A pressure washer is an essential tool for every household. Not only can you use one to get rid of the stains from your sidewalk, garage floor, or outdoor furniture, you can also get special attachments that can help you with a range of other chores, like cleaning your gutter, for example. But there are so many choices in the Lowe’s catalog that choosing the right can feel like a challenge.
Some of the more important specifications in a Pressure Washer are the Pressure Rating (PSI), Gallons per minute, hose length and diameter. A range of nozzles, each suitable for a different purpose, is also helpful. And since you’d move these around, a set of sturdy wheels are a must.
In this article, we will be looking at the seven best pressure washers available in the Lowe’s catalog. You should know that there are basically two categories of pressure washers: Gas and electric. In this article, we will be looking at both.
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Karcher K5 Premium Electric Pressure Washer (2000 PSI)
The Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure is the best medium-duty electric pressure washer in the Lowe’s catalog. It is perfect for medium-duty household chores like cleaning the patio, cleaning the garage floor, cleaning the fences, etc.
This pressure washer comes with a special patented 13-amp induction motor, which, according to the manufacturers, can increase the overall lifespan of the pressure washer by five folds. The motor is water-cooled and is capable of generating an output of 2000 PSI and 1.2 GPM. The Karcher K5’s axial cam pump is built for extra durability with features like anti-corrosion.
One of the cool things about this pressure washer is its wands: the Vario Power Spray wand and the DirtBlaster® spray wand. The former makes it possible to adjust between high pressure and detergent without the need to change the nozzle. The latter offers extra cleaning power, with the ability boosted up by 80%. This can be particularly helpful in removing tough stains.
This pressure washer comes with a built-in detergent tank for extra convenience. The 7.8-inch mobility wheels make it easier to move it around. Furthermore, the Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure comes with detachable transport handles. This makes moving it around very convenient.
Specifications
- Type: Medium-Duty Electric Pressure Washer
- Pressure Rating (PSI): 2000
- Gallons per Minute: 1.4
- Amperage: 13 Amps
- Hose Dimensions: 25 feet long & ¼ inch diameter
- Weight: 32lbs (14.5kg)
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Detergent Tank: Included (Single Tank)
- Warranty: 2 years
Sun Joe SPX3500 Electric Pressure Washer (2300 PSI)
With a pressure rating of 2300 PSI and 1.48 gallons per minute capacity, the Sun Joe SPX3500 Electric Power Pressure Washer is the best heavy-duty electric pressure washer in the Lowe’s catalog. This washer is perfect for cleaning your home, garage, truck, car, boat, patio, and driveway, among other things.
The high PSI is capable of dealing with the toughest stains and is powered by a surprisingly cool and quiet 13-amp/2000W brushless induction motor. The Sun Joe SPX3500 also comes with a Total Stop System (TSS), which automatically turns off the unit’s pump when the trigger isn’t being pulled. This not only helps the SPX3500 save energy, but it also prolongs the life of the pump.
The Sun Joe SPX3500 comes with five different nozzles: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap. This versatility of the nozzles allows you to switch between the sharp pencil point spray of the 0° to the wider spray of the 40°. The soap nozzle can be used to spray the detergent. And speaking of soap, this unit also comes with a built-in 40.6 fl. oz. detergent tank so that you always have your soap with you.
Specifications
- Type: Heavy-Duty Electric Pressure Washer
- Pressure Rating (PSI): 2300
- Gallons per Minute: 1.48
- Amperage: 13 Amps
- Hose Dimensions: 20 feet long & ¼ inch diameter
- Weight: 36.8lbs (16.7kg)
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Detergent Tank: Included (Single Tank)
- Warranty: 2 years
Simpson CM60912 Clean Machine Gas Pressure Washer (2400 PSI)
The Simpson Clean Machine (CM60912) is the first gas pressure washer on our list, and at 2400 PSI, it already has a higher output than the most powerful Electric Pressure Washer we reviewed. The PSI is also complemented by a higher gallons per minute output: 2. This is facilitated by ‘the Clean Machine’s’ 149cc Overhead valve (OHV) engine that comes with a large enough recoil for an easy startup and its axial cam pump by OEM Technologies.
The Clean Machine comes with a 149cc OEM OHV engine and an axial cam pump by OEM Technologies. It features three spray nozzles: 0°, 25°, and soap. Other features include a built-in 1-gallon soap tank so that it’s easy to carry the detergent around when you’re cleaning. The spray gun has an ergonomic design and a threaded M22 connection. This makes this unit particularly easy and comfortable to handle.
