Professional pressure washers are essential cleaning tools for professionals working in the cleaning industry. They are ideal for tackling tough cleaning tasks on floors, walls, vehicles and other surfaces. Choosing the best professional pressure washer is essential to obtain impeccable cleaning results. In this article, we will explore the features to choose the best professional pressure washers and answer common questions about their power, pressure and how to choose the right one for your cleaning needs.
Why choose a professional pressure washer?
The pressure washer is a useful tool for outdoor cleaning that allows you to remove any type of dirt, even the most stubborn or located in difficult to reach places. It is also helpful on internal surfaces suitable for cleaning with large quantities of water such as garages, warehouses or logistics centres. For this reason, from a purely industrial use, today the high pressure machine is a fundamental tool for cleaning professionals and is also increasingly requested in the domestic sector. As we have seen when analyzing the operation of pressure washers, professional ones are distinguished from domestic ones because they are designed for frequent use. Therefore, they offer more power and are equipped with components that can better withstand the water pressure and frequent use.
What features should a professional pressure washer have? 8 elements to consider
In the vast world of pressure washers, finding the perfect model can seem like a daunting task. However, we have listed the 8 key elements to consider when choosing a professional pressure washer so that we can help you make the right decision. These criteria will guide you in choosing the best professional pressure washer. Everything you need to know from flow rate to material quality is crucial to be sure your investment results in exceptional, long-lasting performance. Here are the 8 elements to take into consideration when evaluating a good professional pressure washer:
Flow rate
The flow rate is the quantity of water that the pressure washer is able to deliver in a given period of time. It is measured in liters per hour (l/h) and is a useful data for identifying professional pressure washers. Actually, the greater the flow rate, the shorter the washing times. The best professional pressure washers usually have a flow rate of 600l/h and above. The uses of a professional pressure washer are also determined based on the machine flow rate. In fact, a greater quantity of water is useful for removing more stubborn dirt and for covering large surfaces in less time. High-capacity high-pressure washers are used for special and intensive applications in the agricultural or naval sectors where high cleaning power is required for washing. In these sectors, pressure washers with a flow rate greater than 1000 l/h are usually the preferred choice, such as the Comac CI H50 high pressure washer which has a flow rate of 1260 l/h.
Pressure
The pressure of a pressure washer is the force with which the water is delivered. It is measured in bar and is the aspect that allows the pressure washer to loosen and remove dirt. In fact, the greater the pressure, the greater the cleaning power of the pressure washer. Commercial and domestic models have a pressure of up to 100/120 bar, while professional pressure washers range from 150 to 500 bar. We can therefore say that the best professional pressure washers have greater pressure and therefore more power than commercial or domestic ones as they are designed to remove encrustations or eliminate stains such as oil or grease.
Engine Type
The high pressure washer can be powered by an electric or endothermic motor:
- Electric motor (universal or induction): pressure washers with an electric motor must be connected to the electrical outlet to work. The electric motor can be universal (also called brush motor) or induction. When considering purchasing a pressure washer with an electric motor, keep in mind that the universal motor is suitable for less frequent and non-intensive use such as domestic use. While professional pressure washers are usually equipped with an induction motor which has greater resistance and withstands demanding and continuous work. A further distinction regarding electric motors must be made with respect to 2 or 4-pole motors. 2-pole electric motors turn at 2800 rpm and have a shorter useful life compared to 4-pole motors, which instead turn at 1450 rpm and last longer.
- Endothermic engine: pressure washers with a combustion engine have internal combustion, usually powered by petrol. Professional pressure washers with internal combustion engine have such power that makes them suitable for carrying out intensive and demanding cleaning tasks. Petrol pressure washers are the ideal choice for professional operations dealing with tough dirt, especially in situations where it’s not possible to connect the machine to an electrical socket.
Engine power
In general we can say that the power of a pressure washer is linked to the right balance between pressure and flow rate. For example, if we have a high pressure washer with a lot of pressure but low flow rate, which therefore delivers less water, the cleaning effectiveness would be poor.
Regarding the engine power of high-pressure washers, it is important to make an assessment based on the type of engine installed on the machine:
- The engine power of electric pressure washers is given in Watts (W). To be considered professional, high-pressure washers with an electric motor must have an engine power ranging from 2Kw upwards.
- The engine power of petrol pressure washers is usually given in horsepower (hp). Pressure washers with internal combustion engines are used practically only in the professional field as they can remove the most stubborn dirt and encrustations.
Moreover, the engine power also determines the performance of the pump and must be proportionate to both the pressure and the flow rate. This is the reason it is a very important element to evaluate. In fact, the more powerful the pressure washer, the faster and more efficient it will be.
Pump type
There are mainly two types of pumps for professional pressure washers: those equipped with a wobble plate or those with a connecting rod crank system. The wobble plate pump, also called axial pump, makes the pressure washer suitable for less intense uses. On the other hand, pressure washers with a pump equipped with a connecting rod crank system are more suitable for demanding and continuous tasks, making them the recommended choice for professional use due to their longer lifespan.
Cold water or hot water
This is another important aspect to evaluate regarding the characteristics that a pressure washer must have. More than to determine whether it is professional or commercial, it is an important evaluation to understand whether it is suitable for the type of use. Both commercial and professional cold water pressure washers are perfect in situations where the water jet is enough to properly clean the dirt. Whereas, hot water pressure washers are used in professional contexts where it is necessary to exploit the water temperature to sanitize or remove very resistant dirt.
Materials
The materials of which the machine is made are another fundamental aspect that allows you to recognize a professional pressure washer compared to a commercial or domestic one. The best professional pressure washers are built with sturdy materials that allow for intensive and heavy-duty use. For example, the material of the pump head can be plastic for commercial pressure washers, aluminum for semi-professional ones and brass for professional ones.
Accessoris
Given that the quality of the accessories affects the performance of the pressure washer, in addition to choosing the most suitable accessory for the type of work, it is important to evaluate their quality. For example, pressure washers for domestic, commercial and semi-professional use usually have PVC hoses, while fittings and gun or lance are made of plastic. Whereas, professional pressure washers have a reinforced hose resistant to crushing and twisting and also have metal gun, lance and fittings.
What is the best professional pressure washer?
In conclusion, after having analyzed the 8 elements for evaluating a professional pressure washer, it is important to underline that there is no “best pressure washer” in an absolute sense. What exists, however, is the best professional pressure washer for your specific cleaning needs. Each user, who usually has particular cleaning challenges and requirements, may find the ideal solution in a different model.
For this reason, Comac has developed an extremely wide range of professional pressure washers, which include both hot and cold water models, with a variety of sizes and powers. This diversity allows each user to find the pressure washer that best suits their specific needs. Whether you need to tackle light tasks or more demanding cleaning challenges, Comac offers solutions that can meet your expectations.
In conclusion, when it comes to recognizing the best professional pressure washer, the key is to carefully consider the features, power, flow rate and other factors based on your individual cleaning needs. Contact us to find the perfect solution together and achieve exceptional cleaning results. There is no universal best choice, but there is definitely a best choice for you.
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