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Reggae Q
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 1880
Location: St. Louis, MO
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 Posted: Jun 12 2008 Post subject: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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Ok, I'm looking for a pressure washer and need some advice. The nice thing about the electric ones is the size of it. Makes it much easier for storage. However, I don't want to buy something to find out that it won't even work on my applications. So, I'm going to list what I'll be using it for so you have a better idea.
The electric is around 1,800 PSI
The gas one is around 2,200 or 2,550 PSI
Obviously it would be nicer to have the extra psi but do I need it.
I need it for:
Cleaning the inside and outside of the smoker.
Cleaning Gutters and Siding
Cleaning Patio and Deck
That's it.
Thoughts? |
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skybob
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 10 Apr 2006
Posts: 1533
Location: Wichita, KS
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| Posted: Jun 12 2008 Post subject: |
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I personally vote for gas, mainly for the portability aspect. Extra pressure is also nice, but I kinda don't like to mix water and electricity too much.
Also long extension cords will cut the power the sprayer will put out unless you get really heavy duty ones.
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merlin
Joined: 12 Jun 2008
Posts: 9
Location: Warren Mi
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Re: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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| Reggae Q wrote: | Ok, I'm looking for a pressure washer and need some advice. The nice thing about the electric ones is the size of it. Makes it much easier for storage. However, I don't want to buy something to find out that it won't even work on my applications. So, I'm going to list what I'll be using it for so you have a better idea.
The electric is around 1,800 PSI
The gas one is around 2,200 or 2,550 PSI
Obviously it would be nicer to have the extra psi but do I need it.
I need it for:
Cleaning the inside and outside of the smoker.
Cleaning Gutters and Siding
Cleaning Patio and Deck
That's it.
Thoughts? |
My vote would be for gas, mainly for the portability and the fact that to maintain a minimum of voltage drop to the electric one, you whould have to use a pretty good size extension cord ( a 50' 14 awg just won't cut it)
On top of that, you will find that there will be alot more stuff you will be using the pressure washer for once you get it...believe me I know..I even ordered a higher output replacement pump for mine because of that reason. |
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Jet_deck
BBQ Fan
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 254
Location: Between Houston and Mexico
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Re: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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| Reggae Q wrote: |
The electric is around 1,800 PSI
The gas one is around 2,200 or 2,550 PSI
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The thing to remember about pressure, is that if you cut the flow (GPM -Gallons Per Minute) then the pressure goes up. A piece of junk pressure washer at 3,000 PSI is worthless if it only flows 1 GPM. If you multiply the GPM by the Pressure, you get the cleaning units. A pressure washer that is well built and is not a POS should flow AT LEAST 2.5 GPM at 2500 psi or so. This would be for residential use. The commercial guys' units are 3,000 psi at 5 GPM and up. |
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Markbb
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 11 Oct 2006
Posts: 1783
Location: Oklahoma
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Washer |
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| I'd go with the gas press. washer because of the portabilaty and don't have to drag an extension cord. |
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JimmieOhio
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 1125
Location: east side of Cleveland, Ohio
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Re: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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| Jet_deck wrote: | | The thing to remember about pressure, is that if you cut the flow (GPM -Gallons Per Minute) then the pressure goes up. |
With all due respect, this is simply not true.
Pressure is simply Force over Area. Flow is NOT part of the equation. Pumps are rated by flow AND pressure. You can't increase the pressure of a pump by simply reducing the flow.
The electrical analogy to this is that you buy a generator (sort of a pump of electricity) based on wattage which is voltage (the electrical analogy to pressure) times current (flow). You can't get more voltage by reducing current...
Class dismissed!
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KCBS Certified BBQ Judge
"Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes. Then, criticize him all you want since you're a mile away and you have HIS shoes."