This gas pressure washer unit comes pre-assembled, meaning you won’t have to waste any time trying to figure out how to assemble it. The exterior is made of steel which has been powder coated so as to ensure maximum corrosion resistance. Also, its fold-up design means that this unit can be conveniently stored when it isn’t being used. Finally, the Clean Machine comes with 6-inch mobility wheels that never go flat.
Specifications
- Type: Medium-Duty Gas Pressure Washer
- Pressure Rating (PSI): 2400
- Gallons per Minute: 2
- Engine Series: Simpson
- Engine Displacement: 149cc
- Hose Length: 25 feet long
- Fuel Capacity: 0.24 gallons (0.9 liters)
- Engine Oil Capacity: 13.5 oz.
- Weight: 43lbs (19.5kg)
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Warranty: 2 years
Craftsman 3000 Max PSI Gas Pressure Washer (3000 PSI)
With an output rating of 3000 PSI and 2.5 gallons per minute, the Craftsman 3000 Max PSI Gas Pressure Washer is ideal for everything ranging from your everyday household cleaning to some intensive cleaning. The Craftsman 3000 Max is another Pressure Washer that has been certified by the Pressure Washer Manufacturers Association (PWMA).
This unit features a 190cc engine by Briggs and Stratton® and comes with “Idle Down” technology. This technology helps reduce the fuel consumption of the unit by turning the pump down when the trigger isn’t being pulled. This also helps make its engine about 40% quieter than other pressure washers in the same range.
Other great features of the engine are its ‘ReadyStart®’ and ‘Just Check and Add™’ technologies. With these features, the Craftsman 3000 Max’s engine requires no prime or choke and you will virtually never have to worry about changing the oil. The axial cam pump of this unit features ‘Easy Start™’ technology. This ensures an easy startup and a higher pressure output.
This pressure washer features four nozzles: 0°, 15°, 40° and soap, and a half-gallon onboard soap tank to carry your soap around. This unit comes with 10-inch mobility wheels that, according to the manufacturers, never go flat. This makes it easy to move this 48lbs unit around and across a range of terrains.
Specifications
- Type: Heavy-Duty Gas Pressure Washer
- Pressure Rating (PSI): 3000
- Gallons per Minute: 2.5
- Engine Series: Briggs & Stratton
- Engine Displacement: 190cc
- Hose Length: 30 feet long
- Fuel Capacity: 0.3 gallons (1.1 liters)
- Engine Oil Capacity: 20 oz.
- Weight: 48lbs (21.7kg)
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Warranty: 3 years (limited)
SIMPSON MegaShot MSH3125 Gas Pressure Washer
The Simpson MegaShot MSH3125 Gas Pressure Washer is another great heavy-duty pressure washer by Simpson. This unit comes with Honda’s 190cc GC190 engine, which is famous for its high-quality build and easy startup. The unit also comes with an axial cam pump by OEM Technologies that features thermal relief.
This pressure washer features a 25 feet hose and five different types of nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap. Each of these is appropriate for different cleaning purposes. The 0°, for instance, produces a pencil tip stream of water while the 40° produces a wider spray. The overall exterior build of the unit is sturdy. It consists of a welded steel frame that has been powder coated for extra corrosion resistance and durability.
At 72lbs, the SIMPSON MegaShot MSH3125 Gas Pressure Washer is a heavy unit. The 10-inch premium wheels make it a lot easier to move it around. The 3200-PSI Simpson MegaShot is a perfect pressure washer for cleaning patios, outdoor furniture, walls, etc.
Specifications
- Type: Heavy-Duty Gas Pressure Washer
- Pressure Rating (PSI): 3000
- Gallons per Minute: 2.5
- Engine Series: Honda
- Engine Displacement: 187cc
- Hose Length: 30 feet long
- Fuel Capacity: 0.3 gallons (1.1 liters)
- Engine Oil Capacity: 19.5 oz.
- Weight: 48lbs (21.7kg)
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Warranty: 3 years (limited)
Greenworks GPW1602 Electric Pressure Washer (1600 PSI)
The Greenworks GPW1602 Electric Pressure Washer is the best low-duty electric pressure washer in the Lowe’s catalog. This pressure washer has been certified by the PWMA (the Pressure Washer Manufacturers Association). As a consumer, what this means for you is that this pressure washer can deliver a performance that has been guaranteed by experts on the field.
The GPW1602 operates on a 13-amp electric motor that can generate an output of 1600 PSI and 1.2 GPM. This is suitable for most low-demanding household cleaning jobs like cleaning the porch, the garage, cars, windows, etc.
