The DEWALT DWFP55126 is a 6-gallon, 165 psi corded electric pancake compressor that runs on 120 volts. Car and Driver named it a top pick for light-duty work, recording a 2-minute-32-second fill time, a 147 psi maximum and 33 lug nuts removed on one tank with an impact wrench. YourBestDigs made it the runner-up in its six-gallon test, where it ran a pneumatic sander considerably longer than the other compressors. It suits home garages that need a carryable compressor for nailers, inflation and short bursts of air-tool work; anyone who needs quiet running or sustained air for sanders and spray work should look at a larger or quieter unit.
Full review
Quick to fill and strong for its size
Car and Driver filled the DeWalt's tank from empty in about 2 minutes 32 seconds, which it called impressive for the size, and recorded a maximum of 147 psi on its sample. With the power disconnected and a half-inch impact wrench attached, one tank removed 33 lug nuts. YourBestDigs, which tested six six-gallon compressors, found the DeWalt delivered the most air of the group and kept a pneumatic sander at operating speed considerably longer than the others, though none lasted a full minute. It also expects that extra delivery to help with spraying, while noting most nailing, clean-up and inflation jobs barely benefit from a few extra psi.
Light, carryable pancake with two outlets
At 29 pounds, the DeWalt is easy to move by its top handle, according to Car and Driver, even without wheels, and its pressure dial is simple to use. YourBestDigs found the large curved handle makes the compressor feel lighter than it is, and it liked the well-placed drain valve, which opens with a quick turn rather than a screw plug and sits where it will not catch on anything. Two outlets let two tools run at once. The downside it found is the coupler design: the sleeve-type connections more or less require two hands to attach a hose, whereas some rivals take a hose one-handed.
Noise and tank size are the limits
Car and Driver measured 88 dBA while the DeWalt was running. YourBestDigs found it noticeably quieter than every compressor in its group except the California Air Tools model, but still loud enough that it recommends ear plugs or hearing protection for anything more than a few minutes. Six gallons is also a ceiling: YourBestDigs calls the DeWalt a powerhouse for its class but too small for air-hungry tools, and advises a larger stationary compressor for that kind of work. Car and Driver concludes it is a solid option that balances features and compromises well, and recommends it alongside the Craftsman six-gallon model as good value for light-duty jobs.
Strengths
- +Kept a pneumatic sander running longer than every rival in YourBestDigs' test
- +Filled its six-gallon tank in about 2 minutes 32 seconds in Car and Driver's test
- +Relatively light at 29 lb, with a curved top handle that makes it easy to carry
- +Two air outlets for running two tools at once, plus a well-placed drain valve
Watch-outs
- −Loud: 88 dBA in Car and Driver's test, and hearing protection is still advised
- −Sleeve-type hose couplers effectively need two hands to connect
- −Too small a tank for air-hungry tools such as sanders
How it compares
With a 6-gallon tank, the DeWalt holds less air than the 13-gallon VEVOR and the 20-gallon Stealth Professional, but at 29 lb with a top handle it is the easier one to carry between jobs. Its 165 psi rating and pancake tank set it apart from the hot-dog-shaped Craftsman Hot Dog Air Compressor.
Rating sources
Our 4.2 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
