Determining what pressure washer is best for you depends entirely on your needs. It would be best to have a rough estimate of what you plan to wash with it, how frequently you plan to use it, and where it is likely to see action. For example, a homeowner wanting to clean the siding in the spring will have more unique needs than a professional painter needing to prep walls for repainting.
Another crucial factor to consider is where to use your pressure washer. A weekend warrior washing the family truck might only need an electric washer to remove bugs from the grille. Meanwhile, a handyperson cleaning a parking lot requires the mobility of a gas motor since there might not be any electrical outlets nearby. There are countless uses for these versatile tools, and just the same, there are myriad configurations to fulfill any need.
Pressure washers are complicated machines, and there is much to consider, so let us get right to it.
What Do You Need To Read About?
- Common Uses
- PSI and GPM
- Gas or Electric
- Cold Water or Hot Water
- Direct Drive or Belt Drive
- Helpful Features
- Accessories
What Are You Using It For?
Commercial Cleaning
Most commercial applications need a gas-powered pressure washer. Employing a gas engine affords a more potent spray and easy serviceability should something go haywire. Typically, pro-level cleaning demands no less than 3,200 PSI of water pressure and 4.0 GPM of water flow when using chilly water. Adamant stains and paint stripping need even more force, around 4,000 PSI. This pressure level cleans heavy pavement stains quickly and reaches the tops of tall walls. Since they are so powerful, they can even chip paint and engrave wood, so caution is advised.
Common Commercial Pressure Washer Uses:
- Stripping paint for surface prepping
- Cleaning sidewalks, driveways, patios, or other large concrete surfaces
- Scrubbing brickwork
- Removing dirt from farm/ranch or construction equipment
- Sweeping out livestock stables
- Clearing commercial spaces
- Washing boats
Consumer Cleaning
Consumer pressure washer users do not need quite the same power as professionals. Electric or lower-end gas models provide plenty of cleaning ability. Consumer-grade gas models are up to about 3200 PSI with 3.0 GPM, while consumer electric models top out at around 2000 PSI and 1.6 GPM. They are enough for removing tough dirt on the front steps, safely spraying down the car, or removing grime from the gutters. They are designed for occasional use, so do not plan to work with them every day.
Common Consumer Pressure Washer Uses:
- Rinsing the car on weekends
- Cleaning siding in the spring
- Washing the patio or driveway
- Pool scrubbing
- Rejuvenating wood fences
- Gutter clearing
What is PSI and GPM?
Pressure (PSI / Pounds per square inch) and flow rate (GPM / Gallons per minute) are the first numbers to consider when purchasing. Water pressure breaks apart chunks of dirt, while flow rate determines how quickly the particles are rinsed away. The higher both numbers get, the more forceful the unit becomes.
Modest Power: Up to 2,000 PSI
The most miniature models of pressure washers available, those with up to 2,000 PSI, make ideal choices for everyday jobs. These instruments offer adequate strength to clean up even the dirtiest outdoor furniture in seconds. You can also rely on them to spray off cars between washes and as regular window rinses.
Mid-Range Power: 2,000 to 3,200 PSI
The most versatile pressure washers are those delivering between 2,000 and 3,200 PSI. They can effectively clean cars (including the most well-used off-road vehicles), home siding, fences, boats, and grimy garage floors without running any risks of damaging anything. The stronger ones, especially those closer to 3,200 PSI, can even effectively remove tough stains. Because of their flexibility, professionals use these for challenging cleanups in the shop.
Maximum Power: 3,200 to 4,200 PSI
Resolute on all the most challenging jobs, pressure washers with 3,200 to 4,200 PSI pack enough punch to strip away paint and remove even the most stubborn stains. They earn their stripes when cleaning solid surfaces like stone and brick. Because of their extreme brawn, these heavy-duty models should rarely be used on wood surfaces or cars. It is no exaggeration to say you could easily etch your name into the paint job. At any rate, if you are using maximum power machines, you should expect top performance in all your most demanding jobs.
GPM
Gallons Per Minute, or GPM, is the flow rate of the water spraying from the wand. Flow rate determines how long a cleaning job takes. Commercial users need up to 4.0 GPM or more to finish in less time. Residential users can get away with having lower flow, with between 1.0 and 3.2 GPM being plenty. In this case, any extra water will not have a noticeable effect on small cleaning tasks.
