What are the different types of pressure washers?
Pressure washers are powerful tools that can be used to clean various surfaces. There are several types of pressure washers, powered in different ways, mounted in different ways and capable of doing different things. Below are many different ways we can categorise pressure washers, but bear in mind that many pressure washers will fall into multiple categories. For example, an electric, engine or hybrid pressure washer may also be mobile or static, and hot or cold water. Moreover, some of these pressure washers are more suited to commercial, industrial or domestic tasks.
For our article on what is a pressure washer? Click here.
Article Contents
- Electric Pressure Washers
- Engine-powered Pressure Washers
- Hybrid Steam Cleaners
- Hot Water Pressure Washers (or Steam Cleaners)
- Cold Water Pressure Washers
- Mobile Pressure Washers
- Static Pressure Washers
- Trailer Pressure Washers
1. Electric Pressure Washers
Electric pressure washers are powered by motors that run on an electrical supply. They are typically quieter and more lightweight than engine-powered models, making them easier to move and store. Depending on the power supply (240-volt vs 400-volt supplies), the power outputs of electrical pressure washers can be vast.
240 vs 400 volts
On 240-volt supplies, the power output is typically a payoff between water flow and pressure due to the bandwidth of the electrical supply. However, 3-phase (400V) pressure washers can boast large flow rates of 20+LPM and operating pressures of 220+ BAR.
The advantage of 240-volt pressure washers is that these use standard, mains UK supplies. 3-phase/400-volt pressure washers require a special supply that is not always available. (If you are unsure, try to find out what supplies you have available via your electrician. Alternatively, we can and often will double-check.)
To put the power difference into perspective let’s compare two Ehrle cold water pressure washers, the KD623 and the KD1140. The KD623 is a 240V pressure washer and boasts 160 BAR of pressure and a discharge capacity of 10 litres per minute. The KD1140, on the other hand, boasts 250BAR and 15 LPM.
The KD1140 is not the most powerful cold water pressure washer that Ehrle manufactures. Yet, it is vastly more powerful than the KD623, which is restricted by its 240V supply. The KD1140, for instance, supports 90BAR and 5LPM (400 litres per hour) more than the KD623.
2. Engine-powered Pressure Washers
Engine-powered pressure washers are ideal for all sorts of cleaning tasks, from lighter domestic jobs right through to professional industrial or commercial work. Like electrical pressure washers, they can have substantial flow rates and pressure outputs. Engine-powered pressure washers are typically heavier than electric models, but they offer more versatility and power as they do not require an electric supply.
Naturally, as you may expect, the size of the engine tends to correlate with the pressure and water flow outputs. Like with the electrical pressure washers, there is only so much power an engine can produce. However, just like with the electrical pressure washers how this power is allocated (to pressure vs water flow) can vary.
If we take a look at the Nailsea Power Cleaning Honda Driven Range, for instance, we can see that despite the same engine, they can be set up to emphasise water flow over pressure (or vice versa). The Eco HR 20-21 and 25-15 both use the Honda GX 390. However, one has a pressure of 200BAR at 21LPM (20-21) and the other has a pressure of 250BAR at 15LPM (25-15). Essentially, the engine has a fixed output, based on its power but, the power can be used to create more pressure, more water flow or a balance between the two.
3. Hybrid Steam Cleaners
Due to the electrical demands required to generate both heat (especially at steaming temperatures!) and pressure, it is common for steam cleaners to run on both electricity and fuel. The electric supply typically powers the motor, which in turn powers the pump, while the engine powers the burner for heating water. The cabling and supply required for all electric steam cleaners are pretty hefty. Therefore, sharing the burden can be desirable. Particularly for mobile units.
The Ehrle HD and HSC ranges, for instance, are our primary range of hot water pressure washers. (The difference being the HD is a mobile pressure washer, while the HSC is static.) Both these types of steam cleaners can produce water (or should that be steam?) at temperatures of 150°C. To do this, the hybrid versions use an electric motor to power the pump and a diesel-powered burner to heat the water.
4. Hot Water Pressure Washers (or Steam Cleaners)
Hot water pressure washers are designed to clean surfaces with hot water instead of cold water. They are ideal for removing grease, oil, and other tough stains from surfaces. They can also be used to sterilise surfaces (so long as they can reach sterilising temperatures!)
The Ehrle HD and HSC ranges are our primary forms of steam cleaners. Each of these is capable of cold water cleaning and hot water cleaning from 30-99°C. By reducing the water flow and pressure slightly, however, they can also clean at sterilising temperatures of 150°C.
