The Best Gas Pressure Washers (Review & Buying Guide)

Recommending something like a pressure washer is a bit of a crapshoot. Our expectations of a great machine are probably quite different from yours, so instead of usefulness in accomplishing a specific task, we want to look at the general quality, perceived value; and if it would break, the ease of getting parts and service. To get a better idea of long-term reliability we researched reviews from verified customers. The power washers you see here are at the top of the consumer range in terms of pressure and flow rates, these are going to be overkill for car washes and cleaning out the cracks in your patio, but if you're looking at gas-powered, you probably looking for more than a glorified foam cannon.

Our top pick is the Ryobi 3600 PSI Gas Pressure Washer, a well-built and durable machine that delivers near commercial performance at a consumer price. With it, you can get most of the cleaning jobs done around the house. Thanks to the quality construction and user-friendly design, this pressure washer will last for quite a while. It’s an excellent choice for weekend warriors and all those who need a convenient and efficient cleaning machine. 

The machine that comes in as the Best Value pick is the Westinghouse WPX3200 Gas Powered Pressure Washer, another highly powerful and reliable machine suitable for all kinds of cleaning purposes. You will trade duty cycle for price, but take a break and have a cold one.

If you're interested in buying the best possible gas pressure washer, it's crucial to learn all you can about the machine. Once you educate yourself, you can pick the one that works the best for your particular application. We composed a general guide for gas pressure washers which includes not only the most important features to look for, but also answers frequently-asked questions so users will find the best gas pressure washers and be satisfied with their purchases.

All gas pressure washers come with similar specifications. However, there is a difference in the overall power of the units. Some of them are budget-friendly but have less power, while others are extremely powerful and, consequently, very expensive. 

The units with less cleaning power are mostly designed for home purposes. They are very convenient for cleaning pavements, sidewalks, cars, and more. Although not as powerful as commercial gas models, they are usually more powerful than electric pressure washers.

Gas pressure washers can turn out to be rather expensive. The more powerful the engine, the more heavy duty everything else has to be. In general, the higher the CPU (cleaning power units), the more expensive the washer turns out to be. 

Gas pressure washers with high CPU are mostly used for commercial purposes. They can be found on construction sites where high cleaning power and longer duty cycles are needed for removing heavy dirt and even stripping paint. Although they are suitable for home purposes as well, most people don't need excessive power for regular home jobs. 

One of the first things to consider when buying a gas pressure washer is the CPU or cleaning power units. CPU represents the overall efficiency and performance of the washer—the higher the number, the better and faster the unit will clean. You can calculate it by multiplying PSI and GPM ratings. 

PSI (pounds per square inch) measures the pressure that a compressor can produce per square inch of area. GPM (gallons per minute) is the volume of water the washer can pump per minute. Both ratings are important. 

Consider your application before deciding on a particular unit. Average household gas pressure washers have around 2500-3300 PSI and 2-2.5 GPM. Still, you can get more or less powerful ones, depending on the application.

It's important to consider the overall portability of a gas pressure washer. Although these models are more portable than electric plug-ins, there are still some things to keep in mind. Most consumer units are at the very least 50-pounds, but probably closer to 80. If this is going in the back of your truck, you may need a friend to load and unload.

When buying a gas pressure washer, you can look for some features that would reduce the effort you put in the cleaning process. For example, some machines have a crank-operated mechanism for rolling the hose, while others have a hose storage compartment. Another great feature is a soap tank; It allows you to spray water and soap onto surfaces for a thorough cleanup. Additionally, if you're planning to run the washer over rough terrain, a heavy duty steel frame and larger tires might be necessary to protect it from bumps and impacts.