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Both electric and gas pressure washers have benefits, but gas models offer more robust power and longer runtimes. They can handle heavy-duty concrete cleaning, car washing, trailer cleaning, house cleaning, and even commercial cleaning needs.
We tested and analyzed six gas pressure washers to see how they performed in real-vfgffworld conditions. From the motors to hoses and controls, we picked through the features and did a full assessment of the capabilities on several popular models. Our favorite was the Champion Power Equipment 3100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer. Its low profile and compact build along with a sturdy hose and impressive power made it a real standout option.
Read on to see what we thought of all our tested models. We look at their best features and performance to help narrow down your own selection for the best gas pressure washer.
- BEST OVERALL: Champion Power Equipment 3100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Vevor 3600 PSI 2.6 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PROFESSIONAL: Simpson 4200 PSI 4.0 GPM Aluminum Gas Pressure Washer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR DRIVEWAYS: Generac SpeedWash 2900 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Power Washer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CARS: DeWalt 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Pressure Washer
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Westinghouse 3200 PSI 2.5 GPM Pressure Washer
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 6 |
| Time spent testing | 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $270 to $1,390 |
Our Top Picks
It’s time to look in detail at some of the best gas-powered pressure washers. Our list of top picks considers manufacturer reputation and value for money so you can find the best gas pressure washer in each category.
Best Overall
Champion Power Equipment 3100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Pressure 4/5; Engine 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Max pressure: 3,100 pounds per square inch (PSI)
- Weight: 69 pounds
- Hose length: 25 feet
What We Like
- Low profile makes it easy to load in vehicles with limited space
- Great pressure and consistent output from hoses and motors
- Quality hose that doesn’t kink
- Easy to roll around and maneuver
What We Don’t Like
- Sprayer mount could be better
It was a competitive field, but the Champion 3,100 PSI model really excelled in a variety of categories. There was one better in terms of performance, but it hits a higher price point that is more reflective of a commercial market. The Champion is an excellent gas pressure washer for home use that performs a variety of tasks really well.
In our tests, the mid- to high-pressure nozzles were perfect for washing cars and metal surfaces. The mid- to low-pressure nozzles were also great for boats and softer PVC raft materials. I initially started with a high-pressure nozzle but backed off as it was too powerful for the PVC surfaces. This model was also really nice on driveways, and it cleaned deep layers of dirt and grime buildup with ease.
While many other models have an upright handle, this one uses a lower profile. I liked this for loading in vehicles. It fits in my Subaru wagon without having to remove the handle or any other components. I think this is a great feature for users who plan on moving between properties and various locations. The upright models are still great; they just don’t fit in lower-profile vehicles as well.
The only downside to this model is the sprayer mount. Several other models use the same design, and it’s just not stable. The sprayer doesn’t like to seat securely, and it will fall off the mount. It’s not a big deal but is a minor inconvenience.
Get the Champion Power Equipment gas pressure washer at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Vevor 3600 PSI 2.6 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Pressure 4/5; Engine 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Max pressure: 3,600 PSI
- Weight: 58.2 pounds
- Hose length: 26 feet
What We Like
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Engine starts on first pull and runs great
- Great pressure and consistent output on all nozzle settings
- Excellent value with a reasonable price point
What We Don’t Like
- Low-quality fuel lines that should be upgraded
- Hose kinks; difficult to unwind
- Doesn’t come with oil
Priced under $300, this pressure washer is an exceptional value. It doesn’t sacrifice on performance, and the output was impressive. It comes with four nozzles for pressure ranging from light to highly concentrated. It also has a convenient onboard detergent tank for running soap on the lightest pressure setting.
Overall, the connections were easy to manage, the motor ran well, and it was easy to set up. I did need to purchase my own oil to fill it, but it wasn’t a big issue. After adding oil and gas, it started immediately and ran really well. Some users did complain about gas leaking from the fuel lines. Mine did not leak, but I did notice the lines are fairly cheap materials. Adding a new fuel line would be easy and a good idea to prevent issues with the engine.
I found this unit to work really well for cleaning exterior buildings and vehicles and for general use. The hose kinks if you don’t stretch it out entirely before using, but it’s not a deal-breaker by any means. Most of the hoses required some stretching to reduce memory and help them unravel more naturally.
For shoppers wanting a quality gas pressure washer to use at home and for general tasks without breaking the bank, the Vevor is a perfect fit.