We also sell the Ehrle HDD, which is an entirely engine-driven hot water pressure washer capable of cold water and heated water cleaning from 30-98°C. It does not have the capacity for steam cleaning at 150°C.
It is also worth bearing in mind that Ehrle’s KS range (823 & 1140) boasts parts that allow it to take pre-heated water of up to 80°C. In other words, so long as you can keep up the water flow, you can put hot water into your KS pressure washer, giving you warm to hot water cleaning potential.
5. Cold Water Pressure Washers (or Jet Washers)
Cold water pressure washers are the most common type of pressure washer and are suitable for most cleaning tasks. They are typically less expensive than hot water models and are ideal for cleaning surfaces such as decks, patios, and sidewalks.
Cold water pressure washers also tend to be smaller and lighter than hot water pressure washers as they do not require heating components, such as a burner. For example, the KD940 is 79cm long and less than 60cm wide. It also only weighs 58kg with a hose reel. The hot water equivalent, the HD940, on the other hand, is over 100kg heavier (189kg, with a hose reel), 30cm long and 10cm wider.
Cold water pressure washers can be incredibly compact. Take the Kranzle 1050 series, particularly the 1050p, or the Kranzle HD 7/122. Both of these pressure washers boast a robust brass pump, which does make them heavier than cheaper domestic pressure washers. The 1050p, for instance, weighs 19kg, while the HD 7/122 weighs 22kg. Both are designed to be carried, with the 1050p only being 39cm long, 29cm wide and 37cm tall. Dinky.
6. Mobile Pressure Washers
Mobile pressure washers are designed to be as portable and manoeuvrable as possible. They are ideal for cleaning outdoor surfaces or for use in remote locations.
The portability of mobile washers varies depending on the application. As we explored in previous sections, engine and hot water pressure washers tend to be heavier and bigger. Therefore, the portability of pressure washers such as the HD1240 or the Yanmar driven 20-15 is less than the compact Kranzle 1050p (p standing for portable), which can be carried.
That said, the HD1240 and the Yanmar driven 20-15 are very mobile. Both are mounted on good quality wheels (as opposed to castors), and both have a strong frame and handle for pushing or pulling them about.
7. Static Pressure Washers
Static pressure washers (or steam cleaners) are designed to be a fixed unit, often a floor-standing cabinet (see HSC range) or a wall-mounted washer (see KS 823 or 1140). They are ideal for cleaning fixed locations or objects and materials that are themselves mobile, such as cars, lorries, and agricultural and plant machinery.
Fixed in one location, static pressure washers are perfect for those who want a cleaning hub: a dedicated location for their high-pressure cleaning equipment. The beauty of the HSC or KS 823 /1140 is that they can be set up to store your equipment in one place.
The other great thing about statics is that they can be accessorised and customised to suit what you need. The HSC range, for example, are essentially big cabinets. Inside there is a shelf that compartmentalises them. The upper part contains the pressure washer while the lower half is left clear for storing diesel (1x60L tub) and chemicals (2x25L tubs). However, depending on the need for chemicals this space can also be utilised for storing anything. Guns, lances or a hose reel. Most commonly, though, we have tended to fit these things to the sides or nearby to the pressure washer, leaving the chemical space for chemicals. But the choice is there for you!
8. Trailer Pressure Washers
Trailer bowser pressure washers are portable units that are mounted on a trailer and equipped with a water tank for extended cleaning operations. They are designed to be towed by a vehicle, making them ideal for use on construction sites, farms, and other remote locations where access to a water source may be limited.
One of the major benefits of trailer bowser pressure washers is their portability. They can be easily moved from one location to another, allowing you to take your cleaning operations wherever they are needed. Additionally, the water tank on the trailer allows for extended cleaning operations without the need for a nearby water source.
Our Yanmar Driven Trailer Bowser (also available with a petrol-driven Honda engine) features an 1100-litre tank, gearbox-driven interpump, 40m hose reel and gun and lance.
Close
Pressure washers can be a highly effective tool for cleaning a variety of surfaces, from outdoor patios and driveways to industrial machinery and vehicles. Choosing the right pressure washer can not only improve the efficiency of your cleaning process but also save you time and money in the long run.
Whether you're looking for an electric, engine or hybrid-powered pressure washer, or hot water, cold water, mobile, static or trailer bowser model, there is a pressure washer out there to fit your specific cleaning requirements. So, take the time to research and evaluate your options to find the pressure washer that will provide you with the best results and value for your money. As part of that research, why not get in touch with us? We have over 25 years of experience advising and installing high-pressure cleaning solutions. Here’s our number 01652 659759. Or, feel free to use the messenger icon on the bottom right of your browser, or our contact form.