Once you start pressure washing, you can't stop. There's something about having the power to clean virtually anything and seeing the before and after that draws us in.
Gas pressure washers are the most powerful on the market and provide unmatched reliability for both homeowners and professionals. Not all are created equal, however. To help you pick the right one, I've compiled this list of the best gas pressure washers. Be sure to also check out my selection criteria below.
| Best Gas Pressure Washer for Home Use | Best Budget Gas Pressure Washer for Home | Best Premium Gas Pressure Washer for Home | Best Belt Drive Professional Gas Pressure Washer | Best Direct Drive Professional Gas Pressure Washer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simpson ALH4240 Gas Pressure Washer
| Excell EPW2123100 Gas Pressure Washer
| BE B4213HSJ Gas Pressure Washer
|
| Pressure Pro RC/E4040HCE-PED Gas Pressure Washer
|
If you want to handle any home pressure washing job confidently, the Simpson ALH4240 is your ticket. It’s powered by a Honda GX390 engine and easily handles cleaning decks, driveways, siding, and more.
The industrial triplex plunger pump provides 4200 PSI of water pressure at a flow rate of 4 GPM and runs cool, which translates to a longer lifetime. It’s protected by a durable aircraft aluminum platform that is both strong and lightweight. The high-pressure, 3/8-inch, 50-foot steel-braided hose is kink- and abrasion-resistant and won’t mark up your driveway.
This Simpson unit is a joy to use thanks to its ergonomic spray gun, 31-inch lance, and five corrosion-resistant nozzles that swap quickly depending on your surface and application needs. Quick-connect fittings make your hose connection a snap, and a siphon tube lets you easily add detergent. Thanks to 13-inch premium pneumatic tires that can handle all terrains, you can take this pressure washer anywhere you need.
The Simpson ALH4240 is backed by a 5-year pump and 10-year frame warranty. The Honda engine is backed by a 3-year warranty for both consumer and commercial use. Overall, this mean machine will not disappoint those needing serious cleaning power and professional, long-lasting power equipment.
| Spec | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Strong aircraft aluminum frame; Triplex pump runs cool & lasts long; Kink- & abrasion-resistant hose; Corrosion-resistant nozzles | |
| Usability | Quick-connect nozzles; Quick-connect fittings; Ergonomic spray gun | |
| Versatility | Adjustable pressure; 13-inch tires handle rough terrain; 5 spray pattern nozzles; Detergent siphon tube; 50-foot hose; 31-inch lance | |
| Overall Value | Great warranty; Will handle any household pressure washing job |
The Excell 3100 pressure washer is perfect if you have a tight budget but need a solid machine for washing cars, decks, siding, masonry, and more. For a few hundred dollars, it’ll get basic jobs done with 3100 PSI of water pressure at a flow rate of 2.8 GPM.
I find that the most excellent feature of the Excell 3100 is its usability. It’s designed for easy transport with a low-profile frame and reversible handle. You can easily store it beneath a workbench. With 10-inch never-flat wheels, you can take it across various terrains. A onboard storage compartment provides hooks for the spray gun and hose, as well as a built-in nozzle holder.
Speaking of spraying, you get five quick-connect nozzles. Each is color-coded and produces a spray pattern designed for specific applications. For example, the blue, low-pressure nozzle is designed for use with soap and provides a gentle rinse of surfaces. On the other end, the red, highest-pressure nozzle will get the toughest dirt off but should be used with caution. The pressure washer includes a 25-foot, ¼-inch hose.
The Excell 3100 comes with a 90-day accessories warranty and a three-year warranty on the rest of the unit. The bottom line: it’s a low-price pressure washer that will effectively handle the basics.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Thermal relief valve prevents overheating; Axial-style pump with brass head & stainless steel pistons | |
| Usability | Low-profile frame for simple storage; Reversible handle, Onboard storage for spray gun, hose, & nozzle; Quick connect nozzles | |
| Versatility | 5 spray pattern nozzles; Detergent siphon tube, 10-inch never-flat wheels handle rough terrain; 25-foot hose | |
| Overall Value | Amazing value; Will handle basic cleaning around the house |
If you’re a cleanliness-obsessed homeowner who is out every weekend looking for a surface to spray, the BE B4213HSJ is the premium pressure washer that doesn't cut corners. With 4200 PSI of water pressure at 3.9 GPM of flow, it’s great for estates, farms, and even light commercial uses.
Thanks to its commercial-grade Honda GX390 engine and CAT triplex pump, the BE is designed to be used all day, every day. So, go ahead, indulge your obsession. It’s protected by a heavy-duty stainless-steel frame, and the oversized never-flat tires let you take it across rugged terrain. Thanks to an anti-vibration rubber foot, engine vibrations won’t “walk” this pressure washer into your swimming pool. It's due to its durability and sturdy construction that I consider this a premium product.
