How to buy the best small hot water pressure washers? Which manufacturers should you trust? Which factors to pay attention to?
Below are the answers to your every question. Plus, you will find 5 best models suitable for your preferences as well.
- SIMPSON MB1518 Hot Water Pressure Washer – Best overall
- NorthStar Electric Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer – Best 2-in-1
- Shark STP-352007A Hot Water Commercial Series Pressure Washer – Best commercial grade
- NorthStar Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer – Best for long runtime
- NorthStar Pressure Washer Heater/Steamer – Best budget option
SIMPSON MB1518 Hot Water Pressure Washer – Best overall
- Adjustable pressure
- Lightweight
- Vibration absorbing footpads
- Heavy Duty steel frame
- The burner isn’t very much secured to the frame
| Maximum Pressure (PSI) | 1500 |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 1.8 |
| Power Type | diesel |
| Power Cord Length | 35ft Power Cord |
| Hose Length | Armor hose™ 3/8″ x 50′ |
| Highlight Features | Quick Connect nozzles, vibration absorbing footpads |
If you want a small hot water washer with industrial cleaning power, think of SIMPSON MB1518. With reasonable PSI and GPM ratings, this machine allows you to clean up everything inside a building.
This electric washer is lightweight, easy to carry and most importantly safe to use.
If you work in areas adopting OSHA regulations (noxious fumes and VOCs are banned), SIMPSON MB1518 would be a perfect choice.
Anything to complain? It seems that the burner isn’t very much secured to the frame, but it isn’t a big deal.
SIMPSON MB1518 Hot Water Pressure Washer is indeed the most well-rounded option for light and medium-duty cleaning tasks.
NorthStar Electric Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer – Best 2-in-1 Washer
- Powerful pump
- Adjustable pressure and thermostat
- Durable steel cart and 4-wheelset for utmost mobility
- None so far!
| Maximum Pressure (PSI) | 2000 |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 1.5 |
| Power Type | Diesel, kerosene, #1/#2 fuel oil |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 8 1/4 |
| Power Cord Length | 36 ft. w/GFCI protection |
| Hose Length | 50 ft. gray high-pressure hose |
| Highlight Features | CAT 4DX pump, fuel filter, and water separator |
NorthStar Electric Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer is the best 2-in-1 model you can find. Featuring Hannifin Raycor™ fuel filter and water separator, the machine functions perfectly without causing burner ignition problems.
It comes with adjustable pressure and thermostat, which enhances job versatility. The easy-start feature allows NorthStar to start without building up pressure.
With 2000 PSI at 1.5 GPM, this hot water model can do magic, blasting through toughest grimes and dirt.
The design is quite compact, so it doesn’t take up space. It also features 12 in. Pneumatic tires that make transport so easy.
NorthStar Electric Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer brings the best bang for your buck if all you ever wanted is a reliable 2-in-1 washer.
Shark STP-352007A Hot Water Commercial Series Pressure Washer – Best commercial grade
- Rugged roll cage
- An insulated and fatigue-free trigger gun
- Powerful motor
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Quite bulky
| Maximum Pressure (PSI) | 2000 |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 3.5 |
| Power Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.5 Gallons |
| Power Cord Length | 36 ft GFCI |
| Hose Length | 3/8 Inch |
| Highlight Features | Portable 4 Wheel Cart, Oil Water Separator and Hour Meter
|
Shark STP-352007A is the best pressure washer for the money when it comes to commercial cleaning. With a rugged steel roll cage, it is indeed a model built to last.
With such a durable frame, you can entrust the washer with difficult cleaning tasks in your job site.
Though it is quite bulky and heavy, you can still move it around quite easily with a 4-wheel cart. The machine offers many convenient features such as oil-water separator and hour meter.
With a reasonable PSI and GPM ratings, Shark STP-352007A Hot Water Commercial Series Pressure Washer is the best commercial grade you should have.
