Uncover Pristine Surfaces: The Best Pressure Washer
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Simpson PowerShot GPM Gas Pressure Washer -
Generac PSI 2.7 GPM Gas Pressure Washer -
Pressure Pro Eagle Electric Series Pressure Washer -
AR Blue Clean 1350/1800 PSI Industrial Pressure Washer -
Buyer's Guide
At its core, a pressure washer is nothing more than a pump with a nozzle to direct the water. The idea behind it is that high pressure water will clean things better than water coming out of a garden hose at a typical 60 PSI. In practice, best pressure washers in 2022 do remarkably well, not only cleaning off dirt, but peeling off old paint and even removing graffiti.
There is a fundamental difference between a pressure washer and a steam cleaner, although many people confuse them due to their similarities. Steam cleaners have a tank heater to being the water to near boiling temperature, so that it will better dissolve grease. They are intended for use in removing grease from automobile engines and other machinery. A pressure washer doesn't have this capability for heating the water, so it is not effective for cleaning grease off.
Since providing pressurized water is the main purpose of a pressure washer, the pump itself is the most important part. There are three major types of pumps used in pressure washers: wobble, axial and triplex plunger. While all three can produce sufficient pressure, the first two don’t last, as the pumps are working at the top end of their pressure capability. This causes them to wear out quickly. Triplex plunger pumps, on the other hand, can handle the pressure without problem.
There are some companies which are manufacturing what are essentially “throw away” pressure washers which have big name motors and cheap pumps. As the pump is the most important part of the pressure washer, buying one of these units is foolish. Pretty much any motor will work, as long as it has enough power. The motor is not likely to wear out, like the pump is.
Speaking of motors, both electric motors and gas engines are used to provide power to these pressure washers. Either one works well, although the gasoline engine allows you to use the pressure washer in places where electrical power is not available. On the other hand, if the pressure washer is going to sit for long periods of time, that isn't good for a gasoline engine. You’d be better off buying an electric pressure washer in that case.
Most pressure washers have some sort of soap injector which allows you to add soap to the water being pumped through it. This not only expands the use of the pressures washer, allowing it to clean things that need more than just water, but also allows adding chemicals for removal of painted graffiti.
The two most important specifications for any pressure washer are the flow rate, which is stated in gallons per minute (GPM) and the pressure, which is stated in PSI. These two numbers are multiplied together by some manufacturers, to create a number called the “cleaning units” of the pressure washer. More than anything, this number provides a way of comparing different units to see which provides more overall cleaning power.
Pressures washers come in all sizes, including a number of them which are intended for commercial and industrial use. For this list, we've limited ourselves to smaller units which would be appropriate for consumer use.
Here are the best pressure washers of 2022
Simpson PowerShot GPM Gas Pressure Washer - Best Pressure Washer Overall
This pressure washer comes equipped with a Honda gasoline engines. Anyone who is familiar with Honda knows that their engines are highly reliable. Please note, this is not a Honda pressure washer with a cheap pump, but rather a Simpson pressure washer with a Honda engine. That means that you don’t have to worry about the quality of either the pump or engine. The engine is direct-drive coupled to the triplex pump for simplicity. The pump itself it made with ceramic pistons, which both dissipate heat better and are less affected by it. There is also a thermal relief valve for safety. This unit will pump 2.8 GPM of water at 3200 Psi, making it the most powerful one on this list. It is also equipped with a downstream injection system for cleaners or solvents.
Generac PSI 2.7 GPM Gas Pressure Washer - Runner Up
This pressure washer from Generac is just a little bit smaller than the Simpson that I selected for first place, but it’s considerably less expensive. Generac builds their own engines to power these pressure washers. The pump and engine are directly coupled and mounted directly over the axle for ease of movement. While it uses an axial pump, it is still rugged and designed to last. The hose connections are easily accessible, without having to kneel on the ground. This unit comes with two detergent bottles, allowing you to continue working while refilling one. The controls are mounted on the handle for ease of operation. They've even included a holder for the cleaning wand.
Pressure Pro Eagle Electric Series Pressure Washer - Honorable Mention
The Pressure Pro Eagle EE2015Gg is an electric pressure washer, equipped with a 2 HP, 18 Amp motor. It will provide 2.0 GPM of water at 1,500 PSI. The big advantage of this over the gas powered units is that it is much quieter, allowing it to be used indoors, if needed. The pump itself is a triplex plunger for long life; and it can be rebuilt. There is a thermo sensor to prevent overheating in bypass mode, but no low oil protection. This unit comes with a 5 year warranty for either home or commercial use. The pressure is adjustable and there is a siphon system for chemical injection.
AR Blue Clean 1350/1800 PSI Industrial Pressure Washer - Consider
Although this list is for consumer pressure washers, I've included this industrial unit, which can do double-duty as a consumer model. The main reason that it is considered an industrial unit is the durability of the pump. This is a hand carried unit, as opposed to the others we've looked at, which are all mounted on wheeled carts. That makes it more compact for storage but a little harder to use. The unit is powered by a 1.7 HP induction motor and the pump will operate at either 1350 PSI or 1800 PSI as you select. A thermal switch is included to protect the pump from heat damage. A Three foot chemical pickup hose is provided, so that you can put it right into the chemical bottle, rather than having to dump the chemicals into the unit’s tank.
