Pressure washers are gradually becoming the go-to devices for both home and professional users. They can be used for any and every kind of cleaning, from removing graffiti to cleaning boats. They operate by combining water and high pressure to remove even the toughest stains. Depending on the type of work you need to complete, buying a pressure washer could take hours off the time you would use without it, making it a worthy investment.
If you’re looking to buy a pressure washer, you are likely to find several options to choose from, including hot and cold pressure washers, gas, electric and petrol washers. In this article, you’ll be taken through how to answer one of the questions that you’ll encounter, which is whether to get a petrol or electric washer. Both washers can get the job done and so it might be challenging to choose which one is better. However, it will be easier to choose if you know more about both of them, what they do and how they can cater to your needs.
With an extensive range of high-pressure washers for you to choose from, we at Melbourne Jetter Centre want to help you understand the two varieties better to determine which one will best serve your needs.
Electric High Pressure Washers
As the name suggests, this pressure washer relies on electricity to function. The electric pressure washer is generally recommended for domestic use mainly because it has a maximum capacity or power level of around 2,000 PSI, which is relatively low. They are also lightweight and so if you want something for industrial use, then it may not be the best choice. The user gets maximum control with this high pressure washer, in addition to the features for easy use. If you need a tool around the house to do your cleaning then this is the one for you.
You’re likely to receive an electric pressure washer with various attachments that can be used for cleaning things like the pool area, bikes or the barbecue. These attachments, however, can also come with petrol washers. Because of the lightweight nature of these washers, they are easy to move around. The only problem is that if the distance from the location of use to a power socket is far, you may be limited. In that instance, you will need an extension cord or a washer with a longer hose.
Electric washers are quite easier to maintain, and also, you wouldn’t need additional parts to ensure that it works. The washer also doesn’t have any major parts that could damage and need replacement. This characteristic also makes it a great choice for beginners. Generally, electric pressure washers are relatively cheaper as well and so will be a good choice if you are on a budget.
Below, we’ll outline some of the best electric high pressure washers our team has in stock.
Best Electric High Pressure Washers
Scout150 E
The Scout150 E features a 230V electric motor and 2.0kW power. Performing at an impressive 2,175 PSI at 9 litres per minute, this Italian-manufactured power washer has a comet electrical pump and is completely crafted from metal. It’s also very easy to use and features built-in fuel and detergent tanks.
The Melbourne Jetter Centre offers the Scout 150 E and includes accessories such as 10 metre of hose, a spray gun and a lance with nozzle. All supplied and ready to go.
BAR KT1800 Extra
The BAR KT1800 Extra is a powerful electrical cold water pressure cleaner with a robust 2,175 PSI. Built in Italy, this high pressure electric pressure washer is a versatile mobile unit on wheels. With three axial pistons and a brass head, the washer also is completely made from metal with no plastic used for the structural components.
We offer the KT1800 Extra and includes 12 metres of hose on reel, bent lance, adjustable nozzles and fixed brush.
BAR KL1600A
The BAR KL1600A washer is another Italian-manufactured cold water electric high pressure washer, with 2,175 PSI and highly effective for heavy duty jobs. It also features a brass head pump and is excellently suited for places that have poor water quality.
The machine is highly durable, with a 3 piston brass head pump and a strong 1.5 kW electric motor. There is also a brush accessory to help you wash your car, and a turbo nozzle cleaning head to make concrete cleaning more effective.
Petrol High Pressure Washer
The main advantage of the petrol high pressure washer is that it is designed to work anywhere. However, a beginner is more likely to have trouble operating this washer due to its features which make it a little more complex. There are some that are built mainly for professionals as its features are ideal for a higher and more powerful range of use.
Since they need petrol as a source of fuel, you won’t need to bother about staying close to a switch like in the case of an electric washer. The only downside to this is that the washer becomes heavier than the electric option since the fuel and engine adds weight to the unit. This is still not much of a problem since the washer is likely to be on wheels and so mobility is easier.
Unlike their electric counterparts, petrol pressure washers require routine maintainable checks. This is to ensure that the parts are in top-notch shape so that the machine can last longer. Maintenance is simple if you understand how the washer performs; otherwise, it is best to consult a professional.
