Thinking of starting a pressure washer business? Depending on your location, you can make a lot of money with little investment. Now, whatever you do, no matter what equipment you get, don’t skimp on the pressure washer. If you want to maintain a successful cleaning business and want to look professional while charging people to clean stuff, you will need the best commercial pressure washers.
However, that doesn’t mean that you will need the most powerful washer or the most expensive model. You also don’t want your washer to fall apart in the middle of a cleaning job.
There is a sweet spot in between, and, in this article, we will take a look at some commercial grade pressure washers that are reliable & longer-lasting.
If you’re going to specialize in cleaning homes & cars, I would suggest you go with a washer that has 2000-2500 PSI / 2-3 GPM. On the other hand, if you want something for more generalized use, go with a 3000-3500 PSI / 3-4 GPM power washer.
Top 5 Best Pressure Washer for Professional Use
Top 7 Best Commercial Pressure Washer Reviews
Here is a list of the top 7 commercial-grade pressure washers to help your pick the right tool for the right job.
1. Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
The MegaShot pressure washer from Simpson is a powerful unit that is ideal for tough cleaning jobs. It’s powered by a powerful HONDA GC190 residential engine that starts easy and highly reliable. This washer has great cleaning power at shoots water at 3200 PSI at 2.5 GPM.
Setting it up for first-time use also very easy. All you need to do is pour the engine oil in the container, add gas to the fuel tank, connect all the hoses, and you are ready to go. One pull of the lever is all it takes to start the powerful Honda engine. If you plan on cleaning decks or patios, this is the pressure washer for you.
The main reason why you would want to get this one is because of the engine. Honda is renowned for making small and highly reliable engines for power washers. And the next reason would the high PSI rating. With 3200 PSI, you will have enough pressure to do any type of cleaning work.
Another thing that I really liked about this one is its heavy-duty welded steel construction. You won’t find any plastic parts on this washer. This Simpson commercial-grade pressure washer is all heavy-gauge steel that will easily hold to abuse and will also last longer.
It weighs around 55 pounds. The matte black steel base plate & frame are heavy-duty & powder coated for corrosion protection. For easy maneuverability, it comes with premium 10-inch four-ply pneumatic wheels that make it very easy to move the washer around.
Pros
- Reliable Honda GC190 engine
- Five quick connect nozzles
- 3200 PSI @ 2.5 GPM
- Maintenance-free AXIAL CAM pump
- Long 25-foot flexible hose
Cons
- Lacks quality control
2. WEN PW3100 Gas Powered Pressure Washer
With the WEN 3100 PSI pressure washer, you can take on the hardest of cleaning jobs without having to worry about performance. It’s a gas-powered pressure washer that is powered by a powerful 4-stroke 208 CC OHV engine. This engine can easily pump out 2.5 gallons of water per minute.
With five different quick-connect spray gun nozzles ranging from 0 to 40-degrees along with an onboard soap tank, you will be able to take on both the most delicate as well as the toughest surfaces all with the same pressure washer. It comes with a long 30-foot reinforced hose with onboard storage for better reach.
To easily move the washer around, there are two 12-inch wheels that will never go flat, and a soft rubber padded handle. Since it’s a WEN product, you won’t have to worry about spare parts availability as they have a nationwide network of skilled service technicians and outlets.
Same as the previous model, this too features an Axial Cam Pump that requires no maintenance. And because it’s a gas-powered model, you can take the washer anywhere you want. One thing I really liked about this is the never-flat tires. That’s one thing you won’t have to worry about.
Another feature you will really appreciate is the long hose. This is perfect for those bigger jobs where you have to clean larger surface areas. The quick-change lance allows you to easily swap out your current nozzle and install one of the five included nozzles to clear a variety of objects.
Pros
- 30-foot long reinforced hose
- 208 CC OHV 4-stroke engine
- Soft padded handles
- Quick nozzle change
- Large 12-inch never-flat tires
Cons
- Might take more than one pull to start the engine
3. Generac 6565 Gas Powered Commercial Pressure Washer
Another best commercial pressure washer in this list, and this time it’s from Generac. It’s a heavy-duty cleaner that is built tough and helps you tackle almost any cleaning project fast and efficiently. The Generac 6565 is powered by a powerful Generac 420 CC OHV engine for maximum performance.
