Pressure washer buying guide

When you decide to purchase a pressure washer, there are many options to consider to help you in choosing the right model. Will you need a residential or commercial model? What types of surfaces will you be washing? Are you looking for gas or electric power? If you think about what jobs you will be tackling and read the following, you’ll have an easier time choosing the right pressure washer.

What is a pressure washer?

Pressure washers clean surfaces by applying a powerful stream of pressurized water. First, you’ll need to understand the measurement terms used when describing pressure washers. Pounds per square inch (PSI) is the way water pressure is measured. The higher the PSI, the more power the pressure washer will have. Gallons per minute (GPM) describes the amount of water hitting the surface you are cleaning. A pressure washer with a higher GPM will take less time to clean surfaces than a model with a lower GPM. Power washers are usually categorized by their GPM, PSI and their power source (whether they are gas or electric).

Residential gas-powered pressure washers

Residential gas-powered pressure washers usually have more PSI (2,000 – 3,000 PSI) than electric pressure washers. Having a higher PSI allows this type of pressure washer to clean surfaces such as small decks, siding, fences and furniture faster, and to tackle larger jobs such as extremely soiled concrete. These pressure washers are also portable, as they don’t require an outlet. However, this kind of pressure washer is noisier than other types of pressure washers and usually needs more upkeep. Also, because of the fumes produced, it needs to be used outside or in an area that is very well ventilated.

Residential gas-powered pressure washers

Residential electric pressure washers

Electric pressure washers were made for light work around the house (ideally 100 hours per year or less). They also tend to be smaller, quieter and less expensive. This type of pressure washer does not need as much upkeep as gas-powered pressure washers and there will be no fumes or emissions from the exhaust. Jobs for an electric pressure washer would include washing small decks, cars, siding, fences and furniture. A drawback of electric pressure washers is that they usually have a low PSI (1,000 – 1,500 PSI). These also come with a lot of plastic parts so they may break more easily.

Electric pressure washers

Commercial / Heavy-duty pressure washers

Commercial / Heavy-duty pressure washers were made for a lot of use (more than 100 hours per year). While commercial pressure washers can do all the things that gas and electric washers can do, they can also do other jobs such as taking off paint when repainting and removing graffiti. These pressure washers have the highest quality parts, the highest PSI (2,500 – 4,000) and they use a lower RPM so they will usually last longer. A drawback is that this model is the most expensive of the three different types of pressure washers.

Commercial pressure washers

Pressure washer pumps

Direct-drive pumps are the most commonly used pump type. They come directly mounted to the engine, causing the pump to spin twice as fast as the belt-drive models. They’re a low cost alternative for applications requiring less than 30 hours per week. Belt-drive pumps are typically found on industrial models. These pumps quietly run at a low RPM, extending the life of the product. Overall it’s a more expensive pump than a direct-drive pump, but is built for longer periods of use per week (more than 40 hours).

A wobble pump, used for gas-powered models, has lower performance and efficiency than other styles due to spring tension and friction. It needs to be serviced every 200-600 hours. An axial pump has a larger oil reservoir and bearings, enabling it to last longer by running cooler. Larger cylinders also enable it to generate higher PSI and GPM ratings. With pistons similar to a car engine, a camshaft pump can run more efficiently than an axial model. Because it runs cooler than other pumps, a camshaft pump can last more than 1,000 hours before requiring service.

Pressure washer nozzles

An adjustable nozzle lets you change the spray width and pressure with a simple twist of the nozzle. A replaceable nozzle is more difficult to change than an adjustable nozzle, but replaceable nozzles enable you to use specific, pre-set spray angles, giving you more flexibility. A turbo nozzle covers more area faster by spinning a narrow jet stream in a circular pattern. Finally, airless sprayers can better handle thicker-bodied stains, coatings and strippers. With an airless sprayer, you also don’t have to carry a pressure water tank around with you. Models with this feature usually offer multiple PSI and GPM settings.

Water temperature in a pressure washer

Cold water sources are found on residential and some commercial washers. They’re ideal for the home user. If you run hot water through these models, you will break them. A hot water washer removes dirt faster, but requires a burner system, making the model heavier and more complex. The burner also requires electricity to operate. Hot water is used in many commercial washers.

Cold-water pressure washers

Other pressure washer features

Many pressure washers offer accessories that help you complete other tasks such as disinfecting, sand blasting, sump pumping and clearing frozen or blocked drains. Some washers come with brushes that help you apply cleaning solutions and loosen dirt. Models with an extension hose greatly increase your coverage area without moving the washer.

Pressure washer brushes

In terms of what price to expect, a 3000-PSI gas-powered pressure washer costs about $400, while an 1800-PSI electric pressure washer costs about $180. A 3800-PSI, commercial-grade, gas-powered pressure washer can cost over $1,000. So think carefully about what your needs are, and enjoy the cleaning power of a fantastic pressure washer!