High pressure washers effectively and quickly deal with the dirt on the surface of the car. However, their scope is not limited to one car wash. This technique can be a good helper in the country or in a country house - when washing windows, building facades, stone paths and wooden surfaces in the bath.
Attention! The current ranking of 2022 of the best pressure washers can be studied here.
Household. Their power does not exceed 2 kW, long-term many-hour loads are beyond their power.
Professional. Cope with a large amount of work; the value of their power starts from 3 kW. More reliable materials (steel, brass) are used for manufacturing. These sinks can be used for a long time. They are distinguished by their durability and high performance, the ability to work even in extreme conditions. The disadvantage is the high price.
On the use of water heating
With heating. These models are needed when cleaning the surface from strong or old contaminants. They can be used in winter or in the absence of hot water. The heating function is performed by a diesel burner, the presence of which increases the weight and dimensions of the apparatus. The larger the volume of the fuel tank and the lower the fuel consumption, the longer the water will heat up.
Without heating. Compact and mobile sinks with the ability to regulate the strength of the water jet.
By type of food
Connected to the mains. Most models require a mains voltage of 220-230 V (in some cases - 380 V). Household sinks are single-phase, professional - three-phase.
Autonomous. They are used in the absence of an electrical network or difficult access to it. For work engines on a diesel or gasoline are used.
Mobility
Mobile. This type includes most household sinks.They are equipped with a long hose and wheels, which makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach surfaces.
Stationary. Often used at car washes, construction sites. Connected to the water supply network. Designed for a long period of operation, therefore they are made of high strength materials.
Functionality of sinks: main characteristics
Productivity (from 100 to 2560 l/hour). Indicates how much water the pump is able to pass per unit of time. This indicator is directly related to the level of water inflow. Its average value is 400 l/h. Devices with lower productivity may not show good results when cleaning, they will not cope with stubborn dirt.
Maximum water pressure (from 5 to 200 bar). For household sinks, this parameter is not higher than 160 bar (such indicators allow you to cope with simple everyday pollution), for professional segment models it can reach 200 bar (necessary for large-scale work on large areas). Higher pressure is dangerous for both the cleaning object and the person.
Water intake method: from the water supply, or from a container with liquid, or both at the same time. It is important that the technical characteristics of the model indicate the depth from which the fence is possible.
Placement of the detergent tank. Mini-sinks are convenient, where it is located inside the case. The volume of the tank depends on the purpose of the equipment: for professional sinks it is much larger.
The length of the hose is an important criterion for choosing a sink. It is desirable that it be at least 5-6 m, then the device does not have to be constantly rearranged. For garden and country work, the optimal length is at least 7 m.If the hose is provided with drum storage, this makes the model more compact.
The weight of the sink can vary from 3 to 230 kg. Its value is affected by the type of engine and pump, the materials of manufacture.
How to choose a sink
This technique is used only for cleaning household and industrial facilities: people and animals cannot be washed with it. You need to determine what you will use it for and how often. As a rule, in everyday life there is no need for a professional model. The cost of this technique largely depends on its resource - hours of work. For example, if it is planned to operate a car wash for cleaning a car in the warm season no more than 3 times a week for 10-15 minutes, then a model with a resource of 50 hours will be quite acceptable.
An important selection criterion is the material of manufacture of the high pressure pump.
Pump head materials:
Plastic. Lightweight and inexpensive. Its disadvantages are unreliability, a tendency to abrasion, a low degree of wear resistance, exposure to low temperatures. Well-known manufacturers use high quality material, durable and designed for long-term use, so you should not avoid plastic at all.
Composite. Fragile, poorly withstands water hammer.
Silumin. This alloy of silicon and aluminum is relatively cheap, but its disadvantage is fragility.
Brass. Durable and resistant to oxidation. Sinks with a brass pump cannot be called budget, but if possible, you should opt for them.
A good option for the manufacture of pistons is steel or cermet. If the manufacturer does not indicate what this part is made of, then it is better not to take risks and not buy this model.
Select the required pressure. For example, if the washer will only be used for a car, a machine with a pressure of 130-140 bar will do.
The power of the electric motor must correspond to the pressure value so that there are no interruptions during operation. Therefore, you can buy models "with a margin" in terms of power.
Pay attention to the presence of a filter for water purification from impurities. These parts are of two types: fine and coarse cleaning. The first must be included in the kit, the second can be bought separately and installed independently.
Check out the list of nozzles included in the kit. It is good if it has angle nozzles, various brushes, mud cutters, sandblasting nozzles.
Topical question: how much does a car wash cost? Equipment from Russian or Chinese manufacturers will cost less. When deciding which model is better to buy, you should focus not on price, but on the manufacturer. A brand model from a company that has earned the trust of buyers is a combination of quality materials and components, manufacturing, production control and a guarantee.
Top Producers
Buyers are always interested in which company's equipment is better to purchase. Depending on the amount allocated for the purchase of a sink, today you can buy both a sink without a name (cost about 3,000 rubles) or a model of a well-known brand, among which it is worth highlighting:
Karcher. German company specializing in the production of cleaning equipment. The first was to produce pressure washers. A wide range of models for domestic and professional use, which are very popular due to their reliability and ergonomics.
Robert Bosch GmbH. The largest manufacturer of household electrical appliances from Germany.
Makita. Japanese manufacturer of power tools, construction equipment.
Prototechnica.A brand from Italy that has been manufacturing special equipment for car washes for over 30 years.
Nilfisk. Danish company, one of the world leaders in the production of professional cleaning equipment. For domestic needs, a special Compact series is produced.