Cleaning Units
High PSI is not the be-all-end-all of cleaning ability. Some pressure washers feature a rating called “cleaning units.” These units are like a performance score, pressure multiplied by the flow rate. To calculate it, remember the formula PSI x GPM.
- Therefore, the more stain-removing power it has, the sooner your work will be better.
| Image | Model | PSI | GPM | Cleaning Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | JCW-3003-2MHB | 3000 | 3.0 | 9000 |
 | WP-3200-0MHB | 3200 | 2.4 | 7680 |
Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers
There are two types of pressure washers available: gas-powered and electric. They are both made for specific tasks, so knowing what makes them different is worth knowing. Electric washers use an electric motor to power the pump, which limits the total power output. Gas pressure washers have much higher torque, so they can operate a much larger pump and, therefore, have much higher pressure. Higher pressure from the nozzle also means much more recoil, so be prepared to wrestle a rocket if you opt for a high-end gas machine.
What Are Hot Water Pressure Washers?
Hot water pressure washers operate on the same principle as your dishwasher at home. Since hot water breaks up grease and oil, it can be flushed away more quickly. This happens at a molecular level, where the heat breaks the bonds within the grease. As a result of not depending solely on the force of the water to clean, hot washers can clean more effectively with a lower PSI than cold washers.
Perks of Hot Water
- Hot water is needed to clean grease and oils.
- Cleans faster and uses fewer chemicals.
- It is needed to clean automotive parts, engine bays, body shops, etc.
- They can also create steam to disinfect surfaces.
Downsides Of Hot Water
- Costs more
- Larger units are more challenging to move.
- Lower PSI and GPM
Direct Drive and Belt Drive
Another decision you might have to make is between direct drive or belt drive pressure washers. Direct and belt drives refer to how the motor transmits rotational energy to the water pump. In direct drive pressure washers, the crankshaft attaches straight to the pump. In belt-drive systems, the energy moves through a belt to turn the pump.
What’s the difference?
Direct drives are more efficient at transferring energy to the pump without a belt to create extra friction. They also have a more straightforward construction and thus generally cost a little less. By having few parts, they are usually smaller and easier to store. The direct drive will not be as sturdy for professional use, but the price and size make them an excellent option for homeowners and other less-frequent users.
Belt drives, however, operate the pump at a lower RPM and reduce heat and vibrations hitting the pump. Less strain placed on the pump means it will last much longer than direct drives before needing replacement. If you plan to use it for commercial purposes, the extra investment for a belt drive will pay off in the long term.
Important Features
Pro-grade power washers will have more bells and whistles than cheaper consumer units, but some have even more features than others. Before you buy yours, double-check whether it has these components.
The pump has many moving parts, so it will heat up as you work. Pumps are water-cooled, but if the water inside gets too hot, it damages the mechanisms. A thermal relief valve automatically ejects the hot water to let new cool water in, slowing down any damage from happening too quickly. Your pump will last much longer with this feature, saving you money.
Many pressure washer wands have interchangeable nozzle tips to control the spray angle. Be sure there is a place to keep the extra nozzles when you are not using them.
Having them on the unit will save you precious time digging them out of another box and keeping them clean and clogs-free.
If you have decided an electric power washer is what you need, you must remember that water and electricity do not get along. A GFCI built into the cable stops any shocks or shorts before they happen. (Note: electric pressure washers often cannot use an extension cord; do not count on an external GFCI)
An excellent place to keep the hose and wand between uses makes storage much more accessible. Keeping them off the ground and out of the dirt will keep them clean and working longer.
Some power washers store cleaning chemicals in a bottle on the wand, then mix it with the water as it shoots out the nozzle. However, many higher-end models keep detergent on the machine’s body and mix it right as water leaves the pump, allowing a more extensive reservoir and few soap changes. Some even have space for two distinct kinds of soap. If you need to use a cleaning chemical frequently, the convenience of a soap reservoir might be worth it.
9 Popular Pressure Washer Accessories
Surface Cleaner Heads: Clean a much wider path than a single cleaner nozzle. Surface cleaners can be used on flat horizontal or vertical surfaces, like floors, sidewalks, and walls.
2 Comments
Michael Foley
September 30, 2019 at 10:44 pmWow, thanks! Very thorough and detailed.
Titan PK.
April 12, 2022 at 1:27 amThanks for the great post on pressure washers! I learned a lot.
I’m currently in the market for a pressure washer, and your article has helped me determine which one is best for me. Thanks again,