EmailBest Reviewed
Pressure Washers
- Best pressure washer overall Karcher K 5.93 M *Est. $280
- Light-duty electric pressure washer Karcher K 2.93 *Est. $130
- Best gas pressure washer Ridgid RD80701 *Est. $550
- Mid-range gas pressure washer Troy-Bilt 20344 *Est. $400
- Budget gas pressure washer Craftsman 75218 *Est. $250
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Best gas pressure washer
- Cat triplex pump
- Engine meets California emissions standards
- Three-year warranty
- Plenty of power for homeowners
- Price
- A few reports of minor leaks
Experts say the quality of the pump on a pressure washer, as well as the length of the warranty, are key measures of quality. Reviews praise the powerful Ridgid RD80701 on both counts; it's unusual to find a Cat triplex pump on a consumer-level pressure washer. However, only the latest 2009 version of this model has this top-quality pump. The Subaru OHV engine meets California's strict emissions requirements, another big plus. Pressure, rated at 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi) is powerful enough for removing tough stains and stripping paint, and the flow rate of 2.6 gallons per minute (gpm) speeds cleaning jobs. If you don't need this much power and durability, however, consider the less expensive 2,600-psi Troy-Bilt 20344 (*Est. $400).
We found over a dozen detailed owner-written reviews of the Ridgid RD80701 pressure washer at HomeDepot.com. Both an earlier 2008 version and the newer model (with the Cat pump) also get a thorough discussion at RidgidForum.com. Also helpful in evaluating the Ridgid RD80701 model are two buyer's guides by pressure-washer experts -- at The-Power-Washer-Advisor.com and at Tools of the Trade.
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Our Sources
The Ridgid RD80701 is the top-rated pressure washer here, based on reviews from over a dozen owners. Reviewers praise the quality of the pump and engine (which starts easily); some owners report minor leaks in the soap tank or the switch between tanks.
Review: RIDGID 3000 PSI, 2.6 GPM, CAT Pump, Pressure Washer (Model RD80701), Contributors to HomeDepot.com, As of June 2009
This long forum discussion reviews several Ridgid pressure washers and clears up confusion about whether or not the Ridgid RD80701 really does use a Cat pump. The 2008 version used an Annovi Reverberi axial cam pump, but the 2009 version advertised at Home Depot really does use a better quality Cat triplex pump.
Review: Ridgid Pressure Washers, Contributors to RidgidForum.com, As of March 2009
This expert buyer's guide doesn't recommend any specific brands or models, but does advise that the manufacturer's warranty is a clue to overall quality. The article also says the quality of the pump is the main factor to consider, since a top-ranked pump (such as a Cat triplex) can pay for itself in the long run -- lasting several times longer than a cheaper one.
Review: Compare Pressure Washers Like a Pro, Editors of The-Power-Washer-Advisor.com, Not Dated
This article for construction contractors reinforces the idea that a 3,000-psi pressure washer with a flow rate of 2.6 gpm will be capable of any homeowner task -- noting that anything bigger is overkill.
Review: Pressure Washers, Mark Clement, Jan. 31, 2006
Pressure Washers Runners Up:
2 picks by top review sites.
NorthStar Pressure Washer - 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM
 from Amazon.com New: $499.99 In Stock.
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