Wondering whether to get a gas or electric pressure washer? Both the washers have their benefits and drawbacks. Obviously, the benefits outweigh the downsides.
The decision primarily depends on your job. It could be for professional or personal use. Their features will determine if the washer fits your needs. We will cover all of these features in this guide.
In the battle of gas vs. electric pressure washer, let’s see which one wins!
Gas vs Electric Pressure Washer – An Overall Comparison
PSI of the Pressure Washer
The psi of a pressure washer indicates one of the two crucial ratings. It is the first rating to consider because it determines the amount of cleaning power you will have.
- Gas
There is a night and day difference between this and the electric one. The gas power one makes a hefty cleaning job a breeze.
It is due to the higher pressure they can exert. Higher pressure is a prerequisite when you have to handle tough stains.
Usually, the PSI ratings for gas power washers are around 2000 PSI to 5000 PSI. Any pressure washer above 4000 PSI is for professional use.
Because it sometimes can cause damage rather than do good. It could cost you expensive repairs on your property.
- Electric
The PSI rating, which stands for pounds/square inch, is lower for this category. These come at a low end to moderate pressure rate.
Typically, they may be around 1000 to 2900 PSI. You will be able to accomplish a substantial amount of household chores with these washers.
Water Flow Rate of the Washer
There is a saying in the cleaning industry that PSI does the cleaning, but GPM makes the cleaning faster. Gpm or the flow rate denotes the volume of water that passes through the nozzle per minute.
- Gas
Standard gas-powered washers have higher GPM. It is the rinsing power of the washer. Higher PSI is usually paired with a considerable amount of GPM.
Low water flow cannot generate enough cleaning power to match the amount of pressure.
We know these washers are very powerful, and their cleaning results are never disappointing. Thus, to exert a higher water force, gas washers have high GPM. Their standard range is from 2 to 4 GPM.
- Electric
Electric pressure washers have lower GPM in contrast to the previous one. It is low because not much water pressure is necessary for a residential unit.
Therefore, medium PSI with lower GPM gets most of the household job done. The GPM range varies from 1 to 2.5 GPM.
Application of the Unit
What you intend to do is the factor that determines the type of power washer you get.
- Electric
When you think about convenience, you have to think about this type of pressure washer.
The reason lies in its build. These washers are built with lightweight materials. They have a more compact design. Thus, these are easy to carry around.
The electric pressure washer is perfect for occasional use. Maybe you can do weekly washing or seasonal deep cleaning with it.
It is more functional, and you can tackle a wide range of chores with it. It is most suitable for domestic usage.
- Gas
The gas-powered ones have a higher rating in most of the factors. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always positive.
These pressure washers weigh more. This makes them inconvenient to carry around. These are made from steel and aluminum. Hence, the heavyweight. Yet, they are durable.
The frequency of use is lower for gas power pressure washers. It is mainly due to its high-power output. Too much force can cause damage to your property.
For instance, it might break glass or leave an impression on your car. You might take it out once a year for overall house cleaning. It is not suitable for day-to-day use.
Startup Facility of the Power Washer
- Electric
The electric power washer has an easier startup. It’s like plug-and-play. You simply plug in the hose attachments in place.
Then you plug the power cord in place. After releasing the pressure, just switch it on. Afterward, pull the trigger and wash away.
- Gas
However, gas pressure washers are different. They have a more complex startup routine. It is more manual and takes time. You’ll also need a bit of patience. Few settings need adjustment.
You’ll have to pull on some levers. Also, the engine starts by pulling on the recoil. You may have to pull it few times, just like a lawnmower.
Maintenance Scope of the Unit
- Electric
Electric pressure washers don’t need much maintenance. Although, they require careful handling.
Since they are not made of many durable materials, they tend to break or introduce cracks on the washer body. So you have to be careful that it doesn’t fall or take damage.
- Gas
Gas power washers are durable and need high maintenance. Things that last require care. No matter how durable the washer, without maintenance, it will perish.
The procedure includes changing the sparkplug, oil and applying corrosion protection solutions. This is a very messy job and requires expertise in this field.
If you don’t have this knowledge, you will have to take it to the professionals for service.
Exhaust and Noise Management
- Electric
Electric washers don’t give off toxic fumes. It is because they run on electricity. So, there is less by-product.
You can say they are more healthy and eco-friendly. These pressure washers are suitable for indoor cleaning. You won’t have to inhale toxic gas while working.
This type of power washers also makes less noise. The quietest pressure washers are usually electric. The lower the decibel level, the better. Persistent exposure to high noise damages your auditory system. Also, it adversely affects the brain. Therefore, electric pressure washers are more conducive for your respiratory and auditory health.
- Gas
One of the main downsides of these power washers is the fume. The exhaust is quite harmful and has an adverse effect on your health. It is not suitable to use indoors. Even outdoor use affects the environment.
Moreover, it makes quite a bit of noise. You may not be able to conduct any cleaning operation without earplugs.
The higher levels of decibel will affect your hearing and even frustrate you while you work. These drawbacks make it unfitting for household jobs.
Top 3 Electric Pressure Washer Reviews
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
A medium-duty power washer gets most of the stubborn dirt out of your home. A washer you can use frequently will become your cleaning bae in no time.
Sun joe SPX3000 electric pressure washer has been cleaning homes to the owner’s satisfaction. That’s why it has become one of the most favorite residential pressure washing units so far. Its ease of operation sets it apart from its competitors.
Two detergent tanks can simultaneously store and carry different types of soap. They are removable, and each one is 0.9 L. you can switch between these onboard detergent tanks with its detergent selection dial.
Its hassle-free. You will be able to use the preferable detergents for a specific project without changing the previous one.
The pressure rating for this electric washer is 2030 PSI at initial discharge. When you are using the narrowest attachment, it reaches its maximum pressure. This rating is suitable for cleaning patio furniture, small sidewalk, and stairs.
The flow rate is 1.76 GPM with 2030 PSI delivers over 3500 CU. The CU or cleaning unit is the amount of surface the washer can clean. The washer’s ratings are impressive and will ease your weekly cleaning routine.
Wholesun 3000 PSI Pressure Washer
When your pressure washing goal is maneuverability, aim for a compact design. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise power output.
The Wholesun 3000 PSI electric power washer is compact yet powerful. It is the perfect example of looks can be deceiving.
You may underestimate this washer by looking at its design. But as the name states, 3000 PSI is quite a high range for a standard electric pressure washer.
The variety of applicable surfaces ranges from wood to concrete. With this much pressure rating, you can clean fencing, large decks/patio, stairs, garage floor, sidewalks, driveways, and more.
This washer doesn’t confine you to only cleaning or washing. It lets you strip paints as well. You can strip old, already peeling paints with this much power.
The water flow rate is pretty high in comparison to standard washers. The maximum GPM can reach up to 2.4. The combination of PSI and GPM makes it one of the most powerful quality pressure washers.
The detergent gun that comes with it gives you the perfect thick white foam you need. The foam is not runny and loosens any dirt, debris from stubborn surfaces. These accessories make your cleaning job a piece of cake.
Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer
A power washer not too fancy and medium-powered is the right assistant for your routine cleaning jobs. However, if it’s too complicated, you won’t be using it frequently.
The Stanley SHP2150 Electric pressure washer is a medium power pressure washer for tackling easy to tough cleaning jobs around the house. It lessens your fatigue while you work.
Yet, it cleans with efficiency as though you put a lot of effort into your work. It is all due to the right pressure rating of 2150 PSI. It’s underpowered for professionals but the perfect amount for domestic use.
You will be able to break the dirt, grease, and grime faster with its high-pressure foam canon. It makes thick, frothy foam that stays on the surface.
It even loosens bugs and built-on dirt from your car. Then the high-pressure water cleans all of it away efficiently.
The 1.4 flow rate is standard for electric pressure washers and lets you clean quicker. As a result, you can get the dirt and debris out of your cars, trucks, stairs, patio furniture, and more.
It features an auto-reset GFCI module for your safety. Since you will be working with water and electric equipment has potential danger around it, this helps prevent electrocution. Now you can clean without worry of any mishap.
Top 3 Gas Pressure Washer Reviews
Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot
The engine is the star of the show when it comes to gas power washers. Honda engines are well known for durability and longevity.
The Simpson cleaning MSH3125 gas pressure washer is equipped with a Honda CG190 engine to make your pressure washer long-lasting.
It is effortless to start and operate. You will need less tugging to start this engine. Furthermore, Honda engines are known for their reliability.
The steel frame is durable and comes with 5 years warranty. It is a heavyweight power washer but durable as well. The 10″ tires help to carry it around any type of terrain and increase its maneuverability.
The 3200 PSI pressure rating is optimal for heavy-duty jobs like cleaning vinyl sidings, sidewalks, stairs, driveway patio, and more.
It is suitable for power soaping your cars and also cleaning second-story. The flow rate of 2.5 GPM paired with high pressure allows more cleaning units which are more efficient.
Also, it is preferable for professional use. It can handle a hefty workload like it’s nothing.
Westinghouse 2700 PSI
You won’t use a high-power pressure washer on your property frequently, and the low-power one is not enough. So here you need the one in between.
The Westinghouse 2700 PSI gas pressure washer has the optimal amount of PSI. It’s not much but just enough.
With the help of 2700 PSI, you will be blasting off the dirt from every nook and cranny of your home. Built-up grease and grime don’t stand a chance in Infront of this gas power washer.
