Powerwashers

[fakebusiness 129]

Going to buy a powerwasher as gift to my BOL for Xmas. I've only ever had a gas powered one but have been looking around at electric ones (didn't even know those existed until today) since I don't think he's capable of maintaining something with a combustion engine 😔. 

Tl;dr:what are the best electric powerwashers for <$300? How do they compare to gas a powered one?

For your time:

[Updawg 2239]

I bought a craftsman electric a while ago. It works well. No dealing with an engine

[52-80 18962]

i have a nilfisk.  all the people who are into car detailing says theyre good.  the competitive karcher uses some sort of plastic components while nilfisk uses brass.  its a bit loud but works well

[RPM 26073]

I bought a lot of Ryobi electric washers at Richie Bros. Kept 1 and sold the others. Netted a couple shekles. Nice cold water washer.

Edited December 11, 2020 by RPM
Tapahell

[Guest Lobo]

FWIW, I bought a mid-level Karcher almost 15 years ago.  Use it a couple times a year and it has held up great.  I wish it was a little more powerful as the driveway, every few years, does take a long while to complete...but between the myriad attachments and settings...there aren't many jobs it can't do.  It has a lower setting that takes care of buildup on some of my stucco in back.  But the stone up front, all the patios/porches, it does the job well.  It's electric obviously.  I don't use it that frequently, loaned it out a few times.  But I endorse it because it's a good performer and it's lasted a helluva long time...guess you could say that about all my ladies.  

[Handcruser 2799]

Electric ones work great. I’ve got a ryobi and no problems so far.

FYI: Home Depot uses the cheapest ryobi one ($99) around their stores and out front. They love them, and that’s what sold me.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-2-000-PSI-1-2-GPM-Electric-Pressure-Washer-RY141900/205566055


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[VirginiaLonghorn 4717]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-2-300-PSI-1-2-GPM-High-Performance-Electric-Pressure-Washer-RY142300/300405751
 

I’ve had a Toro power washer for years. But, infrequent use really made its motor upkeep a pain.  Winterizing compounded that.

So, I bought a Ryobi 2300 PSI electric power washer last spring.  It did a nice job on my annual deck cleaning, as well as a couple of lesser tasks.  Much lighter and easier to maneuver.

Wish I’d switched from gas powered sooner.

P.S.  Nice bait ... you know the audience. 😎

Edited December 11, 2020 by VirginiaLonghorn

[fakebusiness 129]

1 hour ago, Handcruser said:

Electric ones work great. I’ve got a ryobi and no problems so far.

FYI: Home Depot uses the cheapest ryobi one ($99) around their stores and out front. They love them, and that’s what sold me.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-2-000-PSI-1-2-GPM-Electric-Pressure-Washer-RY141900/205566055


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As long as this can powerwash a driveway I'll pick this one up thanks.

[fakebusiness 129]

1 hour ago, VirginiaLonghorn said:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-2-300-PSI-1-2-GPM-High-Performance-Electric-Pressure-Washer-RY142300/300405751
 

I’ve had a Toro power washer for years. But, infrequent use really made its motor upkeep a pain.  Winterizing compounded that.

So, I bought a Ryobi 2300 PSI electric power washer last spring.  It did a nice job on my annual deck cleaning, as well as a couple of lesser tasks.  Much lighter and easier to maneuver.

Wish I’d switched from gas powered sooner.

P.S.  Nice bait ... you know the audience. 😎

Probably get this one for myself.

[Handcruser 2799]

As long as this can powerwash a driveway I'll pick this one up thanks.

Yes wrecks shop in that dept.


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[horn4life 3748]

Depends on what you want to do?  Hell you can clean a driveway with a tooth brush if you want to. I went with a gasoline powered model because I was remodeling a house and wanted to be able to clean the house for paint prep, and clean driveways and garage floors.  I got a Ryobi that was like 3100 psi and 2.3 GPM, similar to this Ryobi 3300 psi/ 2.3 GPM and it kicks ass. DO I use 3100 psi all the time?  Nope, but I use about 2000 PSI with a MUCH larger spray pattern that save me an enormous amount of time.  This is especially handy then trying to spray underneath eaves and things I don't want to hop on a ladder for (or use a longer heavier extension). I also liked the integrated multi- spray pattern nozzle so I did not have to keep up with separate tips

Here is the one thing that I would buy as an accessory, because it makes more a MUCH BETTER finished product when trying to clean decks or other large flat surfaces. Home Depot doesn't carry this model anymore but jsut get something rated for your washer's pressure capacity.  The advantage one decks and driveways is twofold. First you are able to clean much more thoroughly, much more quickly.  Secondly you simply do not get the streaking you get from using a nozzle spray.  I would never do another deck or driveway without one.  Ryobi makes a cheapie low pressure unit for like $20-$30.

