Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. If you need a pressure washer to carry … Our verdict: This is a productive, no-nonsense machine complete with a pull rod choke and a big red on/off switch. Gas machines, on the other hand, are most commonly used by professionals, because they are a lot more powerful, says DiClerico. Best Small Electric Pressure Washer. All it takes is one good bump to knock the wand off. We hook and unhook them to garden hoses; we put them on and off a pickup truck. How we test gear. pick for homeowners with an array of small jobs on their to-do list. Here are the best gas-powered options for 2021. Another good option using electric power in the … Wear closed-toe shoes and safety goggles at all times when operating your pressure washer. In adjusting the nozzle, you narrow or widen the spray angle to suit the surface and the severity of cleaning that it needs­, and you can switch back and forth between soaping the surface and washing it. On the other hand, gas engine washers are loud; they have a hot muffler, and they require more maintenance than electric pressure washers. The only limitation we found with the machine is that it’s not suited to operate on the lawn; it easily tips over on such a surface. Motor: 13 amps | Weight: 26.2 lbCleaning power: 1,700 psi | Max flow: 1.2 GPMLight-duty washing doesn’t get much more inexpensive or portable than this compact machine. Homdox 2500 PSI Pressure Washer, Power Washer,1.5GPM, (4) Nozzle Adapter, Longer Cables and Hoses and Detergent Tank,for Cleaning Cars, Houses Driveways, Patios 4.7 out of 5 stars 60 $108.99$108.99 Get it as soon as Mon, Sep 14 We came to appreciate its combination of thoughtful industrial design and output. Residential-grade gas pressure washers tend to offer between 2,000 and 3,200 psi, suitable for washing boats, cars (on lower pressure nozzle settings), decks, patios, house siding, and fencing. Other than that, the biggest engine in the test coupled with a big, brass head horizontal-shaft pump enabled the Husqvarna to clean everything in sight. If ever there was an aptly named piece of outdoor power equipment, the MegaShot would be it. They'll blast nearly any dirt and debris — use them for things like decks and sidewalks — but they're much more expensive (think $300 and above), plus they're bigger, heavier, noisier, and harder to maintain, Electric pressure washers typically range from 1,600 PSI to 2,300 PSI. Rotate the nozzle clockwise or counter clockwise. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. If you've ever watched one of those viral videos of someone steam cleaning a tile floor, you know just how satisfying it is to watch something go from filthy to flawless in mere seconds. We see the Sun Joe as effective in the light-duty realm. Its quiet-running and easy-starting Honda engine make it a pleasure to use, with sufficient power for most cleaning jobs. Frankly, though, we found it unnecessary. PSI: PSI, or pounds per square inch, indicates the water pressure delivered by the machine, says Adrienne Hunt, associate merchant for Home Depot. Weight: 13.8kg. They cost $80 to $130 and are light, quiet and easy to … All pressure washers work the same way — a motor powers water through a concentrated nozzle, he explains. Given that level of performance, we think the Generac is a lot of machine for the money. Where things differ is how that motor is powered: By electricity or by gasoline. We washed fences, cars, and even three commercial trash cans with bottoms awash in a nauseating soup of summer stink. The model, which has five quick-connect spray tips, a PSI of 3,200, and a GPM of 2.5, is more closely aligned with a professional-grade piece of equipment. The Champion Dolly-Style Gas pressure washer is the best pressure washer you can find for tough jobs. The big engine and equally large horizontal-shaft pump have more than enough oomph to tackle tough cleaning jobs. The machine’s ergonomics are very good; the hose outlets, the on/off switch, and the carrying handle are well shaped and located to make this little machine easy to use. As to its cleaning ability, it punches above its weight class, moving it surprisingly close to the mid-duty end of the spectrum despite its low psi and flow. But some do the job better than others, and of those, each has its strengths. It has plenty of power to tackle even the toughest tasks and it has been designed with the user in mind. Its only demerit was typical, and that is the poorly designed holder for the spray wand. Update: We still recommend the Simpson Megashot as the best value for your money gas powered pressure washer. For the money, you get a big Honda engine with massive air cooling fins on its head (it’s one of the best engines in the business, by the way) and an equally hefty pump, complete with anodized hose fittings. We plugged the turbo nozzle in and cleaned 30 feet of sidewalk in no time, blasted off the front stoop, cleaned out some baggy cobwebs that formed around the front door and its overhang, reeled the hose back, unplugged the thing, and called it a day. Its hose appears to be very durable, but boy is that thing stiff. The Briggs & Stratton 20680 is incredibly … There’s only one way to test a pressure washer, and that’s outside. View Details Simoniz 2000 PSI/1.5 GPM Electric Pressure Washer (86) 2.2 out of 5 stars. Pick up the spray wand on this thing, and it becomes clear very quickly. That’s about 10 feet more than on the average electric pressure washer, virtually eliminating the need for an extension cord. This powerful machine houses a Honda GC190 engine for reliable power, and it delivers a whopping 3,200 psi using 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) making it ideal for use on your house, driveway, patio furniture, car, painted surfaces, and more. We