Which Electric Pressure Washer?

[Max78]

I'm in the market for a decent electric pressure washer and $200 is the upper end of my budget. I have a few units I'm looking at and they all get good reviews from what I can see but I'm always skeptical of false reviews.

Tasks are cleaning car (want a foam cannon), house, and occasional engine degrease.

Of these pressure washers, which would you choose? I'm leaning towards the BC383HS as they seem to be a reputable brand that has realistic pressure ratings for 13amps.

AR Blue Clean BC111HS​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HQWCV5B/?tag=atomicindus08-20

AR Blue Clean BC383HS​

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Clean-BC383HS-Washer-2000-Accessories/dp/B08HQYKJ4S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Westinghouse ePX3100v​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BX4KL2C8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[msbytes]

Never tried the ones you mentioned. But I own the Ryobi 1800 for car washing. Works good except the hose is junk, buy a Uberflex or Flexzilla hose. Which ever is cheaper, same company,

A lot of people also like the Karcher washer too.

RYOBI 1800 PSI 1.2 GPM Cold Water Corded Electric Pressure Washer RY141802 - The Home Depot

The RYOBI 1800 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer is the perfect powerful yet portable option to get the job done. This pressure washer is ideal for light duty applications like cleaning small driveways,

www.homedepot.com

https://www.amazon.com/Karcher-Electric-Pressure-TruPressure-Warranty/dp/B01N20PROC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[American Locomotive]

IMO, there's very little difference between the sub $200 pressure washers. They are all kind of built same, with a brushed universal motor gear driving a pump with plastic gears.

I know a couple of people with the Ryobi, and it's fine.

 

[mike93lx]

I like my sunjoe spx3000. Working great after 10 years

 

[ericg]

Could not agree more with @msbytes . For the money that Ryobi pressure washer has been abused by me and it keeps coming back for more. I would not hesitate to buy another one if it were to die.

 

[zak77]

I've had a Greenworks pressure washer for 14 years now that i bought as something versus having nothing and i quickly learned that electric was not the way to go for big items such as a house or decks/patios. I do still use that electric pressure washer for small jobs like quick car cleaning or washing off lawn tractors and mowers. I use hot water through it most of the time and it has yet to die. Doesnt sound all that great but it keeps truckin. If you want a pressure washer for general stuff around the house, gas is far superior unless you go with a commercial electric pressure washer to match the gpm and pressure.

 

[oldmachinenut]

I have an AR Blue Clean 383 and I am very happy with it. Mine is going on 4 years old and works as well as the Karcher gas powered one it replaced.

 

[Sumboodie]

Keep an eye on auctions. I paid about that for my 240v Landa steam cleaner

 

[billconner]

I have a Ryobi that I'm very happy with.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you want to do any SERIOUS cleaning other than car washes, you need AT LEAST 2 GPM. To get that with an electric pressure washer, you will need >2HP motor, which means 240V and over your budget.

 

[Jeepster04]

If you want to do any SERIOUS cleaning other than car washes, you need AT LEAST 2 GPM. To get that with an electric pressure washer, you will need >2HP motor, which means 240V and over your budget.

What kinda pressure are you wanting? While he wont be able to get 2 GPM for $200, you can easily get that with the AR630. It'll do 1400psi at 2GPM. That would be my choice for everything except pressure washing large patios, etc.

2500psi at 4 GPM is where its at though. Thats some serious cleaning power.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What kinda pressure are you wanting? While he wont be able to get 2 GPM for $200, you can easily get that with the AR630. It'll do 1400psi at 2GPM. That would be my choice for everything except pressure washing large patios, etc.

2500psi at 4 GPM is where its at though. Thats some serious cleaning power.

As I said before, VOLUME (GPM) is what gets the work done when you have a lot of dirt/grime to remove !

 

[Colin Len]

Not sure if your use case is fairly evenly spread across the tasks you mentioned, but if washing cars is your #1 thing (like it was for me) then I'd suggest doing some research on the detailing sites. Not all PW's are created equal and washing cars means you have different needs from cleaning sidewalks.

I previously had a cheapie Ryobi I used when I originally switched to a foam canon. For me, the switch to foam canon was a little revolutionary - no going back for sure! But it didn't make sense to me why people found it worth it to spend $1000+ on a Kranzle. When my Ryobi broke I did a bunch of research and took a leap of faith to upgrade my kit. And boy oh boy was it a massive improvement. There's a reason why people opt for certain PW's, use nicer fittings, nicer foam canons, nicer hoses, change orifices to get proper output for the task...etc. I had to experience it to understand it.

