Beginner’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Pressure Washer for Your Home
If you're thinking about buying a pressure washer for the first time, you're not alone. Whether you're looking to clean your car, revive your deck, or blast away grime from your driveway, a pressure washer can save you time and effort—but only if you choose the right one.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down the essential terms, key questions, and product options to help you make a smart purchase—starting with what all those numbers actually mean.
Understanding PSI and GPM: What They Really Mean
Before you look at models, let’s decode two of the most important pressure washer specs:
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
This measures how much pressure the washer can generate. Higher PSI = more cleaning force.
-
1300–1800 PSI: Best for light cleaning (cars, bikes, patio furniture)
-
1800–2200 PSI: Ideal for most home tasks (siding, patios, driveways)
-
2200+ PSI: For heavy-duty or commercial jobs
GPM (Gallons per Minute)
This measures how much water flows through the washer. Higher GPM = more rinsing and faster cleaning.
-
1.2–1.6 GPM: Light jobs, spot cleaning
-
1.6–2.0 GPM: Balanced for home use
-
2.0+ GPM: More volume, faster coverage
The sweet spot for most homeowners is around 1300–1800 PSI and 1.5–2.0 GPM.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy:
Before you choose a model, ask yourself:
What will you clean most often?
-
Cars, bikes, grills → Lower PSI with foam cannon capability
-
Decks, siding, patio → Mid-range PSI with surface cleaner compatibility
-
Heavy grime or large driveways → Higher PSI with extended hose and power tools
How often will you use it?
-
Occasional cleanup → Look for a user-friendly, ready-to-use unit
-
Regular maintenance → Look for durability, storage, and convenience features
How much space do you have to store it?
-
Small spaces → Compact or wall-mountable models
-
More room → A wheeled unit with onboard storage saves time
Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers:
Here’s a quick look at the differences:
|
Feature |
Electric (like AVA) |
Gas |
|
Power Source |
Plug-in |
Fuel-based |
|
Noise Level |
Quiet |
Loud |
|
Maintenance |
Minimal |
Regular maintenance required |
|
Weight |
Lightweight |
Heavy |
|
Emissions |
Zero |
Yes |
|
Ideal For |
Homeowners |
Large-scale/professional use |
Why AVA Is Electric:
AVA pressure washers are designed for homeowners who want power, convenience, and sustainability. With zero emissions, low maintenance, and all the tools you need included, electric is the smarter choice for nearly every household task.
AVA’s Pressure Washer Lineup:
AVA GO P45
-
Max PSI: 1800 | Rated PSI: 1335
-
Max GPM: 2.0 | Rated GPM: 1.7
-
Best for: Compact cleaning, car detailing, portable use
-
Includes: Foam cannon, zoom lance, microfiber mop, 40 ft hose, and more
-
Great for: Apartments, garages, RVs, and small homes
AVA Easy P50
-
Max PSI: 2050 | Rated PSI: 1450
-
Max GPM: 1.85 | Rated GPM: 1.45
-
Best for: Full-home exterior cleaning
-
Includes: Foam cannon, patio cleaner, hose reel, onboard storage, and more
-
Great for: Homeowners with patios, siding, decks, and driveways
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right pressure washer isn’t about picking the most powerful—it’s about finding the best fit for your home and lifestyle. Whether you want a compact, take-anywhere unit or a full-featured workhorse with all the bells and whistles, AVA has you covered.
With our 10-year extended warranty, premium accessories, and Norwegian design, AVA makes cleaning easy, effective, and even enjoyable.
