Best Commercial Pressure Washers of 2022

Electric vs. gas pressure washers

If you’re in the market looking for the best commercial pressure washer, you probably noticed already that your options revolve around electric and gas machines.

• Gas pressure washers: Deliver the high power required to clean large areas and stubborn messes in a breeze. They also boast limitless mobility, but they are slightly heavier and noisier than their electric counterpart. Due to regulations, gas pressure washers are also banned in some regions.
• Electric pressure washers: Are relatively lightweight, quiet, and suitable to use anywhere. No gas means no exhaust emissions, and you’ll even be able to start your machine quickly. They aren’t quite as powerful as the gas machines though, and the cleaning area you can cover is dependent on the length of the cord. We have also wrote an extensive guide on the best electric pressure washers.

Although there are many performing electric cleaning machines, the truth is that a gas pressure washer is a more suitable solution if you intend to use it for commercial purposes or heavy-duty cleaning tasks around your home.

Gas pressure washer ratings

The performance of a power washer is determined by the pressure and water flow it provides, two ratings expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM) respectively. Beyond schoolbook explanations of what each rating means, it all sums up to:

• A gas power washer with a higher GPM has a faster cleaning ability.
• A higher PSI rating means a greater ability of the washer to remove tough dirt and grime.

What is more important, GPM or PSI?

A frequent question newbies ask is whether they should give more importance to the GPM or the PSI rating.

The truth is that both are equally important, and the real number you should consider when buying a power washer is the cleaning units (CU). Manufacturers rarely disclose it, but it is really easy to calculate.

This rating is determined by multiplying pressure with water flow (PSI x GPM = CU). Depending on your purpose, you will need:

Commercial pressure washer nozzles

The nozzle you use determines the angle and intensity of the spray. Most commercial pressure washers come with standard, color-coded nozzles which are interchangeable or adjustable all-in-one solutions that allow you to change the angle of the spray with a simple twist.

While adjustable nozzles are by far the most convenient, most gas power washers come with the interchangeable kind.

Which nozzle to use for each task?

Cleaning a delicate surface with the wrong nozzle can produce severe damage. That’s why you must learn what nozzle to use for each cleaning task.

Pressure washer pump considerations

If it were to make an analogy between a pressure washer and the human body, the pump would be the heart. Its performance determines the overall performance of the machine because it determines the flow rate.

There are three types of pressure washer pumps:

• Triplex plunger: Is “la crème de la crème” and equips the best gas pressure washers. These are usually used in machines working at more than 3,000 PSI, deliver highly efficient operation and boast an outstanding lifespan. All these features come at a hefty price though, so you must be willing to spend some bucks if you want to get your hands on one.
• Axial cam: Is an intermediate-level pump typically equipping machines of up to 3,500 PSI. Most users like them because of their self-priming ability which reduces maintenance, and they are also compact and lightweight. They also tend to get hot during operation and can produce excessive vibrations.
• Wobble plate: Is the entry-level pump, often found in residential power washers and cheaper mid-range machines with a capacity of under 2,500 PSI. They also come with self-priming capacity but produce a lower water flow than the other types, have a rather short lifespan, and are not replaceable.

What else to consider when buying a gas pressure washer?

Besides all the features above, you must also check the following if you want to get your hands on the best commercial power washer:

• Hose length: Shorter hoses of up to 20-foot are ideal for washing cars and for other precision tasks. Longer hoses of around 40-foot are ideal on those moments when you want to clean a wide area.
• Hose width: Both flow rate and pressure can be greatly influenced by the width of the hose. If you want to use the machine for commercial purposes, aim for a hose with a diameter of 3/8 inches.
• Portability: Gas pressure washers are usually heavy, so getting one that’s well balanced, equipped with sturdy wheels and a handle is essential if you want to move it around.
• Extension wand: Another important accessory is an extension wand. It helps you reach remote areas easier, and also comes in handy if you want to properly clean the grime under your car.
• Onboard storage: If your pressure washer comes with interchangeable nozzles, onboard storage is a real lifesaver, helping you keep all your accessories organized.

Best Gas Pressure Washer for the Money

Best value

WEN PW31 3,100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer

Most value for money

Highly dependable pressure washer can tackle even the toughest tasks, either at home or the job site.

Check price on Amazon