Gas vs Electric Pressure Washers: Which One Is the Right Fit for You?

The verdict is still out when it comes to Gas Vs Electric Pressure Washer. People have different opinions on which type of pressure washer they prefer. Some people feel that gas is the only type worth having, and others swear by their electric models.

Which one is best for you?

Here’s a quick rundown on gas vs. electric so you can decide what’s best for your needs!

Contents hide

1 Pressure Washer 101

1.1 Pressure Washer Types

1.2 Pressure Washer Pump

2 Gas Vs Electric Pressure Washer

3 Advantages of Gas Pressure Washers

4 Disadvantages of Gas Pressure Washers

5 Advantages of Electric Pressure Washers

6 Disadvantages of Electric Pressure Washers

7 Which Type of Pressure Washer Is Best: Gas vs. Electric?

8 Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washing: Which One Is Better for You?

9 Battle of the Pressure Washers

10 Pressure Washers: What to Look for and Our Favorite Models

11 Gas Vs Electric Pressure Washer: The Verdict Is Still Out

Pressure Washer 101

Pressure washers are pretty straightforward devices. Thanks to high-pressure cleaning, you can use them to clean almost any outdoor item or surface with minimal effort.

However, pressure washers have approximately 60 times the pressure of a standard hose, so don’t forget that. If not handled correctly, they can inflict significant damage to the body. This pressure washer safety brochure will assist you in following all operational guidelines and precautions.

Pressure Washer Types

The two most popular pressure washers are electric and gas pressure washers.

Gas Powered Pressure Washers are often perceived as more powerful than electric models because they can clean at a high PSI and GPM, which makes them suitable for more challenging jobs like cleaning decks or walls.

Additionally, gas-powered pressure washers are often more durable because they don’t contain as many components that can break down over time.

Electric Powered Pressure Washers One of the best things about electric models is that they’re often lighter and easier to carry around. You can easily lift one end high enough to clean a fence or wall without issue.

Additionally, electric pressure washers are usually quieter and cheaper than their gas-powered counterparts. Therefore, you may be able to find an excellent unit for under $100 or $200. As you can tell, the benefits of gas and electric pressure washers vary depending on your needs.

Pressure Washer Pump

At the core of a pressure washer is the pump. It’s what makes all that water move to create an intense spray, and it can make or break your cleaning experience depending on its quality level.

A good pump can lift water up to 50 feet, and it’s designed for durability. That said, there are two types of pumps: axial and triplex.

Axial Pumps

These work like a plunger–they use pistons that move back and forth to push the water through your pressure washer hose with high-pressure force. Axial pumps are incredibly efficient and effective at removing tough stains. Still, they also tend to be loud compared to triplex models.

Triplex Pumps

These work like an injection pump in a car engine: water is drawn into the pump and then forced out through your pressure washer hose with high-pressure force. Triplex pumps are quiet compared to axial models, but they aren’t quite as effective at removing tough stains.

Gas Vs Electric Pressure Washer

So what’s the difference between electric and gas pressure washers?

It all comes down to convenience versus efficiency. Electric units are elementary to use. They plug into a standard electrical outlet for power and have a long power cord, so you don’t have to worry about running out of gas during your cleaning session.

These pressure washers are also very quiet and require minimal maintenance. Still, they’re not as powerful or effective at removing tough stains as their gas-powered counterparts.

PSI & GPM of Electric-powered machines: Around 2000 PSI and 1.5 GPM

On the other hand, there’s nothing quite like using a good gas pressure washer. Gas-powered washers are compelling and efficient at removing tough stains.

Still, they require more work on your part since you’ll need to buy gasoline, mix in some engine oil (or add it if the gas is premixed), and tune up the equipment every so often. Gas-powered units are also very loud compared to electric models–much louder.

PSI & GPM of Gas-powered machines: Around 3000 PSI & 2 GPM

However, gas-powered pressure washers are also the more portable option because you can easily carry them to wherever they’re needed–hook up a hose and go! Electric units aren’t as mobile since they need to be plugged into an outlet or extension cord for power.

Cost: The average price of a gas range is between $500 and $1,000. Electric models are considerably less expensive; the most basic model costs about $150.

