Electric Pressure Washer Vs. Gas: Which Is Better?

Pressure washers are becoming popular among homeowners and business professionals because of their immense benefits. For that reason, it has been named “multipurpose cleaning equipment”. From cleaning paths and pavement, yards, and cars, it performs an excellent task. However, there are multiple types of pressure washers on the market. Some are powered by electricity, while others are powered by gas. Every model has benefits and drawbacks. In our blog post today, we shall discuss the benefits of owning an electric pressure washer vs. a gas pressure washer.

Electric Pressure Washer Vs. Gas: Which Is Better?

Both an electric pressure washer and a gas pressure washer have their own use case. Most home users will choose an electric pressure washer. A gas pressure washer is more complex, needs more maintenance, but is more portable, and the professional ones have a higher water pressure. An electric pressure washer is cheaper, but always need to have a wall plug near.

Professional cleaning at the DIY price has significantly assisted pressure washers beyond the typical tool-rental shop into the local home center. The notably lower prices, coupled with upkeep, tremendously explain why up to 90 percent of consumers go for electric pressure washers. On the other hand, gas-powered machines have twice the standard cleaning power-this describes why we have seen fewer plug-in models available in big-box stores, where multiple pressure washers are sold.

The operating mechanism of a pressure washer allows it to blast away decks, stains, as well as other grunge that a sturdy hose cannot touch when cleaning siding as well as other items efficiently. For only $80, you can invest in an electric pressure washer. That said, consumer reports have recently indicated that the use of pressure washers for cleaning is on the rise. After conducting a series of tests on these machines, it was confirmed that gas-powered pressure washers have a relatively higher performance over other models. With gas models, it is easy to clean dirt.

Water pressure is typically measured in PSI. The gas-powered models emit up to 3,500 pounds per square compared with the 1800 PSI for electric pressure washers. Higher pressure enables best performing gas pressure washers to clean your concrete patio four times faster than the electric pressure washers. At the same time, in a test to establish which pressure washer was quicker at removing paint from surfaces, research indicated that a gas pressure washer was faster.

One major drawback to note includes the fact that compared to electric models, gas models need more control and caution. This helps to avoid splintering as well as etching wooden surfaces. All gas pressure washers also produced about 80 decibels- this is the recommended threshold for protection. Electric pressure washers have an average decibel of 76 when operating. They are silent, even when releasing triggers.

Elements To Consider When Comparing Electric And Gas Pressure Washers

Before we compare electric and gas pressure washers, we shall share more knowledge of both technical and non-technical aspects. Price is definitely a vital factor here. Gallons per minute show the rate per minute of water exertion of the machine at a particular pressure. Also important to note is the fact that the pressure of water is essential to the operating mechanism of the device. A pressure washer’s cleaning unit indicates the machine’s fastest cleaning capacity.

Therefore, before we declare that a pressure washer is good or bad, it is crucial to weigh in on its mobility. If movability is one of the critical elements you are looking for in a pressure washer, then you cannot beat a gas-powered machine. No doubt, the electric pressure washers may have it beaten in many other areas besides pressure, but it cannot beat it if you are in a position where you have to carry the machine anywhere.

For instance, if you were in charge of a cleaning project that needed you to take the pressure washer with you, then a gas pressure would do. This is because an electric pressure washer would require you to have it plugged in before usage. Obviously, you would not guarantee that the area you will be cleaning has a power plug-in socket. You would also need to verify that the area has power for your cleaning project because it would be embarrassing to get to the site only to find out that you are unable to proceed with the task because there is no plug-in socket.

Other than job sites, you should also consider your operations. Here, if you are working on the factory floor or exterior, the last issue you would want to have is the extension cord of the pressure washer being across the concrete. This is tacky because it may be precarious to employees in the working environment. You may also find it necessary to stop all the tasks you have in the process of cleaning the area. This will help to prevent an accident from happening. From the look of things, there are several benefits of owning a gas pressure washer.

Why choose a gas pressure washer?

There are definitely more than just a couple of reasons for you to invest in a gas-powered pressure washer for commercial and home usage. This is regardless of the cleaning tasks ahead. For starters, when it comes to maintenance, these devices cannot really be beaten. That said, a gas pressure washer isn’t like your typical car, where you may go for months without scrutinizing the fluid levels.

