Pressure Washer Recommendation

[flipm3]

I was wondering if anyone here has recommendations for an entry level and affordable pressure washer.

I am not really sure what I should be looking for in terms of psi, gallons per minute, cold water, hot water, etc.

I do want it to be electric and for it to be compatible with my Gilmour Foamaster II.

Thanks!

[THE TECH]

I use a Craftsman but it's gas powered.

[flipm3]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I use a Craftsman but it's gas powered.

Nice!

I was actually eyeing a couple Craftsman electric pressure washers that my local Sears has. They're 1700psi and 1.3GPM. One also has a steam cleaner for an extra $60 which doesn't seem to bad, $160 vs $220.

I am just not sure if it will be compatible with my foam gun which hooks up to just any normal hose.

[Kyoshi71]

I just bought the Clean Force 1800psi 1.6 gpm electric pressure washer from Home Depot. I just cleaned all my siding and pool deck and it worked better than expected.

$154.00

[Templar]

Actually looking into the same thing. Let me know what you find. I've found some electric ones online. They cost less than the gas powered ones too. Not sure if there is a huge difference between electric and gas in terms of capability.

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by Templar

Actually looking into the same thing. Let me know what you find. I've found some electric ones online. They cost less than the gas powered ones too. Not sure if there is a huge difference between electric and gas in terms of capability.

Gas has a lot more PSI capability and are usually bigger. You also have a lot more of a chance to damage something because of the pressure.

[flipm3]

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

I just bought the Clean Force 1800psi 1.6 gpm electric pressure washer from Home Depot. I just cleaned all my siding and pool deck and it worked better than expected.

$154.00

Nice! I just looked it up on Home Depot's website.

By any chance, do you know if it's compatible with normal hose nozzle applications, like the Gilmour Foamaster II?

[franco209]

I been using Karcher 1800 PSI and very happy with it's size and performance. BTW, I only use it for weekly car wash, nothing else. (got mine on Black Friday for less than a hundred)

Here is the newer model they have:

http://www.amazon.com/Karcher-X-Seri...2256413&sr=8-1

[Martin_D]

If you can save up get the Kranzle....

[franco209]

Originally Posted by flipm3

Nice! I just looked it up on Home Depot's website.

By any chance, do you know if it's compatible with normal hose nozzle applications, like the Gilmour Foamaster II?

Not sure if your Foamaster will work with any pressure washer since it is designed for host end operation.

Foam Cannon + any Pressure Washer would be a great combo.

[Templar]

Originally Posted by Martin_D

If you can save up get the Kranzle....

Bah, I just saw the price on that. A little over the top, lol.

I could get some new x-pipes for that cost

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by flipm3

Nice! I just looked it up on Home Depot's website.

By any chance, do you know if it's compatible with normal hose nozzle applications, like the Gilmour Foamaster II?

It definitely is compatible with normal hose sizes and comes with a quick connect coupling.

[flipm3]

Originally Posted by Martin_D

If you can save up get the Kranzle....

I think I gave most of my car detailing budget to you

But their pressure washers sure are dreamy.....

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

It definitely is compatible with normal hose sizes and comes with a quick connect coupling.

Nice! I may to try swing by my Home Depot and see if they have one in stock. It would be nice to grab this before my big detailing extravaganza next week.

Thanks for all the recommendations!

[franco209]

Originally Posted by flipm3

I think I gave most of my car detailing budget to you

But their pressure washers sure are dreamy.....


Nice! I may to try swing by my Home Depot and see if they have one in stock. It would be nice to grab this before my big detailing extravaganza next week.

Thanks for all the recommendations!

Have fun! Post some before and after pics.

[Templar]

FWIW, I just walked into Home Depot yesterday and got me the Clean Force 1800psi 1.6 gpm washer. Now I need time to break it out of the box and use it. It's been raining at least once a day every day in this area for the last week, so I guess until this storm system passes and it clears up for a few days at a time I'll be stuck

[Envious Eric]

I question why you need one?

PW is good for businesses that do a lot of neglected cars, trucks that are full of dirt/mud, etc. You dont really need one for washing your maintainted car in your driveway. I would save the ~$150 and spend it on more quality supplies. a foam gun and mitt are going to be more than enough to handle your own car or two.

Plus, add in the time it takes to setup the pressure washer, break it down, etc...I just dont see it being a time saver for the average DIY car washer doing his own car...

[werly]

Not to TJ but since OP asks for PW I would like to ask for foam cannon

How do I know if the foam cannon that I am about to purchase fits right on the PW, say, this one?

http://www.amazon.com/AR-AR383-Elect...4642060&sr=8-1

[dirtyfreebooter]

I just use pressure washer for cleaning concrete around the house, and my wheels and tires when I take them off to do inside and outside and wheel wax. I bought this:

http://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Devil-ND4...4726819&sr=1-2

Not really because it is cheap, because it is small, light, and decent PSI. I wanted something I can just put on a garage shelf. Not another giant garage tool. There are plastic parts, which I am sure can break, but I have had it a year know and haven't had any issues, but I would say I only use it about once every two months. For that kind of usage, and price, its a steal, IMHO.

[dirtyfreebooter]

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

Plus, add in the time it takes to setup the pressure washer, break it down, etc...I just dont see it being a time saver for the average DIY car washer doing his own car...

This ^^ for sure. I definitely thought it was going be a time saver, but it is definitely a time consumer. The setup and break down definitely adds to the overall time. Hence, why I only use it when I take my wheels off to do a full scale clean; otherwise the ez detail brush is all that is needed

[Templar]

Been using the new PW I got and I have to say I do like it. Definitely not 100% necessary, but it is a "nice to have" type of thing. Besides, it DEFINITELY helps get the dirt and caked on mud off of my truck (my DD)

The good thing about the Clean Force one I have is that it doesn't take much time to set up at all. Plug it in, attach the hose, and you're ready. The cords and hoses are conveniently wrapped up and it comes with them on spools internal to the machine. Setup and tear down time is very limited.

Overall I am happy with the purchase. Some of the tough to get off bug splatters and wheel mess come right off with the spray. It makes rinsing extremely quick. And like I said, definitely not necessary (especially just for an M), but a nice to have tool. I find it more useful for my truck though