Electric vs gas pressure washer : which one to buy :
If you are looking for a pressure washer, this is the first question that comes to mind. Which one will better fit for your job. Both of these categories does the same thing, but they differ in the look, price and few other functions. As the name suggest, electricity is required to operate an electric pressure washer and gas is required for gas pressure washer. Each one is designed for different tasks. With this guide, we will compare few features between gas and electric pressure washer.
Keywords :
PSI or Pounds per square inch :
This the unit to define pressure a washer can produce in pounds per square inch of the space.
GPM or gallon per minute :
This unit is to define the volume of water a washer is pumping out per minute. The volume is measured in gallon.
Cleaning Unit or CU :
Clearning unit is the multiplication of above two units PSI and GPM. The more CU value of a pressure washer is, the more is its performance. If you want to compare the power of two pressure washers, compare its CU values.
Comparision between Electric and Gas pressure washer :
1. Power :
Electric pressure washer are dependent on the electricity provided. Electric motors for home appliances are less powerful than the gas motors and this is the reason electric pressure washer has lower throughput than the gas pressure washer. Electric pressure washers have an average PSI(pounds per square inch) of 1500 to 2000. It may vary but most models are under this range. Again their GPM(gallons per minute) is typically around 1.5. These washers are mainly designed for home-use and this amount of pressure is enough to clean any household items like car, pool, bike etc. Gas powered pressure washers are more powerful than electric washers. They an deliver up to 4000 PSI with GPM 2.5 to 4. There are gas models designed for low end tasks but mostly these are for heavy duty jobs like cleaning buildings, removing graffiti etc.
2. Portability :
You need to keep an electric pressure washer connected to a power outlet while using. This makes it less portable as compared to the gas powered washers. Gas washer requires to be filled with gasoline and oil.
The electric pressure washers are lightweight. You can easily move around with these models. Most design comes with two wheels to make the task easier for you.Gas washers are heavy and large in size.
If you think about storing these machines while not using, electric machines are winner for home users. Gas powered machines are powerful and best suit for heavy commercial jobs.
3. Maintenance :
Electic pressure washer is the clear winner here. You don't need to purchase anything later except the electricity bill. Gas is costlier than the electricity.
4. Price :
Gas washers are more costly than the electric pressure washers. Even if both have the same PSI, you may need to pay more on a gas model. Again, you have to buy gas,oil and detergents.
5. Noise level :
Electric pressure washers makes only a little sound while operating. They are silent washers and if you are living in a quiet neighborhood, electric washers will be a good choice to go. If you need more power and using noise is not a concert for you, then go for a gas washer, you can clean any area without the need of a power source.
6. Pollution :
Mostly, people buy pressure washers for outdoor use. But if you need it to use indoor, you may want to think twice before going for a gas washers. The reason I am saying it because gas washers emits fumes and these are not good for health. If your requirement can be filled only by a gas washer, make sure to keep the windows open while cleaning.
Final words :
We cann't conclude which pressure washer is the best. Most people prefers electric washers for home use and normally gas machines are used only by the professionals. Actually, if you have not used pressure washers before and this is the first time you are looking,I would suggest you to go for a electric model. Electric machines are compact, easy to carry, low price, low weight and almost zero maintanance cost. If you need a powerful model not for home use,gas models are the type you are looking for. Both type of these machines will last you for years if you keep them with routine maintenance. The spare parts are available at very reasonable price and it will not be a hard task to change them.