Get the Vevor gas pressure washer at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Professional
Simpson 4200 PSI 4.0 GPM Aluminum Gas Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Pressure 5/5; Engine 5/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Max pressure: 4,200 PSI
- Weight: 124 pounds
- Hose length: 50 feet
What We Like
- Triple-plunger design
- Ceramic-coated pistons provide powerful stream
- Reinforced construction for heavy-duty use
- 50-foot hose and 31-inch-long wand provide ample reach
- Better hose quality than other models
- 5 nozzles included: 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees as well as a soap blaster
What We Don’t Like
- Highest price point of all models tested
This gas pressure washer from Simpson has a 390-cubic-centimeter Honda engine and produces 4,200 PSI of pressure at 4.0 gallons per minute (GPM). Rather than the standard axial pump, this model uses a triple-plunger version with ceramic-coated pistons for extended life.
Reinforcing the heavy-duty nature of the Simpson cleaning machine is 50 feet of tough, high-pressure hose attached to a 31-inch spray wand. The pressure washer includes a choice of five nozzles. Despite all this power from a large machine, the lightweight aluminum frame and 13-inch pneumatic tires make this pressure washer surprisingly manageable.
In every test, Simpson outperformed the competition. The Honda engine purrs while the pressure offered is a step above the rest. It’s noticeably better in terms of hose quality, power, control, and maneuverability on the large tires. In fact, the hose was our biggest issue with other models. Stiff plastic tubing doesn’t like to uncoil and requires regular stretching.
With the Simpson, not only does the hose reach farther, but it unravels perfectly and doesn’t kink or resist movement. This was ideal when moving across the big shop exterior at different distances. It was also able to strip paint and really dig into difficult tasks with the high-pressure nozzle.
The only reason this model didn’t take top prize is the cost. It’s more than double the price of many others, making it a better choice for professional use. If you need a serious pressure washer on your property or have high demand to wash at a commercial level, this is our favorite model. For smaller tasks and intermittent use, you might prefer a less expensive option.
Get the Simpson gas pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Best for Driveways
Generac SpeedWash 2900 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Power Washer
Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Pressure 4/5; Engine 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Max pressure: 2900 PSI
- Weight: 68.4 pounds
- Hose length: 25 feet
What We Like
- 4 quick-change nozzles to control spray and soap applications
- Simple detergent reservoir for use of soaps
- Consistent performance from engine and sprayer
- Compatible with several Generac attachments for specific cleaning jobs
What We Don’t Like
- Less pressure than similarly price models
We were impressed with the performance of the Generac pressure washer. It was very user-friendly and we had zero issues. While the pressure is slightly less than other models tested, it’s hardly noticeable and still has more than enough pressure for most household demands. I loved it for washing the car and clearing my windshield of the summer splatters.
It also did an excellent job with driveway surfaces. I only used the pressure washer with the supplied nozzles, but upgrading to the power broom attachment would be a huge bonus for large decks and concrete surfaces. They offer several attachments for specialized jobs.
The motor on this model started on the first pull every time and never missed a beat. It’s easy to move around, has a decent hose, and the fittings are all easy to access. Like every model, it has multiple quick-fit nozzles. The highest pressure setting is ideal for difficult surfaces, but the 25-degree was my favorite for general applications. It could clean most surfaces without too much or too little pressure.
Overall, this is a rock-solid pressure washer that can easily handle most household and even some light professional tasks. It’s well made, runs great, and does exactly what is expected.
Get the Generac gas pressure washer at Amazon or Generac.
Best for Cars
DeWalt 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Pressure 4/5; Engine 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Max pressure: 3,300 PSI
- Weight: 64 pounds
- Hose length: 25 feet
What We Like
- Delivers 3,300 PSI; suitable for residential applications
- Detergent tank makes it easy to add and use soap
- 25-foot high-pressure hose offers ample reach
What We Don’t Like
- Not as heavy-duty as other models; best suited to moderate tasks
The DeWalt 3,300 PSI pressure washer could easily earn most awards on this list. It’s not quite up to heavy-duty commercial tasks, but the pressure washer is well built. It offered more than enough power for cleaning concrete, metal siding, and vehicles. The hose did kink a bit at first, but it improved after unraveling and was similar to most other models.
The engine started on the first pull every time and had no issues throughout the testing process. On the first round of testing, water pressure did surge somewhat for a few minutes. It may have been a kink in my primary hose, but I wasn’t able to confirm if that was in fact the issue. Otherwise, the pressure was consistent throughout the remainder of testing.