particularly appreciated two features: the large, easy-access detergent tank, right on top of the machine; and the whopper of a power cord, 35 feet long. The Generac is classified as a residential pressure washer, but it’s a different category of machine, closer to the commercial end of the spectrum. Of all the nozzles we tried on it, we had the best results with the turbo (rotating blast). This entry into the portable pressure washer genre, the Stanley SLP2050, is definitely a high … Why trust us? This kind works well for small jobs like cleaning your car, but the pump and GFCI cord get hot—especially at the height of summer. Pressure washers with a high PSI will clean deep stains more effectively than machines with a lower PSI. We’re pretty harsh in our tests, and we put so much wear and tear on the Ryobi that we began to wear the markings right off the spray tip. It proved particularly adept at cleaning concrete. Sealey PW2200 Pressure WasherThe Sealey PW2200 is a great option for those looking for a … Because this Craftsman proved to be so capable, we spent a lot of time with it, and there wasn’t a single surface that we tried it on that didn’t come away looking better for our work. A budget-friendly, easy-to-lug (it weighs just 17 pounds!) Our only complaint with this otherwise fine pressure washer is its spray wand mount on the handle. From that moment on, we knew we were going to like it. The Best Gas Pressure Washer 1 Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer. Engine: 196 cc | Weight: 77.2 lbCleaning power: 3,000 psi | Max flow: 2.4 GPMThe G3000X is a bit old school in its design (note the carriage bolts) and lacks the finesse of the Husqvarna and the Generac. We wheel them around over lawns, driveways, and walks. It’s best confined to working on paved surfaces. Wheel it around on pavement, a patio, or a deck, however, and you’ll be fine. Given those small numbers, we were surprised at how productive it is. This improves trigger response and reduces priming, since the pump is held under constant pressure. But it has outstanding cleaning ability. It's more than the average homeowner will need, but it's a great pick for any DIYer who favors performance and strength above all. Plus, it comes with three nozzles, including a turbo option for 50% faster cleaning. Icons on it help you select the correct position. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Nilfisk D-PG 140.4-9 Xtra 140. Unlike other washers, its spray wand hose and garden hose both hook up by means of pop fittings (supplied with the machine). Our top pick wins praise from nearly anyone who gets their hands on it. This is one of the best buys in outdoor power equipment and one of the best homeowner-grade pressure washers out there. lt’s another machine closer to the commercial end of the spectrum because of its big engine, horizontal-shaft pump with big brass hose fittings, and a thermal relief valve that helps the pump run cooler. With extra-large wheels, a long hose, a high-end induction motor, and a well-designed GFCI plug, this Ryobi model is the most user-friendly electric pressure washer. There’s only one way to efficiently clean outdoor surfaces, and that’s with a pressure washer, a high-powered blaster that uses less water to do its work than if you attempted it with just a garden hose and nozzle. If you're looking for an affordable unit that can get the job done, the Sun Joe electric pressure washer is a great value pick. But it comes about as close as you’re going to get at this price level. Its high pressure and volume output enables faster and more thorough cleaning. A final design detail that we really like is its slide-on spray wand mount. Bar pressure: … ), delivers 2,030 PSI, plus has dual detergent tanks to house separate cleaning solvents. All of this adds up to better wash performance. The benefits of this basic machine are twofold. When you come across tough outdoors stains like oil, caked-on mud, and mold, you have two choices: you can get down on your hands and knees and scrub for hours, or you can blast the mess away with an electric pressure washer. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Portable Table Saws for On-Site or At-Home Jobs, Cordless Drills for Woodworking and Home Repairs, We Test the Very Best Leaf Blowers You Can Buy. This is a light, easy-to-handle machine with adequate power for mid-duty jobs. Commercial grade gas pressure washers tend to have a psi between 3,200 and 4,500, or sometimes higher. Motor: 12.4 amps | Weight: 35.4 lbCleaning power: 2,100 psi | Max flow: 1.4 GPM. Most importantly, we clean the same surfaces you would, and a few you probably wouldn’t. "A pressure washer is a really excellent piece of equipment," says Dan DiClerico, home expert for Home Advisor. Also, the machine has a pressure and flow sensor so that the pump output adjusts to suit the nozzle you insert in the spray wand. For smaller household cleaning tasks, like balconies, grills, or outdoor furniture, a large pressure washer might be more tedious than helpful. You can't just pluck any pressure washer off the shelf: These machines (particularly gas pressure washers) are incredibly strong. We have never had any major issues out-of-the-box or during use. We blasted away dirt, grime, and mildew to help find the right model for you. Pressure washers aren’t the right tool for every job or for every person. It will likely take a lot of use before it softens up a bit. It’s much heavier than the Craftsman, though most of that weight difference is attributable to its physically larger motor. No.1 Recommended Best Small Pressure Washer. You also get a full set of nozzles (four). The PW3200 was the only gas-engine machine that we could assemble in minutes—and without tools. For your money, you get a foaming soap dispenser and two cleaning brushes–one general and the other designed to clean automotive wheels. It's what makes them so effective, but it also means there's a higher risk of injury and surface damage if you don't know what you're doing. On the other hand, the tip could use more durable markings. And there's nothing quite like a pressure washer to give you that same sense of satisfaction in your own space. Engine: 187 cc | Weight: 58.6 lbCleaning power: 3,300 psi | Max flow: 2.3 GPM. