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Gas pressure washer models can be much more effective than their electric counterparts on tough stains, cleaning large areas, and heavy-duty tasks like removing exterior paint. Understanding where and when each pressure washer works best is key to choosing the right unit.
We used gas pressure washer reviews and user experience to critically examine the features of today’s high-performance models and select some of the best gas-powered pressure washers for your home or business.
- BEST OVERALL: Simpson Cleaning 95002 Mobile Trailer Pressure Washer
- RUNNER-UP: Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Westinghouse WPX2700 Gas Pressure Washer
- BEST PROFESSIONAL: Simpson Cleaning ALH4240 Aluminum Gas Pressure Washer
- BEST FOR HOME USE: BlueBery 3,500-PSI Gas Pressure Washer
- BEST FOR CARS: Champion Power Equipment Gas Pressure Washer
- BEST FOR DECK & PATIO: Simpson Cleaning MS60763 Megashot Gas Pressure Washer
How We Chose the Best Gas Pressure Washers
Our recommendations for the best gas pressure washer include a variety of sizes and types to meet the average user’s needs. The best gas pressure washer is useful for homeowner activities like yard cleanup, vehicle cleaning, and exterior paint removal.
We narrowed our recommendations to focus on pressure washers designed for use by DIYers and reviewed the popular options and brands that met our criteria for portability and durability. We also considered intended use, cleaning performance, motor power, and additional features like an onboard tank and wand extension.
While electric pressure washers are compact and simple to use, a gas model is the best type of pressure washer for large areas and heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Our favorite models include a variety of options regarding price, performance, and portability. It’s worth spending time considering each of the important features needed for a particular project to maximize the chance of finding the best gas pressure washer for your needs.
Our Top Picks
It’s time to look in detail at some of the best gas-powered pressure washers. Our list of top picks considers manufacturer reputation and value for money so you can find the best gas pressure washer in each category.
Best Overall
Simpson Cleaning 95002 Mobile Trailer Pressure Washer
Heavy-duty pressure-washing demands a heavy-duty tool. For residential or commercial use, rely on the Simpson Cleaning mobile trailer pressure washer. This powerful washer is certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and compliant for towing with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM); it creates 4,200 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure.
Made with a CAT industrial triplex plunger pump, this model has a monster 100-inch-long by ⅜-inch-wide kink- and abrasion-resistant hose with quick-connect fittings and a polyurethane outer jacket to resist wear and tear. Plus, this model has five interchangeable nozzle heads for different uses: 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 40 degrees, and a soap blaster.
The 12-inch premium six-ply tires can withstand bumps and road travel thanks to the help of the 2,000-pound single-axle construction.
Product Specs
- Water pressure: 4,200 psi
- Gallons per minute (GPM): 4.0
- Weight: 630 pounds
Pros
- DOT certified and NATM compliant for commercial or residential use
- Rugged construction with 12-inch premium 6-ply tires and a 2,000-pound single axle
- Delivers 4,200 psi at 4.0 GPM for high-pressure cleaning jobs
- Includes 5 quick-connect nozzle tips: 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees, plus a soap blaster
Cons
- May be too much for some users or light-duty household projects
Get the Simpson Cleaning 95002 gas pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Sam’s Club.
Runner-Up
Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
The Simpson MegaShot is an extremely popular gas pressure washer for household jobs, rivaling the pick for the top spot on this list. The pressure washer’s chunky 10-inch pneumatic tires deliver better all-surface mobility, and its rugged construction makes it well suited to commercial applications and DIY use.
The superb Honda 190cc motor on this Simpson cleaning machine gives it the power to consistently deliver 3,200 psi at 2.5 GPM. A maintenance-free pump makes it easy to look after. The MegaShot comes with five quick-connect nozzle tips, including one for soap application as well as 25 feet of high-pressure non-marring hose.
Product Specs
- Water pressure: 3,200 psi
- GPM: 2.5
- Weight: 66 pounds
Pros
- 10-inch pneumatic tires allow for portability and maneuverability while in use
- Rugged construction; heavy-duty welded steel frame provides excellent longevity
- Delivers 3,200 psi at 2.5 GPM for effective cleaning, even during heavy-duty use
- Includes 5 quick-connect nozzle tips for convenience and added versatility
Cons
- Does not ship to California, which may not be convenient for some users
Get the Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 gas pressure washer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Westinghouse WPX2700 GaS Pressure Washer
Westinghouse manufactures both gas and electric pressure washers and has 50 years of experience making these machines. An overall great pick, this best budget gas pressure washer has a class-leading 212cc 4-stroke engine that’s easy to start, despite its larger-than-average size. The WPX2700 produces 2,700 psi at 2.3 GPM.
