Metabo HPT Air Compressor, THE TANK, Portable Pancake Air Compressor 200 PSI, 6 Gallon Tank, Versatile for Use with Framing, Siding, Finish, Brad or Roofing Nailers, EC914S

Why I reached for this compressor

Pancake compressors are the pickup trucks of jobsite air: not the biggest haulers, but dependable and easy to live with. I brought the Metabo pancake, “The Tank,” into my rotation because I needed something portable that could keep up with framing and roofing nailers without constantly hunting for air. After several weeks on remodels and in the shop, I’ve come to appreciate where this unit shines—and where it doesn’t.

Setup, build, and first impressions

Out of the box, The Tank feels purpose-built. At 41 pounds, it isn’t featherlight, but the weight translates into a planted base and a sturdy, well-braced motor assembly. The handle is comfortable, the tank welds are clean, and the rubber feet tame vibration on concrete and subfloor. Gauges sit high and are easy to read from standing height. The regulator turns smoothly and holds a set pressure without drifting. My unit came with twin universal couplers, which makes pairing two nailers quick and tidy.

The tank drain is a traditional petcock under the belly. It’s not hard to operate, but you’ll want to tip the compressor slightly to clear water if you’re on uneven ground. Consider it a small nudge to make draining part of your daily shutdown routine—especially since this unit runs up to 200 PSI, which will condense moisture faster in humid conditions.

Power-wise, it ran fine on standard 15-amp circuits in occupied homes. As with any compressor, use a heavy-gauge extension cord (12-gauge, short as practical) to avoid voltage drop and hard starts.

Performance and air delivery

The headline spec here is 200 PSI with 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI. In practice, that combination gives this small tank a much bigger feel. The extra pressure raises the usable air reserve, so the motor cycles less often when you’re driving nails in bursts. I ran two framing nailers during a basement stud-out and was able to keep both carpenters moving at a normal pace without waiting on recovery. Driving full-depth shots into SPF and LVL wasn’t an issue. On a siding repair, two coil roofing nailers ran simultaneously without drama. Finish work with 15-gauge and brad nailers is hardly a workout—it will keep a small trim crew productive.

Recovery is brisk for a 6-gallon unit pushing this much pressure. From a depleted tank after continuous nailing, it gets back to cut-out quickly enough that the pause is measured in seconds, not minutes. What matters more than raw fill time is pressure stability at the tool, and The Tank does well there: the regulator is responsive and there’s minimal droop under load. Nails seat flush without that maddening half-second delay some small compressors exhibit.

It’s important to set expectations if you plan to dabble in air-hungry tools. Short bursts on an air ratchet or blowing out filters are fine, but continuous draw from die grinders, DA sanders, or HVLP guns will outrun this machine. If your workflow leans into auto work or continuous sanding, step up to a larger tank and 6–8+ CFM at 90 PSI. For carpentry and punch-list tasks, this compressor is right in its wheelhouse.

Noise and vibration

This isn’t a “quiet class” compressor, and you will know when it’s running. To my ears, it’s comparable to other pro-grade pancakes—less tinny than bargain units, but not whisper-soft like the best low-RPM, “silent” hotdog compressors. On jobs where noise matters, I park it outside or in an adjacent room and run a longer hose. Ear protection is still a good idea in enclosed spaces. The rubber feet and balanced pump help keep walk-around vibration low, and it doesn’t creep across the floor.

Portability and jobsite manners

At 41 pounds, The Tank lands in the “portable but substantial” category. You won’t carry it up three flights all day without noticing, but it’s manageable for one person, and the footprint is compact enough to tuck behind a miter saw stand or in a closet during trim. The center of gravity is well-placed; it doesn’t feel tippy when you grab the handle with gloves on. The pancake form factor sits flat in a van and stacks neatly.

Two couplers on the front panel simplify running multiple hoses without a manifold. The gauge faces are easy to read at a glance, and the protective shrouds around the controls have enough clearance to operate gloved. I also appreciate that the fittings and regulator don’t seep; mine holds stored pressure for days between tasks with only negligible loss.

Air quality and care

For finish and cabinetry, I run a small inline filter/regulator at the tool in addition to the compressor’s onboard regulator. The compressor itself delivers clean, dry air once you get in the habit of draining the tank. Open the petcock at day’s end and again in the morning before firing up—especially critical when you’re charging to 200 PSI. Beyond draining, basic care is straightforward: keep the intake clean, check your hoses, and avoid long, light-gauge extension cords.

Where The Tank stands out

• High usable reserve from a small footprint. The 200 PSI cutoff means fewer interruptions and steadier pressure at the gun.
• Realistic multi-tool capability. Two large nailers is not a marketing fantasy here; it’s a comfortable daily setup.
• Solid build quality. From welds to feet to controls, it feels like a tool meant to live in a truck and on a site.
• Simple, dependable controls. The regulator is precise, the gauges are legible, and the couplers don’t fight you.

Where it could be better

• Noise. It’s typical for its class, but if you work in occupied spaces or basements all day, a low-RPM “quiet” compressor will be easier on the ears.
• Drain access. The petcock works fine but sits low; a quarter-turn ball valve or side-mounted drain would speed the end-of-day routine.
• Not for continuous-air tasks. That’s not a flaw so much as a category limitation, but it’s worth underscoring for folks eyeing grinders or paint.

Who it’s for

• Framing and roofing crews that want a truly portable unit that can feed two guns without babysitting the tank.
• Remodelers and trim carpenters who bounce between tasks and rooms and value fast setup with steady performance.
• DIYers stepping up to a pro-capable compressor that won’t dominate the garage but can handle deck builds, siding repairs, and interior projects.

If your typical week involves automotive air tools, cabinet finishing with HVLP, or shop-based sanding, you’ll be happier with a larger tank and more CFM. If you mostly shoot nails and blow out the occasional filter, this hits a sweet spot.

The bottom line

The Tank earns its nickname not by being massive, but by feeling unfazed under typical carpentry loads. The 200 PSI ceiling and 4 CFM at 90 PSI translate into real productivity on site: nails drive flush, recovery is quick, and two-tool setups work like they should. It’s not the quietest option, and it won’t replace a big shop compressor for continuous air demands, but as a portable jobsite workhorse, it’s a well-engineered, confidence-inspiring choice.

Recommendation: I recommend The Tank for pros and serious DIYers who primarily run nailers and want a compact compressor with above-average reserve and steady performance. It’s a strong value for framing, roofing, siding, and finish work. If low noise or continuous high-CFM tools are central to your workflow, look elsewhere; otherwise, this should be near the top of your shortlist.