Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers: Which Is Best for Your Project?
It’s time to wash away your confusion
Highlights
Gas pressure washers are more powerful.
Electric models cost less and are easier to use.
Gas models emit carbon monoxide into the air.
Electric pressure washers are safe to use in enclosed spaces.
Whether you’re ready to give your driveway a much-needed refresher, you want to remove your deck stain, or you’re looking to clean the outside of your gutters, you know you need a pressure washer. But deciding between a gas or an electric pressure washer can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure which is right for you. This guide compares gas vs. electric pressure washers to help you see how their pros and cons impact you and your needs.
What Is the Difference Between Gas and Electric Pressure Washers?
Whether you opt for a gas or electric pressure washer depends on your pressure washer uses, budget, your skills using one of these machines, and how much maintenance you're willing to do.
Gas pressure washers are heavier, louder, trickier to use and maintain, and more costly to buy and run. However, they are more powerful, portable, hardwearing, and better suited to deep cleaning and pressure washing vinyl siding, concrete driveways, and other large, durable areas.
Electric pressure washers are quieter, more environmentally friendly, less costly upfront, and can be used on more items around your property. But they won’t tackle the grimiest jobs on the toughest surfaces so well, and you’ll likely have to replace your machine sooner than you would a gas pressure washer.
Read on to learn more about how to choose the pressure washer type most suited to you.
Gas Powered Pressure Washers Pros and Cons
As its name suggests, gas-powered pressure washers use oil or fuel to power their engines. Let’s discuss what makes this model great and some downsides to consider.
| Gas Powered Pressure Washer Pros | Gas Powered Pressure Washer Cons |
|---|---|
| More cleaning power | More expensive |
| Faster | Noisy |
| Durable | Heavy |
| Portable | Require expertise to use |
Pros
More Cleaning Power
Gas pressure washers range from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), a pressure measurement. Because of their PSI rating, gas models are powerful and can help you tackle some tough jobs.
Faster
With its higher PSI rating, this heavy-duty unit can quickly clean your surfaces. Need to give your concrete driveway a refresh before a family gathering? Gas pressure washers can make short work of this task.
Durable
They’re designed with metal and polyurethane components, making them a unit built to last. Also, because of its durability, you can expect your model to last five to seven years with good maintenance and potentially up to 10 years.
Portable
Need to do a quick pressure wash on your shed? One of the advantages of gas-powered pressure washers is that you can pick up and go. You can still get the job done if your shed or barn is a few hundred yards away from the nearest outlet.
Cons
More Expensive
At a price of between $200 and $500, one of the drawbacks of gas pressure washers is that they typically cost more than their electric counterparts. And besides the initial price, they're not cost-efficient in the long run because you'll need to continuously purchase fuel to keep it running. However, given the average cost to pressure wash a house is between $200 and $420, if you plan to DIY this a couple of times a year, it’s a worthwhile investment.
If you want a gas power washer for one-off annual projects, renting a pressure washer vs. hiring a pro might be a better option for you to consider. The cost to rent a pressure washer falls between $50 and $250 per day on average.
Noisy and Heavy
While gas models are more durable because of their metal parts and engine, these perks can also make them noisy. Gas pressure washers are at least 85 decibels (dBA) but can reach over 100 dBA. For perspective, a freight train is 80 dBA, and 100 dBA is the noise from a construction site.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noise above 70 dB over a prolonged period could damage your hearing, so you should use ear protection when using a gas-powered pressure washer.
Their metal parts can also make gas models pretty heavy, although most come with wheels to help their mobility.
Require Expertise to Use
A gas pressure washer can be a little too powerful for homeowners unfamiliar with its strength, leading to common pressure washing mistakes. For example, gas washers can cause injuries if mishandled or used without the proper preparations, such as safety goggles, ear protection, and gloves.
Not only can it harm you, but since these units are so powerful, they can damage your shingles, paint, or wood if used too closely. Some surfaces are more suitable for gas pressure washing than others, so consider whether soft washing or pressure washing is the best method for cleaning your home’s surfaces.
Electric Pressure Washers Pros and Cons
Electric pressure washers are powered by electricity from an outlet. Below, we’ll cover what makes these models a favorite among homeowners and some of their drawbacks.
| Electric Pressure Washers Pros | Electric Pressure Washers Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient | Less cleaning power |
| Easy to use | Not as durable |
| Affordable | Needs to be near a power source |
| Eco-friendly | Can potentially cause electrical shock |
Pros
Convenient/Easy to Use
Electric pressure washers are incredibly convenient for homeowners. There’s nothing like plugging in your unit, cleaning up a mess, and you're done. Since these models run on electricity, you can conveniently clean up anywhere near a power outlet. Weekend DIY home pressure wash, anyone?
Affordable
Clocking in between $90 and $180, electric pressure washers are affordable options and can fit most homeowners’ budgets. They give you more financial flexibility based on your needs.
Eco-friendly
Electric pressure washers rely on electricity to get their engine flowing. So, they don’t release emissions into the air, resulting in a more eco-friendly option to clean your home. This also makes electric pressure washers safe to use in enclosed spaces.
Cons
Less Cleaning Power
These units are more affordable, but they come with a noticeable difference in cleaning power. Electric pressure washers, on average, have an output of 800 to 2,000 PSI. So these units are best for light, everyday cleaning on decks, patio furniture, and car washing. They also don’t operate best under extensive usage. So, electric models might not be right for you if you’re looking for something with a little more power or a model that can withstand long run times.
Not as Durable
Unlike their heavy-duty counterparts, electric pressure washers are designed with more plastic and lightweight materials. And, because of their design, these units aren’t very durable and might need replacing within three to five years.
