Electric vs. gas
Electric pressure washers are lighter, quieter, and easier to start. They suit light, occasional tasks — patio furniture, small decks, bikes, and light siding rinses.
Gas pressure washers deliver more pressure and flow, run anywhere without an outlet, and handle larger or dirtier jobs like driveways and fences. They are louder, heavier, and need more maintenance.
Understanding PSI and GPM
Pick the machine by the job, not by the biggest number. More pressure than a surface needs simply increases the risk of damage.
Multiply PSI by GPM to get Cleaning Units — a rough way to compare two machines’ overall cleaning power.
Rough task guide
- Light duty (1,300–1,700 PSI) — patio furniture, bikes, small surfaces
- Medium duty (1,800–2,800 PSI) — decks, fences, siding, patio
- Heavy duty (2,800+ PSI) — driveways, concrete, second-story surfaces
Matching the machine to your tasks
Before buying, list the surfaces you actually plan to clean and how often. A homeowner cleaning a driveway twice a year has very different needs from someone maintaining a large property weekly.
Also consider accessories — a surface cleaner attachment, the right nozzles, and a long enough hose often matter more than raw pressure for getting good results.