NorthStar Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer – Best for long runtime
- Quiet operation
- Super durable
- Powerful engine with easy start
- High-quality hose with quick coupler
- Easy to adjust the pressure
- Temperature control
- Quite Costly
| Maximum Pressure (PSI) | 3,000 |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 4.0 |
| Power Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 8.75 |
| Hose Length | 50 ft. gray high-pressure |
| Highlight Features | Temperature control, easy start, 80 extra-heavy pipes, vibration isolation system
|
NorthStar Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer has everything to win a place in your house. This gas-powered washer with high PSI and GPM ratings can get rid of dirt, grime, and oil quickly and easily.
Featuring a powerful engine, it can operate quietly in an extended period. The engine also features easy-start and reduces the use of fuel.
This washer provides users with a long list of time-saving features such as sight glass for effective pump oil check or diagnostic lights.
The set of wheels and handles helps to move NorthStar Wet Steam & Hot Water around with ease.
The only thing I can complain about is probably the price. It is absolutely not a budget-friendly option.
NorthStar Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer with a myriad of convenient features and the effective engine is a great helper for heavy-duty cleaning.
NorthStar Pressure Washer Heater/Steamer – Best budget option
- A wallet-friendly option.
- Perfect for heavy-duty and extra heavy-duty cleaning.
- Hot water and steam interchangeable.
- Wheels and handles for mobility.
- The wheel size needs to be bigger.
| Maximum Pressure (PSI) | 4,000 |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 4 |
| Power Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4 |
| Power Cord Length | 36 ft. |
| Hose Length | 5 ft. |
| Highlight Features | hot water/steam pressure washer, 10 gals Steel tube with handles |
On a tight budget? Don’t worry! NorthStar Wet Steam & Hot Water Pressure Washer is here to save the day. You can bring this pressure washer home with a relatively affordable price.
This NorthStar washer offers a brilliant design.
It comes with an extended 4-gallon fuel tank. Together with powerful PSI and GPM ratings, the washer can handle well tough stains at the industrial level.
The NorthStar weighs over 200 lbs. However, you can easily maneuver it around with a set of durable wheels and handles.
The burner, attached right below, is able to heat water up to 250 °F. You can easily switch from hot water to steam for different cleaning purpose.
Like another other NorthStar models, this one has gone through a vigorous, real-world quality test. It is, therefore, durable and perfectly reliable.
There is a small drawback regarding the washer’s dimension though. Many people find this the NorthStar Heater/Steamer isn’t high off the ground enough to transport it around easily.
It probably needs bigger and higher wheels!
NorthStar Pressure Washer Heater/Steamer, the best budget option in the list, is worth every single penny with its ability to handle heavy-duty tasks.
How to choose the best small hot water pressure washer (buying guide)
A small hot water pressure washer can certainly handle grime and contaminants on decks, windows, and siding.
If you ever to own small effective cleaning gear, here are a few factors you need to know.
Type
When it comes to small pressure washers, most people will think of electric-powered models. These guys are the most trusted companion with small cleaning jobs.
Most electric washers are lightweight, easy to store and maintenance-free.
That doesn’t mean gas-powered washers aren’t useful. If you want to remove stain or grime quickly over a large area, a gas-powered model is the best.
So consider your need. Where do you want to clean regularly? Light-duty, medium-duty or heavy-duty?
PSI and GPM rating
These two ratings are necessary to determine the pressure output of a washer. The math is simple. The higher PSI and GPM are the better the cleaning ability is.
For those who am at small pressure washers for household use, a washer with 1300 to 2000 PSI at 2 GPM is perfect. For medium-duty cleaning tasks, the PSI rating could be up to 2800 at 3 GPM.
Nozzles
When you pick a pressure washer, pay attention to the type of nozzles. Some offer all-in-one spray; others come with a set of different nozzles.
There are 4 kinds of nozzles.
- 0 degree is the most concentrated and powerful one
- 15 degrees are often for heavy-duty tasks only
- 25 degrees are for medium-duty cleaning.
- 40 degrees are most for hard surfaces, boats, furniture
- 65 degrees is a low-pressure setting.
It is important to use the right nozzle for the job to avoid unwanted injury.
