Pressure washers, also known as power washers, are used for heavy duty cleaning. Though traditional garden hoses generate enough water pressure for cleaning, pressure washers provide the correct kind of pressure required for powering off stubborn stains, dust, grime, grease and oil marks. Pressure washers can be used on almost any kind materials including glass, wood, fiber, concrete, steel, etc., since the pressure can be adjusted accordingly. Pressure washers may be electric, hydraulic, diesel-based or gasoline-based. Washers are also classified as hot or cold.

Electric pressure washers contain a pressure pump that compresses the water inside and lets it out from the hose opening under controlled pressure. The pressure of water coming from the hose can thus be adjusted according to the need. Some pressure washers generate water pressure that is even 100 percent greater than that coming from a garden hose. Electric pressure washers are highly suitable for industrial cleaning though they are being increasingly used in household cleaning tasks. The main aspects to be considered when buying an electric pressure washer are the difficulty of the cleaning job under consideration, the expected frequency of use and the cost of the machine. Electric pressure washers differ on the basis of PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). The smallest models generally have 1000 PSI, 2 GPM, 1.5 HP, while medium models have 2000 PSI, 3 GPM, 5 HP and large models have 6000 PSI, 5.5 GPM, 24 HP. Pressure washers also come with various options like rotating nozzles for covering larger area, brush attachments including rotating brushes, detergent attachment and soap sprayers etc.

The main advantage of electric pressure washers as compared to others is their quietness in operation. They are also light and easy to operate. Electric pressure washers are less expensive to operate than gasoline-based pressure washers. A 1500 PSI and 2.0 GPM model is priced at around $150. Most manufacturers provide warranties and other purchasing options.

Pressure washers are available at most hardware stores. The Internet is a good source for locating a good pressure washer. There are several web sites over the Internet that provide useful information as well as pressure washers for sale. These sites provide the option of comparing a wide range of pressure washer models, the manufacturing advantages, prices, and discount options, warranties.