We often hear folks debating on Pancake vs hotdog air compressor.
One general question raised among the DIY enthusiast and professional workers is what are the real differences between both?
They say each of them is a compressor with a slight difference in appearance. So, which one’s right for them?
Today, we are here to address this debate and tell you the minor differences between these air compressors that no one talks about.
Definitely, after the edit, you’d be able to pick one from them to meet your needs.
Pancake Air Compressor
1. Appearance
Pancake compressors are named after pancakes. They have a pancake-shaped air tank having a motor atop. Traditionally used, these air compressors appear smaller than hotdog air compressors.
2. Capacity
Mostly these air compressors have a capacity between 2 to 6 gallons. Some of them also come in 8 gallon capacity, but that’s rare. This capacity is enough to inflate tires or nailing.
3. Base
The most exciting feature of pancake compressors is the broad base. Featured with rubber tips, these compressors are perfect to work on sloped or uneven terrain. It does not topple over and provides you with stability while you work.
4. Performance
Since pancake air compressors have a maximum pressure between 120 to 150 PSI, there’s a lot you can expect them to do. Run nailers and small air tools using this air compressor. However, you cannot use it for heavy air tools, including impact wrenches or dual sanders.
5. Weight
These compressors are usually light in weight. As discussed earlier, these compressors have a maximum capacity of 6 gallons, except for some. Usually, they are found to have a weight under 30 pounds. So, you don’t need to put much effort into displacing its tank from one place to another.
6. Handle
For easy transportation, the handle is placed above the motor. This handle makes lifting the compressor easy and traveling smoothly from one job site to another. Carrying it is convenient as the compressor has lightweight.
7. Lack of Wheels
The lack of wheels sets it apart from the hotdog air compressors. Although this is a downside, it’s not a deal breaker since you need a stable unit when working on uneven terrain. For instance, a sloped roof. A pancake air compressor with rubber tips stands the sloppy ground pretty well, but it gets difficult for a unit with the wheels on.
8. Maintenance
Mostly, pancake compressors have oil-free pumps. That means it demands low or no maintenance. Due to that, however, the lifetime of your air compressor is reduced.
9. Noise level
The noise level of pancake compressors depends upon the model you choose. Most are ultra-quiet, and you can easily use them indoors without getting a complaint from your neighbors. However, there’s always an option to put on ear protectors if you feel the sound is more for your ears.
10. Who Uses Pancake Air Compressor?
Pancake air compressors are the first choice of DIY enthusiasts, garage owners, and those working on small projects. These air compressors are perfect for inflating tires, pool toys, air mattresses, cushions, pillows, and sports equipment. You can also run a few air tools using them, but the small ones like roofing nailers.
11. Cost
Compared to hotdog air compressors, you’d always find the pancake air compressors as a budget-friendly option. A 6-gallon pancake air compressor is available for between $150 and $200. The price of one differs with the difference in brand, features, and materials used.
Pros
- Stable on uneven ground
- Light in weight
- Handy for transportation
- Efficient performance
- Budget-friendly option
- Low maintenance unit
Cons
- No wheels
Hot Dog Air Compressor
1. Appearance
Hotdog air compressors are longer and narrower. Their tank is taller and is similar in shape to a hotdog. That’s why they are called hotdog air compressors. Hotdog compressors perform similar functions to that of pancake compressors. However, they are a little bulky for storage.
2. Capacity
Compressor having an 8 gallon capacity or equivalent with tubular design is mostly hotdog air compressor. It’s not wrong to say that they are bigger than the pancake air compressor, and that’s a good reason behind their bulkiness.
3. Base
The base of hotdog compressors is narrower than pancake compressors because they are skinner and longer than pancake compressors. Due to this, the stability of the compressor reduces. When working on an uneven surface, it easily topples over or rolls down.
4. Weight
Hotdog compressors are a bit heavy because of their large capacities. On average, a 2 to 4-gallon hotdog air compressor weighs 35 pounds. Although you can drag them easily from one job site to another with the wheels, carrying them with a handle is a little inconvenient.
5. Performance
The maximum pressure most hotdog air compressors have to offer is 150 PSI. They give off 5 CFM at 40 PSI, diversifying its uses and making it versatile. Riveting, ratcheting, nailing, bolting, roofing, and painting are some of the jobs these compressors can help you with.
5. Handle
These compressors are also equipped with handles but carrying them from one job site to another is not as easy as pancake air compressors.
6. Have Wheels
The best feature among all is that hotdog compressors have wheels integrated. Since these compressors have wheels at the bottom, you can easily drag them anywhere without making any effort.
7. Maintenance
Like the pancake air compressors, the hotdog air compressor also has models with an oil-free pump. But some of the models require time-to-time maintenance.
8. Noise level
The noise level of the hotdog air compressor is more than the pancake air compressors. That’s due to the big compressor size and the potential motor it is backed by. However, this noise is tolerable, but you can always wear ear protectors for your ease.
9. Who Uses Hotdog Air Compressor?
Everyone opts for a hotdog air compressor, from an around-the-house worker to a professional roof and woodworker. Hotdog air compressors have to offer a wide range of applications and have firm stability on the ground, which makes them useful for a large audience. You can use it for small jobs, including tire and pool toys inflation to power air tools.
10. Cost
For application in various situations and spheres, hotdog air compressors come at a slightly higher cost. They come in the range of $200 to $300, depending on the brand.
Pros
- Have wheels
- Easy transportation
- Large capacity
- High power
- Large
Cons
- Less stable
- Bulky to store
Recommended Best Hotdog Air Compressors
- California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S
- Senco PC1010N 1/2 Hp Portable Hot Dog Compressor
FAQs
What are the qualities of pancake compressors and hot dog compressors?
A pancake compressor is used in roofing, working upstairs, and on uneven terrain. While hot dog compressors are used in the Garage, working in small areas and when you have to move often.
How pancake compressors work?
The working principle of all the compressors is the same. The compressor has air in the tank, and it creates pressure. When you use the air compressor, the pressure is released. You can also adjust the air compressor pressure according to your need and project.
For what hot dogs are compressors used?
Hotdog compressors consist of large tanks as compared to pancake compressors. It makes hotdog compressors suitable for projects like woodworking, and you can also use them in small and congested places and in the Garage to clean them.
What are the best hot dog and pancake compressors?
To buy the best hot dog and pancake compressors, look for a brand like Dewalt, Campbell Hausfeld, Makita, and Craftsman. All these brands offer the best compressors at reasonable and affordable prices. They provide you with top-notch air compressors and a vast variety to pick from. These brands also provide you with the latest and modern air compressor.
Which air compressors are used for the home garage?
It usually depends upon for what purpose you are using air compressors. Both pancake and hot dog compressors are suitable for this. But we recommend you to look at SFM and PSI of compressors.
Hotdog compressors are oil-free, have bigger tanks, and are loud. While pancake compressors do not have large tanks but are not too loud. They are also oil-free.
Conclusion
Pancake vs hotdog air compressor is a long debate since one cannot fit right in everyone’s shoe. You should go for a pancake air compressor if you take small projects, work on sloppy or uneven terrains usually, and run short on space to store a unit.
While a hotdog air compressor would be the right fit for both DIY enthusiasts and professional workers. It helps you inflate multiple objects at home and garage and power many air tools. Thanks to its wheels, you can also transport it easily from one job site to another.
So, pick one now, check out its price, and get started with your new project.