Gas models also require more caution and control than the electrics to avoid injuries and damaging wood and other soft surfaces. Pumps must be winterized with anti-freeze in colder areas, since gas machines shouldn't be stored inside a home. 1,000 to 1,800 psi for electrics, allowing gas models to clean a grimy concrete patio three times faster than the fastest electrics.īut: Downsides include added noise and weight, and the need for pull-starting, fuel-mixing, and tuneups. They pump out 2,000 to 2,800 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure vs. You'll find models from Black & Decker, Briggs & Stratton, Craftsman, Excell, Homelite Husky, Karcher, and Troy-Bilt at home centers and dealers.īest for: Quickly cleaning decks, siding, and other large areas as well as whisking away gum, sap, and tough stains. Electric models averaged 78 dBA when running and are silent with their triggers released, since doing so stops the motor. Faster is noisierĪll the gas pressure washers produced at least 85 decibels (dBA), the threshold at which we recommend hearing protection. On the downside, all of the gas models required more caution and control than the electrics to avoid splintering and etching wooden tables and other surfaces. Gas models were up to 10 times faster at stripping paint off vinyl siding, a test we used to simulate tough stains. Much higher pressure allowed the top-performing gas machines to clean a grimy concrete patio three times faster than the fastest electrics. Gas-powered models typically put out 2,000 to 2,800 psi of pressure compared with 1,300 to 1,700 psi for electric models. Water pressure is typically measured in pounds per square inch (psi). We're bringing in a new batch of pressure washers for testing to see if performance has changed. Especially with gas models, it's easy to damage what you're cleaning. But more pressure also means more chance of injury with any pressure washer. For as little as $90 for electric machines and $300 for gas, owning one is a tempting alternative to renting one for $50 to $90 per day.Ĭonsumer Reports' previous tests of pressure washers on an array of outdoor surfaces confirmed that gas-powered machines have a clear performance edge over electrics. That lets them blast away deck mildew, driveway stains, and other grunge a hose can't touch while cleaning chairs, siding, and other items more quickly and easily than you could with a scrub brush. Pressure washers use a gas engine or electric motor, pump, and concentrating nozzle to boost water pressure from your garden hose as much as 60 times. But gas machines have roughly twice the cleaning power, which is the main reason you'll see fewer plug-in models at the big-box stores, where most pressure washers are sold. Lower prices and less upkeep explain why 60 percent of buyers choose an electric pressure washer. Professional cleaning at a do-it-yourself price has helped move pressure washers beyond the tool-rental shop and into your local home center.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |