Looking to purchase the perfect pressure washer without being overwhelmed by the options available? Fear not! KMS Tools is here to simplify your shopping experience with our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know before making that important decision. Let us help you navigate through the key factors to consider, ensuring you find the ideal pressure washer to meet your specific needs.

Keep reading to learn What You Need to Know Before Buying a Pressure Washer!

First, you need to answer a few questions.

How much pressure washing do you intend to do?

If you only want to wash off your sidewalk once a year or your car occasionally, you can get by with a small pressure washer, but if you will be doing a lot of pressure washing you will be much happier with a large pressure washer. A larger pressure washer will last longer and is better value.

Will it be used “on the job,” or just around the house?

High quality pressure washers are designed to last around 3,000 hours, whereas low price pressure washers might only last around 100 hours. If you only do about 5 hours of pressure washing a year, a low price pressure washer might last you 20 years, but if you are pressure washing on the job, that pressure washer might only last a few weeks. You would want a high quality pressure washer that is designed to last around 3,000 hours.

What is more important to you, cost or value?

A low price pressure washer will be low pressure, low volume and low life expectancy. A larger pressure washer can do the job 6 times as fast so it could last 6 times as long. But if it is a high quality pressure washer designed to last 30 times as long plus does the job 6 times as fast, it could last 180 times as long. If the bigger and better pressure washer costs 10 times as much but lasts 180 times as long, that’s great value.

What are you pressure washing?

Cleaning power is a combination of pressure and volume. If you don’t have enough of either, your pressure washer won’t be very effective. Beware of manufacturers who overrate their machines; you might be disappointed. You might be surprised how much cleaning power is required. Even to remove moss, mildew from your sidewalk, or road film from a car requires a lot of cleaning power. It can be done with a small machine if you use a narrow tip and hold it close, but it will take a long time. A bigger pressure washer will allow you to hold the tip back further from the work surface, which will give you a wider cleaning path and get the job done much faster. If you are just removing loose dust, you can use a wider tip and hold it back further. If you want to remove paint, you will need a lot of cleaning power.

Electric or gas?

There are large industrial electric pressure washers that run on 220 volt power, but most 110 volt electric pressure washers are for light duty hobby use. In most cases a gas pressure washer will be more practical because you can have a bigger machine without needing to go to an expensive 220 volt electric machine. Gas pressure washers don’t need cords and a source of electricity, so they are usually more practical and available in all sizes. In a fixed washing station like a car wash, an industrial electric pressure washer might be the best option if power is available.

Hot water?

Hot water pressure washers are especially effective for removing oil and grease like on industrial equipment before painting it. They burn propane or diesel to heat the water after it has gone through the pump. They are expensive, but best value in some applications.

What should I buy?

Nobody ever says they wished they would have bought a smaller pressure washer. Buy as big a pressure washer as you can justify. If it will see limited use, you don’t need to buy the highest quality, but if you will use it on the job, your best value will be a large high quality pressure washer.

Detergents

Detergents can greatly increase the cleaning capability of a pressure washer. Most pressure washers come with the capability of drawing detergent out of a bottle and applying it at low pressure.

Magnum 1L High Pressure Foam Lance

Combines high pressure water flow mixed with detergent and air to produce thick, clinging foam. It has an adjustable spray pattern.

Accessories

Wands

Includes a handle with a trigger valve. There are different lengths and angles available for different applications.

Extension Telescoping Wands

Adjustable up to 24 ft in some cases. Great for cleaning out of reach areas and to avoid standing on a ladder.

Gutter Cleaner

This is a simple hooked extension that goes on the end of your wand. It lets you get into your gutters to clean them out easily.

BE Rotary Nozzles

Cleans twice as fast as a regular nozzle! Spring-loaded ceramic tip enables you to start in any position without chipping the tip.

BE 4pk Pressure Washer Tips

0°, 15°, 40° patterns and soap tip. Designed for up to 4 gallons per minute.

BE Anti-Fatigue Pressure Washer Gun

5,000 PSI pressure rating. Over-centre trigger reduces hand fatigue.

BE Wet Sandblasting Kit

Turn your pressure washer into a powerful sandblaster! Compatible with pressure washers rated from 3.0 to 10.0 GPM and 1,500 to 5,000 PSI. Includes 20′ hose.

Water Broom

Three nozzles deliver a steady stream of high-pressure water, cleaning concrete patios, decks, driveways and sidewalks faster and more evenly. Attaches to wand.

Whirl-A-Way

Great for Patios, Decks & Walkways!

The Whirl-A-Way looks a little like a lawn mower and has two rotating nozzles inside. They greatly speed up the cleaning of large flat areas. Available in 14″ (attaches to wand), 16″ or 20″ (with rotary arms).

Around the House

On the Job

Industrial

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Written and compiled by Stan Pridham. Updated 2024.

This guide covers pumps, engines, drives, accessories, detergents and both hot and cold water pressure washers — everything you need to know to buy the right pressure washer for your application.

Download this extensive PDF here and when you’re ready to buy, check out our great selection of pressure washers and accessories.