The flow rate is 2.3 GPM which gives you more rinsing power. When you use detergents and chemicals on surfaces, it needs to wash down properly.
Otherwise, they introduce corrosion on them. You have to rinse them enough to get rid of the chemicals. That’s why contractors prefer GPM more than PSI.
The 3.3 L fuel tank can contain a good amount of gasoline, so you don’t have to go through more refill intervals. The 12″ tires make movement easy for you. Gas power pressure washers are usually heavy.
Thus, movement is troublesome when you have to work around it. This power washer is easy to move around.
The 212cc OHV engine will provide an intense blast that will disintegrate baked-on grease and scum in a jiffy.
Generac 7122 Gas Pressure washer
The gas power washers already powerful. But what makes it more powerful is the additional smart cleaning options.
The generac 7122 gas pressure washer has smart features that expedite your cleaning projects. Its design and accessories take your tasks to new heights.
The ergonomic spray gun design lets you switch among 4 different options. It sets the right pressure for each surface. Car, wood, concrete, and soap are the options even a newbie can understand.
Furthermore, it includes smart accessories with the washer. Soap blaster spray, turbo nozzle, and power broom. The soap blaster does not have much thick foam, but it is a decent attachment.
Turbo nozzle makes the cleaning 30% faster. Lastly, the power broom is unique and very useful. The broom covers a 12″ surface at once with multiple nozzles. It will become your new essential attachment when cleaning patio and driveways.
It boasts 3200 PSI with 2.7 GPM, which gives you high cleaning units. The pressure washer is powerful and fast. It is the perfect combination of power and brilliance.
Pressure Washer Buying Guide
Still, feeling clueless? Don’t worry, as our buying guide will put an end to your pressure washer dilemma as soon as you read it.
After that, you will be able to decide which type of power washer to buy and also which one.
Pressure Rating
When buying a pressure washer, the pressure rating is the first thing that comes to mind. Whether it is an electric one or a gas washer, it is important to understand the PSI ratings since it determines if your project will succeed or not.
The intensity of pressure that comes out of the nozzle of the machine is PSI. More of it means tougher dirt and grime will separate from the surface. However, too much of it will damage delicate surfaces like wood and plastic.
Pressure over recommended PSI will leave an undesirable impression on your walls and cars. So, choose PSI according to the surface you handle.
GPM
Also known as water flow rate. The more GPM you have, the more rinsing power you will get. It makes your washing faster. However, it needs to be in coordination with the PSI.
If the GPM is low and the pressure rate is very high, there won’t be enough water to generate the force. On the other hand, the low PSI and high GPM pair are not functional.
This is because it has enough water but not much power to generate pressure. So, the right coupling is very much essential for effective cleaning.
Fuel
You have to keep in mind the fuel source of the washers. It will play a significant role while you’re actually doing chores.
If you are working outdoors, gas power pressure washers are a relief because there is little to no option of a power outlet.
If you are cleaning near home or indoors, electric power washers are preferable. It is due to you will have less noise and exhaust.
Surface
Last but not least is the surface you will work on. If the surface cannot bear much load, the high pressure will damage or break it.
Steel surfaces are tougher than wood and plastic, but concrete is the toughest. So, you will need more PSI to clean metal, vinyl sidings, and concrete structures.
Also, the type of dirt determines the power adjustment. Simple dirt needs less power, but rust, paints, and corrosion need a lot.
Electric Vs. Gas Pressure Washer FAQs
Which pressure washer is better, gas or electric?
It depends on your need and the applications. Gas power washers are for professional and outdoor use as they are very powerful. Electric pressure washers are for domestic use.
Which pressure washer lasts longer?
Gas pressure washers tend to last longer as they are heavy and made of metals like aluminum. Routine maintenance keeps the engine running for a very long time.
Electric power washers last, too, if there is no physical damage. The material is not as durable. And the motor runs for more than 500 hours.
Why is a gas pressure washer more expensive than an electric?
It is due to the power and structural materials that gas pressure washers are more expensive. But it gives great value for money. A good gas power washer is worth the investment.
Are electric pressure washers strong enough?
Yes. Recently many powerful pressure washers are available in the market which reaches up to 4500 PSI. They come at a hefty price point.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no clear winner here. In the competition of gas vs. electric pressure washer, both are equally effective. Each one has an advantage over another in certain situations. The only way to end the dilemma is to prioritize your needs.
The trick of choosing the right kind of pressure washer is to evaluate your work environment and the type of tasks you’ll do.
There are many features available in the washers. Match these features with your needs. This method will help with weighing your power washer options.
Getting an unfitting washer will give you nightmares. On the other hand, the fittest one for you will make all your cleaning dreams come true.
