When it comes to keeping your car sparkling clean, a power washer is an indispensable tool. For car detailing enthusiasts and professionals alike, an electric power washer can dramatically speed up the washing process and effectively remove stubborn dirt and grime. However, with a vast array of options available, choosing the Best Power Washer For Washing Cars can feel overwhelming.
Navigating the world of power washers requires understanding key features and knowing what truly matters for car care. Unlike gas-powered units, electric power washers are generally preferred for vehicles due to their gentler pressure, minimizing the risk of paint damage. Having spent years detailing cars and testing various machines, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 electric power washers that excel in washing cars, trucks, RVs, and more.
Key Features to Consider in a Power Washer for Car Detailing
Selecting the right power washer for car detailing hinges on several crucial factors. The primary considerations are pressure (PSI), water flow (GPM), and overall build quality. It’s important to note that manufacturer specifications on packaging can sometimes be misleading. The actual performance at the nozzle is what truly counts. Some brands boost PSI by constricting water flow through smaller nozzles, which isn’t ideal for efficient car washing.
For car detailing, the optimal pressure range is between 750 PSI and 1200 PSI, paired with a water flow rate approaching 2 gallons per minute (GPM). A flow rate above 1.5 GPM is generally sufficient. While budget is always a consideration, investing in quality is crucial with power washers. Cheaper models often compromise on components and longevity.
If you’re seeking the best power washer for washing cars within your budget, our curated list covers various price points to meet different needs. While a high-end, expensive model isn’t always necessary for everyone, especially for occasional users, performance and durability are paramount for regular car washing and detailing. Our recommendations are based on a balance of performance, build quality, and price, focusing on what delivers real value.
Top 5 Electric Power Washers for Car Washing and Detailing
Our selection of power washers is based on rigorous testing and years of experience. We’ve prioritized performance, build quality, and price to offer recommendations for various needs and budgets. Each of these models is also designed for convenient shelf mounting, a preferred setup for garage organization.
- Kranzle K1322TS: The Ultimate Professional Choice
- AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS: Unbeatable Performance for the Price
- Active 2.0: The Best Value Performer
- Karcher K1700 Cube: A Reliable and Proven Option
- Ryobi RY141802 1800 PSI: Top Pick from Big Box Stores
The Best Overall Power Washer for Car Detailing: Kranzle K1322TS
The Kranzle K1322TS consistently tops lists and is widely recognized by detailing professionals as the best power washer available. It’s the workhorse in many detailing studios, including ours, renowned for its robust construction, premium components, and exceptional performance. Its high water flow and ideal pressure for detailing result in incredibly rich foam when used with a foam cannon. The approximately 2.0 GPM flow rate is crucial for efficient cleaning and rinsing, effortlessly removing soap, bugs, and grime without risking paint damage.
While the Kranzle K1322TS is the most expensive on our list, retailing around $1122.00, its longevity and serviceability justify the investment, especially for frequent detailers or businesses. Built to last for years, the Kranzle is designed for maintenance and repair, much like a car engine, ensuring long-term reliability.
Experts at Obsessed Garage, after extensive testing, recommend a 4.0 orifice 40-degree nozzle with the Kranzle K1322TS. This setup delivers approximately 1010 PSI, which Matt Moreman has identified as the optimal pressure for effective dirt removal while safeguarding vehicle paint. For foam cannons, the Kranzle excels with a 1.25mm orifice, eliminating the need for a 1.1mm orifice to achieve thick, clinging foam. If reliability and consistent, flawless performance are your priorities, especially for a detailing business, the Kranzle K1322TS is unmatched.
Best Balance of Performance and Price: AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS
For a power washer that rivals the Kranzle’s performance at a more accessible price, the AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS is a standout choice. This machine offers impressive performance, durability, and build quality, closely matching the Kranzle in many aspects but at a significantly lower price point of around $799.00 – approximately $325 less than the Kranzle.
The AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS boasts a remarkable 2.3 GPM water flow at 975 PSI when using a 5.0 orifice nozzle. This combination of flow and pressure is exceptional, even surpassing more expensive models in water flow.
AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS
Many professional detailers and YouTube personalities like Rad Garage favor the AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS for its power and overall value. It’s a robust machine capable of generating copious amounts of foam, comparable to the Kranzle. Like the Kranzle, the AR Blue Clean is designed for maintenance, with replaceable oil, o-rings, and fittings, ensuring longevity. The primary drawbacks compared to the Kranzle are increased noise levels and a requirement for a dedicated 20AMP circuit. However, installing a 20 amp circuit is a relatively straightforward task for an electrician and shouldn’t deter you from considering this exceptional power washer. Overall, the AR Blue Clean AR630-TSS is a fantastic investment, built for years of reliable service and a welcome addition to any garage.
