Choosing the best pressure washer in 2020

High pressure washers, in the opinion of a common man in the street, are mainly used for washing cars, but the range of tasks for cleaning surfaces that can be solved using this equipment is much wider - it is also cleaning the facades of buildings, windows, floors, sidewalks, swimming pools, garden tools, agricultural appliances and other surfaces with and without detergents. Site editorial office "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/»Will tell you about the selection criteria and present a rating of the best pressure washers in 2020.

How it works and what it is for

When we say the phrase “Pressure washers "associatively the name of the manufacturer pops up in my head “Kärcher ”, but it is not the only manufacturer of this equipment.

Almost all manufacturers of hand-held professional and household power tools and gasoline tool have in the line of manufactured equipment devices for cleaning surfaces with a jet of water under high pressure. Let's try to figure out what's what in simple human language.

From the school physics course, we remember that a liquid is not compressible. Thanks to this property, creating excess pressure and transmitting it over a distance without noticeable losses in the hydraulic system is not a matter complex. When the shut-off valve is opened, all potential pressure energy in the hydraulic system is converted into kinetic energy, that is, into the water flow rate. Further, meeting a contaminated surface on its way, the kinetic energy of the water flow is converted back into the potential impact energy and the surface is cleaned from contamination.

Different settings of the nozzle of the washing gun allow you to use a thin jet of water at a high speed for effective cleaning from heavy dirt, or use the maximum spray flow to achieve maximum results in rinsing detergents from the surface using a small amount of water.

What is it for? First of all, for the best result in cleaning the surface from dirt. Secondly, and this is also not unimportant, for saving water.

According to experts, when cleaning the surface with a high-pressure washer, 7 times less water is used than when using water from the water supply network (water pressure in the water supply network is approximately 4 bar).

Criteria for choosing a pressure washer

To choose a pressure washer, you need to decide for what purpose it is purchased.

• Operating pressure

The main indicator is the working pressure generated by the pump. The higher this indicator, the more effective the process of cleaning the surface from contamination. On the other hand, the higher the pressure, the more loaded the pump parts, the higher the requirements for water treatment and the higher the cost of the equipment itself.

The working pressure indicator ranges from 4 to 500 bar, but for household sinks, this figure can range up to 200 bar.

• type of drive

According to the type of drive, there is equipment with an electric drive and a drive from a gasoline engine. The drive from a gasoline engine entails an increase in weight, dimensions and cost of equipment and is advisable for use in conditions of inaccessibility of the electrical network. Electric car washes, in turn, are subdivided into equipment for a network with a voltage of 12 V (on-board voltage of the car network), 220/230 V (voltage of a household electrical network) and 380/400 V (industrial voltage).

• Water supply

By the type of water supply, they are divided into devices with the ability to take water from any container (not under pressure) and devices with a connection to the system water supply with excess pressure.

It must be understood that a small container raised to a height two or three meters, from which water will be supplied to the device by gravity, may not provide the water pressure necessary to push through the pre-filter, which, in turn, will lead to a break in the flow during the operation of the sink, airborne, overheating and failure of the pump.

• Water heating function

There are devices with pre-heating of water and the possibility of using steam. This function allows you to remove contamination with oils and petroleum products (diesel fuel, tar, bitumen, frozen fat) without the use of special detergents.

Water heating can be carried out using electricity or using hot water gas, diesel or petrol boilers. When heating water with electricity, direct-flow water heaters are used. Their advantage is in small dimensions and the ability to use it in closed rooms, but this method of heating is possible in devices with low water consumption, since electric tens will not be able to quickly heat a large volume of water. The use of gas, diesel or gasoline boilers for heating practically removes restrictions on water consumption, but the use of such sinks in closed rooms is possible only with good forced ventilation.

If the sink does not have a heating function, then the manufacturer, as a rule, sets a limit on the temperature of the water used. Failure to comply with this limitation can lead to overheating of the pump and drive electric motor, their quick breakdown and expensive repairs.

• Completeness

Even when choosing a sink, you can focus on its completeness. If you are fond of hunting or fishing, or you often have to move along country roads, then the presence of a mud cutter in the kit will not be superfluous. Mud blaster, with all its formidable name, is a replaceable nozzle for a washing pistol, which spins the water stream flowing out at high speed in a spiral. This allows you to increase the efficiency of cleaning the surface of any complexity of the relief from pollution.

If you are the owner of a large SUV or a truck, then 6 meters of a high-pressure hose will obviously not be enough for you (to completely wash the car, you will have to constantly move the device itself). It is worth thinking about this in advance and purchasing an additional sleeve that easily fits with the standard high-pressure sleeve with a quick-disconnect fitting, or ask the seller to complete the high pressure hose of the length you need.

Top manufacturers

Company “Kärcher ”is the undisputed leader in the Russian market for high pressure water jet cleaning. The history of this German company dates back to 1935. The company produces the entire line of sinks from household to industrial. In addition, the company produces a full range of chemicals used in the process of cleaning surfaces. A large and convenient service support network has been created.

