Generac 5993

Bottom line

Bridging the gap between consumer- and professional-grade pressure washers is the Generac 5993. Labeled as "prosumer-grade," the 5993 is the most powerful pressure washer in our report. It's best for medium- to heavy-duty homeowner jobs (like washing decks, driveways and equipment) or for contractors needing a light-duty unit. It's a great value with "a strong engine, triplex pump, pro-style spray gun, and a heavy-duty cart," says Bill Mikenis, product expert at PressureWashersDirect.com.

Performance

Brawny, but fast and powerful. Homeowners say they have no problems tackling the filthiest jobs with the 5993. It "cleaned up the garage floor, snow blower, truck, deck, and vinyl siding with ease," says one owner at HomeDepot.com.

Powering the 5993 is a 212 cubic centimeter Generac engine. Though it's noisier than smaller engines, it "starts easily and runs very smoothly and quietly," says another user at HomeDepot.com. A few reviews say it can be difficult to restart the engine when it's hot and that changing the oil is a little cumbersome.

Because of its extra power, the 5993 can have too much kick for some homeowners. Yet, contractors at Lowes.com and HomeDepot.com needing a daily workhorse say it's not durable enough.

Ease of use

Handling is easy. Even though the 5993 weighs 120 pounds (which limits portability), reviews say it's easy to maneuver with help from 10-inch wheels and a well-balanced engine and pump.

The professional-grade spray gun has a grip that reviews say is comfortable, even after several hours of washing, and five spray tips adjust water pressure and spray. "All controls and attachment points are located in convenient locations and there is a gas shutoff," says a PressureWashersDirect.com user, though a few owners say the power switch is tucked behind the frame and tricky to reach. In place of detergent tanks is a siphon hose, which reviews say isn't as convenient.

Value

Commercial-grade components. "This is not one of the cheap homeowner models -- it seems to be built to last," concludes a HomeDepot.com reviewer. Mikenis at PressureWashersDirect.com notes, "Generac is known for its quality power equipment and reliable, commercial grade engines." Its triplex Annovi Reverberi pump uses ceramic-coated pistons. To protect the pump from overheating when you aren't spraying, a thermal relief system runs cool water through the pump. Moreover, the extra-long 35-foot hose is steel reinforced, a superior material to many plastic hoses. This Generac model is also backed by a three-year limited warranty -- the longest of the units covered in this roundup.