I didn't go for a $1000 PW and opted for an Active 2.0 instead - which is near the bottom of the list of suggestions from Obsessed Garage (their content is super helpful as they've done extensive testing on what's available). But, once all the extras were included it was a pretty expensive purchase. Plus, I added a DI water tank too. Might be way more than you're looking to go for - I know it was more than I wanted to spend - but in the end, for me, it was WELL, WELL worth it. I wish I'd ponied up the $$ earlier because now I'm reaping the benefits - my washing is now easier and faster so keeping the cars clean is easier and less of a burden.

 

[no704]

Recently got one on Amazon. Don’t know what brand. Has a built in hose reel for the pressure hose. Loving that!

 

[Walkers]

my opinion would be to save a bit more, as I can’t think of any $200 pressure washers that wouldn’t be fairly lackluster, but twice that might do okay.

 

[Retroman]

Not sure if your use case is fairly evenly spread across the tasks you mentioned, but if washing cars is your #1 thing (like it was for me) then I'd suggest doing some research on the detailing sites. Not all PW's are created equal and washing cars means you have different needs from cleaning sidewalks.

I previously had a cheapie Ryobi I used when I originally switched to a foam canon. For me, the switch to foam canon was a little revolutionary - no going back for sure! But it didn't make sense to me why people found it worth it to spend $1000+ on a Kranzle. When my Ryobi broke I did a bunch of research and took a leap of faith to upgrade my kit. And boy oh boy was it a massive improvement. There's a reason why people opt for certain PW's, use nicer fittings, nicer foam canons, nicer hoses, change orifices to get proper output for the task...etc. I had to experience it to understand it.

I didn't go for a $1000 PW and opted for an Active 2.0 instead - which is near the bottom of the list of suggestions from Obsessed Garage (their content is super helpful as they've done extensive testing on what's available). But, once all the extras were included it was a pretty expensive purchase. Plus, I added a DI water tank too. Might be way more than you're looking to go for - I know it was more than I wanted to spend - but in the end, for me, it was WELL, WELL worth it. I wish I'd ponied up the $$ earlier because now I'm reaping the benefits - my washing is now easier and faster so keeping the cars clean is easier and less of a burden.

I think Colin Len has about the best setup that is somewhat affordable going to go the same route. Done a ton of research I would like to get the AR 630 TSS but with all the upgraded extra's makes it too expensive to get started so will go with the 2.0 and upgrade if and when it dies.

Interested in which DI tank you went with I am looking at one with refillable resin 1 CF and not sold by detailer supply companies.

 

[IndyGarage]

I bought a small worx electric pressure washer about 18 months ago when I saw it on clearance at Menards for $90. I think they normally sell for about $199.

I thought it would be junk, but it is surprisingly effective. I would say it can do 80% of what I do with my gas pressure washers. It is easy to set up, and very quiet in operation. The 25 foot hose it came with is stiff and plasticy, and the wand is cheap. It has a very long electrical cord on it.

The best part about it is I can set it up in less than 5 minutes, do a quick job with it and put it away just as fast.

 

[Colin Len]

I think Colin Len has about the best setup that is somewhat affordable going to go the same route. Done a ton of research I would like to get the AR 630 TSS but with all the upgraded extra's makes it too expensive to get started so will go with the 2.0 and upgrade if and when it dies.

Interested in which DI tank you went with I am looking at one with refillable resin 1 CF and not sold by detailer supply companies.

We have VERY hard water so I knew I needed a decently sized system and, like you, I didn't want to pay premiums associated with the brands marketing small systems for car washing. That said, I was also a bit unfamiliar with all the particulars so I did want a system I didn't have to piece together myself as I knew it'd take a while for me to get all the fittings figured out and the whole setup assembled. A friend had good luck with Serv-a-Pure so I did the same. They have different sized systems depending on your need and budget. I opted for the Washpak-100. TBD on how often I'll be replacing resin as the system is still pretty new to me.

WashPak Spot-Free Rinse Systems | Shop WashPak Spotless Water Systems - Serv-A-Pure

Get spotless results with a WashPak spot-free rinse system from Serv-A-Pure. Eliminate water spots on cars, RVs & boats with our professional-grade spotless water systems. Fast shipping & expert support.

www.servapure.com

With our terribly hard water, this DI setup has been completely revolutionary for me. Not only has it cut tons of time from my washing routine but I can now wash the engine bay of my Integra (track car that I treat like a show car) without having to spend an hour with a towel drying every tiny nook and cranny.

And since my system sits outside in the sun all day I also had a custom cover made from https://www.coversandall.com/ so that the sun doesn't destroy it.

 

[bwringer]

It's amazing how many times the "Which tool?" questions boil down to "Yes. All the tools."

Electric 120VAC pressure washers are the same or damn near the same inside, so pick the form factor and color you like and look for a clearance. I like the "horizontal box" style; the "upright vacuum" style always tip over.

