While we don’t see a ton of new corded air compressors from established brands, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. Metabo HPT has proven that over the past several years with its Tank series that pushed the bar higher. Focusing on the latest launch, I’m taking a closer look at the Metabo HPT 165 PSI pancake air compressor to see what it has to offer and how it compares to the rest of the lineup.
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Metabo HPT 165 PSI Pancake Air Compressor
The first thing I noticed was that the EC711S is not branded as part of the tank lineup. With a 165 max PSI, that’s not terribly surprising since the 6-gallon Tank model offers 200 PSI. I decided to do a quick comparison and see what the main differences are.
Metabo HPT’s two other 6-gallon pancake models are the EC710S (standard) and the EC914S (Tank series). A quick look at the model numbers reveals the new EC711S is more likely a replacement for the 710. Here’s how they compare:
Metabo HPT 6-Gallon Air Compressor Comparison
| EC711S (NEW) | EC710S (OLD) | EC914S (TANK) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 12A/1HP oil-free | 12A/1HP oil-free | 13.5A/1.5HP oil-free |
| Tank | 6 gallons | 6 gallons | 6 gallons |
| Max Pressure | 165 PSI | 150 PSI | 200 PSI |
| Air Delivery | 2.8 CFM @ 90 PSI 3.7 CFM @ 40 PSI | 2.8 CFM @ 90 PSI 3.7 CFM @ 40 PSI | 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI 5.1 CFM @ 40 PSI |
| Couplers | 2 quick connect | 2 quick connect | 2 quick connect |
| Operating Noise | 73 db | 73 db | 79 db |
| Weight | 38.5 pounds | 38.5 pounds | 41 pounds |
The new model bumps the max pressure up a bit higher, but the air delivery is effectively the same. It’s not gaining any ground on the Tank model’s air delivery, though it does close the PSI gap some.
Metabo HPT 165 PSI Pancake Air Compressor at a Glance
- Motor: 12A 1.0 HP oil-free motor
- Drive System: Belt drive
- Tank: 6 gallons
- Max Pressure: 165 PSI
- Air Delivery: 2.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 3.7 CFM @ 40 PSI
- Couplers: 2 x 1/4-inch universal quick connect
- Tank Recovery: 46 seconds
- Operating Noise: 73 db
- Weight: 38.5 pounds
Expect to Simultaneously Run
- Framing Nailers: 1
- Roofing/Siding Nailers: 1
- 15/16-Gauge Finish Nailers: 2
- 18-Gauge Finish Nailers: 3
- 23-Gauge Pin Nailers: 4
Metabo HPT 165 PSI Pancake Air Compressor Price
You can grab the EC711S for $169 at your favorite Metabo HPT retailer. It’s backed with a 1-year warranty.
The previous EC710S model is no longer available at the retailers I checked, so it seems this is a replacement for that model.
Should You Buy It?
In my experience, Metabo HPT air compressors have been reliable power sources for their outstanding pneumatic nailer lineup, so I have no problem having faith that the quality of this model is where it needs to be.
Since it’s only gaining 15 PSI over the previous model and no bump in air delivery, there’s no need to run out and upgrade if your EC710S is still running well. Just wait until it reaches the end of its service life and replace it then.
At $169, it’s only $30 less than the 6-gallon Tank model, and that’s where the real debate is. The price is close enough, and the Tank offers a legitimate gain in the number of nailers you can use at once, so it’s the model I prefer.
However, the EC711S is significantly quieter. If you need to keep noise in check because of personal preference or working in occupied spaces, it’s the way to go.
