Pressure washers are highly effective cleaning tools. With about 60 times the pressure of a regular hose, they shoot out a pressurized stream of water to make the toughest cleanup jobs a breeze. In some cases, they even eliminate the need for a chemical cleaner. Handle them respectfully, though, because water at high pressure can cause bodily harm.
There are many products on the market, but the first decision is whether to purchase an electric or gas pressure washer. The second is whether to get a hot-water or cold-water model. It all comes down to how you plan to use it. In this blog, we’ll give you a few facts about each so you can compare pressure washers as you make your decision.
Electric Pressure Washers
An electric model may be a good choice if you’re looking for a pressure washer for cleanup around your home. They operate at a lower pressure, around 1500-2000 PSI, but they’re generally powerful enough for cleaning a deck, siding, patio furniture, or your sidewalk without damage.
Electric models cost less to purchase than gas models, and other than the electricity to operate them, there is no ongoing fuel cost. You also won’t run out of fuel at an inopportune time and have to stop your project to get more. Electric pressure washers are more eco-friendly than gas models because there is no gas to create fumes.
On the other side of the coin, with an electric model, your project has to be near enough to an electrical outlet to plug in. Since they’re tethered to an electrical line, they have less flexibility than gas models. Electric models produce a lower pressure than the gas variety, so manufacturers build them with more plastic parts, and consequently, they have less longevity than gas models.
Gas Pressure Washers
A gas model might suit you if you need a pressure washer for commercial or heavy-duty applications. Manufacturers design them at around 2800-4000 PSI for heavy use. Consider a gas model if you regularly need a pressure washer at a job site to strip paint, wash a multi-story building, or clean a parking lot.
Gas pressure washers are supremely portable because they’re not limited by an electrical cord’s length, making them an excellent choice for use on a construction project or in any location without convenient electricity. They contain durable metal parts and typically last longer than electric models.
Gas pressure washers are louder than electric models, and you must ensure you have enough gas for your project. They cost more because of their higher functionality, and since they are gas-powered, they are for outdoor use only. They have more moving parts, so they require more maintenance.
Cold Water or Hot Water?
Beyond the decision of a gas pressure washer vs. electric, another consideration is whether to purchase a hot-water or cold-water pressure washer. Again, it’s important to consider how you’ll use it.
It’s common knowledge that hot water cleans clothing or dishes better than cold. It’s the same with pressure washers. Hot water models perform best If you’re dealing with grease, need to de-ice, or deal with algae or bacteria since the water heats to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot water pressure washer will use more fuel than a cold-water model.
A cold-water model is suitable for removing paint or cleaning wood, plastic, decks, or siding. The cold water is gentler to plastics, especially, which could warp at higher temperatures.
FAQs
Do gas pressure washers last longer than electric?
Manufacturers typically build gas pressure washers using more durable metal parts because they operate at a high PSI, so they often outlast electric models.
What should I look for when buying a pressure washer?
Not all pressure washers are created equal, and neither are dealers. Keep these questions in mind as you decide on the model you want and where to buy it.
- Look for a brand that has a good reputation.
- Check the warranty. How long is it?
- Does the dealer offer service and keep parts in stock?
- Has the brand you’re considering passed safety tests?
- What is the trade-in value of your pressure washer?
- Does the dealer offer financing?
- Does the dealer offer detergents or accessories?
- Is maintenance readily available?
Are electric pressure washers any good?
Electric pressure washers are ideal for specific applications.
- They excel in home applications – deck or patio cleanup, home siding cleaning, or car cleaning
- They’re quieter and lighter than gas models
- There’s no fuel cost other than the electricity you use
- Since they are electrically powered, they are more environmentally-friendly
- They’re more affordable than gas-powered pressure washers
Are gas or electric pressure washers better for car detailing?
We recommend an electric pressure washer for car detailing because the pressure is lower. You can use a gas-powered pressure washer, but use a wide nozzle and stand back to avoid damaging the paint.
A Dealer for All Your Cleaning Needs
Hotsy Pressure Washers of Memphis is your full-service dealer for pressure washers and cleaning equipment in Memphis and the Mid-South. We’ve been in business since 2004, carrying Hotsy, the number one name in pressure washers, along with other brands of cleaning equipment.
We can help you with your pressure washer comparison and not only to purchase a machine. Do you need to rent a pressure washer? Looking for a refurbished model? We can help. Contact us today.