Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' review
The most capable pancake we found: 200 PSI and 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI from a 6-gallon tank. It is louder than the Bostitch, but it stores far more air. At 79 dB it is louder than a vacuum cleaner.
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How loud is it?
- Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank'79 dB
Distributor spec sheet (ISO 3744); Amazon lists 73 dB. Brands measure at different distances, so treat 1–2 dB differences as a tie. Why dB ratings vary.
Full specifications
| Noise rating | 79 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Distributor spec sheet (ISO 3744); Amazon lists 73 dB |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 4 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 5.1 |
| Max PSI | 200 |
| Tank | 6 gal |
| Horsepower | 1.3 HP |
| Pump | Oil-free |
| Stages | — |
| Power | 120V outlet |
| Duty cycle | — |
| Weight | 42 lb |
| Price band | $150–$300 (checked October 18, 2026) |
A dash means the manufacturer doesn't publish that figure. We never estimate one.
Our take
Metabo HPT nicknamed the EC914S 'The Tank' for good reason. A 200 PSI cut-out in a 6-gallon pancake stores much more air than a typical 150 PSI unit, and the 1.3 HP motor delivers 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI, the most of any pancake on our list.
That makes it the pancake to pick for roofing or framing crews who need to keep two guns going. It is also one of the best sellers in the category.
Noise is the trade-off. A distributor's ISO 3744 spec puts it at 79 dBA, while the Amazon listing says 73 dB. We use the more conservative figure because the test standard is stated. Either way, it is not a compressor to run in someone's living room.
Pros
- 200 PSI cut-out roughly doubles usable air versus 100 PSI tanks
- 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI is high for a pancake
- Very popular with buyers
Cons
- 79 dBA (ISO 3744) is loud indoors
- 42 lb, heavier than most pancakes
What it can run
With a 30% safety margin, 4 CFM at 90 PSI comfortably covers these tools from our list (nailers assumed at 30 shots a minute):
- Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (0.025 cu ft per shot)
- Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer (0.09 cu ft per shot)
- Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8" Air Ratchet (3 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 3101G 1/4" Die Grinder (3 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 119MAXK Air Hammer Kit (2.9 CFM average)
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Best for: Most air from a pancake compressor.
Buy it if: your main jobs are nailing, inflation and blow-off; you want a pump with no oil to change.
Skip it if: you need to work indoors or near people without hearing protection.
How it compares in its class
- Ranked #2 of 4 in pancake.
- Quieter than 2 of the 3 other rated models in that list.
- 4 CFM at 90 PSI against a class median of 2.6 CFM, so above average airflow for the class.
- Price band $150–$300; see every spec side by side in the comparison table.
Ownership tips
- Drain the tank after each use (daily on a shop compressor) to stop rust from the inside.
- The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to change; keep the intake filter clean instead.
- Plug it straight into a wall outlet and use a longer air hose instead of a long, thin extension cord.
- Test the safety relief valve now and then by pulling its ring briefly, and never adjust or plug it.
General guidance; always follow the owner's manual. More in our maintenance checklist.
Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank': quick answers
How loud is the Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank'?
It is rated at 79 dB (distributor spec sheet (iso 3744); amazon lists 73 db), which is louder than a vacuum cleaner.
What can the Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' run?
With a 30% safety margin it covers Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer, Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8" Air Ratchet, Ingersoll Rand 3101G 1/4" Die Grinder, Ingersoll Rand 119MAXK Air Hammer Kit from our tool list, based on 4 CFM at 90 PSI.
Is the Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' oil-free?
Yes. The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to check or change.
What power does the Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' need?
It runs from a standard 120V household outlet. For larger units, a dedicated 20A circuit is best; avoid long, thin extension cords.
Spec sources
Where each figure on this page comes from (checked October 18, 2026). We don't present manufacturer figures as our own measurements.
- adamstarpntool.com: noise, CFM @ 40 PSI, horsepower, pump type
- metabo-hpt.com: CFM @ 90 PSI, weight
- Amazon product listing: max PSI, tank
Alternatives to consider
BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake
78.5 dB · 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
The quietest 6-gallon pancake
PORTER-CABLE C2002 6 Gallon Pancake
82 dB · 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
Classic budget pancake for weekend projects