One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when shopping for a pressure washer is whether to buy a gas-powered or an electric one. Interestingly enough, they each have advantages and disadvantages, so in the end it will be up to you to decide which one to choose.
Indeed, looking at the pros and cons of each type of pressure washer is the only way to determine which features are most important to you. After all, everyone has personal preferences and tastes, and it is those preferences that will help you determine which pressure washer to choose in the end. Let’s take a look at a few characteristics of each type of pressure washer.
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Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
Gas-powered pressure washers are very sturdy and reliable, and they are also more portable than electric pressure washers because there is no cord to attach to a power outlet. They are more powerful than electric pressure washers and can even provide you with a full 4,000 PSI and still be good for household use.
On the other hand, gas pressure washers tend to be heavier and bulkier than electric pressure washers, and some people don’t like this. That being said, they always have wheels to make it a bit easier to transport them from one location to another, so this feature might not matter to you in the end. You also have to keep up with a certain amount of maintenance, which includes regular oil changes and continuous gas fill-ups, even though this maintenance will keep them going for a very long time.
Gas-powered pressure washers are also a bit pricier than electric pressure washers, so if you have a strict budget to follow, this might not be the pressure washer you’re looking for.
One of the many top-notch gas-powered pressure washers is the Tacklife 3200 PSI, 2.4 GPM pressure washer, which provides you with a 6.5 HP motor, a 25-foot hose, and a detergent tank for roughly $280.
Electric Pressure Washers
For starters, electric pressure washers are generally lighter than gas-powered washers, which makes them easy for beginners. They can handle most cleaning jobs and are very portable since they are so lightweight. They often have a lot of attachments that make them even more valuable, and they are less expensive than gas-powered washers.
On the other hand, you have a cord with you as you clean when you choose an electric pressure washer, so there might be some limitations regarding where you can go with it. They also tend not to last as long as gas-powered washers do and in fact, many people find they have to replace their electric pressure washer every few years.
A great electric pressure washer is the Wholesun electric pressure washer with 3,000 PSI, 1.8 GPM, and which comes with a spray gun and five different nozzles. It sells for a mere $130.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help you get to know both gas-powered and electric pressure washers a little bit better, below are some frequently asked questions for you to explore.
How does frequency of use affect the type I choose?
Most people agree that gas-powered pressure washers are best for people who only power-wash something occasionally, whereas electric washers can be taken out regularly without any problems. This is mostly due to the weight of each item.
What type do most homeowners choose?
Most homeowners decide to purchase an electric pressure washer, due to the light weight and the overall ease of use, not to mention the fact that it will clean most household items.
What is the PSI range for all pressure washers?
PSI numbers range from 500 all the way up to 7,000. Again, anything over 3,000 PSI is considered a tool for commercial use only. The average PSI for household pressure washers is around 2,000.
Can I get a pressure washer that uses hot water instead of cold water?
Yes, and if you’re cleaning structures with any type of grease or oil on them, this is what you’ll need. If this is the case, you’ll have to carefully research pressure washers to make sure you get one that can accommodate jobs that require hot water.
Conclusion
The choice between an electric pressure washer and one that runs on gas is a personal one, but hopefully the information listed above will help you make the right decision. While PSI numbers are important when choosing pressure washers, so are other factors, such as the size of the washer, the weight, and the amount of maintenance the washer needs.
If you’re looking for a pressure washer for household use, it’s best to start small because you can always move up to something bigger later on. If you need to use hot water in your pressure washer, you’ll have to find one specifically made for that purpose, but none of this should be difficult for you because most pressure washers are easy to find and easy to afford.
