Pressure washers efficiently and quickly remove dirt on the surface of the vehicle. 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 cleaning windows, building facades, stone paths and wooden surfaces in a bath.
Attention! The current 2024 ranking of the best pressure washers can be studied here.
Household. Their power does not exceed 2 kW, long-term multi-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. Such sinks can be operated 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
Heated. These models are needed when cleaning the surface from strong or old dirt. 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 adjustable water jet force.
By type of food
Connected to the power grid. 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 are used on diesel or gasoline.
By mobility
Mobile. Most household sinks belong to this type. They are equipped with a long hose and wheels for easy cleaning of difficult to access surfaces.
Stationary. Often used in car washes, construction sites. Connected to the water supply network. They are designed for a long period of operation, therefore they are made of materials of high strength.
Functionality of sinks: main characteristics
Productivity (from 100 to 2560 l / h). Indicates how much water the pump can pass per unit of time. This indicator is directly related to the level of water intake. Its average value is 400 l / h.Devices with a lower capacity may not show good cleaning results and will not cope with stubborn dirt.
Maximum water pressure (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 models of the professional segment it can reach 200 bar (necessary for large-scale work on large areas). Higher pressures are dangerous for both the cleaning object and the person.
Water intake method: from a water supply system, or from a container with liquid, or both at the same time. It is important that the technical characteristics of the model specify the depth at which the fence can be carried out.
Placement of the detergent container. Convenient mini-sinks, where it is located inside the body. The volume of the tank depends on the purpose of the equipment: it is much larger for professional car washes.
Hose length 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 gardening and suburban work, the optimal length is at least 7 m. If drum storage is provided for the hose, this makes the model more compact.
The sink weight can vary from 3 to 230 kg. Its value is influenced by the type of engine and pump, materials of manufacture.
How to choose a sink
This technique is used only for cleaning domestic and industrial objects: 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 the car wash is supposed to be used to clean the 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 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, and exposure to low temperatures. Well-known manufacturers use high quality material, durable and designed for long-term operation, so you should not avoid plastic at all.
Composite. It is fragile, does not withstand water hammer.
Silumin. This silicon-aluminum alloy is relatively cheap, but its disadvantage is fragility.
Brass. Strong and oxidation resistant. Sinks with a brass pump cannot be called budgetary, but if possible, you should opt for them.
A good option for the manufacture of pistons is steel or cermets. If the manufacturer does not indicate what this part is made of, then it is better not to risk it and not buy this model.
Select the required pressure. For example, if the car wash 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 magnitude of the pressure 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 to purify water from impurities. These parts are of two types: fine and coarse cleaning. The first must be included in the kit, the second can be purchased separately and installed independently.
Check out the list of included attachments. It is good if it has corner nozzles, various brushes, mud cutters, sandblasting nozzles.
An urgent 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 be guided not by price, but by manufacturer. A branded model from a company that has earned the trust of customers is a combination of quality materials and components, manufacturing, production control and a guarantee.
Top manufacturers
Buyers are always interested in which company equipment is better to buy. Depending on the size of the amount allocated for the purchase of a sink, today you can buy both a sink without a name (cost about 3,000 rubles), and a model of a well-known brand, among which it is worth highlighting:
Karcher. German company specializing in the production of cleaning equipment. She was the first to produce pressure washers.A wide range of models for household 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 producing special equipment for car washes for over 30 years.
Nilfisk. Danish company, one of the world leaders in the production of professional cleaning equipment. A special series Compact is produced for domestic needs.
Interskol. Domestic developer and manufacturer of power tools.
Rating of high-quality pressure washers-2019: popular models
Inexpensive household models
Their distinctive features are compactness and small size, simple equipment and functionality. The engines of budget vehicles 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
Mini version from a well-known manufacturer from Germany. Its main characteristics: power 1.4 kW, pressure 110 bar, productivity 350 l / h. The hose with a length of 4 meters cannot be extended for a long distance, however, this drawback is compensated by the low weight of the model (less than 5 kg). Therefore, it is convenient to move it with wheels and a comfortable handle. The kit includes a special hose for detergent and a lance nozzle.