Because of this engine, you will get better cleaning performance and best-in-class cleaning power. With 4200 PSI and 4.0 GPM, you will never be short on cleaning power. From paint preparation to scrubbing concrete, it has the power and pressure to meet all your needs.
Instead of using axial cam pumps, Generac uses a pump called the Pro-Grade Triplex, which lasts longer than regular pumps. Not only that, but there are also protective features such as the low-oil sensor. This will shut down the engine if you are low on oil. It has some well-thought features that you won’t find anywhere else.
The 50-foot long heavy-duty flex hose of this washer resists abrasion and won’t kink. It’s non-marring, which means it won’t mar surfaces like decks and driveways. With a long hose like this, you will get more cleaning radius and won’t have to move the washer at all.
It’s carefully engineered to last long while providing easy usability. For added durability, this unit is designed with an all-metal welded frame that makes the washer very sturdy. The pump is situated higher up in the machine, which means you won’t have to kneel when changing connections.
Pros
- Longer lasting pump
- 4200 PSI @ 4.0 GPM
- A powerful 420cc Generac OHV engine
- 50-foot long non-marring hose
- Large pneumatic tires
Cons
- There is room for improvements
4. Powerhouse International – Electric High Power- Pressure Washer
Up next is an electric powered pressure washer from Powerhouse International. Even though it’s an electric pressure washer, it performs like a gas-powered washer without the noise. This machine can produce 3000 PSI and output 2.2 gallons of water per minute.
It has a quiet motor, which is very powerful, and the best part is, you don’t need to perform any maintenance. The motor starts when you press the spray gun trigger and stops when you release it. The total stop system, which is the trigger safety switch, prolongs the motor life of this power washer.
Since there is no engine, this unit is very lightweight and easy to move around. One features you will highly appreciate is that it comes with a lot of accessories. It comes with two lances. You will also get one angle nozzle, one turbo nozzle, a spinning surface-patio cleaner, one soap foam sprayer, and one brush.
There are other accessories as well, which make it a good value for the money. To move it around easily, there are four caster wheels. You can take the wheels off and carry the washer too. To make the washer more portable, it comes with a telescopic handle.
The hose on this is 30-foot-long and very flexible for easy cleaning and storage. Speaking of storage, there is a manual onboard hose reel too. On the other side, there is a cord storage that houses the 35-foot long cord. In fact, all the accessories have their own dedicated spot on the power washer.
Pros
- Plenty of onboard storage facility
- Quiet and powerful motor
- 3000 PSI @ 2.2 GPM
- It comes with lots of useful accessories
- Built-in safety features
Cons
- Might be underpowered for some jobs
5. Briggs & Stratton 020681 2000Psi 1.2Gpm El Washer
If you are looking for a pressure washer for car wash only, the Briggs & Stratton 2000 PSI electric power washer can be a good choice. Granted, it’s not very powerful as it only has 2000PSI and 1.2 max GPM, but the power is enough for washing cars and other delicate surfaces.
Right out of the bat, you will instantly notice that the build quality is a lot like gas-powered models. It’s sturdy, and the steel-welded frame makes it even better. This one is certainly better than plastic models as you will have better impact resistance and protection from unexpected bumps.
In addition to its sturdy frame, it’s also a space saver. Thanks to the fold-away design, you can tuck it away in your garage and save precious storage space. As for the motor, it’s brushless, which means little to maintenance on your part. It’s also very quiet and durable.
If there is one washer that is true to its specs, it has to be this one. The flow rate and water pressure of this unit come tested from an independent lab, and a lot of users have found it to be accurate. As for the cleaning performance, it comes with four quick connect spray nozzle tips and a long 25-foot high-pressure hose.
Let’s talk about the brand for a moment. It’s Briggs & Stratton, and this manufacturer has more than 100 years of experience under their belt. They know how to make reliable and powerful cleaning appliances. And this electric pressure washer is no exception.
Pros
- Durable steel-welded frame
- Fold-away design
- Built-in 1/2-gallon detergent tank
- Longer lasting brushless motor
- Four quick connect nozzles
Cons
- Only suitable for light-duty cleaning projects
6. Westinghouse WPX3200 Gas Powered Pressure Washer
The WPX3200 is a gasoline-powered pressure washer that can easily take care of heavy-duty cleaning jobs. It’s a powerful 3100 PSI washer that has a water flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. Powering this machine is a dependable 208cc Westinghouse engine.