Last edited by JimmieOhio on Jun 13 2008; edited 1 time in total |
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Reggae Q
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 1880
Location: St. Louis, MO
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Re: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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| Jet_deck wrote: | | Reggae Q wrote: |
The electric is around 1,800 PSI
The gas one is around 2,200 or 2,550 PSI
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The thing to remember about pressure, is that if you cut the flow (GPM -Gallons Per Minute) then the pressure goes up. A piece of junk pressure washer at 3,000 PSI is worthless if it only flows 1 GPM. If you multiply the GPM by the Pressure, you get the cleaning units. A pressure washer that is well built and is not a POS should flow AT LEAST 2.5 GPM at 2500 psi or so. This would be for residential use. The commercial guys' units are 3,000 psi at 5 GPM and up. |
2.5
I've been looking at Craftsmen and Troy Builts and they are 2500 or higher but most are 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3
Are you saying those would all be POS's |
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Jet_deck
BBQ Fan
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 254
Location: Between Houston and Mexico
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Re: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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| Reggae Q wrote: |
I've been looking at Craftsmen and Troy Builts and they are 2500 or higher but most are 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3
Are you saying those would all be POS's |
No, I believe that these are sufficiently close enough to 2.5 to do a good job including the heavy gunk on the inside of the pit and getting the crud out of the wood on the deck. |
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Jet_deck
BBQ Fan
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 254
Location: Between Houston and Mexico
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Re: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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| JimmieOhio wrote: |
You can't increase the pressure of a pump by simply reducing the flow.
Class dismissed! |
Here is how the real word works. Let's say i've got a pump that is rated for 2 GPM at 5 PSI. As soon as i reduce (restrict) the flow (with the sprayer hose and tip), I'm now pumping 10 PSI (because of the restriction). But at a reduced 1.2 gallons per minute. So i decide i need more pressure and get an even smaller tip. Because of the greater restriction I'm now at 20 PSI at .5 GPM. The GPM is rated at the point of outlet (tip). I can jack up the pressure, but i loose flow (GPM). This is exactly why flow (GPM) is important when talking about pressure. |
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JimH
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 09 Feb 2005
Posts: 1978
Location: Houston, TX
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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I bought an electric Karcher $100 pressure washer that IIRC is rated at 1200 PSI. It does an excellent job at cleaning my driveway and whatever lumber it's pointed at. Given that I use it once or twice a year it was a bargin and does as good a job as my father's more expensive model.
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SierraScott
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Joined: 12 Sep 2007
Posts: 1111
Location: Pollock Pines, CA
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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Gas!
Water and electricity don't mix in my book. Regardless of the precautions the manufacturer takes. I have a nice Craftsman 2125 PSI. works great.
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KenP
BBQ Fan
Joined: 08 Jun 2008
Posts: 196
Location: Virginia Beach
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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I wanted a mac-daddy gas washer, but when I saw this one for $49 I couldn't resist:
http://www.chpower.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/chPrd3_10051_10001_102981_-1_10666_10753_
It does fine for light work like dirty brick and driveways and did ok at getting some stuff off parts of my grills, but it really doesn't have the power to blast things apart.
When I tested it on our deck, it would strip it, but by small, narrow strips. No way would this one work for anything heavy duty, but again, I couldn't pass up the price. Besides, at $49 it's disposable.
Get a good gas one for the pit junk. A wimpy electric one won't do the job.
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JimmieOhio
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 1125
Location: east side of Cleveland, Ohio
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Re: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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| Jet_deck wrote: | | JimmieOhio wrote: |
You can't increase the pressure of a pump by simply reducing the flow.
Class dismissed! |
Here is how the real word works. Let's say i've got a pump that is rated for 2 GPM at 5 PSI. As soon as i reduce (restrict) the flow (with the sprayer hose and tip), I'm now pumping 10 PSI (because of the restriction). But at a reduced 1.2 gallons per minute. So i decide i need more pressure and get an even smaller tip. Because of the greater restriction I'm now at 20 PSI at .5 GPM. The GPM is rated at the point of outlet (tip). I can jack up the pressure, but i loose flow (GPM). This is exactly why flow (GPM) is important when talking about pressure. |
I understand what you are saying, but you are not talking apples and apples with my earlier post.
Sure if a pressure washer (pump) can MAINTAIN a constant flow through a smaller orifice, pressure goes up because the force is concentrated in a smaller area, which is what I said in the first place.
However, just because you put your finger over the end of a garden hose, your house water pressure does not increase to supply more through the hose... If your water pressure is 20psi, the hose end will see only 20psi, no matter how small the outlet.
This is why pumps are rated at pressure AND flow.
And getting back to the posted original question... You need to evaluate HOW you are going to use your pressure washer. I have an electric Karcher 1800psi at 1.5gpm pressure washer and that can take paint off my car. Of course, the electrical cord is a hassle...