Need to Be Near Power Source
While some homeowners are fully connected and have a power outlet (or two) throughout the structures on their property, not every homeowner does. Since most extension cords only go to around 300 feet long at most, this makes operating an electric pressure washer at longer distances near impossible unless you’re near a power source like a portable battery.
Can Potentially Cause Electrical Shock
Water and electricity don’t mix. And just because an electrical pressure washer is designed to be used that way, doesn’t mean it can’t still cause an electrical shock if the water seeps into the cords or the wire isn’t grounded. While taking these electrical safety precautions can limit the risk of shock, it doesn’t entirely take it away, so be mindful of these dangers before you decide to choose an electric power washer.
Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers: Features Breakdown
Here is a look at which type of pressure washer wins based on important factors like power, durability, and more.
Power
Without a doubt, gas pressure washers offer far more cleaning power than their electrical counterparts. Their PSI rating can go up to 4,000 PSI, double some of the best electrical models. So, regardless of how you use your pressure washer, gas models have the pressure you need to do the job well.
But remember, some pressure washers may be too strong for what you’re cleaning. For instance, if you’re cleaning gutters, it’s important to know how to safely clean gutters with a pressure washer before tackling the job with a powerful washer. The last thing you want is to damage your siding or gutters in the process. The same goes for other surfaces and structures on your home.
Most cleaning power: Gas pressure washer
Durability
Their metal components and fuel engines make gas pressure washers more durable than electrical models’ plastic parts. Thanks to their tough design and durable materials, you can use gas models for more extended periods. They also last longer overall—up to twice as long as electric pressure washers with proper maintenance.
Speaking of proper maintenance, knowing what not to do when operating your power washer can greatly extend its life span. Many homeowners avoid using bleach as a cleaning solution for their pressure washers because bleach can be abrasive and damage landscaping and surfaces. However, using bleach alternatives for pressure washing may damage your pressure washer if you don’t check the manual to ensure your washer is compatible with the cleaning solution.
Most durable: Gas pressure washer
Affordability
Electric pressure washers are more budget-friendly and cost less money to run. Gas models require fuel or oil to run and have a higher upfront price tag. Depending on how often you need your pressure washer, those running costs can quickly add up, making it considerably more expensive to own.
Most cost-efficient: Electric pressure washer
Ease of Use
Electric pressure washers are a plug-and-go model, which makes them more accessible for homeowners using a pressure washer for the first time. Their low PSI also makes it easier for homeowners to handle and operate them. At the same time, electric pressure washers can be a little frustrating to use, as you can trip on the cord or get it caught on objects as you move around and pressure wash your property.
Gas pressure washers are more portable than electric models, but they require more experience to use. Not to mention, gas pressure washers weigh more and can be more challenging to hold and operate.
Easier for first-time usage: Electric pressure washer
Maintenance
A gas pressure washer has multiple moving parts like a motor, fuel tank, air filter, spark plugs, muffler, inlet screen, and an engine. Each of these parts will need regular inspections, cleanings, and replacements depending on how often you use it. On the contrary, maintaining an electric model only involves cleaning its nozzle, hose, and spray gun.
Low maintenance: Electric pressure washer
Eco-Friendliness
Gas pressure washers emit carbon monoxide into the air, while electric models have no emissions.
Most eco-friendly option: Electric pressure washer
Which Pressure Washing Option Should You Choose?
The best pressure washer for your home depends on many factors.
If you’re looking for a quiet, low-maintenance pressure washer and are on a tight budget, then an electric pressure washer may be the right choice. Electric pressure washers are quiet, budget-friendly, environmentally friendly, and easier to operate if it’s your first time owning or using a pressure washer. However, they have a shorter life span and aren’t as powerful, so you should consider these downsides as you weigh your options.
If you’re looking for the most powerful pressure washer and won’t blink an eye at pricier options, higher maintenance work, and higher noise levels, then a gas pressure washer could be the right option for you. These washers are designed to blast through tough surface stains and scum and are suitable for those who feel confident operating a heavy-duty washer.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most important tips for pressure washing your home is knowing how long you can operate your washer. The length of time you can run your gas or electric pressure washer continuously depends on the model. Most gas models can run for 20 to 30 minutes, and some electric models for up to one hour. Never exceed manufacturer recommendations—this reduces machine longevity and increases overheating risk—and take a break if the machine feels hot.
Typically, selecting a pressure washer with a rating of 3,000 PSI and a flow rate of at least four gallons per minute (GPM) is best for effective deep cleaning of durable concrete. If the surface isn’t thick with mildew or grease, or you’re happy to scrub with detergents beforehand, lower-pressure models can still do the job. Professionals might use pressure washers with higher PSI capabilities.
However, they’re more challenging for homeowners to handle—and if you use them incorrectly, there’s a greater risk of injury or surface damage. When in doubt, hire a professional power washing service near you.
There are many ways to use them around your property, but a common pressure washer mistake is getting carried away and spraying everything in sight. Avoid pressure washing highly porous or delicate surfaces, like glass, and steer clear of electrical items or painted surfaces—unless you want to strip them.
And don’t forget that while pressure washing softer wood and other porous surfaces is possible, they should be in good condition and only sprayed with lower-power pressure washers using wide-angle nozzles.
Yes, operating a pressure washer can be dangerous. Animals, children, and unsuspecting adults can be seriously injured by a close encounter with a pressure washer. Gas power washers have a much higher PSI and pose a greater risk of injury. Electric pressure washers have less power but can cause injury through electrocution if not operated correctly.
Always be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t operate a pressure washer in wet weather conditions or when pets, children, or others are nearby.