Karcher K 2
Advantages:
Compactness;
Ease of assembly;
Ease of transportation;
Not a bad indicator of maximum pressure;
Affordable price.
Disadvantages:
Short hose length;
The pump body is made of plastic.
Average price: 4,700 rubles.
Bosh AQT 33-11
This device can be 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 a tank, which helps in the absence of a water supply. 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.
Bosh AQT 33-11
Advantages:
Assembly speed;
Low weight;
Ease of use;
Small size;
Low cost.
Disadvantages:
Hose not very long.
Average price: 4000 rubles.
Huter W105 - GS
The model is suitable for washing a 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.
Disadvantages:
The pressure drops when connected to the tank;
The foam nozzle is not functional.
Average price: 3200 rubles.
Household sinks of the premium segment
Huter W165-QL
Due to its indicators - maximum pressure up to 165 bar, productivity up to 375 l / h (does not decrease when working with other containers) - the model copes with washing a car and various tasks in everyday life.
Huter W165-QL
Advantages:
High pressure level;
Pump reliability;
Convenient transportation due to castors and handles.
Disadvantages:
It is not very convenient to wind the hose around the reel.
Average price: 5150 rub.
Champion HP6170
Washing parameters - maximum pressure of 150 bar (even when connected to a tank, you can achieve indicators close to the maximum), structural stability, a reliable metal pump.
Champion HP6170
Advantages:
High level of performance and power;
Construction reliability.
Disadvantages:
Large-sized model;
The hose is not very long (5 m).
Average price: 7800 rubles.
Bosh AQT 45-14 X
The undoubted advantages of this unit are an eight-meter hose, a productivity of 450 l / h, a set of multifunctional attachments, a handle and wheels for ease of movement.When water is taken from the tank, the power decrease is negligible
Bosh AQT 45-14 X
Advantages:
Long hose;
Good performance;
Nozzles included.
Disadvantages:
The supplied hose has a fragile plastic sheath.
Average price: 15,000 rubles.
Professional car wash
The main qualities of such models are increased reliability (they are designed to work for several hours in a row) and power. Accordingly, they are higher than household ones. Only people with special training should work with these devices. For everyday household needs, such washes are not needed: their place of "work" is car washes, service stations, companies engaged in professional cleaning.
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. The freedom of movement is provided by a 10-meter hose and special wheels.
Oleo-Mac PW 170 C
Advantages:
Reliability;
High efficiency;
The Total Stop system saves energy;
Stops at the bottom of the body.
Disadvantages:
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 its high performance (600 l / h). The 8 m hose is easy to use, allowing you to perform a variety of tasks.
Prototechnica G161 - C I 1610A-M
Advantages:
The ability to save on electricity consumption;
The fittings are made of metal;
Reliability;
Relatively light weight.
Disadvantages:
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, productivity up to 600 l / h. The pump body is made of brass, which allows it to cope with loads of hours. The 10 m long hose is suitable for a variety of tasks - from cleaning machine parts to washing the facade of a house.
Karcher K 7
Advantages:
Low weight;
Compactness;
Reliability;
High indicator of power and performance.
Disadvantages:
The hose is not very convenient to reel.
Average price: 30 625 rubles.
Stihl RE 362
This technique is capable of any task: working at a car wash, cleaning a pool, washing plastic furniture. It has a high performance (up to 1080 l / h), copes with intense loads using a powerful motor (6.3 kW) and a brass pump. You can use both hot and cold water.
Stihl RE 362
Advantages:
High performance;
The ability to use two types of detergents at the same time;
10 meter hose;
Retractable carry handle.
Disadvantages:
Weighs 72 kg.
Average price: 82,700 rubles.
Whichever model and company you choose, you need to remember that the sink should be bought for specific needs. There is no point in paying more for options you don't need. Therefore, before buying, it always makes sense to consult with a specialist consultant.