It has a durable steel frame construction that protects the machine from sudden and accidental impacts. The tires are large, and the best part is, they are not pneumatic. These are never-flat tires that require no maintenance. For better maneuverability and transportation, the machine has an ergonomic design.
The unit is CARB compliant, which means users from California can use it. As for the tips, there are five quick-connect interchangeable spray tips for various cleaning tasks. The handle is easy to maneuver and has rubber padding on top. The super-flex hose is 30-foot long and non-marring.
Now, let’s talk about some of the features that make it stand out. The pull lever is in a place that is better accessed, and the pump is in a place where it can easily dissipate heat. It has a large 1-gallon fuel tank capacity, which means you won’t have to refill often and spend more time cleaning.
The custom design of this machine gives it better adaptability and portability. Even though it has a compact form factor, it’s powerful, durable & convenient. The materials used in construction are abrasion-resistant that allows for dependable cleaning.
Pros
- 5 gallons per minute of water flow at 3200 PSI
- A long 30-foot super-flex hose
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to move around with
Cons
- Nothing to nitpick about
7. CRAFTSMAN 3000 MAX PSI at 2.1 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
The CRAFTSMAN gas powered pressure washer is powerful enough to tackle everyday residential cleaning tasks. It is actually powered by a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, and maker of this engine is actually renowned for making reliable small engines for house appliances.
Apart from the engine, CRAFTSMAN, the brand makes all their product in the USA. Now, let’s see how good their product actually is. This pressure washer has 3000 maximum PSI and 2.5 maximum GPM. As for the pump, it’s an axial cam pump and requires less maintenance.
Now, power doesn’t mean anything unless you have the tools to utilize that. For that, this washer comes with four quick connect spray nozzles to power wash a variety of surfaces. Whether it’s delicate or requires high-pressure, you will have the nozzle for it.
To extend the cleaning reach, it comes with a 25-foot long hose that can withstand pressure while giving you a long reach. Since it has fewer kinks, storage will be much easier. For movement, the washer comes with 10-inch tires that will never go flat. You can move the washer across different terrains with ease.
Let’s talk about the unique feature of this washer. There is a feature called idle down, which reduces the engine noise when you release the trigger. This feature alone can reduce the noise by up to 40%. Although it gets back up when you press the trigger again, this small change can save a lot of fuel consumption.
Pros
- Never-go-flat 10-inch tires
- You don’t need to change the oil on the engine
- Reliable axial cam pump
- Unique soap dispensing system
- Certified by PWMA for performance
Cons
- Takes some time for the pressure to build-up
How to Choose the Best Commercial Pressure Washer?
Commercial pressure washers have a better engine, better pump, and overall better components. Their quality is way better than normal pressure washers because people rely on them to make a living.
One common trait that most commercial-grade pressure washers have is that they totally avoid the use of plastic. These products go through more than regular washers because of their daily usage.
One thing to keep in mind that power alone doesn’t decide whether the pressure washer is a commercial grade or not. There are machines with 2000 PSI that will cost three times more than some machines with 3500 PSI.
It’s all about having better & reliable components. For example, most commercial grade washers will have Honda engines. Even the pumps will be better than what you are used to seeing on household washers.
Here are some of the key points that you need to know when you are shopping for the best commercial power washer.
Pump Type
One common thing that you will notice that most of the products in this list features AXIAL CAM pumps. These pumps are direct drive pumps meaning they will spin at the same speed as the engine because they are directly attached to the engine.
On the other hand, you will see Triplex pressure washer pumps. These are connected to the engine drive shaft via a belt and pulleys. In a nutshell, there is two commercial pump type. Let’s talk more about them in the following section.
- Direct Drive Pump
As I’ve said before, they run at the speed as the engine does. This means the pumps will have to be placed closer to the engine because of the connection type. Instead of being connected via a belt, these pumps are connected to the engine drive shaft via a hollow shaft.
This makes the connection between the motor and the pump very simple. As a result, these pumps will be less expensive, which means the upfront cost of a pressure washer will decrease. It also makes the washer more compact.
On the downside, the pump gets hotter quickly which will also decrease the lifespan of the motor as well as the bearings and other parts. If your job involves a lot of cleanups, don’t go with a direct drive pump.
