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Pancake VS Hot Dog Air Compressor – Which One Is Better For You?

Pancake VS Hot Dog Air Compressor

Air compressors are power tools available in different sizes and shapes. It can be super portable that can be plugged into a cigarette port of a vehicle to pump up the car tyre, or it can be huge enough to power up different pneumatic tools. Each model is designed for specific purposes and applications. Hence, between choosing between PANCAKE VS HOT DOG AIR COMPRESSOR, you must have a clear understanding of what you plan to do with these air compressors.

Pancake and hot dog air compressors are the two common models that you will find in both professionals and hobbyists’ workshops. So, if you are planning to rent or purchase these pneumatic power tools, then consider the brief guide below to make the right choice between PANCAKE VS HOT DOG AIR COMPRESSOR.  

Overview of Hot Dog Air Compressors

Hot Dog air compressors can perform the basic functions like the pancake compressors. They are lightweight and compact models and can travel with you without consuming too much space. The only difference between PANCAKE VS HOT DOG AIR COMPRESSOR is the tank capacity, ranging from 2 gallons to 8 gallons. But, you will find similar and larger models of hot dog air compressor. Since hot dog compressors are larger than pancake models, it weighs considerably more. However, the hot dog compressor’s weight should not cause any issue in loading and unloading the compressor from the car.    

The hot dog compressors are in the middle ground between heavy-duty and super compact air compressors, and hence you can expect better performance with them. It offers sufficient air volume and pressure to efficiently run the pneumatic tools, making it the best tool for woodworking projects, mechanics, and roofing.

  • Skinny Fits Better – The pancake compressors have small footprints, and there are many instances when a longer and thinner design of hot dog compressors is the best choice. When working in a tight space and need a compressor to fit in the compact space, the hot dog compressor can set alongside the wall as it won’t consume much space. 
  • Easy Transportation – A majority of the hot dog compressors come with handles and wheels, making it easier to drag and pull them behind you. It is useful when you have to move the compressor to the project site or around the projects. The wheels and handles in the hot dog compressor make it easier for movement.   

Why Buy Hot Dog Air Compressors?

The hot dog air compressors are heavier and larger than the pancake compressors, and to make the maneuverability easier, wheels and handles are installed in the compressor. It is highly portable to haul it to different project sites or use it for the car tyre’s emergency pump. 

The hot dig air compressors generate a large amount of compressed air to run various domestic grade pneumatic tools. It can produce over 10 SCFM, making it the best choice for operating airbrushes, angle grinders, air hammers, impact drivers, etc.       

Hot dog air compressors are oil-free tools, and hence you don’t have to worry about their lubrications. It is a great choice for you if you don’t have the patience to deal with the tool’s common maintenance.

Why Not Buy Hot Dog Air Compressors?

With great power, the compressor comes higher noise. The hot dog compressors are known for causing lots of noise. So, ensure to have a good pair of earplugs or earmuffs when using the tool. 

The hot dog compressors rock forth and back when running. Place a piece of cushioning or cloth under the legs of the tool to solve this issue. You may prefer buying the model with rubberized wheels. 

Hot dog compressors are not a powerful compressor and suitable choice for all applications. If you want to run an impact wrench, a disc sander, or die grinder, hot dog compressors are not the ideal choice. 

Pros & Cons of Hot Dog Air Compressor 

Pros

  • Skinny shapes allow the compressor to be used in tight spaces
  • Handles and Wheels make the movement of the tool easier

Cons

  • Not stable on sloped and rough terrain
  • The compressor capacity is average

Our Favorite Hot Dog Air Compressor

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Overview of Pancake Air Compressors 

Pancake Air Compressors are the smallest and compact alternative designed to run the small pneumatic tools or carry out basic duties like filling the air in a car tyre. Because of the compact size, the pancake air compressors are portable and lightweight. The small tank capacity makes it is a compact model. The tank has a limited capacity of up to six gallons. The pancake air compressors come with oil-free pumps, and it means there is no maintenance in the air compressor. 

The pancake air compressors can produce between one and two SCFM, and its total weight is up to three pounds. It is best suited for home uses and makes the best choice when you need air compressors for your road trips. The compressor motor usually sits on top of the compressor tank with extendable handles for easy carrying and hauling. 

  • Wide Base for Stability – The pancake air compressors come with a wider base because of the compressor tank’s cylindrical shape. It makes the air compressor highly stable. It is the best-suited model for uneven terrains and sloped roofs. 
  • Affordability – The pancake air compressors are affordable as compared to the hot dog air compressors. You get more bangs for your penny with pancake air compressors.     

Why Buy Pancake Air Compressors?

There are many good reasons to consider buying the pancake air compressors over hot dog compressors. They are lightweight and easy to haul, and their sturdy design keeps the tank well shaped in the truck of the car or bed of the truck. 

Since the pancake compressors are oil-free air compressors, they are easy to maintain. You don’t have to check the oil level consistently, and the motor won’t overheat or get extremely dry. The pancake air compressors can be used for various applications, including inflating balls, tyres, airbrushing, and even powering the pneumatic brad nailers ( check reviews of best nailers/nailgun ). 

It is worth mentioning that the amount of noise produced by pancake air compressors is very low. It is the quietest air compressor that won’t disturb others when running. But, as a safety measure, you must wear proper ear gear when using the air compressors. 

Why Not Buy Pancake Air Compressors?

There are certain factors about pancake air compressors that would prevent you from buying them. The small tank capacity can be a trait that can prevent someone to avoid someone to buy it. With only six gallons of tank capacity, it would quickly go dry in a matter of minutes when running the demanding pneumatic tools. So, you have to wait until the tank is refilled with compressed air. It increases the downtime of the project. 

The pancake air compressors are not good at reloading time. It features a small motor that works slowly to refill the tank with compressed air. It again reduces the efficiency and increases the downtime of the project. 

If you need an air compressor to run the demanding pneumatic tools like impact wrenches and die grinder, pancake air compressors are not the right choice. 

Pros & Cons of Pancake Air Compressor

Pros

  • The wide design of the compressor is stable and even on uneven terrains and slopes
  • Smaller footprints
  • Handles are well placed for hauling the unit up a ladder
  • Cost-effective and affordable 

Cons

  • No wheels for easy and smooth transportation
  • Difficulty in carrying the air compressor to long distances
  • Not a good choice for running heavy and demanding pneumatic tools

Our Favorite Pancake Air Compressor

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PANCAKE VS HOT DOG AIR COMPRESSOR – Which One to Choose?


If you are still struggling to choose between PANCAKE VS HOT DOG AIR COMPRESSOR, it is because they have more similarities than differences. The power and performance of both the air compressors are the same. They have varying tank capacity, and you can choose as per your requirements. The air compressors are oil-free, and they run at the same volume. So, when you must choose one over the other? 

Pancake Compressor – Pancake compressors are the best choice when you need air compressors to be used on sloped and uneven terrains. Roofers will benefit from the pancake compressors as they go tumbling off the roof while working with them. The stable and wider base makes it a good choice to work outdoors. If you need to carry the air compressors up the ladder or stairs, the pancake compressors will make the best choice.   

Hot Dog Compressors – If you are going to move the air compressors on flat terrains, the hot dog compressors are the best choice. It comes with handles and wheels that make it easier to move across the flat ground. The hot dog compressors are also best when working in confined spaces. The thinner design of the compressor allows it to use in compact spaces efficiently. It won’t consume much space, and hence it is the best choice for working in small and compact areas. 

It is completely up to your personal choice which model to choose between PANCAKE VS HOT DOG AIR COMPRESSOR.

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