Don't worry about "water and electrical" mixing. The cord end has a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) like a hair dryer. However, this won't protect your extension cords that are dragging through a puddle on the way. These should be plugged into a GFCI outlet as well.
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Jimmie Ohio
KCBS Certified BBQ Judge
"Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes. Then, criticize him all you want since you're a mile away and you have HIS shoes." |
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Reggae Q
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 1880
Location: St. Louis, MO
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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| Well, I don't really want to take the paint off my car or grill so what psi should I be running on for the smoker? Or do I not have to worry? Or do I have to use a different nozzle. |
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JimmieOhio
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 1125
Location: east side of Cleveland, Ohio
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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Check out:
http://www.karcher-usa.com
Especially look at the accessories.
My 1800 psi pressure washer has a low and high pressure nozzle. I only use the high pressure nozzle on brick, sidewalks, etc. (And don't get the spray too close to your tootsies, except for the ones you don't care if you lose.) 
When you use it, you need to practice a little on spraying. If you start out farther away, little harm can occur. Then you start moving in. (Until the paint starts to flake off.) 
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Jimmie Ohio
KCBS Certified BBQ Judge
"Never criticize a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes. Then, criticize him all you want since you're a mile away and you have HIS shoes." |
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SmokinSteveO
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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watch out on your deck as well. I work for a Deck staining company and we use a pressure washer to strip decks for restaining. It will take the stain right out of the wood & if your not careful and stay in one spot you can cut the wood up and it looks aweful.
So definitely start out far away, and with the low pressure nozzle if you get one. |
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Reggae Q
BBQ Super Pro
Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 1880
Location: St. Louis, MO
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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| I'm going to wait a bit for a couple weeks as I just bought a new entry door and I'm getting a $100 Lowes card so I'll just put that to a new one...until then, I'm going to borrow someones electric one for the weekend just to clean my grill. It's 1800 psi and I have no idea on the other specs. Can I use this full force without damaging the smoker or could I possibly damage (remove paint) by using a very small stream??? |
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nes_matt
BBQ Fan
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 266
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: Re: Gas or Electric Pressure Washer??? |
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| Jet_deck wrote: | | Reggae Q wrote: |
The electric is around 1,800 PSI
The gas one is around 2,200 or 2,550 PSI
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The thing to remember about pressure, is that if you cut the flow (GPM -Gallons Per Minute) then the pressure goes up. A piece of junk pressure washer at 3,000 PSI is worthless if it only flows 1 GPM. If you multiply the GPM by the Pressure, you get the cleaning units. A pressure washer that is well built and is not a POS should flow AT LEAST 2.5 GPM at 2500 psi or so. This would be for residential use. The commercial guys' units are 3,000 psi at 5 GPM and up. |
This is absolutely correct.
My experience with the little elctric ones is not good. MORE POWER IGOR!! |
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BBQonICE
BBQ Fan
Joined: 12 Nov 2007
Posts: 349
Location: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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I run a parks and recreation department and use a number of these.
We have commercial gas units ...key word being "commercial". Commerical means higher quality parts overall....longer lasting. I also buy karcher commercial electrics
....why commercial? because they are made with better parts. Case in point the household ones you buy are made with cheap plastics, metals. This includes inside as well. Pistons and internal parts may be plastic but a commercial unit uses Stainless steel and brass where ever possible and are rebuildable.
Same goes for buying a lawn mower from John Deere....residential units you will get plastic wheels and bushings, etc. Buy a commercial unit from John Deere and you will be steel bushings, etc.
In the end...for the average household any electric or gas off the shelf pressure washer will do. If you use it alot then go commercial....or...as I tell my staff even with our commercial unit.
- don't run them for hours on end....the parts get too hot and don't last. give it a break whenever possible.
- don't let it sit and "cycle" when not using it...shut it off. Nothing kills a cheap one quicker when it has to unload itself repeatedly.
I vote for Karcher.
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I Smell Smoke
BBQ Fan
Joined: 04 May 2008
Posts: 160
Location: Central Pa.
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| Posted: Jun 13 2008 Post subject: |
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Gas ... Honda engine / Karcher pump
just about any horsepower / GPM will do fine
Figure on spending $300 +/-
If it sits a lot use Stabil in the fuel
If your in cold climate, run some windshield washer fluid through it to push out water and it won't freeze and break the pump
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