Craftsman 2800 Psi 23 Gpm Gas Pressure Washer Reviews

April 19, 2022 Post a Comment

Staff, Courtesy of SIMPSON

Nothing gets outdoor surfaces clean the manner a pressure washer does. It's a one-ii punch for dirty and grime. Kickoff, the machine siphons cleaner out of an onboard tank or a nearby bucket and applies it with a gentle spray. Then it blasts the surface clean with a high-force per unit area water jet that provides tremendous cleaning and rinsing power. In no time, dirt, pollen, mildew, bug nests, spider webs, and bird droppings are wiped right off. We tested more than a dozen machines to detect out which are the kings of make clean.

The Best Pressure Washers of 2022

All-time Electric

Greenworks Pro GPW2700 Pressure Washer Greenworks

Best Overall

Simpson MegaShot MSH3125 Pressure Washer Simpson

Most Powerful Electrical

Ryobi RY142300 Pressure Washer Ryobi

All-time Value

Sun Joe SPX 3000 Xtream Pressure Washer Dominicus Joe

Nearly Powerful Gas

Generac 8874 Pressure Washer Generac

How a Force per unit area Washer Works

H2o enters the pressure washer via a garden hose (a) and moves through a pump, which consists of a series of two or three plungers (b) arranged in a line or a circle. The plungers are powered by an output shaft on the engine or from a motor. Each plunger boosts the water pressure sequentially, one feeding higher force per unit area water to the plunger adjacent in line. The final pulse of high-pressure h2o exits the pump. The water moves through a component called the unloader (c). This component unloads water if it gets likewise hot because the gun's trigger is off. Side by side, the h2o travels downward the hose to the gun (d). When you pull the gun's trigger, y'all ship a series of high-pressure level pulses of h2o out the nozzle.

"It's of import to understand that the pump produces cleaning and rinsing efficiencies with high-velocity water pulsations," says Vince Morabit, a mechanical engineer who's designed and developed outdoor power equipment from pumps to chainsaws since the early 1960s. "Call up of it this way: The kinetic free energy in that pulse of water is like a chisel existence struck repeatedly by a hammer."

And since residential pressure washers besides dispense cleaner, either out of a built-in tank (east) or past siphoning information technology out of a saucepan, they make clean via mechanical and chemic means. Y'all apply the cleaner and and so rinse the surface. The cycle is always the same: clean, rinse, repeat.

"The cleaning agent you lot apply is as important as the force per unit area washer itself," says Morabit. By selecting the correct one, you rely less on the pressure washer'southward force and more on the gentle removal of crud past the chemical activeness of the cleaner.

Selecting Gas or Electrical

The pump that provides the high-velocity jet of water out of a pressure washer may be driven by a gas engine or an electric motor. One is not necessarily better than the other, but which you purchase volition depend on your cleaning needs, budget, and how you lot feel about maintaining the equipment y'all own.

Electric: These are best suited for cursory cleaning sessions, running from 15 to 30 minutes. They have enough power for general washing of outdoor surfaces. They work well on woods and synthetic decks that need only gentle cleaning, all types of outdoor furniture, single-floor ranch houses, all types of exterior siding, and volition clean the undercarriage of a pickup truck. They're not well suited to heavy-duty cleaning or long sessions in the height of the summer. Their motor, cord, and ground-error circuit interrupter (GFCI) can get extremely hot. These are much quieter than gas-engine pressure level washers, and they demand hardly whatsoever maintenance. As a bonus, they're easy to store indoors during the winter.

Gas: These are best suited to heavy-duty cleaning. The power afforded by a gas engine can bulldoze a large and powerful pump, enabling these machines to shoot h2o to college surfaces, clean heavier deposits of mold and dirt, and even slice thick deposits of mud from equipment such as farm machinery, trucks, and off-road vehicles. A gas engine is much louder than an electric motor, plus requires maintenance in the form of oil changes, replacement air filters, and a yearly change of the spark plug. Non to mention yous have to be careful most fuel degradation. Today's alcohol-containing gasoline quickly degrades and tin harm fuel-system parts like carburetors and gas lines. Also, these are best stored over the winter in the garage or an outbuilding.

A Give-and-take About Safety

All the machines we tested were condom to use, and we encountered nothing in them that caused united states any concern. However, force per unit area washers by their nature need careful and deliberate handling, both for your sake and that of whatever you're cleaning.

Both electric and gas models tin damage surfaces. Of the two, the chance is college with gas-engine machines attributable to the fact that they're generally more powerful. In that location are some key things you need to know to clean safely and effectively.

Use a dark-green or a white nozzle for most jobs; their wide spray angle is less probable to damage surfaces. Reserve scarlet and yellow nozzles only for the toughest cleaning. Their narrow spray bending provides more cutting activeness but is more likely to damage a surface.
Avoid electricals. Don't wash outdoor calorie-free fixtures, outlet receptacles covers, transformer boxes, doorbells, cameras, or backup generator cabinets. These objects are both easily damaged by high pressure level water. As well, pressure washing them can, in the worst case, ship water within their electrical box, leading to a corrosion-induced electrical failure.
Watch your distance, and continue moving. The longer you keep the pressure level washer'south stream focused in one identify, and the closer it is to the surface, the more likely you are to crusade damage.
Avoid or go on with caution around fragile surfaces such a shade sails, insulated-glass windows, and outdoor furnishings congenital from soft materials similar cedar or redwood.

