A Practical Guide To Choosing A BAR Pressure Washer
Choosing the best pressure washer for your needs can be tricky, especially with so many models, BAR ratings, and attachments available. The right pressure cleaner depends on the type of work you do, how often you use it, and the surfaces you’re cleaning – from vehicles and patios to concrete, walls, and machinery.
The BAR rating (pressure) determines how forcefully water leaves the nozzle, while the flow rate (litres per minute) controls how much water is delivered. Together, they affect how efficiently you can tackle stubborn grime, tree roots, mould or even chewing gum stuck to paving.
Understanding Pressure, Flow Rate & Water Supply
When choosing your pressure washer, consider both pressure and flow rate.
- High pressure and high flow are best for large areas, different surfaces, and prolonged use, such as washing driveways, walls, or job sites.
- Moderate pressure suits different tasks like cleaning cars, utes, or garden equipment.
- Lower pressure is perfect for occasional use and delicate surfaces such as outdoor furniture, painted walls or timber decks.
Also check your water supply – some washers work by connecting directly to a garden hose, while others use a suction hose to draw water from a tank or external source, which is handy on remote job sites.
Tip: Always match the washer’s water flow rate to your hose supply; too little water pressureflow from the mains can strain the motorpump and reduce performance.
Cold vs Hot Water Pressure Washers
Cold water machines are perfect for removing dirt, moss and mould from patios, paths, wood and different surfaces around the garden or site.
If you’re dealing with oil, grease or stubborn grime, a hot water pressure cleaner is more effective. The heat helps break down contaminants quickly, reducing cleaning time and the need for strong detergents.
Tip: Use a cold water washer for cleaning garden tools or paving, and a hot water model for garage floors, vehicle engines, or metal equipment coated in oil.
Electric or Petrol Pressure Washer?
The electric pressure washer is compact, easy to operate, and ideal for occasional use or light to medium cleaning. It’s perfect for patios, garden furniture, small vehicles and bikes, and connects directly to your garden hose.
Petrol-powered washers, on the other hand, deliver more BAR pressure and higher flow rates, making them ideal for prolonged use on construction sites or commercial cleaning jobs. They’re great when power points aren’t nearby, and the stronger motor handles tougher surfaces like concrete and brick.
Tip: If you’ll be cleaning daily or for extended sessions, invest in a petrol washer with a durable metal pump and high-quality fittings to handle heavy workloads.
Choosing the Right BAR Pressure for Different Tasks
Here’s a guide to help match the BAR rating to your cleaning needs:
- 100–120 bar: Light work such as washing cars, garden tools, patios, dirt bikes, and outdoor furniture.
- 130–150 bar: Moderate cleaning of walls, timber decks, pavers, and removing moss or mould.
- 160–200+ bar: Heavy-duty jobs like oil stain removal, concrete cleaning, paint stripping, or industrial machinery.
Always test a small section first. Too much pressure can damage paint or timber, while too little won’t move built-up grime.
Tip: A patio cleaner attachment makes large surface cleaning faster and prevents streaking.
Essential Features to Consider When Buying
When investing in the best pressure washer for your needs, look for:
- Trigger and nozzle control: Adjustable pressure settings give you flexibility for different tasks and different surfaces.
- Suction hose compatibility: Handy if you draw from a tank rather than the mains.
- Durable components: Choose metal fittings and pumps for longer lifespan under prolonged use.
- Detergent function: Some machines have a detergent tank, useful for cleaning greasy or stained areas.
- Storage and portability: Compact designs with sturdy wheels make it easier to move around job sites.
Tip: Always check the availability of replacement parts and after-sales supply. A good warranty and local service options save both time and money.
Practical Tips for Safe and Effective Operation
Using your pressure washer safely and effectively not only prolongs the life of the equipment but also ensures optimal cleaning results. Following these simple tips will help you get the most out of your machine while minimising the risk of damage or injury.
- Distance and angle: Adjust your spray to avoid damage to different surfaces.
- Detergent and heat: Use heat and cleaning solutions carefully – only where suitable.
- Maintenance: Clean your filters and flush the tank after use. Keep the trigger, hoses and nozzles free of debris.