Interskol. Domestic developer and manufacturer of power tools.
Rating of high-quality pressure washers-2019: popular models
Inexpensive household models
Their distinguishing features are compactness and small size, simple equipment and functionality. The engines of budget equipment are slightly weaker than those of more expensive counterparts, this reduces the amount of water consumed without affecting the quality of surface cleaning. Such mini-sinks are suitable for a small car, a small country house.
Karcher K 2
A mini version from a well-known manufacturer from Germany. Its main characteristics are: power 1.4 kW, pressure 110 bar, productivity 350 l/h. A hose 4 meters long cannot be stretched over a long distance, but this disadvantage is compensated by the low weight of the model (less than 5 kg). Therefore, it is convenient to move it with the help of wheels and a convenient handle. The kit includes a special hose for detergent and a nozzle in the form of a spike.
Karcher K 2
Advantages:
Compactness;
Ease of assembly;
Ease of transportation;
Good indicator of maximum pressure;
Affordable price.
Flaws:
Short hose length
The pump housing is made of plastic.
Average price: 4,700 rubles.
Bosch AQT 33-11
This device can become a good assistant in the country or in the garage, where there is always a need to clean small things from dirt. The model is connected to the tank, which helps out in the absence of running water.True, when water is taken from the barrel, the pressure decreases (according to the data sheet, it reaches 110 bar). Maximum productivity - 330 l / h.
Bosch AQT 33-11
Advantages:
assembly speed;
Light weight;
Ease of use;
Small dimensions;
Low cost.
Flaws:
Not very long hose.
Average price: 4000 rubles.
Huter W105-GS
The model is suitable for washing the car, cleaning carpets and various household items. Its advantages are a long hose (5 m), a reliable aluminum pump, a pressure level that varies from 70 to 105 bar.
Huter W105-GS
Advantages:
Low weight (3.8 kg);
Compactness;
Water pressure is adjustable;
Affordable price.
Flaws:
The pressure decreases when connected to the tank;
The foam nozzle is not functional.
Average price: 3200 rubles.
Premium household sinks
Huter W165-QL
Due to its performance - maximum pressure up to 165 bar, capacity up to 375 l / h (does not decrease when working with a different container) - the model copes with car washing and various tasks in everyday life.
Huter W165-QL
Advantages:
High level of pressure;
pump reliability;
Ease of transport with wheels and handles.
Flaws:
It is not very convenient to wind the hose on the reel.
Average price: 5150 rubles.
Champion HP6170
Washing parameters - a maximum pressure of 150 bar (even when connected to a tank, you can achieve indicators close to the maximum), structural stability, and a reliable metal pump.
Champion HP6170
Advantages:
High level of performance and power;
Design reliability.
Flaws:
Large model;
The hose is not very long (5 m).
Average price: 7800 rubles.
Bosh AQT45-14X
The undoubted advantages of this unit are an eight-meter hose, a capacity of 450 l / h, a set of multifunctional nozzles, a handle and wheels for ease of movement. When water is taken from the tank, the power reduction is insignificant.
Bosh AQT45-14X
Advantages:
Long hose;
Good performance;
Nozzles included.
Flaws:
The hose included in the kit has a fragile plastic sheath.
Average price: 15,000 rubles.
Professional sinks
The main qualities of such models are increased reliability (they are designed to work for several hours in a row) and power. Accordingly, they cost more than household ones. These devices should only be operated by people with special training. For everyday household needs, such washes are not needed: their place of “work” is car washes, service stations, professional cleaning companies.
Oleo-Mac PW 170 C
The model is well suited for intensive cleaning of small-scale objects. Its advantage is a reliable brass pump that can handle heavy loads. The main parameters are productivity up to 570 l/h and pressure 155 bar. Freedom of movement provides a 10-meter hose and special wheels.
Oleo-Mac PW 170 C
Advantages:
Reliability;
High efficiency;
The Total Stop system saves energy;
Stops in the lower part of the case.
Flaws:
The reel on which the hose is wound is not very convenient.
Average price: 23,000 rubles.
Prototechnica G161 – C I 1610A-M
This sink stands out for its economy combined with high productivity (600 l/h). The 8 m long hose is comfortable to use, allowing you to perform diverse tasks.
Prototechnica G161 – C I 1610A-M
Advantages:
Opportunity to save on electricity consumption;
The accessories are made of metal;
Reliability;
Relatively light weight.
Flaws:
Sensitivity to voltage drops in the network;
The kit does not include a foam generator.
Average price: 25,400 rubles.
Karcher K 7
A classic example of a professional car wash. Its characteristics are pressure 160 bar, capacity up to 600 l/h. The pump body is made of brass, which allows you to cope with many hours of work. The 10 m hose is suitable for a variety of tasks, from cleaning machine parts to washing the facade of a house.
Karcher K 7
Advantages:
Light weight;
Compactness;
Reliability;
High power and performance.
Flaws:
The hose does not wind up very conveniently.
Average price: 30,625 rubles.
Stihl RE 362
This technique can do any task: work at a car wash, clean the pool, wash plastic furniture. It has a high capacity (up to 1080 l/h), copes with heavy loads with a powerful motor (6.3 kW) and a brass pump. Both hot and cold water can be used.
Stihl RE 362
Advantages:
High performance;
Ability to use two types of detergents at the same time;
10m hose;
Retractable carrying handle.
Flaws:
Weighs 72 kg.
Average price: 82,700 rubles.
Whatever model and company you choose, you need to remember that the sink should be bought for specific needs. It makes no sense to pay more for options that you do not need. Therefore, before buying, it always makes sense to consult with a specialist consultant.