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Choosing a Pressure Washer: How to Compare Models

Choosing a pressure washer that's perfect for YOU can be a challenge. There are dozens of manufacturers making hundreds of pressure washer models suited for the DIY'er/homeowner market. So how do you compare models in order to make the right choice?

Follow this quick and invaluable 5-point checklist which will help you choose your PERFECT pressure washer from among all the others:

#1 - CHOOSE YOUR POWER SUPPLY: Electric or Gas-Powered Engine?

The pressure washers best suited for homeowners are powered by either an ELECTRIC motor or GAS-POWERED engine.
ELECTRIC pressure washers are generally lightweight and very inexpensive & well-suited for small cleaning jobs like washing a car, etc.

GAS-POWERED pressure washers are many times more powerful than electric models, don't require an electrical outlet, are more durable and they take less effort & time to clean projects.

But they are noisier, and because of their fumes, gas-powered pressure washers must be used outdoors.

Remember, you can always try to snag a great deal on ELECTRIC pressure washers at :
For more technical information about making the choice between electric or gas-powered engines, click on the pressure washer engine page.

#2 - CHOOSE A WATER SUPPLY: Hot or Cold?

Pressure washers that use a HOT WATER supply are truly great for extremely heavy-duty industrial or farm applications.

Pressure washers that use a COLD WATER supply - which is a garden hose & outdoor faucet - offer excellent cleaning power for the homeowner, are easy to move, use and are economically priced.

For the average homeowner/DIY'er, choosing a cold water supply is a no-brainer.

#3 - CHOOSE YOUR ENGINE BRAND

Take a moment to think about what engine you'd want to power your pressure washer.

I recommend that you choose a pressure washer with a brand name engine! There are a few major pressure washer engine brands available. My best advice is to NOT to choose a pressure washer with a no-name engine. Or an engine that says it's built "just like a Honda"!

In my experience, you're just asking for problems with performance, warranty coverage and repair/replacement part problems by going with a pressure washer using a no-name engine.

#4 - CHOOSE YOUR PUMP BRAND

Remember, the quality of the pump is just as important as the quality of your engine! The pump puts the pressure into the water, which gives you most of your cleaning force and power.

The best type of pump for a homeowner/DIY'er is a brand-name axial cam pump. Here's a handy list of the major pump manufacturers for your reference.

#5 - COMPARE THE RATINGS

Ok, you've chosen your power supply, a hot or cold water source, your engine brand and your axial pump brand. Now what?

NOW you can begin comparing pressure washer models using the three basic pressure washer ratings:

PSI, or pounds per square inch, is the force that the washer is able to produce. I recommend choosing a pressure washer with a minimum of 2,250 PSI.

GPM, or gallons per minute, is the rate of the water flow.

CPU, or cleaning units, is calculated by multiplying the PSI by GPM, and it defines a pressure washer’s total cleaning power. The higher CPU rating, the better.

That's it!

If you're looking for pro-quality pressure washer attachments & replacement parts - at low homeowner prices, check out: PressureWashersNow.com. I'm a tough - but satisfied - customer. Their Pro-Style Telescoping (extension) pole and Whirl-A-Way flat surface cleaners are the best quality & price I've seen on the Internet. I highly recommend www.PressureWashersNow.com for their pressure washer parts & attachments!

Happy Pressure Washing!

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