Some users complained about seal failures and occasional oil leaks. I did not experience any of these problems. The engine ran fantastic throughout the testing process, and the oil level never changed. Like many other models, the sprayer mount isn’t great, but it’s not a deal-breaker. This is a solid pressure washer that offered very similar performance to other models in this test.
Get the DeWalt gas pressure washer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Also Consider
Westinghouse 3200 PSI 2.5 GPM Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Max pressure: 3200 PSI
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Hose length: 25 feet
What We Like
- Heavy-duty and durable
- 3200 PSI and 2.5 GPM for ample cleaning power
- Easy to move with convenient dolly-style handle and wheels
- 5 quick-fit nozzles to control power and soap output
What We Don’t Like
- Not built for heavy commercial applications
Few pressure washers have such a strong following and the high customer accolades as this one. With plenty of power, an easy starting engine, and a great design for mobility, the Westinghouse 3200 PSI pressure washer is an all-around winner.
It’s roughly 5 pounds heavier than many similar models, but it also uses more steel for a durable design. With the wheels and handle, the weight won’t be noticeable, and it will likely outlast some of the competition. The price is also excellent at under $350 for a model that does everything the $400+ range options can do.
Its 3,200 PSI is more than enough to clean everything during our testing. We removed caked-on mud, mold, and mildew from our driveway, brick landscaping borders, and a section of siding. We especially liked that it comes with five spray tips and a built-in soap tank to help tackle tougher cleaning jobs.
Get the Westinghouse gas pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Gas Pressure Washers
We wanted to see how each pressure washer performed different tasks, so we tested them on a variety of surfaces. Each was used to wash vehicles and boats while cycling through different pressure settings, adding detergents, and running the engines for hours with a hose attached.
After our initial tests, we moved to more difficult surfaces by cleaning the exterior siding of a large shop. We also stripped paint from a wooden bench to prep for a new coat of paint and even stripped paint from the hood of an old truck to prep for a new layer of rust protection. Lastly, the pressure washers were used to clean concrete driveways and pathways on a number of rental properties.
Each gas pressure washer was evaluated based on engine performance, ease of use, power settings, detergent integrations, hose quality, and overall performance.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gas Pressure Washer
While most gas power washers deliver higher performance than their electric counterparts, many are still aimed squarely at general-purpose home and yard use. At the other end of the scale are heavy-duty professional machines. Understanding the following features will help you select the best gas-powered pressure washer for home use options based on tasks you undertake regularly.
Intended Use
It’s important to use a pressure washer for the right types of cleaning jobs. Though many gas pressure washers have considerable flexibility, they sometimes have too much power. In general, gas pressure washers are tools for outdoor tasks.
Medium-duty models can be used for vehicle cleaning, though using an appropriate accessory like a car-cleaning wand is a good idea. A residential pressure washer is a great choice for cleaning siding and brickwork and removing grease and oil from decking, paths, garage floors, and elsewhere.
Some pressure washers can strip rust and flaking paint before refinishing and even remove graffiti. In essence, gas pressure washers are for cleaning hard surfaces: those that can withstand the force of the water jet that’s generated.
Cleaning Performance
A gas pressure washer’s cleaning performance can be compared using three measurements: pounds per square inch, gallons per minute, and cleaning units (CU).
- PSI is the actual water pressure a unit generates. Higher numbers mean a stronger jet and, thus, greater ability to cut through dirt and grime. If starting with a high PSI, you can usually turn it down. Low PSI, which can be a challenge with an electric pressure washer, limits the jobs that can be done.
- GPM is the volume of water flow the pressure washer can supply. More gallons per minute usually indicate the ability to clean larger areas. However, both PSI and GPM are interdependent to some extent. If there is high PSI but low GPM, a powerful jet of water still is possible, but it will be very thin and thus of limited use.
- CU is simply the multiplication of PSI and GPM. As such, it’s not a performance indicator on its own but can be used to give an overall comparison among models. It’s more often quoted on electric pressure washer units (possibly because the figures are impressive) but is of limited practical value.
Motor
Gas pressure washers almost invariably use 4-stroke (also called 4-cycle) engines. Those with 2-stroke engines have their advantages on tools like chainsaws, but gas pressure washers don’t need to run as fast.
With top-rated gas power washers, a 4-stroke motor provides more reliability, lasts longer, runs more quietly, and produces lower emissions. With the stringent California Air Resources Board regulations and increasingly strict Environmental Protection Agency restrictions, several gas pressure washer manufacturers now use the term “50-state” to indicate that their low-emission motors comply with all current regulations.
