Best Gas Pressure Washers

How We Rated the Best Gas Pressure Washers

As briefly mentioned in the above section, we went through an extensive research process to find the best gas pressure washers.

We started off with the 15 most popular units on the market today. From there, we gathered data including price, pressure, flow rate, warranty length, customer reviews, attachments, and more.

We put that data into our rating algorithm to narrow our list down to the 5 best gas pressure washers currently available. Our algorithm mostly benefits pressure washers with high power-to-price ratios and great customer reviews.

Over time, we will continually update this list to make sure that you can find the best gas pressure washers currently available.

Interested in all of our top choices? Check out our best pressure washers guide.

How to Decide Which Gas Pressure Washer to Buy

There are many options in the gas pressure washer market to consider.

So how do you decide which to buy?

Each has its own benefits to choose from. For example, some are extremely powerful while others are protected by an extended warranty period.

However, the distinguishing feature has to be the one that matters most to you. This section will list out all the important aspects that should be considered by you before making a purchase decision. By going through each, you will be able to make an informed decision on the best gas power washer for you.

Pressure Generated (PSI)

The pressure generated by pressure washers is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. The higher this figure, the higher the pressure your unit delivers.

Gas-powered pressure washers deliver greater pressure than even the best electric pressure washers. The usual PSI count of gas-powered pressure washers starts from around 2,800 PSI and goes upwards to 3,300 PSI. This range is more than enough for all household cleaning jobs and most commercial applications.

Higher PSI counts will mean that your pressure washer is capable of cleaning a surface with less effort in a shorter period of time. This also means that you will be able to get better results against stubborn surfaces and spots if the PSI count is high.

Most pressure washers today—gas and electric—come with a number of nozzle attachments that alter the pressure and flow of water. These tips usually include all or some of the 0°,15°, 25°, 40°, and soap nozzles. The 0° nozzle is where you will get the maximum pressure and the narrowest water flow and the soap nozzle delivers a wider flow but generates the least pressure.

While using a pressure washer delivering high pressure is generally a better option, you will have to consider the fact that higher PSI means a higher price tag too. If you don’t have extremely grimy spots, like deeply stained concrete, that require high pressure, you might be better off spending less money on a lower PSI pressure washer.

Flow Rate (GPM)

The amount of water that the pressure washer can spray over a period of time is called the flow rate. The flow rate of a pressure washer is measured in gallons per minute or GPM. The higher this number, the more water is released from the machine onto the surface you are cleaning in a given amount of time.

What the flow rate will tell you about the pressure washer is the time and effort you will take to clean the surface. This is because more water hitting a surface is likely to dislodge the dirt/grime from it and make the cleaning job easier and quicker for you. The PSI and the GPM combine to give you the overall power of the machine.

The usual GPM range for gas-powered pressure washers lies in the range of 2.3 GPM to 2.8 GPM. This is significantly higher than electric pressure washers that range between 1.2 GPM to 1.8 GPM.

Similar to the PSI, the higher flow rate will attract a bigger price tag and you should consider your usage. If you deal with commercial tasks or have to clean stubborn dirt regularly, you will require a machine with a higher GPM.

Weight & Maneuverability

Gas-powered units have bigger bodies than electric units and therefore are significantly heavier. With starting weights of around 50 lbs, you can be certain that any gas-powered pressure washer you purchase will be relatively heavy. The manufacturers of gas-powered pressure washers usually provide a sturdy steel frame and this adds to the weight too.

However, these machines are set on large wheels, which makes them portable. Many models even have pneumatic or never-flat tires for a user-friendly experience. Another reason that actually increases your reach around your home is the fact that gas-powered pressure washers do not require an electric power cord, so you are never dependent on its length.

If you are worried about the weight of your new gas pressure washer, you should look for a lighter model. Alternatively, you could look for models with larger wheels for easy maneuverability so that the weight of the machine is countered effectively.

Gas Tank Size

As you may have guessed, gas-powered pressure washers run on gas that is filled into the on-board gas tanks of the machines. The tank size generally ranges between 0.25 to 0.5 gallons.

A small tank size means that you will have to refill the tank on a frequent basis. This can be a big issue in case your usage of the pressure washers is for time-bound commercial jobs that require time and effort. On the other hand, if you have small and infrequent uses for your pressure washer, you might be happy with a smaller tank size.

In general, larger tanks are easier to manage and require less effort through frequent refilling. Costs of pressure washers are generally not linked to their tank size, so this shouldn’t be something you will have to worry about.

