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LockedPressure Washers - Gas or Electric?

posted on December 23, 2009 at 01:59PM Inappropriate?

Which do you prefer? Gas pressure washer or Electric pressure washer? Why?

replies: 43 latest post: September 05, 2010 at 04:11PM by Gladfly
Displaying posts 1 - 20 of 43 in total
posted on December 23, 2009 at 08:05PM
 

I prefer a good quality electric Pressure Washer for inside work - like cleaning a covered patio or a trash compactor room, where gasoline fumes and carbon monoxide would be a concern.

When the power is farther than 50 to 100 feet away or I just need MORE power, the gasoline powered Pressure Washers start looking a lot more attractive to use.

posted on December 23, 2009 at 08:57PM
 

When the power is that far, you can eliminate your problem by having a good 12awg extension chord.  You cant run a long chord with those cheap 14, 16 or 18 awg chords.  Electric all the way!

posted on December 23, 2009 at 11:06PM
 
In response to bocephendorfer's post from December 23 2009 08:57PM

Electric all the way!

Maybe for that wimpy Texas dirt but for tough New England toxic waste cleaning, nothing less that 2000 psi, which means gasoline and a turbo tip.

posted on December 24, 2009 at 12:57AM
 

I got to try out the Craftsman Professional 3800 PSI Pressure Washer, at one of the Power Rama training seminars.

Ow... man!

That thing "cleaned" without no soap!

Cut up a 6 x 6 real... good.

And, that gum on the sidewalk "left" when the pin-point jet of water dissected it.

I'm not sure this would be the model Washer to do the house "siding".

It sure would test any caulking...

posted on December 24, 2009 at 04:46AM
 

something industrial that is (3000 psi) Texas where the dirt is wimpy and the winter weather is pleasent

posted on December 24, 2009 at 05:52AM
 
In response to AdamO's post from December 24 2009 12:57AM
AdamO said…

I got to try out the Craftsman Professional 3800 PSI Pressure Washer, at one of the Power Rama training seminars.

Ow... man!

That thing "cleaned" without no soap!

Cut up a 6 x 6 real... good.

And, that gum on the sidewalk "left" when the pin-point jet of water dissected it.

I'm not sure this would be the model Washer to do the house "siding".

It sure would test any caulking...

I would hate to stick my hand under the tip of that pressure washer wand...O_o Maybe I should get that to clean my dad's house? Being in roofing and all...I'm sure it would make tar "melt away" like it were still in the kettle from the sounds of it. O_o

posted on December 24, 2009 at 11:40AM
 
In response to bocephendorfer's post from December 23 2009 08:57PM

I do hear back from people that electrics are more portable and convenient. Also, considering price points - more people favor the electrics lately.

posted on December 24, 2009 at 11:41AM
 
In response to AdamO's post from December 23 2009 08:05PM

Do you have your personal way to decide how much PSI's you need?

posted on December 24, 2009 at 11:42AM
 
In response to madgolfer's post from December 23 2009 11:06PM

We do have a great Gas line up in 2010 - make sure you check it out!!

posted on December 24, 2009 at 01:05PM
 

PSI is a function of the job you are doing.  Most household stuff just doesnt need it.  Industrial/commercial application? you know you can loose fingers and toes  and do lots of damage with the wrong item for your application.

posted on December 24, 2009 at 02:19PM
 

Fingers...toes...I have ten of each...I'm sure a can spare a couple LOL. That definitely answers my statement above about sticking my hand under the nozzle of a pressure washer wand with a PSI of that caliber.

posted on December 24, 2009 at 02:29PM
 

dont make any mistake you dont what to do it with 2000 psi either. (which I have run over my foot and thank goodness the wand wasnt very close.

posted on December 24, 2009 at 03:07PM
 

>.< I would say that sounds preeeeeeeeeeeetty uncomfortable.

posted on December 24, 2009 at 11:02PM
 

Gas or electric... no matter what, you still end up paying from the wallet.  But for me personnally... I prefer a gas powered pressure washer, less humbug to move around since one has to already drag around the water hose and the pressure washer hose.  If you really take care of the pump between cleaning, like using the pump lubricator, the unit will give you less breakdowns.  Since I use mine about twice a year, I have no qualms with using the pump lubricator.  Although my unit was cheap, gotta do what gotta do to keep it around long enough to get my money's worth.

posted on December 27, 2009 at 01:08PM
 

Electric all the way. Plug it in and go versus get the gas out, check the oil, pull and pull and pull some more, maybe it'll start, maybe it won't...........all you want to do is wash the car. You can store it inside without having gas fumes in the house.

 b&s is right, just make sure you have a cord rated for the current rating of the motor.

posted on December 27, 2009 at 01:49PM
 

Light-Medium Duty Jobs= Electric

Heavy Duty= Gas.

I avoid gas tools whenever possible. I almost bought a gas powered yard trimmer, but bought cordless electric instead. Way less maintenance, no need for winterizing, etc. Seeing as how I could probably tackle any typcal household job with an electric pressure washer, I'd buy electric.

posted on December 28, 2009 at 01:41AM
 
In response to Payback709's post from December 24 2009 05:52AM

Yup.

The manufacturer agrees with you.

The spray wand rod is almost 4 feet long.

It would take some creative acrobatics to self-inflict a wound on one's hand or foot with that long a wand rod...

posted on December 28, 2009 at 05:36PM
 

did I say I was breaking the safety rules and was wearing flip flops?  You must be a pretty short fella. all I have to do is raise my hand a little for my foot.  I didnt have any idea I was so creative!!!!!!!

posted on December 29, 2009 at 08:02AM
 

Okay okay okay...I said I was willing to part with A finger or A toe...but not a whole foot's or hand's worth O_o

If I really wanted to hurt myself with that thing...it's really not that hard. LOL

posted on December 29, 2009 at 08:29AM
 

Are electrics strong enough get hurt??

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