This pressure washer comes with two nozzles: a 40° and a Turbo nozzle. Furthermore, it also features an interchangeable wand. This light-weight pressure washer also features 5-inch mobility wheels, which makes moving this device around much easier.
Other notable features include an attachable detergent tank. This allows you to carry your soap with you, saving you from the trouble of having to run to and fro for the detergent. Furthermore, the GPW1602 also features a built-in storage space, which is great for storing the pressure wands, the nozzles, etc.
Specifications
- Type: Light-Duty Electric Pressure Washer
- Pressure Rating (PSI): 1600
- Gallons per Minute: 1.2
- Amperage: 13 Amps
- Hose Dimensions: 20 feet long & ¼ inch diameter
- Weight: 14.5lbs (6.5kg)
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Detergent Tank: Included (Single Tank)
- Warranty: 1 year (limited)
Simpson PS4240 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer (4200 PSI)
The Simpson PS4240 PowerShot is the last and most powerful Pressure Washer on our list. The PS4240 PowerShot is truly an extra heavy-duty gas pressure washer. It is ideal for high-end cleaning tasks like graffiti removal, wood restoration, desk cleaning, etc. This beast of a unit features an output rating of 4200 PSI at 4 gallons per minute.
The Simpson PS4240 PowerShot comes with Honda’s 389cc GX390 engine. This engine features a low oil shutdown feature that automatically shuts the unit down when it is low on oil. This helps improve the unit’s durability. It also features a AAA industrial triplex plunger pump that features “PowerBoost” Technology. This helps give the PS4240 its massive pressure output.
The Simpson PS4240 PowerShot comes with a long 50-inch hose, which is a relief given its massive 138lbs weight. This unit also comes with five nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap. This allows for a more versatile cleaning.
This unit comes with a pair of sturdy 13-inch mobility wheels. These well-built tires make it easier to move the 138lbs unit around any terrain. Given that it is a heavy unit, the Simpson PS4240 PowerShot also features a much more extensive warranty plan compared to the other units.
Specifications
- Type: Extra Heavy-Duty Gas Pressure Washer
- Pressure Rating (PSI): 4400
- Gallons per Minute: 4
- Engine Series: Honda
- Engine
- Displacement: 389cc
- Hose Length: 50 feet long
- Fuel Capacity: 1.4 gallons (5.3 liters)
- Engine Oil Capacity: 37.12 oz.
- Weight: 138lbs (62.5kg)
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Warranty: 3 years (limited)
How to Pick the Perfect Pressure Washer
The first thing you need to consider when picking a pressure washer is which type you want:
- Electric Pressure Washer: They are usually lighter, less expensive, and quieter than gas models. But they are also less mobile and have a lower pressure output. They are ideal for small to medium scale cleaning tasks (windows, cars, patio furniture, etc.)
- Gas Pressure Washer: These are heavier, more expensive and louder than electric pressure washers. They usually have a higher pressure output and, as such, are ideal for bigger jobs like cleaning walls, patios, etc.
Once you’re decided on which of these two types you want, there are a couple of more things you need to consider:
Cleaning Power
Depending on their PSI rating, pressure washers are broadly categorized into three types. (The higher the PSI rating, the more capable the washer is dealing with the tougher stains.)
- Light-Duty: PSI rating of 1300 – 1900
- Medium-Duty: PSI rating of 2000 – 2800
- Heavy-Duty: PSI rating over 2800
Nozzle Types
There are various interchangeable nozzles that come with pressure washers, each suitable for a different type of cleaning. Broadly speaking, there are five categories of these nozzles:
- 0° Nozzle (Red): This nozzle produces a concentrated and powerful pencil tip stream of water.
- 15° Nozzle (Yellow): This nozzle is most commonly used for heavy-duty tasks like cleaning of the patio, or graffiti removal.
- 25° Nozzle (Green): The 25-degree nozzle is used for general purpose cleaning.
- 40° Nozzle (White): This nozzle produces a wide spray of water and is ideal for cleaning the large surfaces of vehicles, boats, walls, etc.
- Soap/65° Nozzle (Black): The Soap nozzle is a low-pressure nozzle used to apply soap.
Conclusion
We just reviewed four of the best electric and four of the best gas pressure washers in the Lowe’s catalog. We reviewed washers with a Pressure rating ranging from 1600
PSI to a massive 4400 PSI.
Depending on where and for what purpose you intend to use these devices, you need to look into the Gallons per Minute output, the hose length, the nozzle types, weight, and the ease of mobility of these devices. An onboard soap tank is also a huge plus, as that would mean you won’t have to worry about carrying the detergent with you. A good warranty plan is also a plus.