Overview
A pressure washer is a useful tool for cleaning decks and siding, washing cars, removing mold from driveways, and cleaning lawn equipment. We looked into the best pressure washers on the market and sent the best models to our product testers to put to the test in their own homes, measuring power, ease of use, and effectiveness. The best pressure washers are listed here.
1. Best Overall – SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot
2. Best Electric – Sun Joe SPX3000 2030
3. Best for Cars – Karcher K 5 Premium
4. Best Heavy-duty – Champion Power Equipment 4200-PSI
5. Best Budget – Greenworks 1500 PSI
Buying Guides
When selecting the best pressure washer for you, there are numerous criteria to consider; the following are the essential ones that we examined while compiling this list.
1. Water Pressure
When purchasing a pressure washer, one of the most crucial elements to consider is the amount of force it generates. After all, greater pressure equals greater cleaning ability.
Psi is the unit of measurement for this pressure. In general, a lower psi indicates less pressure. A lower psi may be ideal for your needs, depending on how you intend to use your pressure washer.
Pressure washers for home use typically range from 1,300 to 1,800 psi. Small home activities, such as washing automobiles, cleaning shutters, washing lawn furniture, and spot-cleaning light stains, are ideal for this type of low-duty equipment. Around 2,000 to 3,000 psi is the next level up. Because they can clean house siding, driveways, decks, and other stubborn stains, these machines are sometimes referred to as heavy-duty.
2. Gallons per Minute
Gallons per minute, or gpm, is another important factor that goes hand in hand with psi. The volume of water that passes through the pressure water is measured here. Because they utilize more water, models with a higher gpm will clean faster and more effectively.
The amount of water used per minute is directly proportional to the pressure; the higher the pressure, the more water the machine uses per minute. Professional-grade machines can utilize up to 4 gpm, whereas light-duty machines may only use 1.5 gpm. When shopping for a pressure washer, pay attention to the psi first, but also keep an eye on the gpm. You might not be able to support a high-gpm machine depending on the water supply you're using.
3. Power Source
You should also consider how various pressure washers are powered. There are gas and electric variants available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Electric pressure washers are often less expensive, lighter, and easier to maintain than gas-powered pressure washers. They are also quieter and do not emit dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere. Electric models, on the other hand, are often less powerful than gas models, and they must be used near an electrical outlet. Small activities around the house, like cleaning cars, patio furniture, and grills, are generally best done with this type of pressure washer.
FAQs
1. What type of gas is used in a gas pressure washer?
Most gas pressure washers run on standard gas from a petrol station, but they aren't designed to run on gas with more than 10% ethanol in it.
2. Why is my electric pressure washer always shutting down?
Electric pressure washers can overheat, develop a clog in the line, or develop a more serious issue. Turn off the machine, disconnect the hose and wand, then reattach them before trying again. Contact the manufacturer if it doesn't work.
3. What is the best way to winterize a pressure washer?
Remove the washer's pressure hose and store it separately. Over the winter, drain the gas tank or apply a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from separating and fouling the internal working parts.
The SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot is our best choice after considerable research and careful consideration of the hundreds of different types of pressure washers. It's a great low-cost power washer for the average homeowner.