The BE also includes a professional style, 36-inch spray gun and wand with four quick-connect nozzles for different applications. You can adjust the pressure on the pump to suit whatever you’re doing—from a light car wash, to removing heavy-duty grime from a sidewalk. The 50-inch rubber steel-braided hose resists kinking. Finally, it includes a siphon tube for easy soap application.
With the BE B4213HSJ, you get a high-quality, all-around pressure washer that will help you tackle any job around the house. If you want top-of-the-line, this is it.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Commercial-Grade Honda GX30 engine; CAT triplex pump; Heavy-duty stainless steel frame; Never-flat tires; Anti-vibration rubber foot boosts stability; Steel-braided hose resists kinking | |
| Usability | Quick-connect fittings; Quick-connect nozzles; On-board spray tip storage; Frame cut-outs to easily change engine oil | |
| Versatility | Adjustable pressure; 4 spray pattern nozzles; Detergent siphon tube; Oversized tires handle rough terrain; 50-foot hose | |
| Overall Value | Robust, premium pressure washer for the no-nonsense DIYer |
Professionals who want the durability and easy maintenance of a belt drive pressure washer should look no further than the Pressure Pro EB4040HC-20. You’ll have a reliable partner on residential, commercial, and industrial job sites. Due to their low RPMs and cooler operation, I typically recommend belt drive units like this one for applications requiring the pump to run continuously for more than 3-4 hours on those longer jobs.
Durability is king in the professional pressure-washing business. The longer your washer lasts, the more jobs you take on, and the more money you make without having to buy a replacement. The Pressure Pro has several features that will help it last for years, like the belt drive triplex plunger pump that runs cooler and reduces wear and tear.
The aircraft-grade aluminum frame, dual-padded shock-absorbing feet, large, never-flat wheels, and 50-foot steel-reinforced hose provide total protection. Furthermore, the frame has no welds, eliminating possible breakage points. The unit also includes a low oil shutdown feature and a bypass valve that will alleviate pressure buildup when you’re not pressing the trigger gun.
When it comes to usability, you’ll be ready for anything with five quick-connect nozzles: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40° and one for use with chemicals. The water pressure is adjustable to meet your application requirements. Everything is designed for easy access, from the dashboard holding the nozzles, to the inlet/outlet fittings, to the convenient wand holder.
Overall, this top-of-the-line pressure washer is a worthwhile investment for your business. It’s a longtime favorite of mine, and I highly recommend it.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Honda GX390 engine; CAT triplex pump; Aircraft-grade aluminum frame; Dual-padded shock-absorbing feet; Never-flat wheels; Thermo sensor prevents overheating; Belt drive; Low oil shutdown | |
| Usability | Quick-connect fittings; Easy access to inlet & outlet fittings; Quick-connect nozzles; Dash panel with easy nozzle access | |
| Versatility | Adjustable pressure; Oversized tires handle rough terrain; 50-foot hose; 5 spray pattern nozzles | |
| Overall Value | Reliable, long-lasting unit that will help pros get the most from their business |
Robust and powerful, the Pressure Pro RC/E4040HCE-PED direct drive gas pressure washer will handle whatever the job site throws at it. I especially recommend it where you’re running the pump intermittently for smaller jobs under three hours, like auto detailing, graffiti removal, or even cleaning small to medium-sized driveways.
A 389cc Honda GX 390 engine powers this beast, which can produce 4,000 PSI of water pressure at a flow rate of 4 GPM thanks to its triplex plunger pump.
The ease of use is also amazing. Thanks to electric start technology, simply turn a key to start the pressure washer. Choose from five quick-connect nozzles depending on how tough or gentle your cleaning job is. Adjust the pressure as needed with the pressure regulator.
Beyond this, the insulated gun is a nice touch to keep your hands comfortable. An attached hose reel lets you easily store the 100-foot high-pressure hose on the unit.
The main reason I picked the Pressure Pro, though, is its unique durability features. It’s well-fortified with an aircraft-grade aluminum roll cage that comes with a lifetime frame warranty. There are no welds to break or fail. An external bypass helps prevent overheating, and a low oil shutdown protects the motor and pump. Overall, you can use the Pressure Pro with complete confidence that it can handle tough cleaning jobs for years to come.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Honda GX390 engine; CAT triplex pump; Aircraft-grade aluminum frame; Thermo sensor prevents overheating; Roll cage protection; Low oil shutdown | |
| Usability | Quick-connect fittings; Turn-key electric start; Attached hose reel; Insulated spray gun | |
| Versatility | Adjustable pressure; Detergent siphon tube; 100-foot hose; 5 spray pattern nozzles | |
| Overall Value | Robustly designed to handle the rigors of the professional jobsite |
When recommending gas pressure washers, we take four features into account.
