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Gas vs Electric Pressure Washers

Why Gas Pressure Washers Beat Electric

By Dale V.  |  Power Equipment Expert

It's a warm spring morning, and you're outside inspecting your once pristine home, now wrecked from the winter.

Your driveway, siding, deck, windows, and car all seem in disrepair. You quickly realize that your old pressure washer isn't up to the task.

Don't worry, we've all been there. Most of us just start out using an entry-level tool just to learn and advance on to something better.

Should I Upgrade? 

The differences between an electric and gas pressure washer are night-and-day.

Sure, an electric pressure washer will get you through the light-duty tasks without the worry of gasoline, but nothing stands up over time to the tough jobs like a gas-powered pressure washer.

Take a look at the chart below to quickly see the differences:



 

After making the switch, the only question you'll have is why you didn't get one sooner. 
 

Pressure Washer Considerations

    1. Cleaning Units - CU measurements provide an estimate of the efficiency and performance of the washer. You can calculate CU by multiplying PSI x GPM. More cleaning units mean higher power, broader spread, and a faster clean.

    2. Pounds per Square Inch - PSI is the measure of pressure that a compressor can produce (in pounds) per square inch of space. 

    3.  Gallons Per Minute -  GPM measures the volume of water your washer is pumping every minute, also known as a flow rate. GPM is one of the most important metrics you need to know when buying a pressure washer. 

      PSI won't matter much for cleaning if your water source's GPM is too low to supply enough water to your washer. The average household will handle 2.5 GPM without problems. Make sure your water supply can handle the listed flow rate of your pressure washer or risk damaging the motor. 


Pro Tip: You can determine your GPM by how fast you can fill up a 5-gallon bucket. 5 / Time (seconds) X 60 = GPM

The Bottom Line

 Electric pressure washers are fine for light, occasional use around the home. But, if you want to take on the toughest grime with ease, do yourself a favor and invest in a gas-powered pressure washer.  

  

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