The actual size of the gas engine is given in cubic centimeters. However, two motors of the same size can produce different amounts of power, so it’s useful to check horsepower as well.
Though most manufacturers produce trustworthy motors, names like Briggs & Stratton, Honda, and Kohler have particularly strong reputations for reliability and durability. Their motors are often used by other brands of gas-powered washers.
Portability
The ability to move a gas pressure washer around is a major factor. The smallest models weigh around 60 pounds, so you may be able to lift them without too much difficulty, although these units always have wheels.
Wheel types include solid plastic wheels on low-cost gas pressure washers, hard rubber tires on midrange units, and pneumatic tires on the largest machines. On big, heavy machines, the tires help spread the load and make it easier to maneuver on various surfaces.
Additionally, consider the hose length from the machine to the spray gun. Though 25 feet is common, some hoses are up to 50 feet. If greater mobility is needed, connect a heavy-duty garden hose from the water supply to the pressure washer. The selected garden hose must be able to handle at least 500 PSI.
Additional Features
Whereas electric pressure washers sometimes need a separate bucket for detergent, many top-rated gas pressure washer options have an onboard tank. If considering a heavy-duty model, capacity is a feature to check.
All machines come with a spray gun, which may or may not have a wand extension. There will be several quick-connect nozzles (usually between four and six) that provide for soap delivery and offer different spray patterns.
Other attachments may include a hard surface cleaner or one for vehicle bodywork. Separate accessories from independent manufacturers are widely available, but be sure to check the connector size if considering these.
Some minor assembly of a gas pressure washer may be required, and tools are almost always included. A few models even include a small amount of engine oil to get the user started.
Tips for Using a Gas Pressure Washer
Using a modern gas or electric pressure washer is not complicated, but it’s always worth reading the owner’s manual thoroughly to gain a complete understanding of your machine. It’s important to know how to turn it off quickly if there is a problem.
- Always consider safety: Never point a pressure washer at yourself or anyone else. Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Consider where debris from heavy-duty cleaning operations will go. For example, when cleaning a driveway, it’s easy to accidentally spray surrounding dirt or gravel a considerable distance, endangering people, pets, and windows.
- Only use approved cleaning products for gas or electric pressure washers. Bleach and other harsh chemicals can eat into internal seals and ruin the machine.
- Even the best gas motors need periodic maintenance to maximize their working life. It’s not difficult, and manufacturers provide instructions.
- Check the pressure adjustment before each task. Don’t assume the machine is how you last left it.
FAQs
The information above should provide a thorough understanding of the key issues affecting the performance and durability of the top gas-powered pressure washers. However, a few questions may remain, and answers to some of the most popular questions appear below.
You can clean all kinds of things, from cars and trucks to driveways, decks, some types of patio furniture, vinyl siding, and brickwork. As long as you can adjust the pressure to the task, the most powerful gas pressure washer options can tackle many different surfaces.
Yes. Oil is vital for lubrication and cooling. Two-stroke models use an engine oil and gas mix. Four-stroke machines have separate tanks for oil. It’s important to follow the directions in the owner’s manual or you risk damaging the machine.
Regular unleaded gas is generally recommended. Some will run off 10 percent ethanol or 15 percent MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether). Again, check the owner’s manual.
Generally, setting up a gas pressure washer is a straightforward process. Connect the hose and spray gun, add fuel and oil, run water to prime, then pull the cord to start. Each machine may have minor differences, so reading the instructions is vital for proper operation.
There are many variables, so offering an accurate time frame is difficult. Some manufacturers provide a rating in hours. If properly maintained, anywhere from 500 to several thousand hours is possible.
For either home or professional use, gas pressure washers with 1,300 to 2,400 PSI provide the best results.
Though electric pressure washers are more eco-friendly, gas pressure washers are more powerful due to higher flow rates and water pressure making them suitable for heavy-duty projects and tasks.
As concrete has a tough texture and is easy to stain, a high PSI of 3,000 or more is required to clean it properly.
Though they are effective, gas-powered pressure washers are noisy. The average model is over 85 decibels or louder during operation, which is as loud as a leaf blower. Hearing protection should be used if you intend to use a gas pressure washer for an extended period.
As with most indoor and outdoor equipment, recycling a gas-powered pressure washer should be done at a local recycling plant or junk-removal service.
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. His home base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for winter products and snow equipment. With over a decade of professional writing experience, Lazzari also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com.
Additional research provided by Bob Beacham.