A gas-powered pressure washer needs your care. To ensure it runs smoothly, you should perform routine maintenance before pressure washing. While you can be of the opinion that you may get all messes cleaned up using a hose, you need to consider that several of these messes made in the course of cleaning are complex. For that reason, you have to deal with the foot traffic before anything else. This is because you may not really know what people can track in. Together with the floor, you additionally have the sides of the building regardless of the material of brick. If you are running a commercial line, you must consider the equipment inside.

For instance, how often should it be cleaned? How much time should you spend cleaning it? Will the maintenance be time-consuming? Is it worth it? These are some of the questions you need to weigh in on before you delve into the maintenance routines. On the same topic, you also have multiple reasons to take a look at gas-powered hot water washers, and yes, we have listed a few.

As you read this, you may also be asking why you need to consider gas-powered appliances rather than the electric models. There are a couple of reasons. And yes, just like gas pressure washers, electric models have their pros and drawbacks alike. That does not imply that they are the ideal option for cleaning. Keep reading to discover some vital points that would help in your decision making for either a gas or electric pressure washer.  

1. Power Ratings- Are Electric Pressure Washers Strong Enough?

As we discussed earlier, pressure washers need pure pressure to clean up the dirt. Gas pressure washers and electric washers have different power ratings. An electric pressure washer has an upper limit of approximately 1800 PSI. Consequently, you can get just so much out of one electric motor. All too often, the numbers range between 1500 and 1800.

Regardless of the power delivery of electric pressure washers, there are several types of motors in these devices. For example, you can quickly get an induction motor which is water-cooled since it is circulated around the engine before releasing it via the hose. Besides, some have pumps designed as axial, while heavy-duty models contain triplex plunger pumps. When it comes to gas-powered pressure washers, even some of the most affordable models beat the standard level of PSI provided by electric pressure washers.

With the gas-powered units, you are vividly looking at about 2500 PSI on the lower side. High-end models deliver up to 3500 or more. Most consumers have attested to the fact that they have come across commercial grade pressure washers powered gas that delivers up to 6500 PSI. It is crucial to note that such machines are strictly for professionals.

2. Water Flow Ratings

Gas-Powered water pressure has the upper hand in the water flow rating. It delivers up to 2.0 GPM. Some units may deliver more. But in many cases, the gas-powered pressure washer actually churns about approximately 2.8 GPM or more. Other than that, the device has stronger engines coupled with brass parts rather than plastic. These features can successfully handle heavy water flow. Electric pressure washers can deliver up to 1.6 GPM.

You will barely find one that can deliver more. This should not puzzle you since it’s not easy to get more out of an electric pressure washer because the more GPM it produces, the more it would require the applications of various expensive materials- this will obviously drive the pressure washer’s price up. 

3. Practicality

In this paragraph, we are looking at how practically every type of pressure washer is. Firstly, if you are investing in a pressure washer for cleaning the interior of your home or office, the electric appliance should be your best bet. But since most people purchase pressure washers for exterior use, the debate on which type is the best between electric and gas-powered is still on-going.  

Considering the dimensions of electric pressure washers, the devices have the edge over gas pressure washers. They are not just small but light. These features make the cleaning equipment easy to use. But one limiting factor is that it often has to be plugged to electricity at every juncture of cleaning. Electric pressure washers are also the best when it comes to cleaning the exterior of a building because they do not produce traces of harmful fumes. They are also quieter.

Gas-powered pressure washers, on the other hand, have manual starters, which imply that to operate them you must tug the rope to get it to work. This is just as in the case of starting a lawnmower. Another added advantage of gas-powered pressure washers is the fact that it is more stable as well as durable.

The major differences between an electric pressure washer and a gas pressure washer. Which one should you go for? Why?

As we put it earlier, a pressure washer is a common appliance in most households globally, and it harbors numerous benefits. People prefer using pressure washers since they are versatile, and can clean cars and walkways perfectly. As we have also pointed out, there are two main types of pressure washers namely electric and gas. Every pressure washer has its own merits and demerits. In this context, the main focus will be on the significant differences between the gas-powered and electric pressure washers. The pros and cons will be outlined, as well as the prices of different pressure washer models. 