If you are just starting out and won’t have a lot of heavy-duty cleaning projects, then the lower upfront cost will save you some money. Because of the compact size, the unit will take up less space.
- Belt Drive System
Belt drive pumps sit further away from the engine, thus running cooler than direct drive pumps. Because of how the pump is connected, it runs at 1/3 of the speed. This allows the pump to draw water more efficiently while keeping the motor cooler.
For this reason, belt drive pumps have a better lifespan. However, there is a drawback. The added friction of the belt makes it less efficient in terms of maintenance. You will have to maintain it more often. The benefit is that you will get a better lasting pump. Because of the lower RPM, the pump runs cooler.
Power Source
As you already know, there are two main power sources when it comes to pressure washers. Electric and Gas. Gas-powered washers are generally more powerful and widely used for commercial cleaning jobs.
In terms of reliability and raw power, nothing beats gas powered models. Not only that, but these models are also very portable. You can take the washer anywhere you want to perform cleaning tasks. As a mobile contract cleaner, gas-powered models are your only option.
On the other hand, there are some electric pressure washers out there that are now getting some popularity. Not everyone likes the noise of a gasoline engine. And if you only want to clean cars, an electric model should be more than enough.
The downside is you will have to have an electric outlet nearby. This means they won’t be as portable as a gasoline power washer. Another downside would be the cleaning power. They are not very powerful, and if you want more power, the cost will quickly increase.
Cold or Hot Water?
For the fastest cleaning experience, hot water is preferred. However, the cost of owning a hot water pressure washer is too much for someone who is just starting out with the cleaning business.
Hot water excites the grime and dirt particles faster. As a result, the particles get off the surface easily, and when used with soap, all the dirt and grime get pulled off the surface.
The combination of soap and hot water results in the most thorough and fastest cleaning experience. The drawback here is that the additional cost of owning a water heater is more than what you will pay for the best commercial pressure washer.
You will have to get a separate burner and burner fuel. That’s one more thing to deal with, along with fuel and engine oil. For now, go with a cold-water pressure washer and save yourself some money.
You can always buy one when you have saved up enough money with your existing machine. That’s why all the products on this list are for beginner contract cleaners.
PSI & GPM
For commercial purposes, higher is better. However, keep in mind that too much pressure can damage delicate surfaces like the exterior of a car or furniture. Anything above 2000 PSI and 1.8 GPM is recommended, but you will need to have the option to control the flow rate.
Nozzle Tips & Quick Connect Feature
Most of the machines on this list will have more than four spray nozzle tips. Having more means, you will be able to perform a wide variety of cleaning tasks. You never know what type of cleaning job you will get. That’s why it’s recommended to have at least four different types of nozzle tips.
The lowest, which is the 0-degree, is good at getting rid of tough stains. It can shoot out a thin stream of high-pressure water to hit small areas. This concentrated water hits very hard, so you will have to be careful when using it.
To get rid of mildew and paint, use the 15-degree tip. It uses a fan pattern to output water, which is good for cleanups on larger surfaces. The highest is the 40-degree nozzle tip, which is used on cars and other delicate surfaces.
The nozzle tip disperses water over a large area giving more coverage and less pressure. It’s good for washing glass and furniture.
Now, as important as it is to have different spray tips, it’s also equally important to have the feature to quickly connect them and hence the name “quick connect tips.”
Having this feature will allow you to swap the heads quickly. This is handy when you have to clean different surfaces. You will get better control and more versatility over the effectiveness and speed of your cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Which pump drive system should I go for?
Answer: If you rely on your pressure washer for your job, go with a belt drive system. If your washer is your secondary source of income, it will be a good decision to go with a direct drive pump system because of their lower cost.
Question: Should I go with a gas-powered pressure washer or an electric power pressure washer?
Answer: If you want portability and raw cleaning power, go with a gasoline-powered pressure washer.
Question: Can I use hot water with a cold-water power washer?
Answer: No.
Question: What is the recommended PSI for a commercial-grade power washer?
Answer: Anything above 2000 – 2500 PSI should be enough as long as the components are of good quality.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot of commercial-grade power washer out there. You just need to know which one will suit you the most. The specifics of your job will play a huge role when you are deciding to buy the best commercial pressure washer.
Since there are different aspects of this job, it will be better if you consult an expert first before you decide on your equipment. That way, you will get the right tool for the right job. Don’t miss our good research articles.
