Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers are compact, quiet, and perfect for garages. Most detailers prefer electric units in the 1500–2000 PSI range for safe car washing.

• Plug-and-play convenience.
• Quiet and garage-friendly.
• Compact, easy to mount in cabinets.
• Safe PSI range for paint.

Pro Tip: Pair an electric washer with a hose reel for the ultimate garage setup.

Gas Pressure Washers

Gas pressure washers are powerful and portable, making them better for mobile detailers who don’t always have access to outlets. However, they’re louder, bulkier, and harder to maintain.

• PSI often exceeds 2500+ (overkill for paint).
• No need for electricity—run anywhere.
• Loud, heavy, and require fuel + oil changes.

Warning: Gas units can easily exceed safe PSI for paint. Always use the right nozzle and maintain distance.

Gas vs Electric Compared

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s the breakdown:

• Choose Electric: If you detail mostly at home, want quiet operation, and need a safe PSI for paint.
• Choose Gas: If you’re mobile, don’t always have outlets, and need raw power for more than cars (driveways, decks, etc.).

Pro Tip: Most detailers own electric washers for daily work and keep gas units as backup for jobs requiring extra power.

FAQ: Gas vs Electric Washers

Is gas too strong for cars?

Not always, but most gas washers exceed safe PSI. You must use the right nozzle and maintain distance.

What’s the ideal PSI for detailing?

1500–2000 PSI at 1.2–1.8 GPM is the sweet spot.

Which lasts longer, gas or electric?

Gas units can last longer with maintenance, but electric units require less upkeep and often outlast their cost.

Do pros use electric or gas?

Garage pros prefer electric. Mobile pros often carry gas for flexibility.