Who makes the best small hot water pressure washer?
It isn’t hard to find hot water pressure washers in the market. However, there are only 3 manufacturers that I believe make the best small models.
NorthStar
I have been in the maintenance business for quite a while. With all my experiences, I can safely say that NorthStar is one of the most reliable manufacturers out there.
They produce both gas-powered and electric washers. Both are famous for their quality, functionality, and value.
Shark
Shark is a leading manufacturer of both commercial and industrial washers. Their pressure washers are durable and reliable. What’s more, most Shark’s models meet UL-1776 safety standards, certified by ETL.
SIMPSON
Regarding the trustworthiness, SIMPSON is always at the high rank in my list. What makes SIMPSON outstanding? Their innovation and design!
SIMPSON is able to make premium-quality pressure washers that last through time. Their attention to detail surprises me and never let down with any of my purchase.
FAQs
How long should you run a pressure washer?
Pressure washers are an ingenious invention to clean off tough dirt and oil. From siding, concrete floors to cars, nothing can really bother a pressure washer. Like any products, you need to handle your pressure washer with care.
It is especially essential to not let your pressure washer operate for too long. But how long is “too long”?
It is advised to not run a washer longer than three to five minutes. The actual time required will vary from model to model.
Is it OK to run a pressure washer without water?
You can’t really run a pressure washer without water. In fact, it is the shortest way to damage your pump. Sometimes, having the water hooked up to the pump still cause the same amount of damage.
The pump helps to circulate water around. After 10 seconds without water, the pump will get warm and eventually damage gaskets and other elements.
So it is essential to check if you get water pressure through the gun after the engine starts to run. If not, you’d better not run the washer.
Is 2000 psi enough for a pressure washer?
It is easy to find pressure washers offering 1300 to 2000 PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure). These pressure washers are considered the small size and often used for household cleaning tasks.
While 1300 PSI pressure washers can only do simple cleaning tasks, 2000 PSI models can handle more demanding jobs such as concrete cleaning.
Whether a 2000 PSI pressure washer is enough largely depends on how you plan to use it. If you need a small washer to help you with household chores, 2000 PSI is perfect.
Is gas pressure washer better than electric?
It is true that gas-powered washers have some advantages over electric counterparts when it comes to pressure and flow rates.
However, both offer pros and cons, making it hard to conclude whether gas pressure washers are better than electric.
Electric pressure washers are certainly smaller, suitable for light household cleaning tasks. They are also lightweight and affordable.
Gas-powered pressure washers offer massive PSI rate and can handle tough cleaning jobs. Of course, they are more expensive and require maintenance.
That being said, each type of pressure washers is suitable for different budget and cleaning tasks. It’s you who decide whether gas-powered washers are the better option for your preferences.
Can you power wash a house in the rain?
Nobody wants to power wash a house under the rain. However, if you happen to rent a washer and it starts raining, it is still okay to operate the washer.
You may need to be extra careful though, especially with inexperienced, old models. It is also quite dangerous to operate electric water pressure in the rain.
I would only recommend you to operate washers with UL rating. Most pressure washers manufactured in the last 15 years will certainly come with the UL rating.
Is hot water better than cold for cleaning?
To some extent, hot water does a better job at cleaning than cold water. It has to do with hot water’s solubility and kinetic energy.
Simply put, when you heat water, it is likely to solute many different contaminants by separate a solvent’s molecules apart. Hot water contains fast-moving particles that increase molecular collisions too.
Of course, hot water isn’t the cure for everything. If you want to get rid of stains with dye or protein, you had better use cold water.
The bottom line
Now if you want to buy the best small hot water pressure washers, you know how to get them. Apart from these 5 excellent options for cleaning tasks, I hope that you have gained a bunch of knowledge regarding how to use hot water pressure.
Follow my writing for updated and comprehensive reviews!
Read more:
Most Powerful Electric Pressure Washers
Best Pressure Washers For Cars
Best Pressure Washers For Your Hard Earned Money
I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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