Looking for my first pressure washer

Nick 93

Nick 93

New member
Joined
Jun 9, 2016
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Hey guys I'm looking to get a pressure washer and had a few questions. I searched the forums and have found some answers but I still have a few questions. First is electric vs gas. Currently this will be for personal use and limited side work at my house but in the future I would want something that is mobile and can be hooked to a water tank. Basically I just want something that'll work good down the road for when I want to do side work mobile detailing(at least that is my plan). I've heard not to get an electric if you are going to be a mobile detailer but I have also heard that an electric is all you really need in terms of power. This has me confused as I don't know why you shouldn't use an electric for mobile detailing. Now the other question I had is when would you need the power of a gas unit or when would it be helpful? What are the advantages to having more power than what seems necessary? Obviously I wouldn't want to rip through mine or someones paint. Lastly if anyone has any recommendations let me know what works well. I would like to stay around the $300 mark for just a pressure washer for now.
 
If your planning on a mobile detail on the future gas is the way to go.
 
They are caveats for gas and electric.

1. Electrics are generally cheaper.

2. Gas' are generally more powerful. However, this may not help you in detailing. But, makes them more useful to do stuff around the house - like cleaning concrete.

People always look at PSI for pressure washers. But for detailing, having a higher GPM seems more important to me. If you ever tried to rinse snow foam off a big SUV using a 1.1 GPM pressure washer you will know what I mean.

3. Gas pressure washers are NOISY and the engine runs constantly. Electrics are much quieter and when not squeezing the trigger you hear no noise - pump is stopped. So, depending on what area you do this at, running a gas pressure washer has the potential to piss someone off.

4. Electrics have the headache of always needing an outlet. Gas has the headache of gas/oil/engine maintenance.

5. If your working from a water tank, check whatever pressure washer you want has the ability to suck up water - or you will need a pump. I know Karcher electrics claim to be able to do this, but in reality results have been mixed.
 
OK so from the sound of it so far gas is the way to go if you want to leave your options open. If I get a gas pressure washer that sucks up water will I never need a pump? If so that's probably what I would want depending on how much more it would cost. I also did not know how important GPM was and I'll be sure to look for that in a pressure washer. Do you guys have any recommendations? Thanks for the advice so far!
 
swanicyouth said:
They are caveats for gas and electric.

1. Electrics are generally cheaper.

2. Gas' are generally more powerful. However, this may not help you in detailing. But, makes them more useful to do stuff around the house - like cleaning concrete.

People always look at PSI for pressure washers. But for detailing, having a higher GPM seems more important to me. If you ever tried to rinse snow foam off a big SUV using a 1.1 GPM pressure washer you will know what I mean.

3. Gas pressure washers are NOISY and the engine runs constantly. Electrics are much quieter and when not squeezing the trigger you hear no noise - pump is stopped. So, depending on what area you do this at, running a gas pressure washer has the potential to piss someone off.

4. Electrics have the headache of always needing an outlet. Gas has the headache of gas/oil/engine maintenance.

5. If your working from a water tank, check whatever pressure washer you want has the ability to suck up water - or you will need a pump. I know Karcher electrics claim to be able to do this, but in reality results have been mixed.
Click to expand...


which one do you own(if you do), you always make wise choices...
 
I'd go gas. I have a gas. For me it's just more versatile.
 
I have a gas and now I'm going to buy an electric just for detailing. Why? The gas PW is bigger and heavier. Got to get gas all the time, pita. An electric is just easier to use, no pulling a cord to crank and little to no maintenance needed. I don't expect my electric to last more than a few years based on a ton of research by me. I believe I will buy a Karcher top of the line PW, but those pull along type look interesting and one of the reasons PWs break is by tipping over while power washing.
 
cleanmycorolla said:
which one do you own(if you do), you always make wise choices...
Click to expand...

Lolz. Wise choices. If I could unload half the detailing stuff I never use I'd have tons of empty shelf space.

A have a Karcher electric.

With the dirt blaster tip it will take skin off my hand - so that is more than powerful enough for me. Wish it had for GPM though.

One thing I will say is, never buy a pressure washer without a good wheel to wind up the hose. Winding it up by hand is a PIA.
 
there are two different electric greenworks pressure washer (1800-2000 psi) available at lowes for under $200 that would be great choices. i have the same one that drew reviews below and it's been solid thus far...
 
I buy Generac. I get mine from Pressure Washers Direct
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top