The spray gun on this model can be fitted with one of four quick-connect nozzles, one for soap delivery and three for different spray patterns. It connects to the pump via 25 feet of abrasion-resistant hose. At half a gallon, the detergent tank is big enough to tackle large areas without frequent refills. A weight of 63 pounds combined with 12-inch wheels also makes it very maneuverable.
Product Specs
- Water pressure: 2,700 psi
- GPM: 2.3
- Weight: 63 pounds
Pros
- Includes 4 quick-connect nozzles; 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees and a soap blaster nozzle
- ½-gallon onboard soap tank for streak-free cleaning on vehicles and windows
- California Air Resources Board (CARB)-compliant design meets current emission standards
Cons
- Larger than the average size of a gas pressure washer
- Hose is just 25 feet; may not have as much reach as other pressure washers
Get the Westinghouse gas pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Best Professional
Simpson Cleaning ALH4240 Aluminum Gas Pressure Washer
This gas pressure washer from Simpson has a 390cc Honda engine and produces 4,200 psi of pressure at 4.0 GPM. Rather than the standard axial pump, this model uses a triple-plunger version with ceramic-coated pistons for extended life.
Reinforcing the heavy-duty nature of the Simpson cleaning machine is 50 feet of tough, high-pressure hose attached to a 31-inch spray wand. The pressure washer includes a choice of five nozzles. Despite all this power from a large machine, the lightweight aluminum frame and 13-inch pneumatic tires make this pressure washer surprisingly manageable.
Product Specs
- Water pressure: 4,200 psi
- GPM: 4.0
- Weight: 133 pounds
Pros
- Triple-plunger design and ceramic-coated pistons provide a powerful stream for intense cleaning
- Reinforced construction is durable enough to withstand heavy-duty use
- 50-foot hose and 31-inch-long wand provide ample reach for spraying windows, cars, and more
- 5 nozzles included; 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees as well as a soap blaster
Cons
- Heavyweight construction may be tricky to maneuver for some
Get the Simpson Cleaning ALH4240 gas pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Acme Tools.
Best for Home Use
BlueBery 3,500-PSI Gas Pressure Washer
Choosing the best gas pressure washer for home use is difficult because homeowners’ needs vary. However, with its powerful 212-cubic-centimeter (cc) motor delivering 3,500 psi and 2.6 GPM, this BlueBery model can easily tackle common household challenges including cleaning brickwork, fences, and driveways.
A selection of four angled nozzles and one for soap means it’s not all about heavy-duty output—the BlueBery also can clean cars or patio furniture. At 80 pounds, it is rather heavy, but 13-inch pneumatic tires boost mobility and can handle all kinds of surfaces. Additionally, 50 feet of high-pressure hose gives it much greater reach than similar models, so it needs to be moved less often. The generous 1-gallon soap tank can run longer between refills, too.
Product Specs
- Water pressure: 3,500 psi
- GPM: 2.6
- Weight: 80 pounds
Pros
- 212cc motor makes pressure washer suitable for brickwork, fences, cars, patio furniture, and driveways
- Multifunction nozzle has 0-degree, 15-degree, 25-degree, and 40-degree tips plus a soap blaster
- 13-inch pneumatic tires are durable enough for transporting and maneuvering the machine
- 50-foot high-pressure hose provides ample reach while spraying
Cons
- Heavyweight construction may be hard for some users to maneuver
Get the BlueBery gas pressure washer at Amazon.
Best for Cars
Champion Power Equipment Gas Pressure Washer
Frequent warnings of dire consequences exist for those who clean cars with a gas pressure washer. However, as long as a low-pressure nozzle is chosen, there should be no problem. This Champion model has an advantage: While it isn’t focused on maximum power, it offers effective cleaning, particularly for cars, trucks, quads, and RVs.
A 224cc motor drives a maintenance-free axial pump delivering water from a 25-foot high-pressure hose at 3,100 psi and 2.2 GPM. Four nozzles provide varying spray intensities, plus there’s one for soap. A 1-gallon soap tank can clean even the largest vehicles without constant refilling.