● Electric Pressure Washer

As the name suggests, the electric pressure washer runs using electricity. The electric pressure washer weighs less, compared to the gas-powered pressure washers. Since it runs on electricity, there is no need to fuel it. The operating costs of the pressure washer are also cheap, and many people can also afford the electric pressure washer. Although the pressure washer has many merits, it also has some drawbacks. The main demerits of the electric pressure washers are that it cannot be used to handle pressure intensive tasks. Also, the machine is not versatile since it cannot be used in areas that do not have electricity. 

● Gas Pressure Washer

The gas-powered pressure washers are usually powered using fuel. They are powerful and heavy as compared to the electric pressure washers. Gas-powered pressure washers can easily handle some tough tasks, and they are also portable and versatile. The main challenge of using gas-powered pressure washers is that they need to be refueled, and their maintenance is too costly.

Gas-Powered Pressure Washers vs. Electric Pressure Washers

Before comparing the two types of pressure washers, it is good to learn more about the technical and non-technical factors of the electric and gas-powered pressure washers. The price of pressure washers also matters. The pressure of the water is also an essential factor to consider. Pressure washers also have a cleaning unit, and it also indicates the cleaning capacity. Before you declare that a pressure washer is good or bad, always consider other factors such as portability. 

● Price Comparison

The quality of the pressure washer matters a lot. There are different models, and they also have different features. The electric pressure washers are generally cheaper, compared to the gas-powered pressure washers. With $150, you can purchase a good quality pressure washer. A gas-powered pressure washer costs more. The price range of the gas-powered pressure washers ranges from $200 to $2000. Commercial-grade pressure washers usually cost more. There are different brands, and they usually have different warranty and transportation conditions. 

● Water Exertion Rate

The water exertion rate is usually expressed in terms of gallons per minute. A pressure washer that produces one to four gallons in a minute is suited for household use. If you are cleaning areas with a lot of dirt, you should use a pressure washer that has a higher water exertion rate.

● Water Pressure

When purchasing pressure washers, people should also consider the water pressure. A pressure washer that has higher pressure can produce more power, and it can clean dirty areas perfectly. The commercial pressure washers usually generate more power, and they can also be used at the household level. Electric pressure washers usually produce at least 1500 psi. The gas-powered pressure washers can also generate at least 2500 psi. 

● Cleaning Unit

The cleaning unit usually showcases the amount of pressure that can be used by a particular pressure washer; the higher the capacity, the better the pressure washer’s cleaning capability. For household use, the cleaning unit should range from 2,000 and above. Electric pressure washers have a cleaning unit that ranges from 2,000 to 8,000. The gas-powered pressure washers usually have a cleaning unit that ranges from 8,000 to 30,000. The commercial-grade pressure washers have a higher cleaning unit rating.

● PSI (pounds per square inch)

A pressure washer’s power is measured in the form of pounds per square inch. Powerful pressure washers have a higher PSI. The electric pressure washers have an engine that can produce 800-1,800 PSI. Such a pressure washer is suited to outdoor cleaning. You can use such a pressure washer to clean the windows within your home. For such a pressure washer to operate efficiently, make sure it has a nozzle that can be adjusted to change the spray angles. The gas-powered pressure washers have a different option that is more powerful, and their PSI rating usually varies from 2,000 to 2,800 PSI. Some gas-powered pressure washers can also produce 3,000 PSI. Before you pull the trigger on any pressure washer, make sure that you have checked the spray angle. When handling some heavy-duty tasks, you should use a gas-powered pressure washer.

● Portability

When cleaning a large area that requires you to move a lot, portability is among the factors that you should consider. The electric pressure washers though portable, are naturally limited by the power cords. They are also light and can be moved easily from one place to another. The main issue is that they rely on the power outlets that are nearby. If there are many power outlets, you can easily move the pressure washer from one area to another. You can also use extension cords when using the electric pressure washer to clean the walkways and other areas. If you want to use the pressure washer in an outdoor area, use an extension cord that is thick and long so that it may supply enough power.

Electric pressure washers are light, and they can be easily transported from one area to another. The gas-powered pressure washers are normally heavy, and they cannot be carried easily. However, the recent pressure washer models have rollers, which means that they can be transported easily from one area to another. 

