Do I need a pressure washer with electricity or a combustion engine?
Do I need a pressure washer with electricity or a combustion engine?
Choosing between an electric pressure washer and a combustion engine pressure washer depends on how and where you plan to use the device. Both options offer specific advantages and are suitable for different applications. Here's a detailed overview to help you figure out which type of pressure washer best suits your needs.
Electric pressure washers: Ideal for home use and light to medium cleaning tasks
Electric pressure washers are the most common choice for home use and offer many advantages when it comes to convenience, ease of use, and easier cleaning tasks.
Advantages of electric high-pressure cleaners:
- More compact and lightweight : Electric pressure washers are typically smaller and lighter than models with combustion engines. This makes them easier to transport and requires less storage space.
- Quiet operation : These devices operate much more quietly than high-pressure cleaners with combustion engines and do not disturb neighbors or your own hearing while working.
- Environmentally friendly : Electric pressure washers do not cause direct emissions and are therefore more environmentally friendly.
- Easy start : They can be started at the touch of a button, which is particularly practical and user-friendly.
Areas of application:
Electric pressure washers are ideal for light to medium cleaning tasks around the house. Typical applications include:
- Cleaning of cars, bicycles and garden furniture
- Patios, driveways and sidewalks with light to medium dirt
- Windows and other sensitive surfaces
Restrictions:
- Limited mobility : Electric pressure washers depend on a power source, which limits their mobility. If there's no power outlet nearby, an extension cord or a portable generator is required.
- Lower pressure : Electric models generally do not reach the extremely high pressures required for industrial or heavily soiled surfaces.
High-pressure cleaner with combustion engine: Powerful and mobile for heavy-duty applications
Internal combustion engine pressure washers offer greater power and mobility, making them ideal for professional or industrial applications. These models are often used for heavy-duty cleaning or in locations without electrical connections.
Advantages of high-pressure cleaners with combustion engines:
- High performance : Models with combustion engines often offer higher pressure and water flow, making them suitable for demanding and heavily soiled surfaces.
- Independent of power sources : These devices are mobile and do not require a power connection, making them ideal for remote locations and large properties.
- Durability : High-quality high-pressure cleaners with combustion engines are designed for continuous operation and can withstand intensive use.
Areas of application:
High-pressure cleaners with combustion engines are often used in professional and commercial areas and for heavy-duty cleaning tasks:
- Cleaning large, heavily contaminated areas (e.g. construction sites or agricultural facilities)
- Removing graffiti, stubborn oil stains and dried mud
- Working in areas without access to electricity, such as construction sites or rural areas
Restrictions:
- Louder and more polluting : These devices are louder and produce more exhaust fumes, making them less suitable for use in residential areas or enclosed spaces.
- Larger and heavier : Pressure washers with combustion engines are heavier and bulkier, which makes storage and transport somewhat more difficult.
- More Maintenance : An internal combustion engine requires regular maintenance, such as changing oil and fuel, which requires additional effort.
Which pressure washer is right for you?
The choice between an electric pressure washer and a model with a combustion engine depends essentially on your cleaning requirements and the location of use:
- For household use and light to medium cleaning jobs, electric pressure washers are the best choice due to their ease of use, compact size, and environmental friendliness. If you primarily plan to clean around the house and have access to electricity, an electric pressure washer is ideal.
- For large and heavily soiled areas or work in locations without a power connection, a pressure washer with a combustion engine is more suitable. These models are more powerful and offer greater mobility, making them suitable for commercial and industrial use, as well as for professional cleaners.
Conclusion
An electric pressure washer is sufficient for most household tasks and is the right choice if you prefer a quiet, lightweight, and environmentally friendly device. However, for heavy-duty, professional cleaning tasks and applications in locations without electricity, a pressure washer with a combustion engine is the optimal solution.