Decent pressure washer for car and patio

[Honestherbert]

Can anyone recommend a decent pressure washer for general use including cleaning the car and patio? I have had pretty poor experiences with Karcher in the past as they either fail or the patio attatchment didnt seem to ever really work properly, currently have a 2200 titan one from screwfix which I bought as a cheap stopgap after 2 karchers but its never been that great. Are the amazon ones any good? there seem to be clone karcher style patio attatchments for doing the patio but no idea on which is best, Im not wanting to spend a firtune but would happily pay more for something that will last.

cheers

[dlks151]

I used Karcher for years, and in my opinion the quality steadily declined with more and more plastic components being introduced. I moved to Nilfisk (Premium 200 pressure washer, and Buddy vaccum) about 5yrs ago and what a difference in build quality, all I’ve had to do is replace a couple of small washers on the lance.

The patio cleaning attachment for the Nilfisk is a revelation.

Nilfisk, worth a look !

[Wills2]

I bought one of these a few months ago, a fantastic piece of kit especially when coupled with the swivel pistol trigger.


https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/active-2-0-pressure...

Edited by Wills2 on Saturday 7th February 12:35

[Jamescrs]

I looked at loads of options and have ended up buying another Karcher albeit I’ve previously had the small Karchers, K2’s and a K3. I’ve gone for a K5 This time which seems a fair bit more substantial and is water cooled as opposed to air cooled.

I bought it from Karcher Outlet which I’ve used before and it came quickly, the downside was the carry handle was broken on arrival but I emailed them and the sent me a replacement handle out same day which I was happy with.

[XF-Andy]

Replaced my karcher with an Ava and haven't looked back since.

They should pay me commission the amount of times I've recommended them!

[Edible Roadkill]

Another recommendation for Ava of Norway. Evolution range is really good plus a 20yr guarantee if you service it every 5yr.

[Escort3500]

I had two Karchers fail just out of warranty. Crap quality, despite them being one of the more expensive models in the range.

Replaced with a Nilfisk which has been faultless.

[Gtom]

Something like this can be picked up second hand for less than the cost of a new k5 karcher.

All spare parts are available and the hot wash makes cleaning so much easier.

I paid £300 for mine, £10 on a new capacitor and half a day to clean the boiler.

[The Gauge]

dlks151 said:

I used Karcher for years, and in my opinion the quality steadily declined with more and more plastic components being introduced. I moved to Nilfisk (Premium 200 pressure washer, and Buddy vaccum) about 5yrs ago and what a difference in build quality, all I ve had to do is replace a couple of small washers on the lance.

The patio cleaning attachment for the Nilfisk is a revelation.

Nilfisk, worth a look !

I have recently just purchased the Nilfisk P200 for washing my car and I bought their patio attachment for cleaning the driveway and patio. It replaces a Karcher HD5/12C commercial grade machine which was perfectly adequate but mine is an old machine with lack off accessories and their patio attachment is a ridiculous price.

The P200 is brill, and the patio attachment is an absolute beast, so much more effective that just using the lance which surprised me.

I bought a stubby trigger gun and V3 foam cannon from ADCR Detailing which makes the machine a real joy to use.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Spare tyre]

Whatever has the longest warranty per pound

My dad continually goes in hard with karchers and they never seem to last all that long

He looks after things incredibly well and doesn’t let them freeze etc


I was going to go for nilfsk as they seemed a sensible mid ground

[fridaypassion]

Karchers are total garbage we have had a Nilfisk at home thats lasted a few years. At work we had to give up on Karcher and got a Kranzle but that will be overkill for home use. The one posted above with the motor sticking out of the front looks a good idea as the Kranzle one is like an electric gate motor just used to pressurise the water I would assume these ones have metal fins instead of the fisher price Karcher stuff.

[steedy27]

I have a one of the smaller Ava model's, it's great

[wombleh]

Got a nilfisk bottom end one about 15 years ago. Gets used loads, dumped in the shed over winter, never drained, used for long periods without breaks on drive/patio, don’t do anything to maintain it, never had a problem. If it ever broke then I d buy another.

It has a patio brush but I find the normal pressure spray works better.

Edited by wombleh on Saturday 7th February 21:08

[PurpleFox]

I have a Stihl which has been great. I think they might share the same internal components as Nilfisk, certainly the external fittings (bayonets etc) are the same.


My brother burned through two Karchers in the time I have had the Stihl and they always look a complete mess with cable and (kinked) hose all over the place. He now also has a Stihl and is very pleased with it.

[steveo3002]

karcher are on my never again list

[FarmyardPants]

I have on of these, which is super convenient. I wash the car more often now.

https://giraffetools.uk/products/grandfalls-retrac...

[Digga]

I’ve got a cheapest Titan and, aside from a new hose, it’s been very good. For about 5 or 6 years now. However, we live up int he hails, so mains is pumped in here and very decent pressure. So it’s cheating really.

From what I hear Nilfisk, not Karcher if I had to swap.

[Jonny_]

steveo3002 said:

karcher are on my never again list

Likewise. Which is a shame as old Karchers lasted forever. The one I bought in about 2003 (probably the smallest cheapest one they offered) is still doing the job for a relative.

Nilfisk are crap quality these days as well. Plastic pressure switches, what clown designed those? Pain to replace the switch as well, because everything is clad in yet more plastic. Also on the Never Again list!

OP: my advice would be to look for something industrial/commercial grade, with a proper metal pump.

I've had one from Direct Hoses for 3 years and it's been superb. Built like a tank and being an open frame design means everything is accessible for servicing (pump oil needs changing now and then, a 2 minute job).

Bonus is the commercial machines usually use industry standard 1/4" quick connect hoses and accessories rather than proprietary fittings. And proper rubber hoses are a million times nicer to use than the stiff plastic rubbish you usually get with DIY grade machines.