Buying guide for Best gas pressure washers
No matter how well you care for your home’s exterior, there always seem to be those tricky spots that are impossible to keep clean. Features like your windows, vinyl siding, gutters, fencing, and walkways can get pretty dirty, and scrubbing with a brush and soap often doesn’t do much good. That’s where a gas pressure washer can come in so handy.
A pressure washer provides an extremely powerful jet of water that can remove dirt and grime pretty easily. While there are electric models that can work well, gas engine pressure washers are often the most convenient to use – though choosing the right one isn’t always easy. You have to know how powerful it needs to be, as well as the best hose length, wand type, and nozzle design for your home cleaning projects.
At BestReviews, we help make shopping a little simpler. We analyze products inside and out, so you don’t have to spend hours reading through online reviews. Instead, we pass along all the information you need to find the ideal items for your needs – and make some specific suggestions when you’re really in a hurry.
What is a pressure washer?
A pressure washer is a power tool that increases water pressure from a garden hose to create an extremely powerful jet of water for cleaning. In fact, the jets from a pressure washer are usually up to 70 times stronger than the water pressure from a garden hose by itself. The pressure washer’s motor pumps the water through its own hose, which has a wand with a nozzle at the end that directs the spray.
Pressure washers are available with both gas and electric motors. While gas models typically cost more, they’re usually more powerful and have other benefits that can make them a better option for many homeowners.
What are the benefits of gas pressure washers?
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More power: A gas pressure washer usually offers greater water pressure than an electric model, making it ideal for really stubborn dirt. The increased power can also help clean your surfaces more quickly than an electric pressure washer does.
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Uses less energy: If you’re tired of high electric bills, a gas pressure washer can help you keep energy costs down. Gas is less expensive than electricity, which helps save money on operating costs.
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Easy operation: Even if you’re new to using a pressure washer, most gas pressure washers are extremely user-friendly, once you’ve read the instructional manual.
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Highly portable: Because there’s no cord to plug in, you can use a gas pressure washer anywhere without worrying about finding an outlet.
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Increased versatility: A gas pressure washer can work for a wide range of applications, including washing your siding or windows, cleaning your pool, washing a car, and cleaning your deck.
For your safety
Always wear safety goggles or glasses when operating a gas pressure washer. Because of the noise level, you may also want to wear protective headphones.
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Gas pressure washer feature considerations
Power
While gas pressure washers tend to offer more power than electric models, they can vary in terms of how much cleaning force they provide from model to model. A pressure washer’s power is measured in pounds per square inch (psi), which indicates the pressure of the water that’s produced with the tool.
It’s also important to consider the volume of water that a gas pressure washer can deliver. Its volume is measured in gallons per minute (gpm), and determines how quickly you can clean with the pressure washer, as well as how well it can wash away dirt and debris.
Gas pressure washers typically fall into two power categories:
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2000 to 3000 psi and up to 2.8 gpm: Pressure washers with this type of power work well for most common jobs, including cleaning siding, walkways, and decks. They usually can handle tough stains, too.
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3000 to 4000 psi and up to 4.0 gpm: Pressure washers with this type of power are usually considered commercial grade. They are ideal for heavy-duty jobs, such as removing paint, mold, mildew, and very stubborn stains. If you’re new to using a pressure washer, though, a model that’s this powerful may be difficult to use.
Hose
A gas pressure washer includes a hose that connects from the engine to the cleaning wand. To make sure the water always flows well, choose a model with a durable, steel-braided or poly-braided high-pressure hose that’s kink resistant. For the easiest operation, opt for a model with a hose that’s at least 25 feet long, so you don’t constantly have to move the pressure washer’s engine component.
Wand
At the end of a gas pressure washer’s hose, there is a wand that holds the nozzles that actually emit the water. Choose a model that offers a metal wand for increased durability. Steel wands are typically the best quality.
For added convenience, you may want to opt for a gas pressure washer with an adjustable wand. It allows you to change the washer’s water pressure and spray pattern without actually changing the nozzle. Some models even come with interchangeable wands, so you can switch those to adjust the water pressure instead of replacing the nozzle.
Nozzles
A pressure washer’s nozzle is one of the most important features of the tool, because it controls the angle and intensity of the water when it’s sprayed. Gas pressure washers typically have metal nozzles for increased durability, and usually include multiple options, which are color-coded to correspond to how narrow and powerful the spray will be. Look for a pressure washer that includes at least five nozzles, so you can customize the spray’s pressure and intensity based on the job that you’re doing.
Some gas pressure washers have a single, adjustable nozzle, which many users find more convenient because you don’t have to bother switching out the nozzles while you’re working – you simply twist the nozzle to change the width and pattern of the spray. Keep in mind that an adjustable nozzle doesn’t allow you to adjust the spray’s angle, though.
You can also find universal pressure washer attachments if the model you choose doesn't come with all the nozzles you need, but make sure any attachments you use are rated for the amount of pressure your machine produces.
Wheels
Gas pressure washers can be pretty heavy, so it’s important to choose a model with durable wheels that allow you to roll it to wherever you need to use it. Look for a model with large, balanced wheels that can prevent the machine from tipping over when you’re using.
Detergent tank
While it’s not a must-have feature, many homeowners find a gas pressure washer much more convenient to use if it has an onboard detergent tank. You can fill the tank with the cleaner of your choice and dispense it when necessary to clean stubborn stains.
Thermal relief
With a gas pressure washer, there is a risk of the machine’s pump overheating with prolonged use. To keep your pressure running smoothly, look for a model with a thermal relief valve, which pushes cool water through the pump when you aren’t spraying. This prevents the motor getting too hot.
Caution
Never point the nozzle of a gas pressure washer at people or pets.
STAFF
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Gas pressure washer prices
Gas pressure washers vary in price depending on their psi rating, gpm rating, and extra features, but you can usually expect to spend between $200 and $2000.
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Budget-friendly: Basic gas pressure washers that offer between 2000 and 2800 psi and under 2.8 gpm typically cost between $200 and $400.
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Mid-range: Gas pressure washers that offer between 2800 and 3200 psi, up to 3.5 gpm, and several extra features typically cost between $400 and $1000.
- Expensive: Gas pressure washers that offer 3000 or more psi, over 4 gpm, and many special features typically cost between $1000 and $2000.
FAQ
Q. What kind of gas should I use in a gas pressure washer?
A. It’s always best to consult your pressure washer’s operating manual to determine the best gasoline for your particular model. In general, though, most models do well with fresh, unleaded gasoline that’s a minimum of 87 octane. Some pressure washers also work well with gasoline that contains up to 10 percent ethanol.
Q. How much noise do gas pressure washers make?
A. A gas pressure washer can be a fairly noisy tool – it’s definitely louder than electric models because it offers greater power. If you’re concerned about the noise level, look for a model that specifically advertises a quieter operation.
Q. Can I leave gas in the pressure washer’s tank if I won’t be using it for a while?
A. If you won’t be using your pressure washer for a week or two, it’s usually fine to leave gas inside the tank. But if you don’t plan on using your pressure washer for more than a month or longer, you should either drain the tank or add some type of fuel stabilizer to the gas to keep it from going bad.
