Pressure Washer Recommendations ~ $200

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B

Ban Bot

Senior member
Jun 1, 2010
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We have a number of projects over the next 2 years that would greatly benefit from a pressure washer: our wood fence is old, peeled, and in dire need of new stain; we plan to paint our home next year (paint isn’t peeling but was a poor job by FNMA), clean the moss off the driveway and patio, etc. I am currently looking at 3 pressure washers that fit into our budget and cost about the same as 3 rentals for the “big” jobs, and will do what we need, if not a little slower than a bigger gas powered unit.

The furthest part of the outside of our fence is about 60ft from the closet outlet which poses a challenge. Most of the pressure washers I have seen recommend against an extension cord (power draw, wet) but it seems a 25 foot 12 gauge extension cord would be sage. That aside the AR Blue Clean model below probably has enough “native” reach I wouldn’t need an extension cord.

Question: Are the pressure hoses standard? Could I use a ~ 40ft hose on all of these models w/o issue?

Below are the three I am currently looking at. All three have the “professional” style quick connect nozzles, GCFI protection, detergent tanks, and stainless steel wands.

The big difference is the out of the box reach distance, warranties, hose connectors (plastic vs metal), GPM.

The Sun Joe has the most water volume (1.76GPM, 25% more than the AR’s 1.4; the Ryobi is a middling 1.2GPM) and is highly rated. But the plastic threads bother me. The AR has metal threads and has 65ft reach, 10ft longer than the Sun Joe.

I could/would get the quick connectors for the Sun Joe, hopefully avoiding thread wear and tear, but my decision probably comes down to feedback and if I can get a longer pressure hose on the Sun Joe. Warranty is an important factor as I want this to last at least 2 years but warranties are only as good as the company backing them and the fine print. I have little experience with any of these companies.

AR Blue Clean AR383SS -- $199
PSI: 1900
GPM: 1.4
Cord: 35ft
Hose: 30ft
Warranty: 1 year "bumper to bumper"
Thoughts: Metal hose threads, longest reach out of the box at 65” (cord + hose); shortest warranty

Sun Joe SPX3000 -- $188
PSI: 2030
GPM: 1.76
Cord: 35ft
Hose: 20ft
Warranty: “Full” 2 year
Thoughts: #1 Amazon best seller and highly rated, highest GPM of the three, 5 QC nozzles, two detergent tanks; Plastic hose connector.

Ryobi 2000-PSI 1.2-GPM Electric Pressure Washer -- $199
PSI: 2000
GPM: 1.2
Cord: 25ft
Hose: 25ft
Warranty: 3 year warranty for "guaranteed performance" and 30 day risk-free guarantee for worry-free purchase
Thoughts: Local purchase, appears to have metal threads, may have largest detergent tank; lowest GPM, comes with 3 QC nozzles


Recommendations?
 
B

Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
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Consumer Reports just did a test on a bunch of these. I think I have the issue at home, but not with me now.
 
B

Ban Bot

Senior member
Jun 1, 2010
796
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Related Question: Would I be pushing it too tight, for a 14.5 Amp tool, to go with a 50' 12 Gauge extension cord?

Home Depot's cord guide has 12 Gauge OK for 16-20 Amp tools at 50ft

Univ. of Cal has 15 Amp as the max load on a 12 Gauge @ 50ft

Obviously I would be "safest" at 25ft but I don't want to be in a position where I am connecting 2 cords together down the road. Our wet/dry vac (Rigid) can be used as a blower so the extra cord would be useful at times.

If the 50ft cord is OK that makes the Sun Joe more attractive. The higher water flow rate should, in theory, make jobs quicker.
 
KK

KK

Lifer
Jan 2, 2001
15,903
4
81
I just picked up the generac 2800 psi washer from lowes for 220 2 weeks ago. Used it on the driveway with the surface cleaner attachment and it did a pretty good job. Its not electric though.
 
olds

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,098
771
126
I have an electric one. It's not really good for anything.
 
G

Greenman

Lifer
Oct 15, 1999
21,732
6,151
136
Don't waste your money on an electric, get a good hose nozzle and a scrub brush instead. It will cost less and give better results.

If you go with gas, get anything with a Honda engine.
 
tweakmonkey

tweakmonkey

Senior member
Mar 11, 2013
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tweak3d.net
I borrowed an electric one from a co-worker and it was fantastic. I think it was this model:
http://www.amazon.com/Karcher-1600P...d=1428470477&sr=8-46&keywords=pressure+washer

He gave me one specific instruction: Before you flip the compresser on, turn the hose water on and press the trigger until it's running through the tube. Don't turn the switch on until it's full of water and flushing through.