STIHL is a German family business with over 90 years of history. And although pressure washers are not the main product of this company, it has an extensive line of manufactured equipment of this type that will satisfy the needs of any customer.The well-known reliability of STIHL equipment and the company's focus on increasing the durability of its products, along with an extensive network of service centers, allows us to say with confidence that the purchase of a STIHL car wash is a good purchase.

The Huter company is a company from Germany known for its electrical equipment, primarily power generators. This is a relatively young company. The first Huter plant began operations in 1979. Along with other electro and gasoline tool, Huter manufactures pressure washers. In the line of car washes from this manufacturer, there are no professional car washes and devices powered by the car's on-board network, but this does not prevent the brand from remaining popular. The main advantage of Huter sinks is their low cost and decent quality.

Nilfisk is a Danish company founded back in 1906 and is one of the largest manufacturers of professional cleaning equipment. Despite its focus on the production of equipment for commercial and industrial use, the company does not forget about the people who are ready to purchase a pressure washer for personal use. The company has a number of proposals with a decent set of additional equipment for various types of cleaning at an affordable cost.

Rating of the best pressure washers in the price category up to 10,000 rubles

KARCHER K 2 Compact

Compact household electric sink, designed for a voltage of 220/230 V. Maximum pressure 110 bar, water consumption 360 l / h. Washing without heating the water, the maximum permissible water temperature at the inlet is +40 C. Water is supplied from any container through the connection to the garden hose 3⁄4 inch. The water level must be higher than the sink to avoid airing pumps. RVD length: 4 m. The set includes a mud cutter. Model weight 4 kg with overall dimensions (HxWxD) 44.3x28x17.6 cm. Water filter included.

The average price of KARCHER K 2 Compact is 7 194 rubles.

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STIHL RE 88

It is the lightest and smallest model in the STIHL range. The sink is intended for personal use. Operates from an electrical network with a voltage of 220/230 V. Maximum pressure 120 bar, water consumption 520 l / h. The main feature is the pump body made of aluminum, the pump pistons are made of metal. These features increase the reliability and durability of the device. Washing without heating, the maximum temperature of the water used is +40 C. It is possible to work with a pressureless water supply from barrels and tanks. The 6 m high pressure hose is stored in a holder on the body of the sink. The kit includes a mud blaster. Model weight 8.9 kg. Complete with water filter. Power cord length 5 m.

Average price STIHL RE 88 - 9 490 rubles.

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Huter W105-P

Small-sized portable sink, powered by an electrical network with a voltage of 220/230 V. Maximum pressure 105 bar, water consumption 342 l / h. The design feature of this sink is a metal pump and forced air cooling of the drive electric motor, which undoubtedly prolongs the service life of the device. The maximum temperature of the water used is +50 C, which is slightly higher than that of competitors. High pressure hose 5 m long. Power cord length 5 m. There is a holder for storing the hose and power cord. Water intake from any container is possible. The kit includes foam generator... Model weight: 5.3 kg.

The average price of the Huter W105-P is 4 410 rubles.

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Nilfisk-ALTO Compact C 105.7-5

Small-sized portable sink from a manufacturer of professional cleaning equipment, powered by an electrical network with a voltage of 220/230 V. Maximum pressure 105 bar, water consumption 440 l / h. The sink is equipped with an aluminum pump and an automatic start / stop system, which avoids breakage due to mistakes in use. The maximum temperature of the water used is +40 C. High-pressure hose 5 m long. Power cord 5 m. There is a holder for storing the hose and power cord. Model weight: 5 kg.

Average price of Nilfisk-ALTO Compact C 105.7-5 - 5 055 rubles.

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BOSCH EasyAquatak 120

Mini washer from a renowned manufacturer, operating from a network with a voltage of 220/230 V. Maximum operating pressure - 120 bar, water consumption - 350 l / h. It is the most economical car wash in its class in terms of working pressure / water consumption. There is a self-priming function that allows you to use any container with water. The device is protected by an automatic stop system. The maximum permissible temperature of the used water is +40 C. High-pressure hose 5 m long. Power cord: 5 m. There is a holder for storing high pressure hose. Model weight: 5 kg. The main thing and undeniable the advantage of this model over competitors is a 730 days (2 years) manufacturer's warranty.

Average price BOSCH EasyAquatak 120 - 6 115 rubles.

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Rating of the best pressure washers in the price range from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles

KARCHER K 4 Full Control

The advantages of this sink are the assembly quality, simplicity and ease of use. Operates from a network with a voltage of 220/230 V. The gun has an LED display that allows to choose and control the operating modes. Working pressure is adjustable in the range of 20-130 bar, water consumption: up to 420 l / h. This device has a new system for the supply of cleaning agents - Plug ‘n’ Clean.

