Using a high-pressure water jet to eliminate dirt and scale naturally and effectively, here are the best pressure washers on the market and how to choose which to buy.
A pressure washer is a handy tool for all cleaning operations, as it allows you to clean different surfaces easily and without using chemicals. Just connect the machine to the water tap, activate it, and direct the water jet onto the surface to be cleaned. Water pressure alone allows you to remove even the most stubborn dirt.
With the various accessories provided, we can clean floors, and external parts of cars and motorcycles or walls, unclog the clogged sewer pipes and sanitize all parts of the house, internal and external. The high-pressure washers on the market are distinguished mainly by the water jet’s pressure and the flow of water they supply.
These two aspects affect the surfaces that the pressure washer can wash and the radius of action, but above all, the work’s effectiveness.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is whether or not it can regulate the water temperature. For example, hot water high-pressure washers are particularly suitable for those who need professional services, while cold water models are sufficient for domestic work.
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How to Choose a Pressure Washer: Types and Features
We must know which features to evaluate at purchase to choose the most suitable high-pressure washer, focusing particularly on flow and pressure. It is also important to remember that any accessories supplied or sold separately make the model suitable for carrying out specific jobs such as cleaning pipes or cleaning gutters.
Let’s see the different high-pressure washers and the most important elements to consider to buy the best model.
Types
Among the different types of high-pressure washers on the market, the main distinction is between hot and cold water high-pressure washers. Thanks to a jet of hot water, the former is more powerful and allows the most stubborn dirt to be dissolved more effectively.
On the other hand, they are also bulkier and less manageable. These professional models are particularly suitable for use in large outdoor spaces and not within the home environment. Housework should opt for cold-water high-pressure washers, which are equally effective and cheaper.
It is good to remember that some ” cold ” models also allow you to use hot water. The fundamental distinctive element between the two types is that hot-water high-pressure washers can heat water. In contrast, ” cold ” water cleaners must supply hot water directly from the tap connected to the pressure washer.
In the case of cold-water washers that allow hot water, the supply temperature is given in the instructions. This parameter indicates the maximum temperature to deliver water if you do not risk irreparable damage to the machine.
Supply
The motor represents a further distinction between the different types of pressure washers. An electric motor or petrol engine can power hot-water and cold-water high-pressure washers. Electric pressure washers are light and compact, certainly the most common for domestic cleaning. They are ideal for use in small spaces where there are power outlets.
There are also battery-operated high-pressure washers, but they are models suitable only for activities that do not require much power or long periods of use, such as cleaning the shutters. They have a rechargeable battery connecting to the cigarette lighter (12 V socket).
Pressure washers with petrol, diesel, or petrol engines are suitable for outdoor use and on huge surfaces: they do not need to be connected to the current. These models are robust, easily transportable, and powerful. On the other hand, they are certainly noisier and less ecological, recommended for professional use.
Capacity
The flow rate is one of the most important features to evaluate when purchasing a pressure washer. The flow rate indicates the amount of water the machine’s pump can deliver in an hour through the lance’s nozzle and is expressed in liters per hour.
Depending on the flow rate, a pressure washer is suitable for certain work types rather than others. For these reasons, it is useful to know the general values based on which to evaluate the product to be purchased in such a way that it is functional and suitable for one’s needs:
- From 300 to 360 l/h: pressure washers with this flow rate are suitable for small domestic tasks like cleaning bicycles or garden tools.
- From 360 to 500 l/h: these models of high-pressure washers are suitable for more demanding jobs such as cleaning the driveway, the car, or the motorcycle.
- Over 500l/h: high-pressure washers of this size guarantee high performance and are suitable for any type of object (such as swimming pools or campers) and surface, even huge (such as the house).
In some cases, the producers also indicate the surface the pressure washer can cover in an hour. Also, in this case, the values change according to the model’s characteristics and performance.
A good product with non-professional performance covers around 430 ft² while a cheaper product is valued at around 215 ft².
Pressure
The pressure is the force with which the water jet is dispensed from the nozzle at the top of the lance and is measured in bars. Greater pressure corresponds to greater water power.
Consequently, high pressure allows for obtaining more effective performances:
- From 20 to 100 bar: the pressure washer models with this pressure are suitable for domestic use and, generally, for jobs that do not require high-water supply power.
- From 100 to 150 bar: the pressure washers inside this band effectively treat treatments on external walls and remove stubborn stains and dirt.
- From 150 to 500 bar: the models equipped with this casting force guarantee very high performances suitable for cleaning large areas.
- Over 500 bar: this group includes professional pressure washers.
Most high-pressure washers work in a continuous jet. This means it is impossible to change the power with which the water is supplied, and it is impossible to distinguish between the different surfaces.
You must remember this aspect if you are looking for a pressure washer in a house where different surfaces need specific treatments.
In these cases, it is necessary to consider models with a pressure regulator. This way, it will be possible to clean every surface, avoiding irreparably ruining what is being cleaned.
Power and Consumption
The power of a pressure washer corresponds to its engine’s power and is expressed in kW or, even more simply, in Watts. Therefore, it is good to consider this parameter for two fundamental aspects: the pressure washer’s use and the consumption costs.
