I need a power washer--what should I get?
 

Electric? Gas? how much psi? what brand? how much $$? I'll be using it for chores around the house--cleaning driveway, cars, house, patio. Any recommendations from experience?

I've used the $150 one from Costco for several years. Great value. OK for big jobs (although it may take a little longer than a more powerful one) and small. I use mine for brick patios, decks, and this summer I'll clean the exterior of my house which is shingled and then seal with Thompson's.

My PW is one of my most useful tools.

Brain dump:

Like other tools you have to purchase according to your needs. I have quite a bit of brick decking around my pool which is cleaned 1-2 times a year. When the pool is empty there's alot of area to clean. Then there's the (wooden) deck and a couple of redwood privacy walls. That said, if you plan on using for larger projects then go with a gas powered PW (5 HP min) with as high a Gallons Per Minute output you can afford. <i>It's not all about PSI</i>. That term is exploited for marketing. Sure you want high pressure but you need a large volume to cover larger areas quickly. Any quality unit will have sufficient HP and PSI to back up the GPS rating.

I purchased my unit from, believe it or not, Harbor Freight many years ago. The trick is to buy a unit with brand name components....namely the engine and the pump. Good pump brands are Giant, CAT, General, Comet and Annovi Reverberi. With engines choose a quality Tecumseh, B&S or better yet Honda.

Also, when choosing a unit insist on non-marking hose. It wont bleed it's color when wet.

BTW, if you just plan on doing occasional work like wheel covers, a small patio etc then you may be best off buying a smaller gas or electric unit.

I went over to Lowes a few weeks ago and picked up this baby.

http://www.troybilt-gen-pw.com/data/...42133Large.jpg

$388.00

Troy-Bilt®
2600 PSI Gas Powered Pressure Washer

.5 GPM
5 HP Honda GC OHC Engine: easy starting, fuel efficient
4 Quick connect spray tips
Easy Start™ pump technology
Stainless steel spray wand
25' High-Pressure Hose
1 Year Limited Warranty

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=42133-348-020241&lpage=none

I'm very happy with it. I've pressure washed my pool deck, concrete, half of the out side of the house and the Pcar wheel wells, and I have no complaints.

Don;t buy anything under 2200 psi. I have the Kacher model

I'll second the comments on the Costco model. Ours has served us well for 5+ years now.

No, I think Rickhas it right...the type you get depends on what you plan on doing with it. I bought an electric PW at Harbor Freight (1800 PSI) and have loved it. Why? Because it does the things I need it to do and does it well. It cleans the bricks, driveway, siding, shutters, windows, wood deck, washes the car, etc. Honestly, I really don't need anything more powerful. I've used my friends gas model that goes to whatever PSI and it was definitely overkill for my uses. Jon, my advice is to carefully consider what and why you need it.

I have a Karcher.. Thing was a bit pricey, but you can clean concrete with it...