And, electric pressure washers are indeed the better tool for a lot of purposes where you can cause a lot of damage with the greater pressure of a gasoline-powered pressure washer, or you don't really need a lot of speed to cover a huge area. (Washing vehicles, for example.)

So yeah, get an electric pressure washer... and get a gas one too if you have use cases that need the higher volume and pressure.

 

[Retroman]

We have VERY hard water so I knew I needed a decently sized system and, like you, I didn't want to pay premiums associated with the brands marketing small systems for car washing. That said, I was also a bit unfamiliar with all the particulars so I did want a system I didn't have to piece together myself as I knew it'd take a while for me to get all the fittings figured out and the whole setup assembled. A friend had good luck with Serv-a-Pure so I did the same. They have different sized systems depending on your need and budget. I opted for the Washpak-100. TBD on how often I'll be replacing resin as the system is still pretty new to me.

WashPak Spot-Free Rinse Systems | Shop WashPak Spotless Water Systems - Serv-A-Pure

Get spotless results with a WashPak spot-free rinse system from Serv-A-Pure. Eliminate water spots on cars, RVs & boats with our professional-grade spotless water systems. Fast shipping & expert support.

www.servapure.com

With our terribly hard water, this DI setup has been completely revolutionary for me. Not only has it cut tons of time from my washing routine but I can now wash the engine bay of my Integra (track car that I treat like a show car) without having to spend an hour with a towel drying every tiny nook and cranny.

And since my system sits outside in the sun all day I also had a custom cover made from https://www.coversandall.com/ so that the sun doesn't destroy it.

That's the one I landed on as well. They gave honest answers to my questions without trying to up sell me additional equipment.
Our TDS is around 570 so can get roughly 275 gallons or so between resin change.
Nice to get GJ feedback on a product before a purchase. Now I need to start assembling all the equipment & accessories, fittings etc.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I have this Sun Joe SPX3000. Been using it for a couple of years. Works great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073FCYPVD?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jsf721]

Not on your list but Kranzle is simply the best

 

[Retroman]

Not on your list but Kranzle is simply the best

Yes I looked at those and would love to have one but more than I can justify to get started. If I already had everything else already gun, hose etc I would give it a hard look.

 

[Max78]

Sorry I disappeared, got the plague for a bit.

It sounds like all of the cheap pressure washers are all the same really. I went ahead and got an AR Blue Clean BC2N1HSS as I liked the form factor, came with everything I wanted and gets good reviews across multiple platforms. AR Blue Clean seems to be very responsive to repairs and an overall good company to work with so that made the decision easier. The price was also not bad at $220 shipped.

Gas and 220v is out of the question as my wife needs to use it, and this is for small jobs anyways. nothing large or major.

Kranzle looks like a nice unit and all but. . . . . $1500 for a plastic 120v pressure washer is insane. . . . I don't have FU money like that.

 

[Jsf721]

Yes I looked at those and would love to have one but more than I can justify to get started. If I already had everything else already gun, hose etc I would give it a hard look.

We all have to learn. Buy cheap get cheap. I too started with a karcher Home Depot aluminum pump pressure washer. Lasted 3 uses. Returned it and it died again. Purchased a Kranzle and I’ve had it many years. Mostly car wash and house wash duties. It’s not strong enough for serious concrete cleaning.

 

[mike93lx]

We all have to learn. Buy cheap get cheap. I too started with a karcher Home Depot aluminum pump pressure washer. Lasted 3 uses. Returned it and it died again. Purchased a Kranzle and I’ve had it many years. Mostly car wash and house wash duties. It’s not strong enough for serious concrete cleaning.

And yet there are many of us that have had great luck with the cheap units. I was wrong earlier when I said 10 years for my sun Joe, it's actually year 8. And it gets used. I had it out for about an hour and a half yesterday, cleaning chairs, parts of the driveway and a whole bunch of mossy/moldy brick

Sorry you had bad luck with your karcher. I wouldn't say that is representative of pressure washers, though.

 

[Firefighter1406]

I just purchased the Karcher 1800PS Cube off of great reviews and a 3yr warranty. Will be used for car washing only, have a gas pressure washer for other stuff. However after I received the 1800 is a 2 year warranty the 1700 Cube has the 3 yr. Question is does anybody have enough experience with this unit to know if I should send back the 1800 for the 1700 for the extra yr of warranty?

 

[Retroman]

We all have to learn. Buy cheap get cheap. I too started with a karcher Home Depot aluminum pump pressure washer. Lasted 3 uses. Returned it and it died again. Purchased a Kranzle and I’ve had it many years. Mostly car wash and house wash duties. It’s not strong enough for serious concrete cleaning.

I agree 100% buy the best you can afford.