Best Power Washer for the Money: Active 2.0
If you’re seeking high-end performance without the premium price tag, the Active 2.0 power washer is the best power washer for washing cars in its price range. At roughly half the cost of the AR Blue Clean and a third of the Kranzle, the Active 2.0 delivers comparable water flow at 2.0 GPM and an ideal 750 PSI with a 5.0 nozzle. It also comes with a 3.7 nozzle, increasing pressure while still maintaining a respectable 1.9 GPM flow rate.
The savings with the Active 2.0 allow for upgrades to hoses, quick disconnects, spray guns, and nozzles, customizing your setup to your exact needs. While rated for 200 hours, double the lifespan of its predecessor, the Active VE52, the Active 2.0 is not designed for maintenance like the AR Blue Clean or Kranzle. However, its affordability makes replacement less of a concern. It also serves as an excellent backup for higher-end models.
We conducted a detailed review of the Active 2.0, highlighting its exceptional value and performance, surpassing many big-box store options. For Canadian customers, TOC Supplies offers the Active 2.0 full kit.
Tried and True Option: Karcher K1700 Cube
The Karcher K1700 Cube has been a staple in the detailing community for years. Priced around $129.99 online, it’s an excellent entry-level power washer for beginners or those on a tighter budget. Having used this model extensively, we can attest to its balanced pressure and sufficient water flow for effective foam cannon use. Although the model number suggests 1700 PSI, which is slightly high for car detailing, Matt Moreman recommends swapping the stock 1.8 nozzle with a 3.0 nozzle. This reduces the pressure to approximately 1000 PSI and increases the water flow from 1.1 GPM to 1.4 GPM, making it much more suitable for car washing.
For foam cannons with the Karcher K1700, a 1.1mm orifice is recommended to generate thicker foam due to the slightly lower water flow. Despite newer models entering the market, the Karcher K1700 Cube remains a top choice for a budget-friendly, reliable power washer, also capable of handling household tasks like cleaning siding, decks, and walkways.
Best Big Box Store Power Washer: Ryobi RY141802 1800 PSI
For readily available and affordable options, the Ryobi 1800 PSI, available at Home Depot, is a great choice. Typically priced around $139, and often found on sale, the Ryobi 1800 is a versatile machine for both car washing and general household cleaning. While it doesn’t match the performance of the Kranzle, AR Blue Clean, or Active models, simple modifications can significantly enhance its car detailing capabilities.
Out of the box, the Ryobi 1800 delivers 1800 PSI with a 1.7 orifice nozzle and a modest 1.1 GPM flow rate. Switching to a larger 3.0 nozzle reduces the pressure to around 1,000 PSI and increases the flow rate to 1.43 GPM, a notable improvement for car washing.
While longevity can vary, with some units lasting years and others experiencing issues within months under heavy use, Home Depot’s warranty program often allows for exchanges. Like other electric models, it features a GFCI plug and is easily stored on a shelf or the ground. For optimal foam cannon performance with the Ryobi 1800, a 1.1mm orifice is recommended. Its affordability also allows for upgrades to hoses, fittings, nozzles, and spray guns, creating a customized and effective car washing setup. The Ryobi 1800 is a solid choice for beginners, hobbyists, mobile detailers, or as a backup unit. While Ryobi offers accessories, sourcing foam cannons and pressure washer accessories from brands like MTM, MJJC, Adams, or Amazon is generally recommended for better quality and value.
Additional Factors When Buying a Power Washer
Most electric power washers include basic accessories such as a hose, spray wand, and nozzles, except for the Kranzle and AR Blue Clean, which require separate accessory purchases. The quality and price of these accessories vary widely. Researching and shopping around for hoses, spray guns, and nozzles is recommended to find the best options for your needs and budget.
Conclusion: Selecting the Best Power Washer for Your Car Washing Needs
The power washer market, like the car detailing product industry, offers a multitude of brands and models. While new brands may boast innovative features and high PSI ratings, they often lack the quality and performance necessary for effective and safe car washing. Many may overstate performance figures and compromise on build quality and longevity.
To find the best power washer for washing cars, thorough research, including watching YouTube reviews and reading expert opinions, is essential. This will help you make an informed decision without overspending or falling for misleading marketing. For further guidance or questions, reach out to detailing experts or resources like Obsessed Garage to navigate your power washer journey effectively.