● Long-term Accumulated Costs

There are many factors that people should consider when purchasing pressure washers. Some of the costs associated with gas pressure washers include fuel, detergents, and lubricants, among other maintenance-related expenses. As the pressure washer ages, you may have to procure the services of a professional who will be tasked with maintaining the appliance to make sure that it is in excellent working condition. Electric pressure washers are preferable since their maintenance costs are low.

Also, you will not have to check the fuel levels as compared to the gas-powered pressure washers. The engine of an electric pressure washer does not even require regular lubrication. When a gas-powered pressure washer fails to be lubricated, some of the components may heat up, and the appliance will eventually break down. The value of the electric pressure washer does not depreciate as fast as that of the gas-powered pressure washer since the maintenance only involves emptying stagnant water while also ensuring that there are no kinks in the pressure hose.

People who have used the gas-fueled pressure washers can acknowledge that the main issue with such pressure washers is the maintenance costs, which accumulate gradually. Also, there are some regions where the price of gasoline is higher than the cost of electricity. The gas-powered pressure washer also needs to be lubricated frequently. Some of the engine-related issues in the gas-powered pressure washers appear past the warranty period offered by the manufacturer. In such a case, you will have to cater for all the repairs. The cost of detergents also piles up, and you may end up using more money, whereas you could initially afford to purchase an electric pressure washer depending on your locality.

Which one should you go for? Electric or Gas?

The individuals who own the gas-powered pressure washers can acknowledge that they use the appliance randomly. They do not use the pressure washer regularly unless they have to carry out some heavy-duty cleaning on the driveways and walkways. At times, the gas-powered pressure washer also comes in handy when cleaning the vehicles. People who own the electric pressure washers usually talk about how they typically use the appliance regularly, especially when cleaning their cars and pushing away the fallen leaves within the walkways.

The frequency of using the pressure washers aligns with the maintenance costs, among other factors. If I were to recommend a pressure washer, I would say that the electric pressure washer is preferable as compared to the gas-powered pressure washers. Some of the factors to consider include how often you will be using the pressure washer. Although portability is a factor to consider, the electric pressure washers take the day.

When purchasing the pressure washers, always consider factors such as the PSI ranges. Although electric pressure washers have a low PSI range as compared to the gas-powered pressure washers, you should opt for the electric pressure washers, unless you are purchasing the appliance for commercial purposes. The maximum power delivered by an electric pressure washer is 1,800 PSI. Such pressure levels are quite dangerous. You can adjust the nozzle to operate at 800 PSI, and you will still clean the paved pathways thoroughly.

Final Remarks on Which Pressure Washer You Should Buy

Some people may recommend the use of gas-powered pressure washers for different reasons. At the end of it all, the pressure washer you choose will always depend on your needs and how you plan to use the appliance. If you want to carry out heavy-duty cleaning, you should purchase the gas-powered pressure washers. As for the electric pressure washers, they are suitable when cleaning around the house. They are also safer and environmentally friendly since they do not produce any emissions. Also, when using an extension cord, you can easily cover a larger area when using the electric pressure washers. When trying to figure out which pressure washer you should purchase, first consider what you are going to clean first. Also, maintenance costs matter a lot. When purchasing any of the mentioned pressure washers, make sure that you have also read the user manual comprehensively. Additionally, seek the services of a contractor who will be tasked with maintaining the pressure washer. After discussing the pros and cons, you should go for the electric pressure washer since it is also safer to use around the house because it also has a low PSI.

Take-Home

We may not be in a position to outrightly tell you which pressure washer is better between gas-powered and electric pressure washers. But with our critical highlights in this blog post, you can weigh options. Electric pressure washers definitely have the upper hand where the price is a determining factor in acquiring one. The devices have compact dimensions coupled with zero maintenance. This implies that electric pressure washers are pretty easy to maintain. They may also be used indoors.

Gas-powered pressure washers are on the other hand, pretty challenging to maintain. These heavy-duty machines are pricey too. Our insight on both is that you establish the kind of jobs you seek to handle with the pressure washer. Perhaps you should note that if you need a machine to clean your interior, an electric pressure washer is your best option. This is because it is safe.