Testing 2024’s Best Gas Pressure Washers for Cleaning Any Surface
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When it comes to tough stains and different surface types, there’s no substitute for the power of a gas pressure washer.
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
Photo: Amazon
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
Photo: Amazon
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
Photo: Amazon
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
Photo: Amazon
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
Photo: Amazon
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
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 3/5; Value 5/5