Product Specs
- Water pressure: 3,100 psi
- GPM: 2.2
- Weight: 69 pounds
Pros
- Delivers 3,100 psi at 2.2 GPM; suitable for commercial or residential applications
- 1-gallon soap tank is perfect for cars, large yard tools, and more
- 25-foot high-pressure hose is ideal for washing high windows
Cons
- Not as heavy-duty as other models; best suited to light-duty tasks
Get the Champion Power Equipment gas pressure washer at Walmart, Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Acme Tools.
Best for Deck u0026 Patio
Simpson Cleaning MS60763 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
The MS60763 MegaShot model is known for reliability. Its Kohler motor produces 3,100 psi and 2.4 GPM. It includes 25 feet of high-pressure hose and connects to a spray gun that comes with five interchangeable nozzles.
This Simpson cleaning machine is an outstanding tool for decks, driveways, garage floors, and more. The resilient powder-coated steel shell combines a stiff-bristled edge with a pair of rotating stainless steel jets. Together they cut through dirt with great efficiency and leave a virtually streak-free finish. For substantial surface areas that need to be cleaned regularly, this is a worthy choice.
Product Specs
- Water pressure: 3,100 psi
- GPM: 2.4
- Weight: 64 pounds
Pros
- Kohler engine is reliable for heavy-duty use as well as small-scale tasks
- 25-foot high-pressure hose included; suitable for cleaning high windows
- Tough powder-coated steel shell and dual stainless steel jets
Cons
- Users have reported various manufacturing defects
- Hose coil and wand rest need adjusting during use
Get the Simpson Cleaning MS60763 gas pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Sam’s Club.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Gas Pressure Washer
While most gas power washers deliver higher performance than their electric counterparts, many are still aimed squarely at general-purpose home and yard use. At the other end of the scale are heavy-duty professional machines. Understanding the following features will help you select the best gas-powered pressure washer for home use options based on tasks you undertake regularly.
Intended Use
It’s important to use a pressure washer for the right types of cleaning jobs. Though many gas pressure washers have considerable flexibility, they sometimes have too much power. In general, gas pressure washers are tools for outdoor tasks.
Medium-duty models can be used for vehicle cleaning, though using an appropriate accessory like a car-cleaning wand is a good idea. A residential pressure washer is a great choice for cleaning siding and brickwork and removing grease and oil from decking, paths, garage floors, and elsewhere.
Some pressure washers can strip rust and flaking paint before refinishing and even remove graffiti. In essence, gas pressure washers are for cleaning hard surfaces: those that can withstand the force of the water jet that’s generated.
Cleaning Performance
A gas pressure washer’s cleaning performance can be compared using three measurements: pounds per square inch, gallons per minute, and cleaning units (CU).
- PSI is the actual water pressure a unit generates. Higher numbers mean a stronger jet and, thus, greater ability to cut through dirt and grime. If starting with a high psi, it can usually be turned down. Low psi, which can be a challenge with an electric pressure washer, limits the jobs that can be done.
- GPM is the volume of water flow the pressure washer can supply. More gallons per minute usually indicate the ability to clean larger areas. However, both psi and GPM are interdependent to some extent. If there is high psi but low GPM, a powerful jet of water still is possible, but it will be very thin and thus of limited use.
- CU is simply the multiplication of psi with GPM. As such, it’s not a performance indicator on its own but can be used to give an overall comparison among models. It’s more often quoted on electric pressure washer units (possibly because the figures are impressive) but is of limited practical value.
Motor
Gas pressure washers almost invariably use 4-stroke (also called 4-cycle) engines. Those with 2-stroke engines have their advantages on tools like chainsaws, but gas pressure washers don’t need to run as fast.
With top-rated gas power washers, a 4-stroke motor provides more reliability, lasts longer, runs more quietly, and produces lower emissions. With the stringent California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations and increasingly strict EPA restrictions, several gas pressure washer manufacturers now use the term “50-state” to indicate that their low-emission motors comply with all current regulations.
The actual size of the gas engine is given in cubic centimeters (cc). However, two motors of the same size can produce different amounts of power, so it’s useful to check horsepower (HP) as well.
Though most manufacturers produce trustworthy motors, names like Briggs & Stratton, Honda, and Kohler have particularly strong reputations for reliability and durability. Their motors are often used by other brands of gas-powered washers.
