If you’re looking to buy a pressure washer, you might be asking yourself if gas or electric pressure washers are better. After all, they both serve the same purpose, so what makes one better than the other? This guide will walk you through each type of pressure washer and help you figure out which one is best for your needs. You can’t go wrong with either choice but knowing all the facts about both options will give you an edge in the decision-making process.
What Are Gas Pressure Washers?
Pressure washers that use gasoline or diesel fuel to provide energy are called gas pressure washers. Gasoline and diesel engines are significantly more powerful than electric motors. They can generate enough power to operate a wide range of attachments, clean large areas in a single trip, and deliver impressive results.
In addition, they don’t require cords or extension cords to get power from a power outlet. If you’re looking for a pressure washer that has a lot of muscle and can clean everything from asphalt driveways to decks and patios with speed and ease, a gas-powered model is most likely your best choice.
What Are Electric Pressure Washers
Electrical pressure washers are exactly what they sound like; machines that use electricity to run instead of gas. Electrical pressure washers are less powerful than gas-powered washers but easier to maneuver and quieter. That being said, gas pressure washers can have a much longer runtime due to their power source compared to electrical ones.
Gas-powered washers also produce a lot more pollution because of how dirty it makes fuel a byproduct. If you want a machine that’s environmentally friendly, an electric pressure washer is for you! The general drawback with electrical pressure washers, though, is that they have shorter runtimes and can be limited by bad weather.
Gas vs Electric Pressure Washers – Let’s Discuss The Distinct Factors
So which one should you buy, gas or electric? The choice comes down to what features are most important to you. If your priority is durability and quietness in addition to cleaning power, then go with an electric unit. On the other hand, if portability and convenience are more of a priority for you, then go with a gas pressure washer.
Whatever your decision is in choosing between these two options, just be sure that whichever type of pressure washer that you select meets your cleaning needs well. To help you make a better decision, let’s take a closer look at each individual option.
Build Quality: Gas Pressure Washers Vs. Electric Pressure Washers
Gas pressure washers tend to be more powerful than electric pressure washers, often at lower prices. Because gas is an ideal fuel for engines (it is easy to transport and has a high energy density), you can expect your gas-powered pressure washer to work for longer periods of time than its electric counterpart. However, not all gas-powered pressure washers are made with quality in mind. If you’re planning on using your new power washer for extended periods of time or on commercial projects, then you will want to ensure that it is built with quality parts that will last. Some higher-end models also come equipped with features like self-purging systems and engine alerts, which only add to their value over time.
For a long time now, people have been switching from gas to electric pressure washers due to their ease of use and maneuverability. Although they are not as powerful as gas pressure washers, they have increased in power over time. An electric pressure washer can also operate off any extension cord you would want to plug it into – that means that there is no need for a heavy-duty gasoline engine with all its moving parts. In most cases, an electric pressure washer will be able to do just about everything a gas-powered unit can do – but probably not as fast or efficiently. However, with today’s latest technology advances in batteries and motor technology, power has increased dramatically.
Maneuverability: Electric Pressure Washers vs. Gas Pressure Washers
Electric pressure washers have a lot going for them, but their biggest downfall is that they’re not very maneuverable. The length of your extension cord will play a huge role in how far you can get from your electrical source. If you have to drag an extension cord around with you while you’re cleaning, it can be a serious chore—not to mention; if you run into any difficult terrain, it could cause problems. The length of an electric power cord and your ability to move quickly and easily throughout your work area is something that should be strongly considered when making your decision between gas and electric pressure washers.
When it comes to maneuverability, gas pressure washers tend to be on top. With that said, if you’re planning on using your pressure washer for large jobs, you may want to go with an electric one. Although gas pressure washers are easier to move around than their electric counterparts, maneuvering one across a concrete parking lot or around trees and bushes can be inconvenient and challenging. Plus, some of them are big and bulky so storing them is out of the question unless you have plenty of space in your garage or shed. On top of that, they’re very loud, which means they can’t be used early in the morning or late at night when your neighbors might get annoyed.
Durability: Electric Pressure Washers Vs. Gas Pressure Washers
When it comes to durability, electric pressure washers are generally thought of as weaker. This is because they don’t have an engine or gasoline tank, so some parts are lighter and not as durable as those on gas pressure washers. However, electric pressure washers still provide more than enough pressure to complete most tasks around your home, especially since you probably won’t be using them every day. For occasional cleaning, an electric washer will work just fine for you.
Gas-powered pressure washers are often more durable than electric models. They last longer and can typically deal with more use before breaking down. Their engines also tend to be tougher than their electric counterparts, requiring less service over time, which means you’ll spend less on maintenance. Over time, you may end up saving hundreds of dollars on repairs by investing in a gas pressure washer. Gas models are definitely built to last! A 10-year warranty is also common for gas-powered units, giving you peace of mind knowing that your investment won’t wear out after only a few years of use.
Efficiency: Electric Pressure Washers vs. Gas Pressure Washers
When you look at gas pressure washers, you must factor in their fuel cost as well. In some areas where electricity is extremely expensive, electric pressure washers can prove to be more cost-effective for those who have large gardens or deal with a lot of dirty outdoor equipment. However, if your use is not so demanding or if you’re on a budget and power rates are low, a gas-powered pressure washer could be a better choice for you. It all boils down to how much water pressure and cleaning power you need.
Gas pressure washers are more efficient in terms of running costs and in terms of battery life. Gas pressure washers don’t have a lot of parts that need to be replaced, which means you can spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time cleaning your property. Your gas pressure washer is ready for use in minutes once it has been filled with fuel, so it’s a very convenient option when you need to tackle a large cleaning project quickly. In addition, gas-powered washers tend to last longer than electric models because they don’t contain any delicate moving parts; they can take more of a beating, and they aren’t prone to wear and tear.
Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers – Which Is Better?
They’re both very effective, but they each have their pros and cons. In general, gas pressure washers are going to give you more power and a wider array of uses. As a result, if you need to use your washer for a lot of different jobs, a gas-powered model is going to be preferable.
They also offer a wider range of PSI ratings and can go from cleaning cars to busting through tough grime on garage floors with ease. However, since most people only really clean their cars on occasion, an electric model may be just fine for your needs. If that’s all you plan on using it for, then buying one will save you money over time.