Suggestions for a reliable/budget electric pressure washer?

C

cpufreak3

New member
Looking to get a pressure washer and foam cannon, and wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions?



I looked at some Karcher and Husky ones in stores, but the reviews online are across the board.



Essentially, I need something that's:



1. Reliable - don't want it to break down after minimal usage or need to change parts

2. Reasonably priced - looking to spend around $100, don't need anything too fancy

3. Easily compatible with foam cannons - would like to avoid buying adapters



For the 3rd point, how many different type of attachments are there? Should I try and buy a PW with a specific nozzle for optimal foam cannon compatibility? Thanks
 
Budget and reliable contradict each other when it comes to electric pressure washers. You need to spend >$500 if you want something to last more than 2-3 years. The only other alternative is to buy something from Costco and bring it back when it dies, which it will.
 
Hah, that's what I thought.



I don't really know if it's worth $500+ for a personal pressure washer, just for my car.



I'm not going to use it for anything else, just really like that it can create a thick layer of foam
 
I've been through several electrics and they were a crapshoot. The quality was just a mess. Yet, my last purchase was a Husky and it's has been doing well for a couple years now. It has two onboard tanks for detergents, etc. I fill one with a car wash soap and the other with an APC. The unit does a great job of foaming. It has a spray nozzle that allows for normal water pressure, half pressure (900psi) or full pressure (1800psi). It also came with a three year warranty so an added extended warranty purchase was not needed.



So far I am happy with it.





Husky Powerwasher

H2000S_2009_big.jpg
 
Thanks guys.



I decided I'm just going to buy a foam gun.



I don't think it's worth it to buy a pressure washer and have to worry about getting a new one or replacement parts every year, when it's not a big necessity.



Also, I did check craigslist, but a lot are the low-rated electric ones, or a few hundred+.
 
I went through a few till I got a NorthStar electric from Northern Tool. It was $449.00 and well worth it. If you're doing any detailing - weekend warrior or whatever, the power washer will pay for itself. Plus, it's handy around the house too.
 
jfelbab said:
I've been through several electrics and they were a crapshoot. The quality was just a mess. Yet, my last purchase was a Husky and it's has been doing well for a couple years now. It has two onboard tanks for detergents, etc. I fill one with a car wash soap and the other with an APC. The unit does a great job of foaming. It has a spray nozzle that allows for normal water pressure, half pressure (900psi) or full pressure (1800psi). It also came with a three year warranty so an added extended warranty purchase was not needed.



So far I am happy with it.





Husky Powerwasher

H2000S_2009_big.jpg
Click to expand...





I have the same one, I love it, especially the wheel well wand it came with! The dual tanks are a bonus, but it uses soap really fast. I'm 100% sure it won't make it past year 3 though!
 
yakky said:
I have the same one, I love it, especially the wheel well wand it came with! The dual tanks are a bonus, but it uses soap really fast. I'm 100% sure it won't make it past year 3 though!
Click to expand...



You do have control of that by how far you turn the dial on the front of the machine. In the full open mode it goes through soap fast but I set it about half way and it is much better. That extra angle wand is a nice touch and it makes for easy salt removal of the undercarriage too.



I use the Husky for a lot of things besides cars. I still do 1-2 cars a week, beside my own, but I also have three large decks on my home to keep clean plus a 1,000 gallon pond surrounded by huge limestone blocks and a large granite fountain in front of my home that I pressure wash every spring. The Husky works for hours at a time and so far it has held up way better than I had expected. (Hope I didn't just jinx myself, LOL.)
 
jfelbab said:
You do have control of that by how far you turn the dial on the front of the machine. In the full open mode it goes through soap fast but I set it about half way and it is much better.
Click to expand...



I find that if I water down the soap and leave it at full open I get way better foaming and still use the same amount of soap in the end, though at the cost of having to fill #1 every other car I wash.
 
yakky said:
I find that if I water down the soap and leave it at full open I get way better foaming and still use the same amount of soap in the end, though at the cost of having to fill #1 every other car I wash.
Click to expand...



Hadn't thought of that approach. What soap are you using? I've tried a bunch and settled in using Meg's Shampoo Plus. Lots of thick foam. Great presoak.
 
Whatever I have too much of...lol. Right now its TW Platinum. Gold Class was foaming a lot better.
 
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