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Over time, the exterior of your home begins to show wear. Rain and snow can leave your brick, wood, or vinyl looking dingy, while dirt accumulates over time. It’s just inevitable that the outside of your home will get dirty simply because it’s always exposed to the elements. Just like the inside of our houses, the outside needs to be cleaned up when it’s dirty. You can try spraying your house with a garden hose sprayer or even invest in chemicals designed to clean your home’s exterior. However, a garden hose doesn’t offer enough pressure to get months or even years of dirt and grime off of your home, while chemicals may harm your grass, plants, and even outdoor pets.
If you’ve noticed that the outside of your home needs a thorough cleaning, a pressure washer is what you need to really get the job done.
What is a Pressure Washer?
Contents
A pressure washer is a machine that is designed to use water sprayed at a high pressure to blast away dirt, mud, and years of caked on grime from the exterior of your home. A pressure washer is a machine that hooks right up to your outside hose and has a high-powered spray gun that easily removes cobwebs, mud, dirt, and other filth from siding, wood, metal, brick, and concrete. Some models even have separate sections that can be filled with cleaner to really restore the look of your exterior. Pressure washers are great for use on any residential or commercial building.
What are the different types of Pressure Washers?
If you want to restore curb appeal to your home or business, a pressure washer is the best and easiest way to tackle the dirtiest jobs. However, pressure washers don’t come cheap, and when you purchase one, you are making an investment. This is why is is important to know about the types of pressure washers available for purchase in order to help you make the right buying decision.
- Gas pressure washers – These are typically the most powerful pressure washers, and they are really convenient because you don’t have to have an electrical outlet nearby. These are the most common pressure washers, and in general, they are the most expensive. They are great for heavy-duty jobs that really need a lot of power.
- Electric pressure washers – Instead of gasoline, these pressure washers are hooked into an electrical outlet. The positive side of this is that you don’t have to worry about gas, and you also don’t have the extra expense of purchasing gas. One drawback is that these typically are not as powerful as gas pressure washers, so they are best for light-duty jobs.
What are the advantages of owning a Pressure Washer?
There are many reasons why you should own a pressure washer, especially if you are a home or business owner. A pressure washer restores the look of your building’s exterior. Pressure washers effectively remove mold, mildew, dirt, mud, and years of grime from any hard surface. Best of all, you don’t have to use potentially harmful chemicals to thoroughly clean your exterior; you just use water. Pressure washers aren’t just for the sides of your home or office, though. You can also use a pressure washer to restore your sidewalks, walkways, driveways, doors, and windows. Pressure washers can even be used to clean grease and grime off of your vehicle’s exterior, including the rims.
Read: The 10 Best Cordless Drills Every Handyman Should Consider
Who are the contenders for Best Pressure Washer?
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
This electric pressure washer is small, but it packs a lot of power. It is built to handle your light-duty jobs around the home or office, including cleaning your building’s exterior, cleaning patios and concrete, washing your car, boat, or RV, and even spraying off your outdoor tools and equipment. It is very effective in removing mold, mildew, dirt, oil, rust, and more. This model runs on power, so you don’t have to worry about running out of gas.
Generac 6597 2,800 PSI 2.5 GPM 196cc OHV Gas Powered Residential Pressure Washer
If you have heavy-duty jobs around your residence, this pressure washer will make your life easier. You won’t have to worry about wearing yourself out to restore your exterior because this pressure washer does all of the hard work for you. It is easy to maneuver, so you can move all over your yard and even effectively clean your second story.
Simpson PS3228-S PowerShot 3200 PSI 2.8 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
If you’re in the pressure washing business, you know how important it is to have a strong machine that blows off dirt, grime, and debris on the first pass. This high-powered pressure washer is designed to do just that. It is great for removing years of wear from a home’s exterior, works great on job sites, and can even clean up old, dirty concrete that’s been subjected to years of harsh sun, rain, snow, oil, dirt, and mud. This pressure washer is an excellent, powerful choice for any pressure washing contractor, but it’s easy enough for a home or business owner to use, as well.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Pressure Washer
Whether you need a new machine for your pressure washing business or you want to tackle your exterior cleaning needs yourself without paying a fortune for someone else to do the job, it’s easy to find your perfect pressure washer. If you’ve never made the purchase before, there are a few things to keep in mind before you begin shopping for your equipment. If you keep these considerations in mind, you’ll be able to find a pressure washer that’s perfect for your toughest jobs.
Gas or electric
The first thing you need to decide is whether you should purchase a gas pressure washer or one that runs on electricity. Gas powered pressure washers offer more pressure, so they’re better for medium to heavy-duty jobs. Electric pressure washers are sufficient for light-duty jobs like spraying off your patio or washing your car or boat. Gas powered washers are also more convenient, as you don’t have to keep them plugged into an electrical outlet. However, you do have to make sure that you always have gas on hand in order for it to run.
PSI
PSI is a measure of the equipment’s pressure. It stands for pounds per square inch, and the higher the number, the stronger the pressure. For light duty jobs, you need a minimum of 1500 PSI. For medium-duty, look for anything from 2000 to 2800 PSI. And for heavy duty-jobs, try not to purchase anything below 2800 PSI.
Nozzles
Pressure washer spray guns have removable nozzles that affect how the water sprays out. There are smaller, more concentrated nozzles that are good for blasting off dirt that’s built up, as well as wider fan spray nozzles that cover a larger area and work great on windows, sidewalks, and driveways. Check to see what nozzles are included so you don’t have to incur an additional expense.
Price
Consider how much you are willing to pay for a pressure washer. If you plan to use it quite often and have multiple heavy-duty jobs, you will want to budget more for a stronger, more efficient machine. If you just want to use your pressure washer occasionally for smaller jobs, a less expensive model might best fit your needs.
Gas or electric
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Electric Pressure Washer
This model is an electric pressure washer that is lightweight and is best suited for lighter jobs. It plugs into any standard electrical outlet.
Generac 6597 2,800 Gas Powered Residential Pressure Washer
This pressure washer, which is ideal for residential properties, runs on gasoline.
Simpson PS3228-S PowerShot 3200 Gas Pressure Washer
This heavy-duty pressure washer is gas powered.
PSI
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM
With just over 2000 PSI, this has enough power for smaller jobs, and it’s an excellent choice for an affordable household pressure washer.
Generac 6597 2,800 PSI 2.5 GPM 196cc OHV
This model has 2800 PSI of pressure, so it is tough enough for your dirtiest household and commercial cleaning jobs.
Simpson PS3228-S PowerShot 3200 PSI 2.8 GPM
With 3200 PSI pressure, you can easily perform any type of exterior cleaning at home, at your business, or on the job site.
Nozzles
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI
This model comes with five nozzles, so you always have one for every job.
Generac 6597 2,800 PSI
With the purchase of this pressure washer, you will receive four quick-change nozzles for many different purposes.
Simpson PS3228-S PowerShot 3200 PSI
This pressure washer comes with five stainless steel quick-release nozzles that snap on and off in an instant.
Price
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
This is one of the most affordable pressure washers. It offers plenty of power and extra features that make it a budget-friendly machine for any home.
Generac 6597 2,800 PSI 2.5 GPM 196cc OHV Gas Powered Residential Pressure Washer
This is a mid-priced pressure washer that offers a lot of pressure washing power at a great price.
Simpson PS3228-S PowerShot 3200 PSI 2.8 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
This pressure washer retails for the highest price in our group, making it the a high-end pressure washer designed for very heavy use.
Conclusion: Our Pressure Washer Reviews Are In
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM Electric Pressure Washer – Best Cheap
If you want a light-duty pressure washer that’s easy to use and doesn’t require gas, this model is one that you should certainly consider. The 14.5 amp 1800 watt motor provides over 2000 PSI of pressure, enough for most household jobs. If you need a little extra elbow grease without doing the hard work yourself, the two separate detergent tanks can be filled with your cleaners of choice, and they’re easy to adjust with the detergent dial.
This pressure washer hooks easily to your garden hose, and it comes with five different nozzles that are easy to install and remove. The 35-foot power cord makes it easy to maneuver around your yard, and the TSS trigger stops the pump when the trigger is not engaged. It is easy to use, and it’s extremely affordable.
Pros
It has two separate detergent tanks for cleaners. It has enough power for most household jobs. Its electric, so you don’t have to buy gas. It is CSA listed. It is very easy to hook up and use. Comes backed with a two-year warranty. It is inexpensive.
Cons
It’s not strong enough for heavy-duty jobs. The plastic hose connector may leak. The plastic body feels much cheaper and flimsier than more expensive metal versions.
Generac 6597 2,800 PSI 2.5 GPM 196cc OHV Gas Powered Pressure Washer – Best for the Money
If you have a tough job, this machine is ready to do the hard work for you. The Generac OHV gas powered engine is strong, durable, and reliable. You’ll be able to use 2800 PSI of pressure for fast and easy outdoor cleaning.
If you need more cleaning power, use the ¾ gallon detergent tank for your choice of cleaner. If you need to connect or disconnect a hose, they’re conveniently located so you don’t have to kneel and strain your back. The ergonomic spray handle has a cushioned grip so it’s easy and comfortable to hold. You’ll have your choice of four nozzles that release and insert quickly and easily for any application.
Pros
It is priced just right. Comes backed with a two-year warranty. It is equipped with a strong Generac engine that’s built for performance. The hoses are easy to access. The welded frame is durable and built to last through job after job. It is easy to maneuver. It’s strong enough for most residential and commercial jobs.
Cons
The wheels are made of cheap plastic. It may be hard to start at times.
Simpson PS3228-S PowerShot 2.8 GPM Gas Pressure Washer – Best Overall
If it’s dirty, this high-powered pressure washer can get it clean in a snap. This machine has 3200 PSI of pressure, more than most heavy-duty household pressure washers, making it a great choice not just for home, but also for your office or even for cleaning heavy equipment on a job site.
The high-output Honda motor runs smoothly and reliably through your longest and most difficult jobs. You’ll get even more power with the AAA industrial triplex plunger pump with ceramic coated pistons and PowerBoost technology that provides you with the cleaning pressure you need. The hose is non-kinking, abrasion resistant, and easy to connect and disconnect. The stainless steel wand has five interchangeable nozzles to provide the coverage and power you need.
Pros
It is powerful enough for contractors. Effective at cleaning all outdoor surfaces, including concrete, brick, and decks. It has high pressure and quality parts that allow it to blast off gunk and grime. The hose doesn’t kink and is resistant to abrasions. It is easy to move and transport. It comes equipped with a heavy-duty Honda engine. It’s easy to start. Comes with a five-year warranty. It has a siphon tube for detergent. Heavy, welded metal construction for durability.
Cons
It has a larger price tag. The pump is lower quality when compared to the other quality parts on this equipment.
In Summary
If you have a dirty job that you’ve been putting off, you can get it done with a high-quality pressure washer. If you want a pressure washer that’s built to last through the most difficult jobs, the Simpson PS3228-S is ready to be put to work. Even though there are cheaper pressure washers on the market, you won’t get the power and durability that you would get from this commercial-quality machine.