Greater power is more suitable for prolonged use and demanding jobs, while it is unnecessary for more sporadic domestic use. On the other hand, a higher wattage leads to higher consumer costs. Therefore, it is essential to consider what your needs are:
- From 1.3 to 1.8 kW: models with power indicated domestic use and most external interventions.
- From 1.9 to 2.1 kW: high-pressure washers suitable for prolonged and demanding jobs.
- 3 kW: models mostly indicated for professional uses – industrial.
Accessories
An aspect that surely affects the choice and the cost of the pressure washer is the accessories that it can have. The pressure washer can offer different performances based on the quantity and accessories by adapting to different action fields.
The range of accessories is vast: there are various types of lances, such as the multijet lance, with which you can choose between different jets, or the telescopic lance, with which you can reach even the highest points and clean the facades.
There can also be supplied brushes and surface washers suitable for thoroughly cleaning balconies and outdoor floors, filters, and spare tubes. Depending on the number of accessories already included, the price of the pressure washer also varies.
The cheaper models usually come with a pistol grip and a standard lance, while high-end models can also offer different types of interchangeable lances and cleaning detergents.
Some of the best pressure washers on the market provide specific kits such as the ” home kit ” or the ” garden kit. ” Thanks to these accessories, making your pressure washer even more functionality will be possible.
Design and Materials
High-pressure washers’ models start from 8 lbs for the lighter models and are easily transportable, up to 55 lbs, for larger models. Regarding the machine’s dimensions and the space available to store it are concerned, it is necessary to consider the high-pressure washer shape. Some horizontal models and models instead develop vertically, and that can even reach the height meter.
Additional features that can affect the practicality of use are wheels and handles that make the instrument easier to transport and suitable, especially if necessary. For example, to make different flights of stairs.
Some of the lighter models also offer the possibility of wearing the pressure washer as a backpack. As for ease of use, it does not specifically refer to the operation and use of the machine, which is often very intuitive, but rather to the presence of some features that facilitate the work.
In particular, the presence of a practical integrated hose reel and the immediacy in inserting additional accessories. Furthermore, depending on the type of use for which the pressure washer is designed, the materials of its components also vary.
In particular, as regards the pump, there are three different models:
- The pump is a composite material suitable for occasional and not particularly intense jobs.
- The aluminum pump is more robust and suitable for intense work.
- The brass pump is in professional models and designed specifically for intensive and prolonged use.
The Best High-Pressure Washers to buy
The best high-pressure washers were selected for their quality/price ratio, with all the main features and prices.
- 【POWERFUL CLEANING】The Electric Pressure Washer has a deep cleaning water pressure of...
- 【MULTI-FUNCTIONAL USE】The Power Washer is equipped with four quick-connect metal spray...
- 【EASY TO USE】Equipped with a 23 FT hose and 36 FT power cord, The Pressure Washers...
- 💦[Outstanding Performance] Generates up to 4800 PSI of water pressure and 2.8 GPM of...
- 💦[Snow Foam Lance] Directly sprays foam. Cleansers don't pass the pump for longer...
- 💦[4 Universal Tips] The 0° tip delivers super high pressure for dissolving stubborn...
- PERFORMANCE TESTED : rated in accordance with PWMA standards
- 2000 PSI : 1.2 GPM for efficient cleaning of residential areas
- Ideal for medium duty projects including but not limited to cleaning patio furniture,...
- Powerful: The K1700 electric pressure washer operates at a maximum 2125 PSI. Efficient...
- Versatile: The Power Washer includes a Quick-Connect Steel Wand with 3 Spray Nozzles. 15°...
- High Pressure Hose: Equipped with the 20' kink-resistant High-Pressure Hose. Features a...
- 2300 Max PSI (at initial discharge) of Deep-Cleaning Water Pressure and Up To 1.76 GPM...
- Pro-Style Steel Extendable 17.5 inch Wand with Quick-Connect Nozzles (0 Degree, 15 Degree,...
- Super Compact and Lightweight at 16.5” Tall and 19 lb. for Convenient Storage and...
- 3400 PSI and 2.6 GPM of Powerful, Deep-Cleaning Water Pressure Perfect for Decks,...
- 25′ Foot Abrasion Resistant Super-Flex Hose With Lightweight High Pressure Spray Gun and...
- Compatible with Pressure Washer Accessories such as Surface Cleaners, Undercarriage...
- Powerful Electric Pressure Washer--Upgrade 1800 watt new motor generates Max up to 5000...
- Upgrade Digital Pressure Control-Electric power washer with adjustable pressure, It...
- 5 Quick Connect Spray Nozzles - The Power Washer comes with 5 interchangeable spray...
- PSI RATING : 1600 PSI at 1.2 GPM will blast through tough dirt and grime for clean,...
- VERSATILE : Can be used vertically or horizontally for greater stability
- PRESSURE HOSE : Supports greater reach without sacrificing power
- 2100 Max PSI (at initial discharge) of Deep-Cleaning Water Pressure and Up To 1.76 GPM...
- Super Compact and Lightweight at 18 lb. for Convenient Storage and Portability –...
- Easy-Coil Nylon-Braided 20 ft. hose – Detachable Foam Cannon to Add Detergents/Chemicals...
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