This system allows you not to overflow the detergent from the canisters and, without waiting for the tank to empty, replace with another detergent if necessary. This undoubtedly allows more economical use of expensive cleaning agents. Another feature of this sink is the water-cooled drive motor. The maximum permissible temperature of the water used is +40 C. High-pressure hose 6 m long on a specially provided holder for storage. Model weight: 11.4 kg. The carrying handle is retractable to reduce dimensions.

The average price of KARCHER K 4 Full Control is 13 718 rubles.

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Bort BHR-2500R-PRO

Despite the fact that this model is a novelty, it is very popular among buyers. And there is a reason. The range of advantages of this device includes such indicators as the length of the hose (fantastic 10 m), a convenient way to store the RVD (drum) and a set of protections against engine overheating, shutdown in case of a lack of water. And coupled with an indicator of working pressure of 150-180 bar, this makes the purchase of this device attractive. Operates from a network with a voltage of 220/230 V. Water consumption: 450 l / h. Power cable length: 5 m. Model weight: 10.5 kg. Fixed carrying handle.

The average price of Bort BHR-2500R-PRO is 13,790 rubles.

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Husqvarna PW 235

Husqvarna is a trusted manufacturer. The main advantages of Husqvarna equipment are simplicity of design, reliability and safety in use. Despite its small size and weight, this sink has good performance. Working pressure: 135 bar, water consumption: 520 l / h.This is not the most economical sink in terms of water consumption, and the choice of modes is not as rich as that of its eminent colleagues, but reliability, at times, decides everything. The length of the supplied hose is 8 m, on a convenient reel. Operates from a network with a voltage of 220/230 V. Model weight: 9.6 kg. Fixed carrying handle.

The average price of Husqvarna PW 235 is 11 600 rubles.

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High pressure washers with special characteristics

SMART WASHER SW-17A

This car wash is the only one in the rating that operates on a 12 V vehicle electrical system

In addition, there is a built-in battery that allows the sink to operate autonomously for up to 1 hour. You can recharge the battery both from the 220/230 V network and from the vehicle's on-board network. Working pressure: up to 9 bar, water consumption: 120 l / h. There is a removable water tank with a volume of 17 liters. Despite its mobility and autonomy, such a sink can hardly be called an alternative for household high-pressure washers. Low working pressure does not allow for all cleaning tasks.

Average price of SMART WASHER SW-17A - 11 600 rubles.

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STIHL RE 462

Professional wash without heating water. Powered by 380/400 V mains. Working pressure is regulated within 35-220 bar. Water consumption: up to 1130 l / h. Machine weight: 77 kg.

This powerful unit in the fight against pollution of various types of surfaces is able to solve almost all cleaning tasks.

Two built-in containers, 2.5 liters each, for different types of detergents with a toggle button allows you to quickly switch from cleaning one type of soil to cleaning another type of soil.

Average price STIHL RE 462 - 113 190 rubles.

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KARCHER HDS 8 / 18-4 C

Professional sink with water heating function.

Operates from 380/400 V mains. Working pressure is adjustable up to 180 bar. Water consumption: up to 900 l / h. Machine weight: 155 kg. The main difference between most professional devices and household devices is the material of the pump piston. As a rule, ceramic pistons are installed in professional car washes. On the one hand, it is a durable material that is not subject to temperature changes in size, very durable, capable of withstanding heavy loads.

On the other hand, ceramics are very fragile, and the penetration of the smallest mechanical particles between the piston and the cylinder will inevitably lead to chipping, loss of compression and, in the future, to the inability of the pump to develop sufficient pressure for efficient operation. This fact makes special requirements for water purity and the installation of an additional filter. This device is able to heat water up to 155 C in a short time and turn it into superheated steam that can deal with many contaminants without the use of chemicals. Of course, such capabilities of the device are reflected in its cost.

The average price of KARCHER HDS 8 / 18-4 C is 182 690 rubles.

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KARCHER G 4.10 M

Consider the last type of car washes - gasoline-powered car washes. These sinks are not distinguished by outstanding performance and functionality. Working pressure in the range of 20-120 bar. Water consumption: 420 l / h. Weight 23.9 kg.

The main advantage of a device with a gasoline engine is independence from power supply.

Average price KARCHER G 4.10 M - 31 890 rubles.

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In any case, the choice of a pressure washer is yours. After all, it may turn out that the purchase of the most inexpensive car wash from an absolutely unknown manufacturer will give you a lot of positive emotions and greatly facilitate your work, and the purchase of a “thoroughbred” device will bring you endless trips to service centers and disappointment. However, this is still an exception to the rule. The fame of the manufacturer and the high price imply a great durability and reliability of the device, but violation of the rules of operation will lead to breakdown of even a heavy-duty unit. Increasing functionality and completeness at a low cost, in fact, turns out to be a simple way to distract the buyer from the poor quality of the main units.

If you already have experience using sinks, reflected in the rating, share your opinion in the comments. Or tell us about another noteworthy model!