Pressure washers offer a powerful and efficient solution for tackling a wide range of cleaning tasks. From tackling stubborn grime to prepping surfaces for a fresh coat of paint or restoring the beauty of your deck, a pressure washer can make the job faster and easier.
With a variety of models available, from electric to gas-powered and light-duty to heavy-duty, it can be challenging to choose which one is right for you.
That’s where our comprehensive reviews and guides come in. We’ll break down the essential factors to consider, such as pressure, flow rate, nozzle options, and more as well as provide tips and best practices for safe and effective use.
Water Pressure Washers – Electric or Gas?
Unsurprisingly, there’s no clear cut answer on the question. Each has their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Our job is to give you the facts to help you come to your own decision.
Electric models, in general, are the more budget-friendly option. But that’s because they often lack the power of a gas pressure washer. You can mitigate this slightly with a model that comes with various add-ons, such as a variable pressure wand.
The SunJoe SPX3000 for example comes with a range of such components, giving it a boost in performance for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. We have several other reviews of electric pressure washers for you to check out.
A gas pressure model is better-suited for tougher jobs. It cleans powerfully with considerably more performance to call upon thanks to its gas engine. For example, the Simpson PS4240H model has a flow rate of 4.0 RPM and water pressure of 4200 PSI. This is more than enough for all typical household cleaning tasks.
However, gas models are a lot more expensive and noisier. They are harder to maintain (particularly during the winter) and produce gas emissions. On the plus side, they are more portable as they aren’t tethered by a cord.
Pressure Washers – What to Look Out For
Finding the best pressure washer for your own circumstances isn’t easy. There are a number of things you need to think about before selecting. Some of the most important considerations include:
- Cleaning power – pressure washer power is measured in one of two ways – PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). For low-intensity jobs such as washing cars, you aren’t likely to need a PSI rating above 1,800. So understand what you’ll be using your pressure washer for before purchasing.
- Hot or cold water – generally speaking, warm or hot water is better in most situations. However, if you’re not likely to be tackling grease and oil or tough stains, then cold water will work fine.
- Accessories – take a note of the extras that come with your pressure washer. The more attachments, the more versatile the washer.
- Storage – some models are easier to store than others. Can you store the extras with the main unit, or are they stored separately? Take a look at how efficient the storage mechanisms are as you check your options.
We go into a lot more detail on finding the perfect pressure washer for your cleaning needs in our latest buying guide.
FAQ
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What is the maximum PSI available on pressure washers?
For home-use purposes, the maximum PSI rating is around 5,000 PSI. Anything above this is generally only used for heavy-duty, industrial-scale cleaning. You can find pressure washers with a rating of 50,000 PSI.
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How do I maintain my pressure washer?
Electric models don't require much maintenance. You just need to check the various extras and addons regularly. Gas-powered washers are a little more complicated.
You'll need to check the gas and fuel levels regularly. And you'll also need to go through a process called winterization.
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What safety features should my pressure washer have?
Most modern pressure washers have a number of in-built safety mechanisms. These include an auto shut-off system to prevent accidental sprays and the unloader valve to prevent pressure from building. There are also heat protection valves. And many models will have safety trigger locks for when the washer isn't in use.
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Are there cordless pressure washers available?
Yes - you can find cordless pressure washers on the market. They're powered by rechargeable batteries (usually lithium) and are great for low-level cleaning jobs. While their portability can be very useful, the obvious downside is the need to recharge them.
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What is the maximum battery life for a cordless pressure washer?
You could expect a cordless pressure washer to last up to an hour before it needs a recharge. But this can vary from model to model. As a result, you should only use this type of pressure washer for quick, one-off cleaning jobs.