Anyway, I used it to strip mildew off a fiberglass roof from a camper van. It did the job MUCH better than any hose attachment could imagine. I accidentally caught a finger in the spray (with gloves on) and it felt like I was stung by a bee for an hour or so. So yes it's quite powerful.
 
M

MadScientist

Platinum Member
Jul 15, 2001
2,175
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tweakmonkey said:
I borrowed an electric one from a co-worker and it was fantastic. I think it was this model:
http://www.amazon.com/Karcher-1600P...d=1428470477&sr=8-46&keywords=pressure+washer

He gave me one specific instruction: Before you flip the compresser on, turn the hose water on and press the trigger until it's running through the tube. Don't turn the switch on until it's full of water and flushing through.

Anyway, I used it to strip mildew off a fiberglass roof from a camper van. It did the job MUCH better than any hose attachment could imagine. I accidentally caught a finger in the spray (with gloves on) and it felt like I was stung by a bee for an hour or so. So yes it's quite powerful.
Click to expand...

I have this pressure washer. It's good for light duty jobs like washing the car, cleaning driveways, decks, and vinyl siding (only if you pre-spray with a solution of bleach and 409). I got it, without the kit, for <$100. at Walmart.

Caution though this pw does not like house water pressure over 65 psi. The first one I had crapped out because I had my water pressure set higher than 65 psi. Karcher replaced it at no charge. I turned the water pressure down and have not had a problem with it in 5 years.
 
DrPizza

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
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Well, since you'll have to purchase the extension cord, which runs around $30, may as well toss that extra $30 into the pressure washer budget. You're getting closer to a Simpson 3100psi, 2.5gpm, powered by Honda, that has very positive reviews. I love mine; and I think they go on sale each year around Memorial day.
 
B

Ban Bot

Senior member
Jun 1, 2010
796
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Greenman said:
Don't waste your money on an electric, get a good hose nozzle and a scrub brush instead. It will cost less and give better results.

If you go with gas, get anything with a Honda engine.
Click to expand...

After considering I needed a $30 cord and the general advise I had been looking at gas powered pressure washers. My dad has a BlackMax 2800psi 2.3GPM model from Costco and has done well for him. The reviews are marginal but it looks almost identical to the well rated Homelite which Home Depot sells for $300. The big issue with the Black Max is the detergent tank and the hose.

Costco just got stock in Sunday and at $260 it was only $30 more than what an electric was going to cost. The BlackMax has a Honda engine and a LOT more water flow and pressure than the electric models. With the Costco warranty I figured I would run it through its paces this summer -- if it is a good machine, great! If I get a lemon I will return it.

EDIT: I had a sneaking suspicion that the Homelite/Black Max were similar, if not rebadges.

Black Max is a OWT Industries, Inc. brand. OWT is a division of TTI.

Homelite is another division of TTI. TTI also owns Techtronics Industries which makes power tools for Ryobi, Craftsman, and Ridgid and TTI recently bought Milwaukee.

Obviously there can be a large difference in build quality (and even some internal components) but the close similarity between the Black Max and Homelite washers makes sense now.
 
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B

Ban Bot

Senior member
Jun 1, 2010
796
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Do you recommend I hunt down ethanol free fuel (difficult in WA State) or would an additive suffice like Sta-bil, Star Tron, Fuel Shielf, etc.?
 
slag

slag

Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
10,473
81
101
I would use star tron simply because many times you won't use all the fuel and will store it with gas in the carb and tank. I use star tron in my boats but have also used stabil in the past. Either way, it won't hurt.
 
M

MustISO

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,927
12
81
Borrowed a Ryobi electric model this morning to do my front steps and front walkway. Been 15 years since it was cleaned and had a layer of grime, mold, moss, etc. Came out looking great, took about an hour to do it.
 
lupi

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
260
126
Ya. They've had a simpson with honda for some time, but everytime it was brought up several mentioned that everything but the engine was junk that broke often so hadn't bought it. People seem to like the subaru brand and the costco one has a pretty good discount before including the extra off for this month.
 
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J

Jeraden

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,518
1
76
I picked up the Subaru one when the sale started. Only used it once so far but seemed pretty good to me. Only used it with a surface cleaner to clean my walkway off, and it made short work of that. Rinsed my car off with the widest angle tip too, just to kind of test it out.
 
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