How We Test

Testing pressure washers is the proverbial dirty task. We wash physical and brick pavements, vinyl and cement lath siding, aluminum trim and gutters, faux stone, vertical brick, and woods trim. Vinyl fences and outdoor furniture, too. Nosotros fifty-fifty very carefully done some cars (using the white nozzle). One of the toughest tests was blasting make clean three large commercial trash cans with bottoms awash in a nauseating soup of summer stink. They looked and smelled like new cans when we were washed with them. Aside from cleaning ability, we look at ease of use. Would the washer tip over if you tugged on its hose? Only how easy is it to get the thing up a prepare of ramps and into the dorsum of a pickup truck? Was the hose easy to tighten on to the pump fitting? And just how stiff is the hose that takes the h2o from the pump to the gun? Read on for our evaluations.

Best Electrical

Greenworks Pro GPW2700 Pressure Washer

KEY SPECS AND FEATURES

Motor: 14 amps
Weight: 47.4 lb
Cleaning power: 2,700 psi
Max catamenia: ii.three gpm

The GPW2700 sailed to an easy victory among the electric pressure washers, non surprising given that this is an expensive and well-made slice of equipment. Its high pressure and book output enable faster and more thorough cleaning. And those come up courtesy of the constant-run motor, which is always turning, not just when you lot pull the spray wand trigger. This improves trigger response and reduces priming, since the pump is held under constant force per unit area. As well, the auto has a pressure and period sensor so that the pump output adjusts to accommodate the nozzle you lot insert in the spray wand. All of this adds up to amend wash performance.

Although the washer stands for storage or when you need to cycle information technology for transport, it operates horizontally. Thus, it tin can't tip over. And pivoting hooks ease access to and wrapping of the 35-foot cord. Our complaint: The hose outlets (both for the spray wand and the garden hose hookup) are close to each other, reducing admission to them.

All-time Overall

Simpson MegaShot MSH3125 Pressure level Washer

Key SPECS AND FEATURES

Engine: 187 cc
Weight: 61.2 lb
Cleaning ability: 3,200 psi
Max flow: two.5 gpm

If ever in that location was an aptly named slice of outdoor ability equipment, the MegaShot is information technology. For the coin, you lot get a big Honda engine with massive air cooling fins on its head (it'due south i of the best engines in the business, past the way) and an every bit hefty pump, complete with anodized hose fittings. And the combined action of that engine and pump produce a lot of dirt-blasting capability. No, this isn't a commercial power washer—you'd demand to spend another $1,000 to get in that location. But it comes about as close every bit yous're going to get at this price level. We used it to boom make clean concrete (including removing masonry stain), muddied vinyl siding and trim, mildewed wood, outdoor article of furniture that could only be described as grotesque, and equally nasty vinyl fencing. While we were at information technology, we blasted anything else in the vicinity that looked even remotely muddied.

Our verdict: This is a productive, no-nonsense machine consummate with a pull rod choke and a large blood-red on/off switch. But, hey, pull that choke, yank the recoil starter, and that big Honda roars to life in seconds. Demerits? Its hose appears to be very durable, but male child is that affair stiff. It will probable take a lot of use before it softens up a bit.

Most Powerful Electric

Ryobi RY142300 Pressure Washer

Cardinal SPECS AND FEATURES

Motor: 13 amps
Weight: 48.viii lb
Cleaning power: 2,300 psi
Max catamenia: ane.2 gpm
The RY142300 is a journeyman motorcar, 1 that delivers consistent soaping and washing functioning. Information technology's stronger than the Karcher K5 , the Worx, and Sun Joe and about equal to the Craftsman (the other electrical pressure level washers below). Information technology'southward much heavier than the Craftsman, though most of that weight difference is attributable to its physically larger motor. We suspect that the Ryobi is the more durable of the 2 machines, once again owing to that large bruiser of a motor. Our only complaint with this otherwise fine pressure washer is its spray wand mountain on the handle. All it takes is ane good bump to knock the wand off. It'southward very irritating.

Best Value

Sunday Joe SPX 3000 Xtream Pressure Washer

KEY SPECS AND FEATURES

Motor: 13 amps
Weight: 26.2 lb
Cleaning power: ane,700 psi
Max flow: 1.two gpm

Light-duty washing doesn't go much more inexpensive or portable than this compact motorcar. For your money, you go a foaming soap dispenser and ii cleaning brushes–ane general and the other designed to clean automotive wheels. You besides get a full set of nozzles (four). The machine'due south ergonomics are very skilful; the hose outlets, the on/off switch, and the carrying handle are well shaped and located to make this petty machine like shooting fish in a barrel to use. Only it tips over easily on grass or other uneven surfaces due its small wheels and vertical configuration. It's best confined to working on pavement.

