AR Blue Clean AR383

Bottom line

Reviews say the AR383 is a great value, mainly because of the high-quality triplex pump (a durable style that's uncommon at this price point). At 1,900 psi and 1.5 gpm, it's ideal for household jobs like washing cars, cleaning decks and spraying concrete. Owners like that it's sturdy and lightweight for easy moving. But reviews are mixed on whether the hose reel, power cord storage and removable soap dispenser are helpful or cumbersome.

Performance

Two spray nozzles for extra range and control. For most household chores, reviews say the AR383 is an excellent pressure washer. One owner at PressureWashersDirect.com says, "The pressure is fine for most light-duty cleaning like cleaning off a lawn mower, deck and siding," and it's "really nice to have the rotating wand for medium-duty cleaning."

The AR383 can handle tougher jobs like "removing dried concrete residue from stepping stones, clearing old adhesive residue from veneer," but it takes longer than a more powerful pressure washer, according to one user review at Amazon.com.

Ease of use

Easy to use and lightweight. Both first-time pressure washer owners and more advanced users say the AR383 is easy to operate. Assembly and setup is "a breeze" say owners at PressureWashersDirect.com. A storage reel holds the 20-foot hose; the wand and trigger gun compactly attach to the side, and the detergent bottle stores on the back. One Walmart.com owner loves the built-in storage, making it nearly impossible to lose parts.

Not many users are impressed with the performance of the soap applicator, with a number of reviews saying it's too small and can leak. Most owners say these issues along with an awkward hose reel are only minor inconveniences. "The hose reel is more trouble than it's worth: Just loosely loop the pressure hose and the electrical cord over the machine," suggests one owner at PressureWashersDirect.com.

Value

First-class pump at a mid-grade price. The triplex plunger pump uses tempered stainless-steel plungers, a high-quality style not often found on units at this price. "AR is famous for their high performance pumps, and even in this economical unit they put in a pump that's a step above many other units in this price range," says Bill Mikenis, the product expert at PressureWashersDirect.com. The Total Stop System shuts down the pump when you release the trigger to keep the pump from overheating and extends its life span.

Other components of the AR383 are more in-line with a mid-grade unit, including the universal motor. Numerous users -- including this one at Amazon.com -- also say, "the plastic fittings for connections must be precisely tightened and hooked up or they leak." Some owners say this is easily fixed with replacement brass fittings.

AR Blue Clean covers the AR383 with a one-year warranty.