Electrical pressure washers have the benefit of lower upfront costs and few additional maintenance needs. Electric pressure washers cost less on average, are easier to start and weigh less than gas models. They are also quieter than gas models, due to the lower psi.
Electric pressure washers don't emit fumes, making them more environmentally friendly than gas models. Gas-powered pressure washers emit harmful emissions because they burn fossil fuels.
Plus, you don't have to mess with oil, fuel, or fuel stabilizer. Data from our member surveys also shows that they're more reliable than gas models. All pressure washers (sometimes called power washers) can be dangerous, particularly when used with a zero-degree tip or nozzle.
Electric pressure washers are a lot lighter than gas-powered units because they don't have a heavy gasoline motor or fuel tank. Entry level electric pressure washers have a smaller footprint. This makes them easier to manoeuvre around corners and in narrow spots.
Yes, if it's concrete. Concrete driveways (and walkways) can readily withstand a powerful cleaning without etching. Generally, a finer nozzle will be more effective at spot-cleaning grease stains. For mold or mildew, use lower pressure and coat the surface in suds first.
Medium Duty 2000-2800 PSI
They're great for cleaning concrete, brick, and wood. They work especially well for cleaning patios, sidings, roofs, decks, and fences.
For instance, a light layer of dirt or dust may only require a PSI of 1,500 to 2,000, while a thick layer of oil or grease may require a PSI of 3,500 or higher to remove.
There's no doubt that electric pressure washers from 1,300 to 2,300 psi can wash a concrete driveway, but it'll take longer. If you have a large driveway with lots of stains, you'll want more power to do the job faster. I chose the 3,100-psi gas pressure washer and cut the job time in half.
Machine Type: Gas pressure washers can typically run for about 30 minutes before they need a break. Electric models can usually go for an hour or more. If you're using a hot water pressure washer, you'll need to give it breaks more frequently – about every 15 minutes.
Concrete cleaning calls for powerful pressure washers featuring high pressure levels of 3000 PSI. However, if you will be using the power cleaner to maintain a range of surfaces in addition to concrete, choose one with adjustable pressure levels and set it to about 3000 PSI when you need to clean concrete.
Because electric pressure washers have to be plugged in, they have less mobility on a job site than a gas model. They are also less suited to heavy-duty cleaning. Pro Tip: More power means more noise.
Before buying a pressure washer, always check its PSI, GPM and cleaning units. Selecting the correct PSI rating based on the type of task is crucial since higher PSI equals more force the water will have on the surface you're cleaning. You can easily damage many surfaces if the PSI is too high.
The Bottom Line
If you're still wondering what the best combination is, we recommend starting with something in the 3000 – 3500 PSI/2.0 – 2.5 GPM range. These pressure washers are good for most homeowners, as they tend to work very efficiently and are still affordable.
Electric units have several advantages like lighter weight, easy startup, low maintenance, and suitability for indoor use. Pressure washers with an electric motor also cost less and are quieter than gasoline-powered versions. On the other hand, electric pressure washers offer less power, water pressure, and water flow.
1000-2000 PSI
Good for light cleaning jobs or for jobs where the surface to be cleaned is soft and easily damaged. This pressure range is good for cleaning decks and siding and for light-duty auto cleaning.
The main difference is that power washing uses highly pressurized steam to do the cleaning while pressure washing just uses unheated tap water, without the help of a heating element.
If you let the machine run for two minutes or longer without spraying water, then you could damage the pump.
The number one cause of low or no pressure when using a pressure washer is a blocked or worn nozzle. Blocked nozzles will prevent water from escaping, while a worn nozzle will allow too much water to pass through, causing the pressure to drop.
If you want to clean your driveway quickly and efficiently, use a pressure washer of at least 3100 PSI. Using pressure washers with pressures ranging from 1000 to 2300 PSI will also help you clean your driveway, but it will take a long time.
Power washers can be powerful enough to carve into brick or gentle enough to remove a few cobwebs. For cleaning a wooden deck, you'll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that's still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi.
Concrete and asphalt require more cleaning power. You'll want to use the turbo nozzle on the 1600 PSI for hard-to-clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios as well as brick paving. For wood decks and painted surfaces, switch to the gentler 40-degree nozzle.
Each concrete structure has a normally acceptable psi range. Concrete footings and slabs on grade typically require a concrete of 3,500 to 4,000 psi. Suspended slabs, beams, and girders (as often found in bridges) require 3,500 to 5,000 psi.
So, what is an ideal concrete PSI for common structures? Most residential projects, such as sidewalks and driveways, require 2,500-3,000 PSI. Structural components like beams and footers require a PSI of 3,500-4,000. Concrete in this range is also a good choice for concrete slabs for storing RVs or other heavy loads.
Powerful pressure washers with too much PSI will damage concrete when power washing. Most residential driveways require no more than 3000 to 3500 PSI for proper and thorough concrete washing. Heavy-duty commercial pressure washers and other power washing equipment are too strong for the average residential driveway!