Power washers are essentially the same in structure, function, and component as a pressure washer. The only thing that differentiates them is the heater that is built into the power washer so that the high-pressure water that comes out of the nozzle is very hot.
The additional heat is great for removing stubborn dirt, mold, grime, and dust from different kinds of surfaces – walls, pavements, concrete, dirt roads, etc. In general, power washers aren’t necessary for home use, especially since the possible dirt build up is lesser and the area of cleaning is smaller.
However, there are consumers who like to have the extra heat because it does the job faster mainly because the dirt buildup melts much faster. With high-pressure and heat combined, there is nothing your power washer couldn’t remove or clean. Hot water is also effective for clearing out gums stuck onto a surface.
If you’re looking for the best power washer for home use, check out the examples given in this article.
What are the recommended power washers for home use? Comparison Chart
Comparison Chart
AR Annovi Reverberi Blue Clean, AR383 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer, Nozzles, Spray Gun, Wand, Detergent Bottle & Hose
There are very few power washers sold in the market for home use, mainly because it is built with very high psi, the measurement for the pressure. This is because power washers are intended for commercial cleaning. However, you can still use it at home if you wish, with some drawbacks such as high fuel and water consumption.
Very few manufacturers also call their products “power washers”. They simply brand their products, as pressure washers with additional heaters so don’t be surprised if you can’t find what you’re looking for, especially when searching online. We have listed below three hot pressure washers to make the search easier.
AR Blue Clean – AR630-Hot – Pressure Washer
This is a light-duty power washer and is the best out of the three listed here for home use. This is because the machine itself is slightly smaller and easier to transport. The power is also just right for your cleaning needs at home at 1,900 psi and 2.1 gpm flow rate.
This portable pressure washer can also be used with cold water during those days when you want to save up on electricity. It comes with a detergent siphon tube plug so you can blast away with soapy hot water and has hose length at 25 ft. so you can reach more areas without dragging the pressure washer behind you.
The heater can go as high as 180F and it is housed underneath a solid ceramic material. This pressure washer comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Simpson Mini-Brute MB1223 1,200 PSI 120 Volt Electric/Diesel Powered Hot Water Heavy Duty Pressure Washer
This is a light to medium duty hot water pressure washer. When compared with the AR Blue Clean, this one has lesser power at 1,200 psi and 2.3 gpm flow rate.
This pressure washer has an industrial triplex pump that is powered by a 120-volt motor that you can directly plug in a three-prong electric source grounded by 15-amp circuit. The heater, meanwhile, is powered by diesel that can create a temperature rise up to 100-degrees. It comes with an extra large fuel tank that enables you to clean all day without the need for refueling.
The motor, pump, and tank are housed in a metal casing, supported by two 13” pneumatic tires for easier maneuvering. It comes with a 35 ft. power cord so you won’t have to use an extension cord while operating it. The water hose, meanwhile, is 25-ft long and comes with four quick connect nozzles: 15,25,40, and soap.
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric High Pressure Washer – 2030 PSI, 1.76 GPM
This heavy-duty hot water pressure washer is the most powerful (and most expensive) out of the three products listed here. This is because it has a power of 2,030 psi with 1.76 gpm flow rate.
This is considered very strong as it can blast away dirt in seconds. The pressure washer is coupled with a heater that can heat water up to 250F. The coil assembly of the heater is safely enclosed in a custom-molded ceramic fiber refractory combustion chamber with low thermal conductivity and resistance to thermal shock.
The burner is powered by diesel and it is housed in a metal case along with a fuel gallon. Two pneumatic tires hold the case for faster and easier transport. The water hose is 50ft long and comes with the following quick-connect nozzles: 0, 15, 25, 40, plus steam, and soap.
Key Takeaway: For home use, we recommend getting the AR Blue Clean and Simpson Mini Brute because the power they have is just right for chores at home. If you intend to use it for other purposes, such as cleaning farms, commercial spaces, or being a contractor, go for the more powerful Sun Joe.
What are the drawbacks of having a power washer for home use?
- It may be too strong for home use, even if you’re planning to use it on a weekly basis.
- The additional heat may be unnecessary, unless you have really neglected cleaning and a normal pressure washer can’t handle the accumulated dirt.
- Heated pressure washers or power washers may be expensive. It averages from $1,000 to $2,000. Pressure washers can be bought for as low as $200.
- Power washers consume a lot of electricity and fuel because of the additional built-in heater. The motor is also more powerful so it needs more fuel to operate.
- Power washers are generally heavier than pressure washers that it needs to be caged and held by large pneumatic tools. The good thing is that they come with long electric cords and water hoses.
Conclusion
Only get a power washer for home use if you really need to, for example, if you have a big house with lots of area to clean such as garages, patios, decks, swimming pool, etc. If you have a relatively smaller house, a normal pressure washer may already suffice. The big motor and the added heater consume not only a lot of water but also fuel and electricity.