Portability
The ability to move a gas pressure washer around is a major factor. The smallest models weigh around 60 pounds, so you may be able to lift them without too much difficulty, although these units always have wheels.
Wheel types include solid plastic wheels on low-cost gas pressure washers, hard rubber tires on midrange units, and pneumatic tires on the largest machines. On big, heavy machines, the tires help spread the load and make it easier to maneuver on various surfaces.
Additionally, consider the hose length from the machine to the spray gun. Though 25 feet is common, some hoses are up to 50 feet. If greater mobility is needed, connect a heavy-duty garden hose from the water supply to the pressure washer. The selected garden hose must be able to handle at least 500 psi.
Additional Features
Whereas electric pressure washers sometimes need a separate bucket for detergent, many top-rated gas pressure washer options have an onboard tank. If considering a heavy-duty model, capacity is a feature to check.
All machines come with a spray gun, which may or may not have a wand extension. There will be several quick-connect nozzles (usually between four and six) that provide for soap delivery and offer different spray patterns.
Other attachments may include a hard surface cleaner or one for vehicle bodywork. Separate accessories from independent manufacturers are widely available, but be sure to check the connector size if considering these.
Some minor assembly of a gas pressure washer may be required, and tools are almost always included. A few models even include a small amount of engine oil to get the user started.
Tips for Using a Gas Pressure Washer
Using a modern gas or electric pressure washer is not complicated, but it’s always worth reading the owner’s manual thoroughly to gain a complete understanding of your machine. It’s important to know how to turn it off quickly if there is a problem.
- Always consider safety: Never point a pressure washer at yourself or anyone else. Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Consider where debris from heavy-duty cleaning operations will go. For example, when cleaning a driveway, it’s easy to accidentally spray surrounding dirt or gravel a considerable distance, endangering people, pets, and windows.
- Only use approved cleaning products for gas or electric pressure washers. Bleach and other harsh chemicals can eat into internal seals and ruin the machine.
- Even the best gas motors need periodic maintenance to maximize their working life. It’s not difficult, and manufacturers provide instructions.
- Check the pressure adjustment before each task. Don’t assume the machine is how you last left it.
FAQs
The information above should provide a thorough understanding of the key issues affecting the performance and durability of the top gas-powered pressure washers. However, a few questions may remain, and answers to some of the most popular questions appear below.
Q. What can I clean with a gas pressure washer?
You can clean all kinds of things, from cars and trucks to driveways, decks, some types of patio furniture, vinyl siding, and brickwork. As long as you can adjust the pressure to the task, the most powerful gas pressure washer options can tackle many different surfaces.
Q. Do gas pressure washers require oil?
Yes. Oil is vital for lubrication and cooling. Two-stroke models use an engine oil and gas mix. Four-stroke machines have separate tanks for oil. It’s important to follow the directions in the owner’s manual, or you risk damaging the machine.
Q. What kind of gas does a gas pressure washer use?
Regular unleaded gas is generally recommended. Some will run off 10 percent ethanol or 15 percent MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether). Again, check the owner’s manual.
Q. How do I set up a gas pressure washer?
Generally, setting up a gas pressure washer is a straightforward process. Connect the hose and spray gun, add fuel and oil, run water to prime, then pull the cord to start. Each machine may have minor differences, so reading the instructions is vital for proper operation.
Q. How long does a gas pressure washer usually last?
There are many variables, so offering an accurate time frame is difficult. Some manufacturers provide a rating in hours. If properly maintained, anywhere from 500 to several thousand hours is possible.
Q. What is a good PSI for a gas pressure washer?
For either home or professional use, gas pressure washers with 1,300 to 2,400 psi provide the best results.
Q. Are gas pressure washers better than electric ones?
Though electric pressure washers are more eco-friendly, gas pressure washers are more powerful due to higher flow rates and water pressure making them suitable for heavy-duty projects and tasks.
Q. How many PSI do I need to clean concrete?
As concrete has a tough texture and is easy to stain, a high psi of 3,000 or more is required to clean it properly.
Q. How loud is a gas pressure washer?
Though they are effective, gas-powered pressure washers are noisy. The average model is over 85 decibels or louder during operation, which is as loud as a leaf blower. Hearing protection should be used if you intend to use a gas pressure washer for an extended period.
Q. How do you properly recycle an old gas pressure washer?
As with most indoor and outdoor equipment, recycling a gas-powered pressure washer should be done at a local recycling plant or junk-removal service.
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