YONKERS NY — Consumer Reports' July 2005 Issue confirms that gas-powered pressure washers have a clear performance edge over electric models. But more pressure also means more chance for injury with any pressure washer. Especially with gas models, it’s easy to damage what you’re cleaning. Here are the details:

• More power, more risk. Much higher pressure allowed the top-performing gas machines to clean a grimy concrete patio three times faster than the fastest electric. But on the downside, all of the gas models required more caution and control than the electric to avoid splintering and etching wooden tables and other surfaces.

   

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• Faster is noisier. All the gas pressure washers produced at least 85 decibels (dBA), the threshold at which we recommend hearing protection. Electric models averaged 78 dBA when running and are silent with their triggers released, since doing so stops the motor.

Any of these pressure washers can clean most outdoor surfaces faster and better than a hose. Paying more for a gas-powered model buys you faster cleaning and easier stain removal. But the price is harder starting, more noise, more space needed for storage and more upkeep. For big jobs, where cleaning speed and stain removal count, CR recommends the Troy-Bilt 42133 (#1, $400) and the Excell XR2600 (#3, $400). Models that are fine for most tasks include the electric models Karcher K 2.97 M (#11, $150) the Husky 1750 (#12, $180), and the Campbell Hausfeld PW1345, a CR Best Buy (#13, $90).

 

Injuries involving pressure washers recently rose from 2,000 to 3,000 per year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Typical mishaps include chemical burns to the eyes and skin abrasions. You can also get injured by material shot back at you. To protect yourself and what you’re cleaning, CR suggests you follow these guidelines:

• Always wear safety glasses or goggles, shoes, and, with gas models, hearing protection.
  
  
• Start with the nozzle 2 feet away from the cleaning surface and move closer as needed, but not closer than 6 inches.
  
  
• Set the nozzle to the widest spray angle that removes stains.
  
  
• Always point nozzle away from legs, feet, people, and pets, as well as lights, air-conditioners, and other electrical devices.
  
  
• Beware of using solid-stream nozzles and settings, which can cause the most harm.

© Consumers Union 2005. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes.

 

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