5 Best Pressure Washers You Need to Better Detail Your Car

[MikeKnopfler]

In this post, we are going to give you the 5 top rated pressure washers on the market right now that are just perfect for car detailing.

 

Let’s face it, some stains just won’t budge no matter how hard you scrub it.

 

If you want to up your car detailing game and cut down on the manual work, you need a pressure washer in your tool kit!

 

A pressure washer, or powerwasher, produces water jets to provide you with the right amount of force. So you can lift dirt and gunk off the car quickly and easily. Cleaning up is simply letting dry and draining the wastewater.

 

We asked our experts and auto detailing professionals “What is the best pressure washer in the world right now?”.

 

And we got not one but FIVE outstanding pressure washers for each category: Best Overall, Runner-up, Life Upgrade, Most Versatile and Most Budget-Friendly.

 

We bet you will find the perfect match among the following 5 amazing machines!

 

Excited? Let’s get started with the best pressure washer reviews!

 

Our Editor’s Choices of Pressure Washers for Car Detailing in 2020

 

1. Best Overall: Karcher K5 Premium Full Control

The Karcher K5 Premium Full Control is the highest rated pressure washer right now! With 2000 PSI and 2.3 GPM, the K5 Premium covers your car and home cleaning needs.

 

The K5 Premium is upgraded with a high-quality hose railing system, better-lasting motor build, and adjustable Full-Control pressure control right within the touch of a finger.

 

The 3-in-1 Multi Jet cleaning hose offers high flexibility between lancing, mixing, and blasting.

 

The Plug ’n Clean detergent dispenser system of the K5 Premium makes cleaning simple. At 13.6 kg, the pressure washer is easily manageable, even with all the accessories on it.

 

2. Runner-Up: Sun Joe SPX3000

 

Sun Joe SPX3000, a tough contender for the best pressure washer on the market, which can deliver up to 2030 PSI and 1.8 GPM.

 

This powerful, yet compactly designed, pressure washer offers a wide range of applications around the home, especially when it comes to car detailing.

 

The Sun Joe SPX3000 can be quickly adapted to any type of cleaning by switching between the 2 removable detergent tanks with Selection Dial while you change the nozzle type.

 

You will save even more time and energy with the Total Stop System on SPX3000, automatically shutting off the water pump when the gun is not triggered.

 

3. Life Upgrade: Kranzle K1152 TS T

 

We strongly recommend the Kranzle K1152 if you are a professional looking for an upgrade. The Kranzle K1152 is truly a buy-it-for-life type of investment.

 

The powerful motor can deliver up to 2200 PSI at 2.6 GPM maximum, perfect for car detailing and other general purposes.

 

The most impressive feature on the Kranzle K1152TS T is the DirtBuster Lance. Designed to harness the high pressure, it knocks off the hardest crud in one wipe.

 

This pressure washer is on a heavier side, weighing 31 kgs with 15m hose, cable, and accessories on. But we can’t complain about the superb engineering prowess.

 

4. Most Versatile: Greenworks GPW1501

 

The Greenworks GPW1501 is a lightweight and compact pressure washer that can deliver up to 1500PSI at 1.2 GPM.

 

But what lands GPW1501 on our list is its versatility from the 70+ different power tools. You have an accessory for every job, highly appreciated when working car detailing.

 

Coupled with high mobility and ease of use, GPW1501 comes with a strong and stable pump that doesn't make too much noise.

 

5. Most Budget-Friendly: Nilfisk C125

 

The Nilfisk C15 is the best pressure washer for the money. Delivering up to 1820 PSI at 2.1 GPM, Nilfisk C15 is the most powerful pressure washer at its price range.

 

Nilfisk C15 water pump is built to last. The pump works on induction, capable of automatic start/stop, and quick nozzle pressure dial-up. It runs powerfully and quietly.

 

This compact pressure washer has all the standard features of a premium quality machine such as the Click&Clean quick connection

 

The hard plastic outer case ensures Nilfisk C15 only weighs 6.6 kg with the cable and accessories on. All the cleaning hoses, guns, and nozzles are compactly stored onboard.

Deciding Factors When Buying A Pressure Washer for Auto Detailing

 

Type

 

Most commercial rated pressure washers run on electricity. An electric pressure washer is a good option for cleaning around the house, gardens, patio, vehicles, and especially car detailing.

 

A gas pressure washer is a better choice if you don’t have access to an electrical plug. If you do a lot of off-road heavy-duty work such as roadside cleaning, consider a gas pressure washer.

 

Pressure

 

Pressure refers to the strength of the water exiting the washer, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or bar.

 

The high-pressure range (2000 PSI ~ 140 bar or higher) allows you to perform very heavy-duty work, like cleaning moldy brick walls or sidewalks.

 

The low-pressure range (1450-1600 PSI ~ about 100-110 bar) is perfect for car detailing and other light-duty cleanings.

 

You can dial to the range of your choice on a commercial rate pressure washer. But consider a pressure washer specifically designed for cars detailing for your professional work.

 

➽➽➽ For More Information: https://thekinglive.com/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer-to-clean-your-home.html

 

Flow rate

 

Flow rate measures how much water is exiting the washer in gallons per minute (GPM).

 

For car detailing, you want a high flow rate (2.3-3.5 GPM) to wash away the foam and wastewater from your car.

 

This flow rate is considered high for a pressure washer. Compared to your garden hose at typically 5-10 GPM, a great pressure washer is doing a much better job using MUCH less water.

 

Weight

 

You want high mobility because you will be moving around a lot with the pressure washer. Weight is a concern if you want high mobility.

 

A lighter weight means the machine components are mainly plastics. And heavier weight may indicate a better, more solid build.

 

We advise choosing a well-built, durable pressure washer whose weight can be managed.

 

Bottom Line

 

So which pressure washer is your perfect match? We hope our brief guide can help you decide that

 

Get a pressure washer today so you don’t have to waste time and effort with the hard manual work! If you’re in a hurry, pick up one of our Editor’s Choices!

 

If you decide to shop one of our recommendations, hand-picked from the best rated pressure washer manufacturers, feel free to let us know!

Edited June 28, 2021 by MikeKnopfler

[jgerock]

I have an old Karcher electric one from Lowe’s. Zero problems and I’ve loaned it to several friends.

 

I bought a Ryobi 1700 psi one from HD a couple years ago for my dad. I recently used it. Works well. Many units pictured here.

https://images.app.goo.gl/FupTye2GLNGFqtje6

 

I you can afford a gas powered one- buy it. They have more cleaning power.

Edited April 24, 2020 by jgerock

[M3M3]

Get a gas powered 3000psi model if you intend to do patios or anything big.  And a long hose.

 

And like jim said... If you have one, expect people to want to borrow it.  Mine is used regularly by not just me.

 

Great way to get your beer fridge filled...

Edited April 24, 2020 by mlytle

[broduke]

I've had very good results with the Sun Joe SPX300. It is not pricey also.

[Steve Tochi]

Listen to Jim and Marshall, and go with gas.  I have an electric one, it has some use but its not much more than a glorified hose nozzle.

[steve k.]

I just ordered a gas powered Husqvarna from Costco. 3100PSI, they are currently $80 off at $269 each

https://www.costco.com/husqvarna-3100-psi--2.5-gpm-gas-pressure-washer.product.100540389.html

 

It will be arriving on Wednesday, so i will know soon.

 

steve k.

 

[M3M3]

Good choice and price.  I have a Husqvarna lawn mower...15 years of abuse and still running.