Do you choose an electric or a petrol pressure washer?
When choosing between an electric and petrol pressure washer, it’s important to consider your needs. If you’re only going to use the machine occasionally such as cleaning your own car a couple of times per month, then an electric model may be sufficient. But if you plan on using it regularly or for tougher jobs, a petrol pressure washer may be a better choice.
Understanding the power of your pressure washer – petrol and electric
No matter which type of pressure washer you choose, understanding the three main performance factors – wattage, HP (depending on power source), psi and flow rate – is essential.
Understanding electric pressure washer power
Wattage is a measure of the machine’s power. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the pressure washer. pressure washers with a higher wattage can clean surfaces more quickly and easily.
Psi, or pounds per square inch, is a measure of the machine’s pressure. pressure washers with a higher psi can remove tougher stains and dirt.
Flow rate is a measure of the amount of water the pressure washer can output. pressure washers with a higher flow rate can clean larger areas more quickly.
Understanding petrol pressure washer power
If you choose a petrol pressure washer, understanding the machine’s horsepower is also important. Horsepower (hp) is a measure of the engine’s power. The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the engine and the quicker it can clean surfaces.
To sum up, when choosing between an electric and petrol pressure washer, consider your needs. If you plan on using the machine regularly or for tougher jobs, a petrol pressure washer may be a better choice. But if you only need to use the machine occasionally, an electric model may be sufficient.
No matter which type of pressure washer you choose, understanding wattage, psi, flow rate and horsepower is essential to getting the most out of your machine.
PRO’S of petrol pressure washer
- They are more powerful- able to remove the toughest of stains and dirt
- They are more mobile- you can take them anywhere without having to worry about an electrical outlet
- They are more durable- built to last longer and stand up to tougher cleaning jobs
- They are less expensive- over time, you will save money by investing in a petrol pressure washer
- They offer a higher level of customisation- you can find a model that fits your specific needs and preferences
CON’S of petrol pressure washer
- They are louder- the engine can be quite noisy, which may not be ideal for some people
- They require more maintenance- you will need to regularly check and change the oil, as well as keep an eye on other parts of the machine
- They can be difficult to start- if you don’t have a lot of experience with them, it can take a few tries to get the engine going
- They emit fumes- petrol pressure washers produce harmful fumes that can be dangerous to your health
- They are not as environmentally friendly- petrol engines release emissions that can damage the ozone layer and contribute to air pollution.
PRO’S of electric pressure washer
- They are quieter- electric pressure washers don’t have an engine, so they make much less noise
- They are easier to maintain- there are no oil changes or other complex maintenance tasks required
- They are easy to start- just turn them on and you’re good to go
- They are more environmentally friendly- electric pressure washers don’t produce any emissions, so they are better for the environment
- They are lighter weight- most electric pressure washers weigh less than 20 pounds, making them easy to carry around.
CON’S of electric pressure washer
- they require a constant power source – meaning you’ll be tethered to an outlet while you clean
- they aren’t as powerful as petrol models – meaning some stains and dirt might be tougher to remove
- they can be less durable – meaning you might have to replace your electric pressure washer more often
- they can be more expensive – meaning you’ll have to spend more money upfront for an electric pressure washer
- they offer fewer customization options – meaning you might not be able to find an electric pressure washer that perfectly fits your needs.
OUR TOP CHOICES FOR ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHERS:
On a budget
Min Range
Top range domestic
OUR TOP PETROL PRESSURE WASHER CHOICES:
Our conclusion
Electric pressure washers have many advantages over petrol pressure washers. They are cheaper to operate and maintain, and they emit no fumes. Electric pressure washers also tend to be lighter and more portable than petrol models.
However, petrol pressure washers have a few advantages of their own. They typically have more power than electric models, making them better suited for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. And because they don’t need to be plugged into an outlet, they can be used anywhere.
Ultimately, the best pressure washer for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a powerful machine that can handle tough cleaning jobs, a petrol pressure washer is probably the better choice.
If you require a pressure washer for your mobile valeting business take a look at our how to start a car wash business guide to help further. If you need a pressure washer for more commercial uses, please check out our pressure washing business guide.
But if you’re looking for a lighter, more portable machine that’s easy to use and won’t break the bank, an electric pressure washer is probably a better option. Whichever type of pressure washer you choose, make sure to read the reviews before making your purchase to ensure you’re getting a quality machine that will suit your needs.