We worked the SPX 3000 very hard (harder than a homeowner probably would) and found its cord and GFCI were quite warm when we were done. There'south just so much these small machines tin withstand when you run them relentlessly on a summer twenty-four hours, with temperatures hovering between 80 and xc degrees.

Nigh Powerful Gas

Generac 8874 Pressure Washer

KEY SPECS AND FEATURES

Engine: 196 cc
Weight: 60.8 lb
Cleaning power: 2,900 psi
Max period: ii.four gpm

This Generac is classified as a residential pressure level washer. Only information technology'due south a different category of machine, closer to the commercial end of the spectrum. Choice up the spray wand on this thing, and that becomes clear very quickly. The big engine and every bit large horizontal-shaft pump take more than than enough oomph to tackle tough cleaning jobs. We also liked the thermal relief valve that discharges water from the pump after three to five minutes of the spray wand non being used. By helping the pump run cooler, yous extend its life.

In terms of power, consider this demonstration: We blasted make clean a portico by property the spray wand at about 45 degrees and, as we walked forwards, the combined blast or air and water simultaneously cleaned the brick surface and blasted out loose droppings like sand and leaves. Given that level of performance, we think the 8874 is a lot of machine for the coin. Not everybody needs that much cleaning ability, but it's good to know that it's in that location if you need it. Its simply demerit was typical of pressure washers, and that is the poorly designed holder for hanging the spray wand.

Lightweight

Craftsman CMEPW2100 Pressure Washer

KEY SPECS AND FEATURES

Motor: thirteen amps
Weight: 29.4 lb
Cleaning power: ii,100 psi
Max flow: 1.2 gpm

This is a calorie-free, easy-to-handle motorcar with adequate power for mid-duty jobs. Nosotros specially appreciated two features: the large, easy-access detergent tank correct on top of the machine, and the whopper of a power cord, 35 feet long. That'south about 10 feet more than than on the average electric force per unit area washer, virtually eliminating the need for an extension cord.

Of all the nozzles nosotros tried on it, we had the best results with the turbo (rotating smash). It proved particularly proficient at cleaning physical. A concluding design detail that we really like is its slide-on spray wand mount. The gun can't be knocked off, similar it can with other machines.

Easiest to Use

Karcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus Pressure Washer

Primal SPECS AND FEATURES

Motor: 12.iv amps
Weight: 35.4 lb
Cleaning power: 2,100 psi
Max flow: one.4 gpm

At offset, the K5 seemed to exist also minor and light to be effective. But, as with the Worx to a higher place, we were pleasantly surprised. It may be light duty, just it's certainly spunky. We came to capeesh its combination of thoughtful industrial design and output. Different other washers, its spray wand hose and garden hose both hook up by means of popular fittings (supplied with the auto). Also, at that place are no nozzles to attach, simply rotate the tip of the spray wand and fine tune the power, if necessary, using the digital control at the base of the gun. Frankly, though, we found information technology unnecessary. We dialed the wand'due south tip to conform the output and that was that.

The merely limitation we found with the auto is that it'southward not suited to operate on the lawn; information technology hands tips over on such a surface. Wheel it around on pavement, a patio, or a deck, however, and you'll exist fine.

Biggest Detergent Tank

Karcher G3000X Pressure Washer

Primal SPECS AND FEATURES

Engine: 196 cc
Weight: 77.2 lb
Cleaning power: three,000 psi
Max flow: 2.4 gpm

The G3000X is a chip old schoolhouse in its blueprint (note the carriage bolts) and lacks the finesse of the Generac. Merely it has outstanding cleaning power. lt's some other machine closer to the commercial cease of the spectrum because of its big engine, horizontal-shaft pump with big brass hose fittings, and a thermal relief valve that helps the pump run cooler. Nosotros also liked its fold-forwards handle that reduces its storage infinite in the garage or shed.

Virtually Stable

Worx WG604 Pressure Washer

KEY SPECS AND FEATURES

Motor: xiii amps
Weight: 29. 4 lb
Cleaning ability: 1,600 psi
Max catamenia: one.3 gpm

Here'due south what we like nigh this Worx: It's modest, light, rolls easily, and is reasonably resistant to tipping. Its hose reel works well. Every bit to its cleaning power, information technology punches above its weight class, moving it surprisingly close to the mid-duty terminate of the spectrum despite its low psi and flow. Given those pocket-sized numbers, we were surprised at how productive it is. We plugged the turbo nozzle in and cleaned xxx feet of sidewalk in no time, blasted off the front stoop, cleaned out some baggy cobwebs that formed effectually the front door and its overhang, reeled the hose back, unplugged the matter, and chosen information technology a mean solar day.

One last discussion: We like the dial on its detergent cap that lets y'all select how much or little cleaner you lot desire to apply. The quarter cap itself is a scrap fussy and needs some refining, merely the idea is bully.

Roy Berendsohn Senior Abode Editor Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Pop Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, backyard intendance, chainsaw use, and outdoor ability equipment.

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