There are many different types of tanks to choose from regardless of what you need the portable air compressor for. Many of the names do not make much sense and it can seem like a very arbitrary decision as to which one you select. The following describes the different types of tanks and what each kind is good for.

Vertical Tank: The motor and the pump are mounted on top of the tall, rectangular tank. This tank provides a very space efficient design for a typically large capacity tank.  However it is not easily transported because of the large capacity and more unstable design.

Horizontal Tank: This is a much more classic design consisting of an elongated cylinder that sits on mounted wheels, parallel to the ground. This offers a bit more portability but is still hard to transport to new locations. The capacity is still sufficient for use in a shop or mechanics office.

Pancake Tank: Much more portable tank that usually only weighs about 60lbs. The name describes it exactly as it has a very flat, rounded appearance. This model is ideal for small jobs, especially in tighter areas.

Wheel-Barrow Tank: The most portable option that is widely used on job sites. It is slightly heavier than the pancake tank, but the design makes it very easy to pull around. It is arranged just like a wheel barrow with two handles and a single wheel.

These are just some of the main models to choose from and certainly does not encompass all the options. My personal recommendation is the wheel-barrow model because of its portability. You can’t really take it inside the house very easily, but around the garage or driveway its the best.