Contrary to popular belief, pressure washers are not a recent invention. The first pressure washer was invented in the mid-1920s. Over the years, manufacturers have designed and produced multiple categories of pressure washers. However, gas and electric washers are the most common category. This post discusses the differences between gas and electric pressure washers.
The differences between gas and electric pressure washers
Below are the core differentiating elements between gas and electric pressure washers;
1. PSI
PSI, known in full as Pressure per Square Inch, refers to the amount of pressure at which the water flows out of the pressure washer. One of the primary differences between gas and electric pressure washers is the PSI. Electric washers have a standard PSI of around 1500 to 2000 because of the strength of their electric motors.
On the other hand, the standard PSI for gas pressure washers is between 2800 to 4000. This is relatively higher than that of electric washers. This is because their motors are stronger.
2. Applications
Electric washers are mainly used for everyday cleaning applications. For instance, most people who purchase electric pressure washers are homeowners who intend to use them for general cleaning tasks like washing outdoor chairs, grills, cars, sports equipment, and cars. These applications are mostly associated with the fact that they have a lower PSI and are portable.
On the other hand, gas pressure washers are generally used for larger and more complex tasks. For instance, they are used to clean walkways, driveways, parking lots, and other industrial applications.
3. Cost
Since electric pressure washers have a lower PSI, motor strength and are used for lighter applications, they are naturally cheaper. Their low price allows average users like homeowners to afford them. The average cost of an electric washer is between 90 to 180 dollars.
On the other hand, gas pressure washers are more expensive. This can be attributed to their design and increased power compared to their electric counterparts. The average cost of a gas pressure washer is between 200 to 500 dollars. This makes it harder for people to purchase them for general applications. For this reason, most people who purchase gas pressure washers are professional cleaning service providers.
4. Maintenance
Maintaining electric washers is easier. This is especially the case because their designs are not usually complex.
On the other hand, gas pressure washers are harder to maintain. This is because they require constant maintenance checks. They also need frequent gas refiling. This makes them even more expensive compared to electric washers.
Conclusion
When determining the better option between electric and gas pressure washers, the wiser thing to do would be to consider the differences, advantages, and disadvantages. Now that you understand the differences, you should look into the advantages and disadvantages. This is the key to making an informed and wise decision. It will also help you determine the product that is worth investing in. You should also know that both products are great cleaning tools. However, it depends on the type of application.