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. They looked and smelled like new cans when we were done with them. The panel on which the spray tips are mounted is labeled with the degree of each nozzle and color coded, so you’ll never make the rookie mistake of under or over blasting a surface by putting the wrong tip in the spray wand. Pressure washers can work magic on concrete or decking, and the best can erase decades’ worth of stains with a brief blast.. Our pressure washer buying guide … Consider this machine a smaller, more accessible version of our top pick. Not everybody needs that much cleaning power, but it’s good to know that it’s there if you need it. We also liked the thermal relief valve that discharges water from the pump after three to five minutes of the spray wand not being used. An electric machine is generally suitable for the vast majority of homeowners and can tackle projects like car washing, cleaning lawn furniture, and spot treating surfaces, says DiClerico. Sun Joe SPX3000 Small Electric Pressure Washer ; Best Water-Saving Mini Power Washer. We also liked its fold-forward handle that reduces its storage space in the garage or shed. Choosing the best pressure washer for your specific needs opens up a lot of options. High Pressure Small Power Washer by Annovi Reverberi; Best Small Pressure Cleaner For Maximum Maneuverability . We find that if your cleaning jobs are relatively light and tend to require 15 to 30 minutes of washing, buy an electric. Buying guide for best electric pressure washers. Simoniz Platinum 1800 PSI Compact Electric Pressure Washer features new patented 5-Piston Pump for higher water flow / Maximum cleaning performance in a small, portable design. We used it to blast clean concrete (including removing masonry stain), dirty vinyl siding and trim, mildewed wood, outdoor furniture that could only be described as grotesque, and equally nasty vinyl fencing. We hope we can help. Over the last 7 years, we’ve tested 3 different versions of the MegaShot having bought them online from Amazon and PressureWashersDirect and offline at The Home Depot. GPM measures the volume of water delivered by the pressure washer — an indicator of how quickly your machine will clean. Safety: When using pressure washers, particularly more powerful gas models, you can readily cause bodily harm and surface damage, like splintering, if you're not careful, says Rothman. The washer also has the best and most secure mount for the wand, and it was the only one in the test with a well-positioned knob on the back of the machine that you can turn left or right to limit spray pressure output. By helping the pump run cooler, you extend its life. Engine: 163 cc | Weight: 52.8 lbCleaning power: 2,800 psi | Max flow: 1.8 GPM. It has a 13-amp electric motor capable of reaching 1,600 PSI, which can be used for typical tasks around your yard. And we did. The Home Depot best-seller has a truly impressive PSI (2,300!) Its trigger response is excellent, it’s a consistent soaper, and like the Briggs & Stratton below, it has a rotating spray tip that you simply dial to adjust the width and intensity as needed, depending on whether you want more pressure or more flow. It comes in with 3200 PSI and an OHV engine for ease of use. There’s no better way to clean your vehicles, lawn equipment and patio furniture than with a small and portable pressure washer. Its hose reel works well. Stanley Tools is a great brand that means quality and reliability in America. The spray wand does not seat well and is too easily knocked loose. The GPW2700 sailed to an easy victory among the electrics, not surprisingly given that this is an expensive and well-made piece of equipment. "It's one of the most valuable power tools for homeowners." If we didn’t like this machine as much as we do, we wouldn’t have used it as much. Like the Karcher, its small wheels and vertical configuration mean that you can tip it over when you’re working out on the lawn. But, hey, pull that choke, yank the recoil starter, and that big Honda roars to life in seconds. for an electric machine, making it a great choice for residential users who want to be able to tackle a wide range of projects. It’s stronger than the Karcher (above) and Sun Joe (below) and about equal to the Craftsman. It may be the thick of winter where you are, or it may be starting to seem like spring. No, this isn’t a commercial power washer; you’d need to spend another $1,000 to get there. Finally, note that our psi and GPM are from the owner’s manual, as rated pressure and flow under typical load. When in doubt, spot test an inconspicuous area first. Motor: 13 amps | Weight: 29. These electric and gas pressure washers (all under $400) have good PSI, but are compact and safe enough for home use, whether for washing siding or your car. While we were at it, we blasted anything else in the vicinity that looked even remotely dirty. GPM: Though PSI is important, you can't rely on it alone. Here's what to keep in mind: Electric vs. gas: When shopping, this is "the first and most important decision to make," says DiClerico. The hose outlets (both for the spray wand and the garden hose hookup) are close to each other, reducing access to them. The SunJoe SPX3001 is one of the best modern pressure washers on the market today. 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