Buyer's Guide
Pressure or power washers have come a long way since their inception. Over the last decade, their quality has elevated significantly, while the prices have become pocket-friendly. Their ability to remove dirt, algae, and grime from decks, fences, driveways and more is matchless. The powerful, high-pressure water stream of a power washer not only helps you clean and maintain your property but also protects you and your belongings from injury and damages, respectively.
If you want to save your time, then a pressure wash can be a good investment. However, failing to purchase the right machine can frustrate you and waste your time as well as money. The purpose of this guide is to help you know everything you need to purchase the best pressure machine for your applications.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Pressure Washer?
Electric or Gas-Powered Washer
Electric washers start by flipping a switch and cost lower, operate cleaner, and weigh lighter than gas-powered models. Since this machine is less powerful and portable, it is considered suitable for light and medium-duty jobs like cleaning vehicles, patio furniture, decks, grills, and siding.
Gas-powered washers, on the other hand, are portable and powerful enough for heavy-duty tasks like cleaning sidewalks and exterior siding. This machine tends to be heavier and noisier and requires more maintenance. So, we recommend wearing ear protection while using this type of washer.
Besides, different models need various amounts and types of gasoline and fuel for different climates. So make sure to ask the manufacturer about the fuel requirement as it can help you maintain the engine and avoid breakdown.
Power Intensity
Power intensity determines the kind of jobs a power washer can perform. The power output is typically measured by two different ratings, i.e,. gallons per minute (GPM) and pounds per square inch (PSI). The equipment with a higher GPM and PSI not only cleans quicker and better but also costs more than a washer with lower ratings. Higher-rated machines also clean more space in less time. Generally, there are three types of power washers based on their power intensity:
- Light-duty washers that put out 1300-1900 PSI at 2 GPM and perform smaller home jobs like cleaning grills, vehicles, and small decks as well as patios.
- Medium-duty washers that generate 2000-2800 PSI at 2-3 GPM and are ideal for home and shop use. These powerful units facilitate cleaning everything from fences and exterior siding to driveways and walkaways.
- Heavy-duty washers that have 2800 PSI at 3-4 GPM. Some commercial-grade washers also belong to this category and put out 3100 PSI. These machines facilitate and expedite large-scale cleaning tasks like paint stripping, washing two-story buildings, and removing graffiti.
Cold Water or Hot Water Power Washer
Cold water power washers are commonly used DIY jobs. They are generally budget-friendly and ideal for removing dirt buildup, cleaning cars, and getting rid of mildew. These machines are not designed to use with hot water as it can damage the pump.
On the contrary, hot water pressure washers are expensive and difficult to use. They are best for farm and industrial use because they clean faster and utilize less detergent and chemicals.
Nozzles
Power washers have an integrated spray wand that allows you to change the water pressure using an all-in-one adjustable nozzle or a set of color-coded nozzles that can be interchanged. This set of nozzles include:
- 0 degrees, which is red in color and the most powerful nozzle.
- 15 degrees, which is yellow in color and ideal for heavy-duty cleaning.
- 25 degrees, which is green in color and utilized for general cleaning.
- 40 degrees, which white in color and best for cleaning boats, vehicles, and easily damaged surfaces.
- 65 degrees, which is black in color and used to apply detergent, soap, and other cleaning chemicals.
Adjustable nozzle tends to be more convenient than interchangeable ones. All you need is a twist to adjust the spray width or pattern. However, replaceable nozzles allow you to change the spray pattern with specific angles. We recommend avoiding 0 degrees interchangeable nozzle or the 0 degrees setting in the adjustable nozzle to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury.
What are the Key Features of the Best Pressure Washer?
Axial Cam Pump
Most power washers designed for home use are equipped with an axial cam pump, ensuring easy and maintenance-free operation.
Adjustable Wand
It enables you to adjust spray pressure as well as pattern without changing the nozzle tip.
Triplex Pump
Pressure washers engineered for industrial and commercial use come with triplex pumps. They not only extend the lifespan of machines and but also improve their efficiency extensively.
Unloaders and Thermal Relief
Advanced level power washers have robust unloader and thermal relief features to minimize pressure and heat buildup that can damage your equipment.
Onboard Detergent Tank
Onboard detergent tanks hold the chemicals and detergents used for removing tough stains, mildew, and oils. These cleaning agents are injected into the tanks using an injector. However, some models do not feature onboard tanks, so you have to utilize a siphon hose to draw the detergent mixture into the power washer from a bucket.
Final Words
The information mentioned above boils down to the notion that you should always purchase a pressure or power washer according to your requirements. Don’t invest in the equipment with extra power if you have no plan to use it. However, if you have heavy-duty cleaning jobs, then spending money on a powerful washer would be a good idea.
Pressure Washer FAQ
Q: Can I use bleach with my pressure washer?
A: Though bleach is an effective chemical for removing mildew and killing mold, we never recommed using it with your power washer. Bleach will not only corrode the seals of your pump but also make your machine useless.
Q: How long can I use my pressure washer continuously?
A: If it’s not a professional washer, don’t use it for more than 5 minutes because it can lead to overheating. Though this duration may vary from product to product, running it for 3-5 minutes is considered ideal.
Q: What PSI is suitable to wash a car?
A: To wash a car without damaging its paint, purchase a power washer with 1200-1900 PSI. Experts suggest using a machine with 1.4-1.6 GPM.
