Power Washer Guide?

I am looking for a guide or wisdom of any kind to determine what type of power washer I should buy. The primary use is for cleaning the gunk off my house (first time owner) and if it's able to be used on the truck than great.

Electric vs Gas?

How much PSI is too much for siding?

Is this a "get what you pay" for piece of equipment?

I've read a bit on the HF ones and they seem to be OK.

I'd like not to break the bank, but if something is far superior then I don't mind spending extra money. I'd like to be in $300 range.

 

I recently bought the following and I am happy.

Ryobi
2,000 PSI 1.2-GPM Electric Pressure Washer
$179 at home depot

I am not a big fan of gas-operated tools. As you know, gas-operated ones would be more powerful, but starting, cleaning, maintaining could be a headache (to me).

My contractors are doing repair/improvement on my house and I used the power washer to clean their mess on the concrete deck for a few times. It was powerful enough. I could move small stones and mud from one point to the other point, though it could not remove the green stuff on the concrete very well - my house is on the beach. I believe if your goal is cleaning the exterior of the house, electric one should be enough.

You do not need to worry about too much if you are going to damage the house structure/surface. You will probably get a few different nozzles (Ryobi provided 3) for different purposes.

 

I went for 3100 psi as for the price and brand I figured it would be hard to beat. From costco for $270.

https://www.costco.com/PowerStroke-...-Electric-Start-Engine.product.100338562.html

I had a cheap electric one and after the issues I had with it I'd always go with a gas powered one from now on.

 

I saw they had a great deal on the one at costco the other day - almost bought it. Happy with it?

 

No issues with it. I have it on a battery tender at my shop and it fires up first time every time. Comes with a bunch of different nozzles.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FSJ8GZ8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got this about 6 months ago and hasn't failed me yet and I've put this thing through the ringer from washing the driveway to a car.

This one has settings that can adjust to you needs. Also it has the benefit of using soap to wash down the truck.

 

The only thing with gas ones that I've seen is that the hose can touch the engine and burn a hole. Northern tools is a great place for replacement parts and hoses from 25' to 100'

 

I'd go with a gas one. I bought this one a while back and it's done everything I need.

Karcher G2700 Gas Power Pressure Washer, Performance Series, 2700 PSI, 2.5 GPM

https://www.amazon.com/Karcher-Power-Pressure-Washer-Performance/dp/B01BMB3SNQ

 

Thanks everyone. I forgot to add I have a Lowe's GC to use so I'll probably settle on something from their store.
I do appreciate everyone linking the products. It gives me some idea on what to look for, and what's a the price range for different models.

 

Frequency of use matters.

Frequent users who need power should have a gas one. Not much risk of fuel gum up, hard starting, etc.

2x a year homeowners blowing dust and spiderwebs off the house can use electric fine and save the hassle of tinkering with the gas one.

Got a big job every 5 years, like prepping to paint? Rent a gas one.

Flat surfaces like driveways and pool decks? You need one of these bad boys anyway. Cuts the time way down from just a plain pressure wash.

http://www.homedepot.com/tool-truck-rental/Surface-Cleaner/AW-7020-8004/

 

I burnt a small electric one up once because I used it too long. Go for the gas. It also gives ou more flexibility.