Help me pick an electric power washer

[Punkinhead]

I already have a fairly powerful gas power washer. I'm looking to augment it with a plug-in electric for convenience. It'll be mostly for washing vehicles and light cleaning. I think I'd like something that turns off with the trigger instead of continuing to run and recirculate. I don't think any of the Greenworks have this feature. I like the idea of one on casters that I can drag around with the hose since I frequently have to reposition when washing my RV but I'm only seeing those in small GPM models. Are the 1.1 gpm or so pressure washers sufficient for washing vehicles and light cleaning? It seems like I don't need high pressure for this application but it seems like higher GPM is better than lower. I generally lean towards buying the biggest & baddest tools but a lighter duty sprayer might be fine for this usage.

Any brands and features I should be looking at or avoiding?

 

[txvwnut]

https://arblueclean.com/ I've got a couple of the legacy units and have been quite happy with them.

 

[imagineer]

Don't get a Sunjoe. They're ****.

 

[readhead]

I have had the small electric Ryobi unit for a couple of years and it works great. I recently installed it on my back porch near a hose bib and purchased a 50’ replacement hose for the sprayer so it is ready to go anytime Plus it comes with a soap bottle.

 

[moab11]

more gpm is definitely better, but also swapping out the crappy stock hose/gun with aftermarket with quick disconnects makes a huge difference in usability and convenience. DFB has some good recommendations in some of his threads. Of course this all adds cost.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I had a Kärcher I got at the Orange Store (Harmed Despot) that lasted me a few years; when I came here, I got the same unit at the Green Store (Unca Leroys.)

Neither were babied, more like generally abused, and both did (or do) their jobs pretty well.

 

[Madjik Man]

I bought my AR from Costco. Good price and unbeatable warranty.

 

[john.k]

Always put a water filter in the inlet .......sand and grit in the water wear out pumps

 

[mikedodge]

I've had a simoniz one for years.
All the home type electric ones I've used stop when you're not pulling the trigger. I wouldn't be worried about buying any common brand type one unless the ratings were really bad.

 

[Odd-job]

budget wasn't specified

For vehicles I prefer one of the heavier duty electric pressure washers which pushes 2 GPM. Mainly for the foam cannon. Heavier duty pumps (also requires oil changes!) on these units tend to last longer. I have an AR610 with an Italian pump that has served me well for the past 5 years.

Without the need for a foam cannon the lighter duty box store pressure washers will also work. 0 degrees one inch away can blast off pretty much anything. Wouldn't expect them to last though as I only got a year out of a lighter duty AR Blue Clean.

For additional portability I just got one of these that takes a Milwaukee battery:

The Milwaukee addiction thread! :)

So I got a chance to use my Nexus gen 2 vac yesterday with the dust separator accessory attached inline. I am VERY happy with it. I had to clean the hopper out on my pellet smoker because they all got wet and mostly turned into sawdust. I'm VERY impressed with how clean the filter is even...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I like the idea of one on casters that I can drag around with the hose since I frequently have to reposition when washing my RV

I got one with an 8m hose so I could do cars etc. without moving it. I doubt one on casters could be moved around with much control by dragging it from the other end of a long hose. And you'd be dragging the input hose and power cable too.

Are the 1.1 gpm [250 litres per hour] or so pressure washers sufficient for washing vehicles and light cleaning?

Note that flow rates specified are usually the maximum at lower pressures, e.g. when using a wide angle nozzle.

Mine is max 500 l/h (2.2 gpm), max 145 bar (2100psi) - not at the same time. Mud and dirt off anything is no problem. Concrete with algae growth needs the turbo nozzle. My spinning patio cleaner attachment is no good, probably due to having 3x 40 degree nozzles inside causing a lack of pressure. Snow foam is good, but won't be at half this flow.

 

[Punkinhead]

This Ryobi is 1.8 GPM and seems to be targeted towards washing cars.

The RYOBI 1.8 GPM Automotive High Flow Pressure Washer, a car detailing pressure washer, is ideal for homeowners, automotive professionals, and car enthusiasts focused on car care and car washing.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-1200-PSI-1-8-GPM-Cold-Water-Automotive-High-Flow-Electric-Pressure-Washer-Kit-RY14AM12/333071566

 

[goblue1998]

I also have a small ryobi that I’ve had for 6-10 years. I’ve been happy with it.

 

[AldeanFan]

I have this Ryobi one that I use to wash cars.
I bought a 50’ pressure hose so I can wash a car or my trailer without moving the unit around.
Works great!

 

[Tactile]

Kranzle

 

[MileHighRover]

Ryobi makes a 1.8 gpm machine for not much money. The detailing guys love it.

Ryobi pressure washer

 

[finn]

There’s a post over on the Hot Deals section that shows Direct Tools has Factory Blemished Ryobi pressure washers on sale for $112.

 

[rmack898]

I used my son's ryobi to clean his deck and the back of his house last week and I was quite impressed with how good a job it did.