Detergent Tanks & Detergent Dilution

One of the most common uses of a pressure washer is to soap up cars or other surfaces that need to be cleaned. In this regard, pressure washers that come with a detergent tank are extremely useful.

When it comes to buying gas-powered pressure washers, there are three things that you will have to look out for. The first is the size of the tank. You will usually find detergent tanks around the 0.5-gallon mark. The bigger the tank, the easier it is for you to soap a surface without any intermissions.

The second is the detergent dilution capability of the machine. If the machine comes with automatic detergent dilution, you are spared the hassle of pre-mixing the detergent with water. This also means that the tank can be filled with only detergent rather than a mix. So in essence, your detergent tank’s capacity is enhanced.

Finally, there are some models that come with a detergent siphon tube. This tube extracts detergent directly from the detergent bottle and dilutes it in a given ratio (often 7 to 1). If your unit has this, it completely eliminates the need for an on-board detergent tank.

So in case, you are looking for a machine that will be used for soaping on a frequent basis, you must consider all these options and weigh them against the cost.

How it Starts

Gas-powered pressure washers come with two kinds of starting mechanisms. The first one is a recoil start that involves the user having to tug the cord till the engine kicks in and takes over. The other kind of start is electric. This could involve flipping on a switch or turning a key to set the engine up for use.

With a recoil start, you will have to go through this exercise every single time you want to use the machine. It might involve tugging at the cord a few times and can be strenuous to your neck, back, and shoulders.

On the other hand, with an electric start, you get the comfort of turning a key or flipping a switch. However, you will have to keep in mind that the battery needs maintenance and you do not lose the key in case of a key-powered machine.

All in all, if you do not want to exert yourself physically, an electric start is the right one for you. Don’t forget though, you will have to look after the key and the battery.

Customer Reviews

As with any product, it’s important to read customer reviews before making a decision on which gas pressure washer to buy—as we have done to create this guide. All of the gas pressure washers listed on this page have good customer reviews.

What are some common things to look out for in customer reviews?

Customers have found that these machines are louder than they expected, with some advising the use of earplugs too. When it comes to the power, one has to keep in mind that these machines deliver a good amount of pressure. Not keeping this in mind could lead to unfortunate incidents, like the paint being removed off of a surface due to excessive pressure. Always remember to use the right attachments based on the surface.

Another common topic of discussion is the seizing of gas pressure washer engines. This generally happens when the product has not been used for a long time and might require some maintenance efforts before it starts up again. Some users also complained about the slow customer service provided. You should look for a brand that ranks high on these parameters.

Warranty Length

Longer warranty periods are every customer’s dream. It means your machine is protected for a longer time and there is a “peace of mind” that you work with while using the machine.

Under gas-powered pressure washers, you are likely to find different warranty periods for different parts of the machine. These separate parts include the engine, pump, accessories, and frame. When it comes to warranty, there are no questions that the longer this period the better it is for you.

But you will have to keep in mind that longer warranties command higher prices. Additionally, your purpose of purchase also has a big impact. Commercial use may have no warranties protecting the machine or at least a reduced warranty period. Be sure to consider these before your purchase.

Other Features

Sometimes you will find that there is not much that distinguishes one pressure washer from another. They might fall in similar price and power ranges and even fall under similar warranties. It is here that additional features can really assist you in making a decision.

One of the first features to consider is which nozzles come with the unit. These make switching from one job to another easier, and often come in 0°,15°, 25°, 40°, and soap nozzles. Some even come with turbo nozzles that generate even more power or adjustable nozzles that let you change the flow rate simply by spinning the nozzle.

Some pressure washers also come with superior pumps that are more durable and have thermal relief capabilities, while others come with MorFlex high-pressure hose that makes the hose tenacious.

You should also pay attention to the attachments that come with the machine. For example, some pressure washers come with a surface cleaner that makes cleaning sidewalks easier. These will help you wrap up your job faster.

>> Read More: Pressure Washer Buying Guide

What Gas Pressure Washers Can Be Used For

Here is a list of some things you can use electric pressure washers to clean:

• Concrete or brick walkways
• Vinyl
• Lawn furniture (do not use 0-degree tip)
• Decks (do not use 0-degree tip)
• Stucco (do not use 0-degree tip)
• Cars
• Fences (do not use 0-degree tip)
• Wooden surfaces (do not use 0-degree tip)
• Unpainted metal
• Rusty surfaces
• Ducts, gutters, and drains
• Bikes, boats, and motorcycles
• Outdoor equipment
• Windows
• Pools
• Moss-covered surfaces

Deciding Which Nozzle to Use

Here are examples of the nozzles many electric pressure washers come with and what each is best suited for: