When it comes to choosing a power washer for home use, you will be overwhelmed by the sea of options available in the market. A power washer as the term suggests is a machine that is either powered by electricity or gas to produce pressurized water. Such machines are used at car washing stations and for detailing purposes as well. Although these machines are a bit costly but they help significantly in getting rid of stubborn dirt and dust.
While searching for the perfect pressure washer, you will observe that they differ interms of motors, pressures, and ratings, etc. Since everyone is constricted due to budget, finding the best possible option is important. Therefore, in this article, we are going to discuss a detailed buying guide related to choosing a power washer for home use. Let’s begin.
Things to consider when buying a power washer
Before we proceed with recommending some of the best power washers for you to take a look, it is important that you consider several factors that will add to your knowledge as well.
Electric vs Gas
As mentioned earlier, power washers are either powered by gas or electricity. If you were wondering about the difference, it is quite a lot. Gas-powered power washers produce more noise because they are comparatively more powerful. Whereas, electric power washers are relatively quiet and possess less power. Such power washers are perfect for home or indoor use. Furthermore, the pressure is sufficient for you to get the cleaning done. Installing a gas power washer could be risky and therefore some people prefer not to buy them. However, if you were to clean bigger areas such as driveways and decks etc. then a gas power washer will be your best choice.
Cold Water vs Hot Water
Most people tend to be confused between cold water and hot water power washers. Then again, if you were wondering about the difference, it is significant. Most pressure washers you find at local stores are cold pressure washers that tend to be less complicated as compared to hot pressure washers. The reason being that cold pressure washers are mostly portable and rely more on the pressure.
Whereas, hot water pressure washers clean comparatively better since they use hot water. You should opt either for cold water or hot water pressure washer depending on what you intend to do with it. If it is for cleaning and sanitizing purposes, purchase a hot water pressure washer.
Power
There are two ways to measure the power of a pressure washer. One is Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) and Gallons Per Minute (GPM). However, there is a third unit as well-known as Cleaning Units. Most people are not aware of this unit and it is crucial to understand what it means. The Cleaning Units number will help differentiate one pressure washer from another. If there is nothing as such mentioned on the pressure washer, simply multiple PSI by GPM.
Portability
Now, portability is probably the most important feature when it comes to buying a pressure washer for home use. Since you will be using the pressure washer in different areas, moving and carrying it along should be easy. You would not want it to be too heavy for lifting and moving. Therefore, look for a pressure washer that is mobile and easy to move around. Get your ears around some suggestions but do not buy unless you personally check them out at a local store. What might be easy for someone, might not be easy for you.
Types of Pressure Washers
Cold Water Pressure Washer
Coldwater pressure washers are the most commonly used pressure washers. The reason being that the are cost-friendly and easier to use overall. Furthermore, cold pressure washers are typically used for home purposes such as washing cars and cleaning things. Therefore, cleaning household tasks with such type becomes ease.
Hot water Pressure Washer
There are several reasons for people using hot pressure washers. Moreover, hot pressure washers feature several advantages over cold pressure washers as well. The biggest advantage is that these pressure washers can reach a temperature of upto 311 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, if you have access to hot water, things will be easier to clean. Although using cold water is safer but in some cases using hot water may become necessary.
Standing/Stationary Pressure Washer
Some pressure washers are stationary i.e. you cannot move them around. Although this might seem to be a negative factor but they are easier to move around than you think. Such pressure washers are easy to pick up and carry around. More often, standing/stationary pressure washer units feature a compact design, which means that you can put them in your car and travel as well.
Recommended Products
Pow Ryte Elite Pressure Washer
The first recommended product is PowRyte Elite Pressure Washer. It is an electric pressure washer producing 3800 PSI. It comes with 4 Quick-Connect Spray Tips. Powered by a brass motor, this 1800 watt pressure washer will help you get rid of dirt and dust with ease. Furthermore, it is equipped with a total stop system that automatically stops the machine when the trigger is let go.
Key Features:
- 3800 PSI Pressure Washer
- Includes a 35ft cord and 20ft Hose
- Generates 3800 PSI at 2.6 GPM
Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
The Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer is Amazon’s choice based on its price and features. This pressure washer is powered by an 1800 watt brass motor that generates upto 2030 PSI/1.76 GPM. You can easily clean your deck, driveways, plots, and several other big areas without any difficulty. Protected by a two years warranty, the Sun Joe SPX3000 pressure washer is amongst the best you could buy.
Key Features:
- Generates 2020 PSI/1.76 GPM
- Features Total Stop System
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Simpson Cleaning Mega shot Pressure Washer
The Simpson Cleaning Mega shot Pressure means business and not any business, big business. This mean machine is powered by gas and will pierce through the dirt. It comes with a pair of 10-inch pneumatic wheels and features a welded steel construction frame. Powered by Honda, its engine is thoroughly tested and proved for reliability.
Key Features:
- Maintenance-free
- 3200 PSI AT 2.5 GPM
- Includes 5 quick connect nozzle tips
Greenworks 1800 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
This pressure washer by Greenworks is an affordable option for those who are just starting. It has a 13A universal motor that is capable of generating 1800 psi and it guarantees a cleaning output/power of 1.1 gallons per minute. Power-wise and price-wise, this pressure washer will be perfect for home use. It also features an ergonomic telescopic handle and wheels which make maneuvering the pressure washer effortless.
Key Features:
- Generates 1800 PSI with 1.1 GPM
- Comes with a 35′ power cord (GFCI)
- Powered by a 13-amp universal motor
Hope kings Electric Pressure Washer
If you can handle massive power, then Hopekings Electric Pressure Washer is your best bet. Powered by electricity, this power washer is going to produce 3500 PSI or 2.6 GPM, which is a lot for home use. It features copper connections that are going to last a lifetime. Lastly, a multi-functional pressure washer at your service to work on SUVs, cars, homes, and driveways, etc..
Key Features:
- Generates 3500 PSI with 2.6 GPM
- Features a Total Stop System
- Multi-functional
Champion Power Equipment Gas Powered Pressure Washer
This one from Champion Power Equipment is a reliable gas-powered pressure washer and is Amazon’s choice, to begin with. It delivers a pressure of up to 4200 PSI at 4.0 GPM. This makes it an ideal surface cleaning machine. If there is dirt and grime, this machine is going to get rid of it without the use of soap. This gas-powered pressure washer is backed by a FREE LIFETIME technical support service.
Key Features:
- Perfect for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and porches, etc.
- Generates 4200 PSI with 4.0 GPM
- Amazon’s Choice
Generac 7122 Speed wash
The Genera 7122 Speedwash boasts about cleaning 50% faster than its competitors. It comes with a power dial ergonomic spray gun that allows the user to easily adjust the pressure needed for different tasks. Moreover, it is powered by a 196cc OHV engine that delivers upto 3200 PSI. Be it concrete, wood, or a car, this machine will clean up things as you move.
Key Features:
- Cleans 50% faster
- Includes attachments
- Comes with a 25 feet high-pressure flex hose
Pecticho Pressure Washer
The Precticho Pressure Washer is an electric machine that generates upto 3000 PSI with 1.8 GPM. It comes with 4 Quick-Connect Spray Tip that allows the user to work on multiple things at a time. The 1800 Watt motor easily removes dirt and could be used on different surfaces.
- Built-In hose reel
- 3000 PSI with 1.8 GPM
- Features Total Stop System
WORX WG601 Electric Pressure Washer
This electric pressure washer by WORKX is a stationary unit but features a compact design for easy portability. It can generate upto 2000 PSI at 1.85 GPM. This machine is re-engineered with cutting-edge technology to ensure that it lasts. It comes with a 20FT hose that makes it easy to move around vehicles and corners. If you are using this pressure washer for cleaning purposes, be assured that you will be saving water.
Key Features:
- Generates 2000 PSI at 1.85 GPM
- Brass Quick Connector
- Includes Nozzles
Karcher K2000 Electric Power Washer
Karcher K2000 Electric Power Washer is a beast in itself. It comes with a 3-year warranty with turbo pressure for deeper cleaning. It generates upto 2000 PSI with 1.3 GPM with a convenient on/off foot switch. Furthermore, this pressure washer features in-built storage systems where you could store accessories and personal items. Overall, it is a decent package for cleaning and keeping your items safe at the same time.
Key Features:
- Large removable bin
- Four quick connect nozzles
- Dual removable detergent tanks
Final Word
The process of choosing a power washer for home use will not be difficult if you were to give this guide a thorough read. It all depends on the intended use and budget. However, if you were to ask us, we would recommend the following:
The Greenworks 1800 PSI Electric Pressure Washer is going to be a suitable option if you are just a beginner and want to get familiar with pressure washers. It is a reliable product and perfect for home use.
Whereas, the WORX WG601 Electric Pressure Washer is going to serve as a perfect balance between power and reliability. If you already know how to handle pressure washers, this is going to be a semi-professional approach. With cutting edge technology, this is going to be your best bet.