From getting knocked, tipped over, or otherwise manhandled, gas pressure washers can sure take a beating, especially on job sites. Beyond this, frequent use can put a strain on the engine, pump, and other internal components. That’s why I only recommend units that can take a few punches and still perform time after time.
Durability starts with the frame. The material, thickness, and number of welding points all play a role in how much abuse the pressure washer can handle. For example, frames made from aircraft-grade aluminum are much desired for their strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance.
I also consider the tires. Can they handle rough terrain? Not every property will be flat and uncluttered. How do they resist “walking,” which is unwanted movement caused by engine vibrations?
The hose should be kink-resistant because, let’s face it, we all abuse hoses. Safety and comfort features, like low oil shutoff and temperature sensors, are another consideration.
Finally, I look at the engine and pump. Is it a reputable brand? Does it run cool? Will it handle years of use? Every component should be built to last.
Using your pressure washer should be as simple and frictionless as possible. This is where I look at anything that makes life easier for you, the user.
Let’s start with the basics. For a portable gas pressure washer, how portable is it? How much does it weigh? Can it handle rough terrain? Some units have onboard storage for the spray gun and hose, which is a plus.
I also look for usability features like electric start, which will get you washing in a jiffy, ergonomic components, and quick-connect fittings that help you easily switch attachments.
You can wash almost anything with a pressure washer. That’s why the best gas pressure washers are versatile in the sense that you can adapt them to your application. I’ve already mentioned the importance of quick-connect fittings, but it goes beyond that.
The most important versatility feature is adjustable pressure. If you used the same water pressure for cleaning your car as for your driveway, you would quickly need a new paint job. Adjustable pressure lets you suit the washer to the task at hand.
For those wanting to use soap, a pressure washer with siphon tube injection capability makes it simpler than adding soap manually. Overall, anything that expands the way you can use your pressure washer earns extra points from me.
You get what you pay for. Sure, there are cases when you can get a great deal on a quality pressure washer, but it usually costs money and resources for manufacturers to make their product “the best.”
That’s why I don’t exclusively consider price when determining value. It’s a factor, but not the most important one. I'm most interested in whether the pressure washer is worth the price. Do its durability, usability, and versatility features justify the purchase? This is also where I consider the warranty and where the pressure washer is made.
GPM stands for Gallons per Minute and describes "how much" water is delivered, or its volume. A pressure washer rated for 4 GPM can produce 4 gallons of pressurized water per minute.
PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch and describes the pressure, or force, of water. A pressure washer rated for 1,000 PSI can produce 1,000 pounds of water per square inch.
The flow rate (GPM) is just as important as the water pressure (PSI). When cleaning delicate surfaces like wood fences or cars covered in bird waste, an overly high pressure could cause damage. In those cases, you can compensate with a higher flow rate pressure washer. The higher GPMs will clean effectively through the sheer volume of water sprayed on the surface, also known as rinsing power. Generally speaking, most residential users will need a flow rate of 1-3 GPM, while most commercial users will need a minimum of 3.5-4 GPM.
It depends on what you want to wash. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and represents the water pressure. Most homeowners will be satisfied with a 1,000-4,000 PSI pressure washer. The higher the pressure, the heavier the dirt you’ll be able to clean, like garage floor stains, paint splotches, and thick mold. Lower PSI pressure washers are perfect for lighter cleaning, like car washes, cobwebs, and your grill. Heavy-duty commercial pressure washing jobs will require more than 4,000 PSI.
The best pressure washers come with an adjustable PSI setting, so you can adapt the pressure to your application. Learn more about selecting the right PSI pressure washer in our pressure washer buyer’s guide.
Never run your pressure washer when it’s not connected to a water source.
The water running through your pressure washer serves to cool and lubricate the pressure washer pump. You should connect your pressure washer to your water source and make sure water is flowing through the pump before starting your washer. Running your pressure washer without water, even briefly, can cause significant damage to your pump.
What's more, leaving your pressure washer running while not actively using it can cause the pump to overheat and fail prematurely. Units equipped with belt drives, bypass loops, or thermal relief valves can delay overheating, but even these units should be shut off when pausing your work for an extended period of time.
In short, if you need to stop working, turn off the engine!
Jim has nurtured a professional obsession with pumps for nearly 30 years. After spending well over a decade selling pumps for an HVAC wholesaler, Jim joined the Power Equipment Direct team as a product expert and hasn’t looked back.
Over the past 13 years, Jim has helped thousands of PED customers find, size, and purchase the perfect sump pump, water pump, or pressure washer for their needs. In doing so, he has accumulated vast knowledge about the different kinds of pumps and their manufacturers. He has also participated in many video productions highlighting pump installations, performance, and applications.
A native Chicagoan, when he’s not pumping out expert advice, Jim enjoys just about every cold-weather activity, especially skiing. Despite being visibly agitated by warmth and sunshine, Jim stays busy during summer by fishing and taking photos. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his family and grandkids as much as he can.