This design allows the plug to be normal size and thus able to fit into any outlet, even if something else is plugged in nearby or if it’s an exterior outlet with a cover. In our test group, many other pressure washers had the GFCI built directly into the plug end, making it gigantic and either tedious or impossible to deal with when we had to plug in each washer. With extra-large wheels, a long hose, a high-end induction motor, and a well-designed GFCI plug, this Ryobi model is the most user-friendly electric pressure washer. For gas models, leaving the unit running without spraying water can overheat and damage the pump. Models with a thermal-pump protection, however, can reduce the risk.
This is a convenient feature, and we’re surprised that more washers don’t come with something similar. The connection is the same as on the other nozzles, so the RY is fully compatible with surface sprayers and other add-ons, including individual spray tips, should you want them. The Ryobi RY operates at 3,100 psi and Champion Power Equipment has a flow rate of 2.3 gpm, which works out to a CU of 7,130. Generally speaking, those numbers indicate that the gas Ryobi cleans twice as fast as the electric one. Many pressure washers, particularly those at lower prices, come with plastic wands that have a twist adjustment for you to change the spray pattern.
Similar to the Briggs & Stratton model, the Westinghouse has a stainless-steel wand with brass connectors that easily and securely attach to the wand and four nozzle tips. It also has a 25-foot power cord and 35-foot inlet hose, which doesn’t get tangled up when moving around because it’s made of braided nylon. The Westinghouse does have a hard-plastic body, which accounts for its light weight, but it’s been equipped with a carbon-brush motor that delivers an intense pressure flow. Additionally, the RY is gas powered, and as with any gas model, a good deal of maintenance goes along with that.
Many pressure washers had unique features like a hose reel, little baskets, spray wand rests, multiple spray tips, and other little features we tried out on-site. We didn’t lug all six washers to each location, but testing out each unit multiple times was sufficient to put it through its paces and get a real feel for cleaning with it. Similarly, if you only need to clear some cobwebs and get rid of mold on the porch, do you need 3200psi of gas power? Power isn’t always the answer, you should consider the most efficient solution that requires the least maintenance if you’re an average homeowner. Plus, remember that gas pressure washers can’t be operated indoors because they emit CO. Even if we’re restricting ourselves to just electric, too much pressure can be an issue.
Gas powered units are usually bigger in size and produce more PSI and more GPM, allowing you to clean faster than corded or electric units. Before choosing a pressure washer, it’s very important that you calculate its cleaning unit. This will Champion Power Equipment tell you how powerful that washer is compared to similar washers. This is another important technical spec you should look out for when shopping for a pressure washer. The water flow rate is measured in GPM short for gallons per minute.
This means buying a portable gas can and a trip to the gas station. In the paint-removal test, the Sun Joe showed that it can’t really remove paint. It performed better than The Force and AR Blue, but it was not really effective sun joe spx 3000 if this is something you’re looking to regularly do. Just like the other electric pressure washers we tested, this unit gets into some dips where it just loses all pressure, and you have to wait for it to build back up.