Two Couplers
- Includes a 13-Piece Accessory Kit
What is a Hotdog Compressor?
A hotdog compressor is similar in function to a pancake compressor but different in design. Where a pancake compressor features a round and flat air tank, a hotdog compressor features a longer, tubular tank that resembles a hotdog.
These compressors feature a larger footprint and bulkier structure than pancake compressors, making them a bit of a problem for those without space to spare. Hotdog compressor design also makes them harder to transport without wheels and a carrying handle, so make sure you choose one with the features if you foresee needing to move the compressor often.
They generally range in tank size from 2 to 8 gallons. Hotdog compressors also come in oil or oil-free models. The oil-lubricated models require some maintenance but tend to be quieter and last slightly longer. Most homeowners like oil-free models because of the easy maintenance requirements.
What Are Hotdog Air Compressors Good For?
The CFM of hotdog compressors varies depending on the style and model you get. The larger models provide 5 CFM at 40 PSI and 4 CFM at 90 PSI, meaning you can operate a wider range of air tools than pancake compressors.
In addition to everything you can do with a pancake compressor, there are other things you can do with the right hotdog compressor. These include riveting, ratcheting, some mini grinding, and even metal nibbling.
It’s worth it to familiarize yourself with the CFM requirements for any specific air tools you want to use so you can make sure they will work with the specific hotdog compressor you want.
How Much Does a Hotdog Air Compressor Cost?
Hotdog compressors of comparable size to pancake compressors tend to be a bit more expensive. However, if you’re looking at hotdog compressors with larger tanks, the increased price tends to be worth it given the additional things you can do. Hotdog compressors sell new for between $200 and $300, although there are cheaper and more expensive models available.
How Long Does a Hotdog Air Compressor Last?
Hotdog compressors can last just as long as pancake compressors. Of course, the same things that can help or hurt a pancake compressor can help or hurt a hotdog compressor. These include proper storage, maintenance (mainly draining moisture), frequency of use, and type of use. They can last 20 years or more with proper care.
Again, oil-lubricated models are known to last slightly longer than oil-free models. However, the low-maintenance tradeoff is worth it for many people. Even oil-free models can last a very long time (10 to 20 years).
Pros and Cons of Hotdog Air Compressors
Now let’s take a look at the pros and cons of hotdog air compressors, especially as compared to pancake compressors.
Pros
- Available with Larger Tanks
- Some Long and Skinny Models are Ideal for Use in Tight Spaces
- Can be Used with a Wider Range of Air Tools
- Larger Models Have Wheels and Handle for Easy Transport
- Available in Oil-Free and Oil-Lubricated Models
Cons
- Bulkier and Heavier Than Pancake Compressors
- Can be Noisier Than Smaller Pancake Models
- Tend to Cost More Than Pancake Models
Hotdog Air Compressor Recommendation
You may or may not be surprised to see that I’m recommending another Craftsman here. While there certainly are other good hotdog air compressors available, this Craftsman 10-Gallon Hotdog Air Compressor is the best one for your buck, especially if you want to tackle a wider range of jobs than a pancake compressor.
Bestseller
Features
- 175 PSI Max Pressure
- 1.8 Horsepower Motor for Quick Recovery Time
- 5 CFM @ 40 PSI
- 4 CFM @ 90 PSI
- Easy Start in Low Temps
- Includes Rubber Wheels and a Carrying Handle
- Low Noise Level (80 Decibels)
- Oil-Free
- 12 Month Original Manufacturer After-Sales Service
In Conclusion
If you get comparable sized compressors, there’s not going to be much of a difference in performance. All else being equal, the design doesn’t matter for performance between these two types of compressors. That said, pancake compressors are more compact and feature a small footprint, which is great for those who want to save space. They’re also lighter and easier to haul up ladders for working on job sites.
Larger hotdog compressors come with wheels and a handle for easy transport. This is good because they weigh more than their pancake counterparts. If you want to perform a wide range of tasks with your air compressor, a large 8 or 10-gallon hotdog compressor is your best bet. You’ll have to pay a little more, but it’s better than having a compressor that won’t do all you want it to do.
Pancake vs Hotdog Air Compressor FAQ’s
What is the main difference between pancake and hot dog air compressors?
The main difference between pancake and hot dog air compressors is the shape and size of their air tanks. Pancake compressors have a round or oval-shaped tank that sits horizontally, while hot dog compressors have a cylindrical tank that sits vertically. This difference in shape affects the portability and storage of the compressor, as well as the stability of the compressor during use.
What are some features of pancake compressors?
Pancake compressors feature a compact and portable design, making them easy to transport and store. They typically have an oil-free pump, which reduces maintenance and eliminates the risk of oil contamination. Pancake compressors are also typically lighter and smaller than hot dog compressors, making them a popular choice for DIYers and those with limited space.
What are some features of hot dog compressors?
Hot dog compressors typically have a larger tank capacity than pancake compressors, making them better suited for running pneumatic brad nailers and other small pneumatic tools. Some hot dog compressors have twin stack tanks or two air tanks, which provide more air and allow for longer run times. Hot dog compressors are also generally more stable during use than pancake compressors due to their vertical tank design.
Can pancake compressors power larger pneumatic tools?
Pancake compressors are generally better suited for powering smaller pneumatic tools, such as nail guns and inflating tires. They may struggle to power larger tools, such as an air hammer or heavy-duty power tools. The limited tank capacity of pancake compressors means that they may not provide enough air volume or pressure to run larger tools for extended periods of time.
Can hot dog compressors be quiet?
Yes, some hot dog compressors, such as those from California Air Tools, are designed to be ultra-quiet, making them suitable for indoor use without disturbing others. These compressors typically use an oil-free pump and advanced noise reduction technology to minimize noise levels.
Do hot dog compressors have oil-free pumps?
Hot dog compressors can have either oil-free or oil-lubed pumps. Oil-lubed pumps require routine maintenance and have a risk of oil contamination, but they tend to last longer than oil-free pumps. Some hot dog compressors feature an oil-free pump for reduced maintenance and greater convenience.
How do tank sizes range between pancake and hot dog compressors?
Pancake compressors typically have a smaller tank capacity, ranging from one to six gallons, while hot dog compressors can have tank capacities up to 20 gallons or more. The larger tank capacity of hot dog compressors provides more air and longer run times for small pneumatic tools. However, the larger size of hot dog compressors may make them less portable and more difficult to store than pancake compressors.
