Choosing the Best Pressure Washer for Your Needs

If you are in the market for a pressure washer, you may be wondering which to choose. There are models designed for personal, commercial, or industrial use, so consider your needs when determining the best pressure washer to buy.

Your first choice will be between a gas and electric model. Electric pressure washers must be attached to a power source, limiting their range. On the other hand, they are less expensive to run and can be stored in humid conditions. Because of the emissions from a gas-powered pressure washer, it cannot be used indoors or in enclosed spaces. The best pressure washer depends on where you plan to use it.

Pressure washers come with two different ratings. Gallons per minute measure the flow of water coming through the pressure washer. PSI measures the pressure at which this water comes out of the nozzle. Both affect how quickly the pressure washer will clean; typically jobs will go faster using a pressure washer with high PSI and GPM. In fact, a heavy-duty pressure washer can often cut cleaning time in half when compared with a low-PSI model.

However, high PSI is not always better. For example, a 500 PSI pressure washer is more than adequate for cleaning a car; a 3000PSI unit could actually strip the paint right off. Still, if you are cleaning tough grease stains from concrete, for example, a high PSI unit may be necessary. For homeowners, a pressure washer between 1200 and 2000 PSI is usually adequate.

The combination of PSI and GPM is one of the most important factors when determining the best pressure washer. Some jobs require plenty of water, while others, such as cleaning a driveway or parking lot, require high pressure but very little water.

Another choice you’ll need to make is between a cold water pressure washer and one that uses hot water. Cold water units are more common, usually less expensive, and suitable for most tasks. However, for removing tough stains, a hot water model may be the best pressure washer. Hot water pressure washers are suitable for oil or grease spills and for sanitation purposes in food processing areas.

Physical size should also play a factor when choosing the best pressure washer for your needs. If you will be doing a lot of jobs where portability is a factor, choose a lightweight pressure washer. On the other hand, a larger pressure washer is often made to withstand heavier use, so it may be the better choice if you plan to use it for bigger jobs or more frequent use. Still, there are pressure washers available for all levels of use, from a homeowner with occasional tasks to commercial applications utilizing a pressure washer nearly every day.

After you’ve chosen the best pressure washer for your needs, you’ll still need to select the right power washer nozzle. Using one that is too concentrated can etch soft surfaces, including wood. A fan-shaped nozzle that distributes the water over a larger surface area is appropriate for many cleaning tasks. Other accessories, such as a telescoping arm, a duct cleaner attachment, or a brush can be used for specialized tasks.

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