Advantages of Gas Pressure Washers

Gas-powered pressure washers are significantly more powerful than electric ones. They’re also very mobile and can be used anywhere you need them to go–hook up a hose or two wherever needed, start up the engine, and get cleaning!

Gas-powered models are often less expensive since they don’t require electricity (though you will have to buy gasoline).

Disadvantages of Gas Pressure Washers

Regardless of whether gasoline is more cost-effective than engine oil, you’ll end up spending far more overtime on gasoline. Besides, gas-powered pressure washers are considerably louder than electric versions.

That can be a problem if you’re looking to clean in the middle of the night or early morning without disturbing anyone else around you. They require far more maintenance and tune-ups compared to their corded counterparts too, which means you’ll have to spend more time keeping them in good working condition.

Advantages of Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers are also easy to use–plug them into a standard electrical outlet, and you’re good to go! They typically have longer hoses to reach higher places without any issues. Plus, electric models don’t require gasoline or engine oil for power–you need to plug them into the nearest outlet.

They’re also reticent compared to gas-powered models. And they’re great for cleaning delicate surfaces–gasoline can damage wood or other sensitive materials in your home.

Disadvantages of Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers are less powerful than gas models, so they’re not the best choice if you need a strong stream or blast of water for tough stains or thick grime that’s built up over time. They’re also not as mobile since you need to be near an electrical outlet or extension cord for them to work.

They won’t reach high places like gas-powered pressure washers, either. As a result, electric units are often more expensive than their counterparts. However, they will require far less maintenance and tune-ups over time.

Which Type of Pressure Washer Is Best: Gas vs. Electric?

Electric and gas pressure washers serve the same purpose–they’re designed to blast away dirt, grime, stains, grease, and other buildups. But their similarities stop there! For example, electric models are powered by electricity (you need a nearby outlet or extension cord), while gas-powered units typically require gasoline.

Which type of pressure washer is best?

That will depend on your personal preference and the types of stains you need to clean up.

Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washing: Which One Is Better for You?

Now that we’ve covered some of the fundamental differences between gas-powered and electric pressure washers, it’s time to discuss which type is better for your own needs. As you can see, both types have their strengths and weaknesses–there is no “one size fits all” option here!

Gas pressure washers are more powerful, so they’re great for tough stains or thick grime that’s built up over time (mainly if you use them regularly). But they require an open space to work correctly (you’ll need to use a hose), and they make more noise than electric models.

Electric pressure washers are mobile (no long hoses here!), but their cords can be cumbersome if you’re not near an electrical outlet or extension cord! They’re also less powerful, so don’t expect the same type of stream as gasoline-powered units have.

You can also choose between cleaning your own home or hiring a professional to do the job. Otherwise, use an electric pressure washer rental if you don’t want to purchase one). Of course, you’ll spend more on fuel for gas-powered models. Still, they’re often less expensive in general–electric units are usually pricier.

Electric models are quieter and more mobile (no long hoses here). As a result, they’re great for delicate surfaces like wood or siding. Gasoline can damage these materials, though, so you’ll want to think carefully before choosing one over the other.

Battle of the Pressure Washers

Which One Wins?

Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washing: They Both Have Their Benefits

Neither electric nor gas pressure washers is perfect, but they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Electric models are less expensive, while gasoline-powered units require fuel to run. Depending on the situation, both types of pressure washers can be loud or inconvenient. But what about the actual cleaning power?

Electric pressure washers are less powerful compared to their counterparts. So they’re not ideal if you need a strong stream or blast of water for tough stains or thick grime that builds up over time.

Gasoline-powered units will provide more power (and handle more challenging jobs). Still, electric models don’t require fuel–and they’re much quieter than their counterparts.

Pressure Washers: What to Look for and Our Favorite Models

A pressure washer’s primary function is to shoot water at high pressure—all of the machines we tested met those criteria and performed as expected. As a result, we discovered that technical features differentiated the best power washer models in power washer reviews beyond pressure and flow rates.

Some were simply more user-friendly than others. Please continue reading to discover what we learned and determine which electric pressure washer is ideal for you.

Heavy-duty gas-powered pressure washer