- Storage: Drain all water before storing to prevent corrosion or freezing damage.
By following these practical steps, you can maintain the performance and safety of your pressure washer for years to come. Proper care and attention will ensure every cleaning task is both efficient and safe.
BAR Pressure Washer Comparison
BAR 2765C-HThe BAR 2765C-H is one of our most popular models. It’s easy to see why. Crafted by Comet in Italy, this high-quality pressure cleaner is perfect if you’re looking to use a pressure washer regularly as a professional. This machine is designed with an impressive genuine GX200 Honda engine, with a long life Italian plunger pump and a low pressure detergent injection kit. We can supply this cold water pressure cleaner in a ready to work state, with 2,700 PSI and a hose that’s 7.5 meters long. |
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BAR 3513G-HJV Pressure WasherThe BAR 3513G-HJV is one of our Honda powered pressure cleaners, and is by far one of the best products on our shelves. With a plunger pump manufactured by the Italian company Comet, this mighty cleaning object powers at 3,500 PSI and pumps 15 litres per minute. The Australian certified Honda 13HP GX390 engine also comes with a complete 3 year warranty from Honda Australia. |
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BAR Hot Pressure Cleaner SMARTOur SMART range of BAR hot pressure cleaners are considered the new generation of stainless steel hot pressure washers. They’re conveniently designed with built-in fuel tanks and have a safety system built to automatically stop after releasing the trigger to avoid interruption. It has a hot water pressure of an impressive 1,740 PSI and pumps at 11 litres per minute, with 10 metres of suction hose to get any cleaning task done. |
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BAR KL1600AThe BAR KL1600A machine is a robust and powerful cold water pressure washer, and excellent for heavy duty jobs (boasting a powerful 2,175 PSI at 8 litres per minute). The cleaner is durable, has a powerful 1.6 KW electric motor and is conveniently designed so you can store it anywhere you like. Manufactured in Italy, the washer only weighs 3 kilograms so is very easy to carry around. |
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What sets BAR Pressure Washers apart?
BAR pressure washers are excellent for pressure cleaning as they’re powerful, affordable, easy to use, convenient and feature a wide variety of types in order to suit your particular washing needs.
BAR offer products specifically designed for both regular professional users and for residential purposes. They offer different power options, including the petrol pressure washer and the electric pressure washer. They’ve also got a wide range of both cold and hot pressure washers to suit your needs.
BAR products are crafted to get into the nitty-gritty of whatever surface you’re high pressure washing. Whether you’re washing a brick house, an industrial warehouse, a concrete driveway or wooden balconies, there’s a place for a BAR pressure washer.
The BAR Group was formed in 2004 and is based in Australia and New Zealand. Their staff are absolute experts in what they do, and have been working with some of the most reputable brands over the course of their working lives. BAR represents a number of globally reputable manufacturers based in Europe and the United States, including:
- Comet Italy – electric machines manufactured in the beautiful country of Italy
- Maer Italy – the creators of some of the world’s greatest hot water electric pressure cleaners
- Bertolini, CAT Pumps, Annovi and Interpump – well-known manufacturers of high-quality high pressure pumps.
Locally designed and manufactured, the BAR Group is known to offer pressure washers for very specific requirements, whether you’re working in a warehouse or a mine. We’re proud to have a great working relationship with them, and have been stocking their products at the Melbourne Jetter Centre by Crockford & Co for many years.
Need Help Choosing The Right BAR Pressure Washer?
A high pressure washer is an essential piece of equipment for anyone maintaining property, cleaning machinery, or managing outdoor areas. By matching the right BAR rating, flow rate and motor type to your needs, you’ll get more reliable performance and better long-term value.
Whether you need to clean walls, patios, dirt bikes, or industrial tools, choosing the right pressure cleaner ensures efficiency, safety, and durability. If you’re unsure, talk to a friendly team member at a local supplier who can help you compare models and find one that suits your specific setup.
A quality washer isn’t just about power – it’s about getting the best results across different surfaces, protecting your gear, and saving time on every clean. Call Melbourne Jetter Centre today on 03 9792 2350, get in touch via our contact form or drop in to see our range in person. Let our expert team help you find the perfect high pressure washer for your needs.






