This is a short yet comprehensive guide on electric vs gas pressure washer, covering everything you need to know about the two variants of this amazing machine.
You’ll know:
- How does an electric pressure washer work?
- How does a gas-powered pressure washer work?
- Benefits and drawbacks of both
- And more
Let’s dive in.
How Does an Electric Pressure Washer Work?

Electric pressure washers use an electric motor to power the pump.
They come in a variety of features and sizes. And, you can use both for industrial as well as household purposes. a
The electric pressure washer is made up of six parts:
- Pump
- Motor
- Hose
- Gun
- Nozzle
- Inlet
The pump produces the water pressure, which is then directed through the host to clean surfaces.
How Does a Gas-Powered Pressure Washer Work?
Gas-powered pressure washers are the most popular type of power washers.
This type of pressure washer gets its power from a gas engine that drives a rotating turbine. This turbine, in turn, drives a high-pressure water pump to produce pressurized water.
Stanhope Forbes developed the first gas-powered pressure washer in 1894, and the popularity of this handy device is growing ever since then. The design is simple and easy to maintain.
Gas-powered pressure washers have many benefits over electric ones:
The stand-out benefit is that they don’t’ require an electrical outlet or extension cord to operate.
Electric Vs Gas Pressure Washer – Which One’s Better?
Now, it totally depends on your needs and personal choice.
Benefits of Electric Pressure Washer
Electric pressure washers are more environmentally friendly than gas-powered pressure washers.
They don’t need to be refueled and produce less greenhouse emissions.
And, they are quieter than gas-powered pressure washers.
Since electric power is typically cheaper than gas, the electric powered pressure washer is a more economical choice in the long run.
Electric pressure washers are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, including residential and commercial clean-up.
They also weigh less than the gas-powered ones, which makes them more portable.
Cons of Electric Pressure Washers
But, you do need a power outlet and a long-enough cord to use them effectively.
And, they’re less powerful than the gas ones.
Benefits of Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
Gas-powered power washers are faster and more powerful than electric powered ones.
Because of the higher pressure, you can use them to clean larger areas easily and thoroughly.
Moreover, you don’t need an electric outlet to use a gas-powered pressure washer.
Cons of Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
However, gas-powered pressure washers require refilling of fuel tanks which can be a pain if you’re on a job site with no access to gasoline or diesel fuel.
And, they’re not very user-friendly, which makes them not so ideal for beginners.
In addition, since gasoline is typically more expensive than electricity, a gas-powered machine is going to be more costly in the long run.
Final Thoughts
This was all about electric vs gas pressure washer.
If you prefer portability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, an electric pressure washer is for you.
But, if you don’t want to compromise on power, a gas-powered pressure washer would be a better choice.