[fakebusiness 129]

19 minutes ago, horn4life said:

Depends on what you want to do?  Hell you can clean a driveway with a tooth brush if you want to. I went with a gasoline powered model because I was remodeling a house and wanted to be able to clean the house for paint prep, and clean driveways and garage floors.  I got a Ryobi that was like 3100 psi and 2.3 GPM, similar to this Ryobi 3300 psi/ 2.3 GPM and it kicks ass. DO I use 3100 psi all the time?  Nope, but I use about 2000 PSI with a MUCH larger spray pattern that save me an enormous amount of time.  This is especially handy then trying to spray underneath eaves and things I don't want to hop on a ladder for (or use a longer heavier extension). I also liked the integrated multi- spray pattern nozzle so I did not have to keep up with separate tips

Here is the one thing that I would buy as an accessory, because it makes more a MUCH BETTER finished product when trying to clean decks or other large flat surfaces. Home Depot doesn't carry this model anymore but jsut get something rated for your washer's pressure capacity.  The advantage one decks and driveways is twofold. First you are able to clean much more thoroughly, much more quickly.  Secondly you simply do not get the streaking you get from using a nozzle spray.  I would never do another deck or driveway without one.  Ryobi makes a cheapie low pressure unit for like $20-$30.

Yeah I'll get this as an attachment:

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-12-in-2-300-PSI-Electric-Pressure-Washers-Surface-Cleaner-RY31012/306343083

 

Trying to find a better built one as there is no way a $20 piece of plastic is going hold up. Why does everything have to a plastic chinese pos? I will pay a premium for quality if you let me.

[hornbri 1345]

30 minutes ago, fakebusiness said:

Yeah I'll get this as an attachment:

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-12-in-2-300-PSI-Electric-Pressure-Washers-Surface-Cleaner-RY31012/306343083

 

Trying to find a better built one as there is no way a $20 piece of plastic is going hold up. Why does everything have to a plastic chinese pos? I will pay a premium for quality if you let me.

I have the first one linked and one like this (but I am pretty positive I paid much less for it) - https://www.amazon.com/EDOU-Pressure-Attachment-Extension-Replaceable/dp/B08N11F9H4/ref=sr_1_17_sspa?crid=HWDA2U0KG98P&dchild=1&keywords=power+washer+accessories&qid=1607724070&sprefix=power+was%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-17-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNkNXNFFBRE1DMlBRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDA5Mjc0MzJKTk8zSVpaUERKRCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDQxMDgxM1RENDFQV0tCSUc0MiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0Zl9uZXh0JmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

54 minutes ago, horn4life said:

Depends on what you want to do?  Hell you can clean a driveway with a tooth brush if you want to. I went with a gasoline powered model because I was remodeling a house and wanted to be able to clean the house for paint prep, and clean driveways and garage floors.  I got a Ryobi that was like 3100 psi and 2.3 GPM, similar to this Ryobi 3300 psi/ 2.3 GPM and it kicks ass. DO I use 3100 psi all the time?  Nope, but I use about 2000 PSI with a MUCH larger spray pattern that save me an enormous amount of time.  This is especially handy then trying to spray underneath eaves and things I don't want to hop on a ladder for (or use a longer heavier extension). I also liked the integrated multi- spray pattern nozzle so I did not have to keep up with separate tips

Here is the one thing that I would buy as an accessory, because it makes more a MUCH BETTER finished product when trying to clean decks or other large flat surfaces. Home Depot doesn't carry this model anymore but jsut get something rated for your washer's pressure capacity.  The advantage one decks and driveways is twofold. First you are able to clean much more thoroughly, much more quickly.  Secondly you simply do not get the streaking you get from using a nozzle spray.  I would never do another deck or driveway without one.  Ryobi makes a cheapie low pressure unit for like $20-$30.

A agree with all this. I have both a electric one and a gas one and I use the gas one much more often, you can clean so much more much faster. 

[horn4life 3748]

To get a metal interior you are gonna be in the $60 range.  Again, if you are buying for yourself you will at times want for the additional power/time saving of the larger units.  Only thing I might buy is an extension wand.  As I have a buddy how has been very generous letting us use their house in Port A, and inviting us down over the years.  I told them they have free pressure washing for life.  

The only other suggestion I have is absolutely, fucking positively, without question is to wear shoes.  I fucked up.  I had used the Surface cleaner attachment for a couple hours and took it off, to do some stairs.  I did not realize the tension ring in the middle of the wand had become loose over the day.  I stepped down, the wand tilted at the loose middle and swung towards my toe.. Good study for identifying the layers of dermis!

.

Edited December 11, 2020 by horn4life

[Guest Lobo]

I'm glad your toe ring took the brunt of the injury.  

[Gil Bang 25505]

I've got the "greenworks" from Lowes, and it's quite good.  $150 range. 

[fattyflattie 4631]

On 12/11/2020 at 4:07 PM, horn4life said:

I would never do another deck or driveway without one.  Ryobi makes a cheapie low pressure unit for like $20-$30.

I've got gas and a ryobi electric.  The elec is plenty for smaller jobs.  But this is essential for cleaning driveways/flat surfaces.  I went 15+ years doing without; what a waste of time on my part.

[Jerry Callo 8626]

I have a Simpson Cleaning 80165.  I will never do flatwork without it again.  Bought one for my FIL as well.

[fakebusiness 129]

Anyone use a Makita pressure washer? Their stuff has always lasted for me and I have a knack for things made in Japan (some not all their stuff is manufactured there) as they don't seem to break. Only ones I can find to purchase though are overseas.