Joe’s Buying Guide For Pressure Washers
Need a heavy-duty tool that can handle tough gunk and grime? You’ve come to the right place. Pressure washers are specially designed for intense, outdoor cleaning applications that a garden hose alone can’t accomplish.
In this guide, Joe will help you navigate the pros and cons of what’s available on the market today, and decode PSI and GPM ratings so you can understand how to choose a pressure washer that’s best suited for your projects.
How Pressure Washers Work
Pressure washers employ the use of internal pumps powered by gas or electric motors to strengthen the water pressure, which in return provides the power needed for a variety of cleaning uses.
The pump is the most important component on your unit, and it has two points of connection for high and low pressure. The high pressure connection (OUT) receives to a high pressure hose that is attached to a handheld wand. The low pressure connection (IN) is threaded to fit a standard garden hose.
There are 3 main pressure washer pump types:
- Wobble pump
- Axial cam pump
- Triplex pump
Each pump type has a varying range of maximum PSI, GPM and price point.
Wobble pumps are a popular outfit on entry level electric pressure washers with a lower price point. Wobble pumps are usually not replaceable and may require you to replace the entire unit if the pump breaks.
Axial cam pumps have larger bearings and oil reservoirs so they can run harder and longer. However, they require regular repairs and servicing.
Both wobble and axial cam pumps are the most popular pressure washer pump types outfitted on machines designed for homeowners.
Triplex pumps are found on higher quality, contractor-level pressure washers. You'll get more PSI power and faster GPM specs out of triplex pump, but they are significantly more expensive and heavy, and can easily damage decking, patio surfaces and siding in the hands of a regular Joe.
Most pressure washers also come with interchangeable nozzles that control the wand’s spray pattern and use a ¼-inch quick connect system.
Cleaning Power: PSI + GPM
Cleaning power is measured by PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute) rating.
PSI: Pounds per square inch measures the pressure, or cleaning force, of water created through the pressure washer. Use the PSI rating to help you determine how powerful the water stream will be.
GPM: Gallons per minute measures the volume of water delivered through the pressure washer. This number will help you determine how fast the pressure washer will clean, and how effectively it will rinse away debris.
Joe suggests choosing the right PSI for the job using the below guidelines, and then checking the GPM to determine the speed and efficiency you desire.
1,000 PSI and Under: Very low power pressure. Machines of this rating are acceptable for casual use around the home when time isn’t a factor.
1,000-2,000 PSI: Good for light cleaning applications where the surface which needs cleaning is delicate or soft and easily damaged. This pressure range will effectively clean decks, siding and suit automotive cleaning tasks.
2,000-3,000 PSI: This is the most common range for commercial pressure washers, and works well to clean concrete surfaces, pools and other industrial tasks.
3,000-6,000 PSI: Heavy industrial and agricultural uses. Machines of this caliber can be used to strip paint and remove heavily grease and oil stains.
Gas Versus Electric
For the typical homeowner, Joe recommends an electric pressure washer. They are very powerful, yet quiet and perfect for cleaning small items such as a vehicle, backyard grill, patio, pool area, and bikes.
Sun Joe
SPX line models are compatible with many different cleaning attachments, plus they are lightweight and portable.
Many people prefer electric because they are very low maintenance machines. Once you buy them, you are finished paying for them. You do not have to purchase gas or oil, and there are no major parts that may need to be replaced.
If you’re worried about being limited by a power cord, opt for Joe’s new cordless pressure washing system. Now there is no job that’s out of reach, and your power supply is portable.Plus, the bucket system lets you fill up from ANY watering source including lakes and streams.
Compare this with the fact that gas units are much more expensive, require you to purchase detergents, gas, oil and still deliver the same PSI in most cases. They are also heavy and certainly not as portable. Plus they pollute the air.
Model Types
For every dirty job out there, there’s a
Sun Joe pressure washer ready to conquer the challenge.
Sun Joe boasts the best
electric pressure washers in the industry with top reviews garnered for all of the models in its power washer lineup. Plus, they are some of the most affordable units out there.
Sun Joe models operate off a wobble pump system. Newer units, like the SPX4000, SPX4001 and SPX6000C employ pressure Select Technology, allowing you to choose from two powerful cleaning options - LOW/1450 PSI for everyday dirt, grease + grime, and HIGH/2030 PSI to tackle your toughest cleaning tasks.
Traditionally, only gas units featured this functionality.
Sun Joe is the FIRST manufacturer to bring Pressure Select Technology to electric units.
Joe’s exclusive TSS (Total Stop System) automatically shuts off the pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life.
Plus all units are backed with a full 2 year warranty-no questions asked!
