Best Pressure Washers

How to Decide Which Pressure Washer to Buy

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

So how do you decide which to buy?

Each has its own benefits to choose from. Some deliver more power but at a higher price, while others are cheaper with less features.

Which is best for you will depend on your personal situation and what you need out of your pressure washers. This section will list out all the important aspects that you should consider before purchasing a pressure washer.

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.

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.

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.

Electric pressure washers generally range from 1,400 to 2,3000 PSI while gas units go from 2,800 and up.

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. You typically won’t have to worry about the weight of electric pressure washers much as they are typically under 40 lbs. 

Note that most pressure washers come with wheels to make moving around your yard easier. Many models even have pneumatic or never-flat tires. 

Along with a high-pressure hose, electric pressure washers come with a power cord. These two parts of the pressure washer also determine your reach around your yard/house. Most electric pressure washers come with a 35-ft cord and a 15 or 20-ft high-pressure hose. Gas-powered pressure washers, on the other hand, do not require an electric power cord, so you are never dependent on its length.

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 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.

Customer Reviews

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

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

While electric pressure washers are light and less powerful, common customer feedback forms itself around the flimsy build-quality and lower than expected water flow. 

Gas pressure washers, on the other hand, are often louder than they expected and heavy. 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.

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.

Electric pressure washers tend to have a single warranty that covers all parts of the machine. 

With gas 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.

Keep in mind that longer warranties command higher prices. Try to weigh how valuable a longer warranty is for the increased price you will have to pay for it.

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.

Another example is a “Total Stop System” that shuts off the pump when the trigger is not pressed, increasing efficiency and durability. Other features include onboard storage provided for accessories, an onboard detergent tank to make soaping easy, or a surface cleaner that makes cleaning sidewalks and other flat surfaces easier.

>> Read More: Pressure Washer Buying Guide