Outdoor Power Tool Reviews

Pressure Washer Reviews

Written by admin on August 7, 2009 – 7:48 pm -

Updated July 2009

The following review is synthesized from reviews provided by Consumer Reports, Sears.com, The Power Washer Advisor, Google Answers, HomeDepot.com, RidgidForum.com by ConsumerSearch.com.

Best pressure washer overall
Karcher K 5.93 M
Reviewers say that a better quality electric pressure washer is the best choice for the widest range of chores -- and because it's electric, it's less costly to maintain and less polluting. The Karcher K 5.93 M is anowner favorite; it's powerful enough for most homeowner tasks, such as cleaning decks or sidewalks or washing siding, and it uses a quiet induction motor (better than the universal motors used in cheap pressure washers). You can easily spend twice as much on a pro-level pressure washer that will be more durable in the long term, but since most homeowners only use a pressure washer about 20 hours per year, spending more might be overkill.

Reviewers say that a better-quality electric pressure washer is the best choice for most homeowner tasks, such as cleaning decks or sidewalks or washing bikes and cars. The Karcher K 5.93 M earns high marks in reviews for its pump and quiet, durable induction motor. Karcher's rapid-exchange program covers it during the one-year warranty period. Owners report a few minor inconveniences: wheels that don't roll smoothly, plus onboard storage that just barely accommodates the hose and cord. It can be hard to attach the water hose, and since the trigger doesn't lock on, long use can strain the hand. If you need a more powerful pressure washer for washing siding and large decks, you'll need a gas-powered model like the Troy-Bilt 20344 (*Est. $400).

We found the best review of the Karcher K 5.93 M at PressureWashersDirect.com, a large retail site with experienced and expert staff. Owner-written reviews at NorthernTool.com and Amazon.com add details from both professional users and homeowners. The comparison tests at ConsumerReports.org and at Popular Mechanics don't cover this particular model, but do highlight useful information.

Best Light-duty electric pressure washer
Karcher K 2.93

Reviews recommend this lightweight, portable pressure washer for small jobs like washing a car or bike. The low-power Karcher K 2.93, rated at 1,400 pounds per square inch (psi), makes it easy to avoid damaging paint andtires. Despite the budget price, this pressure washer is powered by an induction motor and is covered by Karcher's rapid-exchange program during the one-year warranty period. The price includes a rotary surface cleaner to speed cleaning of small decks and patios, but for cleaning a larger area you'll need a more powerful pressure washer.

Experts say a low-powered electric pressure washer like the Karcher K 2.93, rated at 1,400 pounds per square inch (psi), is ideal for washing cars, bikes and patio furniture because it's less apt to damage finishes than more powerful models. In this size and price range, reviews favor the Karcher K 2.93 because it's one of the rare models that employs a quiet, durable induction motor instead of a cheaper universal motor. The kit that includes the rotary surface cleaner, for cleaning patios and garage floors, makes this an especially good deal. The one-year warranty includes a rapid-exchange program so there's no delay waiting for a defective pressure washer to be repaired. If you want to clean a deck, however, you'll need a faster, more powerful pressure washer like the Karcher K 5.93 (*Est. $280).

We found the most current review of the Karcher K 2.93 pressure washer kit at an expert retailer site, PressureWashersDirect.com. Older, more objective comparison tests at ConsumerReports.org and Popular Mechanics cover similar but discontinued models. At the time of our report, only one owner had reviewed this exact model at Amazon.com, and owners reviewing pressure washers at a U.K. review site, DooYou, discuss the Karcher brand but not this specific model.

Best Gas Pressure Washer
Ridgid RD80701

This pressure washer, rated at 3,000 psi, is getting rave reviews from owners. There's enough power for any homeowner job, from cleaning big decks to stripping paint, and a flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute (gpm) speedsthe work. Owners also praise the Subaru OHV engine, which meets even California's strict emission limits. It's unusual to find a durable pump in this price range, but the Ridgid pressure washer uses a CAT triplex pump. This is the brand and pump type that reviews find most durable, so it can actually cost less in the long run than a lower-priced pressure washer. The three-year warranty is also longer than most.

Experts say the quality of the pump on a pressure washer, as well as the length of the warranty, are key measures of quality. Reviews praise the powerful Ridgid RD80701 on both counts; it's unusual to find a Cat triplex pump on a consumer-level pressure washer. However, only the latest 2009 version of this model has this top-quality pump. The Subaru OHV engine meets California's strict emissions requirements, another big plus. Pressure, rated at 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi) is powerful enough for removing tough stains and stripping paint, and the flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute (gpm) speeds cleaning jobs. If you don't need this much power and durability, however, consider the less expensive 2,600-psi Troy-Bilt 20344 (*Est. $400).

We found over a dozen detailed owner-written reviews of the Ridgid RD80701 pressure washer at HomeDepot.com. Both an earlier 2008 version and the newer model (with the Cat pump) also get a thorough discussion at RidgidForum.com. Also helpful in evaluating the Ridgid RD80701 model are two buyer's guides by pressure-washer experts -- at The-Power-Washer-Advisor.com and at Tools of the Trade.

Best Budget Gas Pressure Washer
Craftsman 75218

This pressure washer, rated at 2,600 psi, pollutes more than any of the other models reviewers like, but it provides more power and speed than an electric model. The Briggs & Stratton engine isn't an OHV model anddoesn't meet California emissions standards, so it emits more fumes from the engine and fuel system. However, owners say it starts easily and can last for years if carefully maintained.

This Craftsman gas pressure washer, rated at 2,200 pounds per square inch (psi), is a budget model, but provides more power and speed than similarly priced electric pressure washers. The fuel system and engine don't meet California's emission requirements, and the engine isn't the most fuel-efficient type either. Still, most owners say it's OK for the price. Experts note that paying more for a fuel-efficient engine, and especially for a more durable pump, can be more cost effective in the long run. Most homeowners will be better satisfied with the moderately priced Troy-Bilt 20344 (*Est. $400).

We found over a dozen detailed reviews of the Craftsman 75218 gas pressure washer at Sears.com. The site also makes it easy to compare the washer's average rating with that of other pressure washers sold there. A buyer's guide at The-Power-Washer-Advisor.com helps put this budget model into perspective, as do expert answers at Google Answers. At that site, one owner of a Craftsman pressure washer highlights a problem with pump repairs even under warranty; they're guaranteed only for 90 days even if the original warranty expires later.

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