If you are looking for a washer for commercial or industrial purposes, then this is the best choice. The petrol high pressure washer has a maximum power level of up to 5,000 PSI which makes it possible to be used for more intense cleaning.
These washers are more likely to cost more than the electric option due to the high power level and portability features. Also, you will have to purchase other things for the washer, including the fuel, that is petrol, oil and detergent in order to use it. This also adds to the cost, as compared to the electric option. These expenses make it such that even a petrol washer with the same PSI as the electric one will cost more.
BAR Hot Pressure Cleaner SMART
The BAR Hot Pressure Cleaner SMART is part of the SMART range, a new and impressive stainless steel hot water petrol high pressure cleaners. Operating at 1,740 PSI at 11 litres per minute, the maximum temperature lies between 30°C and 80°C.
The BAR range also boasts a range of impressive safety features. The “S.A.T.” safety mechanism stops the machines a few moments after releasing the trigger. This is to steer clear of any interruption. The “DMA” safety equipment also handles the absence of water by stopping the machine.
BAR 5027G-HE
The BAR 5027G-HE is one of the best petrol high pressure washers out there on the market, featuring Australian certified Honda GX Professional Engines and operating at 5,000 PSI and 21 litres per minute.
This is an extremely powerful machine, suitable for industrial washing and getting rid of the toughest of stains and grimes on a variety of surfaces.
The engines also have a 3-year commercial year warranty support.
HDB-3004-0H6G
The HDB-3004-0H6G BAR Petrol Driven HOT Pressure Washer is part of the impressive HDB series, a small and compact pressure washer that’s highly convenient to move around. You don’t need to use a generator because it’s powered by the 12V Beckett burner.
Featuring PSI 3,000 and an adjustable thermostat, the temperature can rise to as high as rises to 66°C.
Which high pressure washer is best?
When choosing between these two options, it boils down to your needs and preference. We’ll outline some of these considerations below.
Budget
One thing to consider is your budget. If you have more money to spend, on fuel, maintenance, etc., then getting a high pressure petrol washer is not such a bad idea. Otherwise, an electric washer should work just fine.
Not only is the initial electric high pressure washer unit cheaper, but you also don’t have to spend money on fuel, ongoing maintenance and costly spare parts. You will tend to save money in the long term using an electric pressure water.
Purpose
Another consideration to make is the purpose for which you need the machine. For industrial use which requires more power, the petrol washer or 3 phase electric unit will be a more efficient option.
If you just need a tool to use around the house, then it is not a bad idea to get a single phase electric option.
The petrol machine, on the other hand, can cater to both domestic and industrial needs. The latter is also more likely to last longer even with the additional cost required to purchase and maintain it as compared to the electric one.
Carbon footprint
If keeping your carbon footprint low is important to you, a high power electric pressure washer is the better option. They don’t need petrol to run, so they don’t emit any poisonous fumes. You also won’t have to worry about any accidental spillage that could cause harm to the environment.
Because no fumes are emitted from an electric pressure washer, you can use them inside quite enclosed spaces. You can only use petrol washers, on the other hand, outdoors or in areas with good ventilation.
Noise
If you’re concerned about making a racket, electric pressure washers may also be the more appropriate choice. Petrol high pressure cleaners can get quite loud (up to 10 decibels). It isn’t safe to be around a petrol washer without any ear protection for about 15 minutes. By contrast, an electric pressure washer will emit only about 78 decibels of noise, about the same as your normal washing machine.
Safety considerations
There are general safety requirements to consider for both electric and petrol pressure washers. However, there are some peculiar issues to consider with each. For instance, electric pressure washers have cords so you should be careful of the risk of electric shock.
Buy your high pressure water from a trusted supplier
No matter the choices you have to make, one important thing is to ensure that you are buying from a trustworthy supplier. Failing to do this means you’re getting a mediocre product no matter which one you settle on.
Melbourne Jetter Centre has a wide range of high-quality washers from reputable brands including B.A.R. group in Australia at your disposal and to meet your needs. Get in touch with us today.