SPX1000 1450 PSI 1.45 GPM 11.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer - $99.99
- Ideal for light to medium duty cleaning jobs
- Adjustable spray wand with twist nozzle easily controls water pressure
- Powerful 11.5-amp motor generates 1450 PSI of maximum water pressure and a maximum flow rate of 1.45 GPM
- TSS (Total Stop System) – Automatically shuts off pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- Includes 33-inch extension wand, 20-foot high pressure hose, garden hose adapter, and 35-foot power cord with GFCI protection
SPX1500 1740 PSI 1.59 GPM 12-Amp Electric Pressure Washer - $129.99
- Ideal for light to medium duty cleaning jobs
- Adjustable spray wand with twist nozzle easily controls water pressure
- Powerful 12-amp motor generates up to 1740 PSI of maximum water pressure and a maximum flow rate of 1.59 GPM
- TSS (Total Stop System) – Automatically shuts off pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- Includes 33-inch extension wand, 20-foot high pressure hose, garden hose adaptor, and 35-foot power cord with GFCI protection
Shop Now
SPX2000 1740 PSI 1.59 GPM 12.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer - $149.99
- Ideal for medium-to-heavy duty cleaning jobs
- Includes a 34-inch extension wand, 20-foot high pressure hose, 35-foot power cord with GFCI protection, garden hose adaptor, needle clean out tool
- Adjustable spray nozzle easily controls water pressure
- Powerful 12.5-amp/1500-Watt motor generates up to 1740 PSI/1.59 GPM
- TSS (Total Stop System) – Automatically shuts off the pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- On-board 0.9 L detergent tank for extra cleaning power
Shop Now
SPX2500 1885 PSI 1.59 GPM 13-Amp Electric Pressure Washer - $169.99
- Ideal for light to medium duty cleaning jobs
- Adjustable spray wand with twist nozzle easily controls water pressure
- Powerful 13-amp motor generates up to 1885 PSI of maximum water pressure and a maximum flow rate of 1.59 GPM
- TSS (Total Stop System) – Automatically shuts off pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- Includes 33-inch extension wand, 20-foot high pressure hose, garden hose adaptor, and 35-foot power cord with GFCI protection
Shop Now
SPX3000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer – Was $199.99, Now $149.99
- 5 Quick-Connect spray tips (0º, 15º, 25º, 40º and soap) tackle light, medium and heavy duty cleaning tasks
- Powerful 14.5-amp/1800-Watt motor generates up to 2030 PSI/1.76 GPM for maximum cleaning power
- TSS (Total Stop System) – automatically shuts off the pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- Dual detergent tanks - two 0.9 L onboard, removable tanks carry and store different types of detergent to simultaneously tackle different cleaning projects
- Includes a 34-inch extension wand, 20-foot high pressure hose, 35-foot power cord with GFCI protection, garden hose adaptor, needle clean-out tool
Shop Now
SPX3001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer - $179.00
- 5 Quick Connect spray tips (0º, 15º, 25º, 40º and Soap) tackle light, medium and heavy duty cleaning tasks
- Powerful 14.5-amp/1800-Watt motor generates up to 2030 PSI/1.76 GPM for maximum cleaning power
- Onboard reel keeps 20 ft (6m) high pressure hose organized for quick and easy clean-up and storage
- Extra large onboard 40.6 fl oz (1.2 l) detergent tank
- TSS (Total Stop System) – Automatically shuts off the pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- Built-in holder securely stores trigger gun + wand
- Other features: 34-inch extension wand, 20-foot high pressure hose, 35-foot power cord with GFCI protection, garden hose adaptor, needle clean out tool
Shop Now
SPX4000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer w/ Pressure-Select Technology - $189.99
- Powerful 14.5 amp motor generates up to 2030 PSI/1.76 GPM for maximum cleaning power
- Easy-glide wheels for maximum maneuverability
- Pressure Select Technology: Choose from two powerful cleaning options - LOW/1450 PSI for everyday dirt, grease + grime, and HIGH/2030 PSI to tackle your toughest cleaning tasks
- 5 Quick-Connect spray tips (0º, 15º, 25º, 40º, soap) tackle light, medium and heavy duty cleaning tasks
- TSS (Total Stop System) - automatically shuts off the pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- Includes an extension wand and a 25-foot high pressure hose, power cord with GFCI protection, garden hose adapter and needle clean-out tool
Shop Now
SPX4001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer with Pressure-Select Technology & 20-Ft Hose Reel - $199.99
- Powerful 14.5 amp motor generates up to 2030 PSI/1.76 GPM for maximum cleaning power
- Easy-glide wheels for maximum maneuverability
- Pressure Select Technology: Choose from two powerful cleaning options - LOW/1450 PSI for everyday dirt, grease + grime, and HIGH/2030 PSI to tackle your toughest cleaning tasks
- 5 Quick-Connect spray tips (0º, 15º, 25º, 40º, soap) tackle light, medium and heavy duty cleaning tasks
- TSS (Total Stop System) - automatically shuts off the pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- Includes an extension wand and a 20-foot high pressure hose, power cord with GFCI protection, garden hose adapter and needle clean-out tool
- Onboard hose reel keeps 20-ft high pressure hose organized for quick and easy clean-up and storage
Shop Now
SPX6000C iON 40V 4.0 Ah 1160 PSI Cordless Pressure Washer - $299.99
- Powerful 40V / 600-Watt motor generates up to 1160 PSI / .79 GPM for maximum cleaning power
- Innovative, top-loading detachable 5.3 gallon bucket - fill from any water source!
- Easy-glide wheels for maximum maneuverability
- Exclusive Pressure Select technology: 507 PSI / 650 PSI / 800 PSI
- 4 Quick-Connect spray tips (0°, 15°, 25°, 40°) + soap spray attachment tackle light, medium and heavy duty cleaning tasks
- TSS (Total Stop System) - automatically shuts off the pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life
- Includes a 34-inch extension wand, 20-foot high pressure hose, garden hose adapter and needle clean-out tool
Shop Now
And, with Sun Joe‘s complete line of pressure washer
accessories, you’ll be able to tackle any dirty project.
Shop Now
