Do you know those age-long hard-to-remove stains that cover concrete floors and decking?
Those stains aren’t going to come off using the simple detergent and scrub method. No, you’ll need a more thorough approach to get rid of them.
Using a pressure washer to blast off extra-stubborn stains may be your best bet. All it takes is to point the washer’s nozzle at a spot, blast the spot, and the area will be clean in a matter of minutes.
Pressure washers make your job easy and fast. But which model of pressure washer should you go for?
There are several decent makers of pressure washers out there; this article is focused on a comparison between two of the major brands; Simpson and Craftsman. You can find other comparisons here.
Choosing one of the two can be tricky, but not to worry, this review will help you to make the right choice.
Simpson Vs Craftsman Pressure Washers
Let’s start with the best Simpson models.
Simpson Pressure Washer Reviews
1. SIMPSON Cleaning PS4240 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer
Many users have testified that the Simpson PS4240 Gas Pressure Washer is a well-built machine that you can trust to last a good number of years without issue. As long as you follow the basic maintenance protocol such as regular oil change, you’d get the best out of it.
If you’re in the surface-cleaning business, rest assured that this pressure washer will blast stains off almost any surface (if not all). It can even rip off hardened gum from surfaces.
This product works very well on sidewalks, concrete parking spaces, and brick surfaces. With the right attachments, you will be able to do some low power roof cleaning.
Features
- 4200 PSI
- 4.0 GPM
- HONDA GX390 motor with oil alert
- AAA Industrial triplex plunger pump with PowerBoost Technology
- Kink and abrasion-resistant 3/8 in. x 50 ft. Monster hose
- Quick connect fitting
- Welded steel construction frame
- 13” premium pneumatic wheels
- 5 Quick connect nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap
- Weighs 141 pounds
Pros
- It is designed with an oil alert indicator
- The monster hose is abrasion-resistant
- It has a sturdy steel frame
- It is easy to assemble
- You can adjust the pressure to low, medium, and high
Cons
- It’s a bit on the heavy side at 141 pounds
Related: Ryobi Vs Craftsman Pressure Washers
2. SIMPSON Cleaning ALH3425 Aluminum Gas Pressure Washer
One of the reasons users love this product is the ease with which you can unload and set it up. You’ll fall in love with its sturdy build and efficiency in cleaning hard stains from surfaces.
This product is a bit pricey, but it’s good value for money as many have attested to. The powerful Honda GX engine will also encourage you to give this pressure washer a shot.
As for weight, it’s one of the lightest you can find in its class, just 80 pounds. This makes it easy to move around and put away when not in use. It also means that you won’t tire out quickly when you have spacious or multiple surfaces to clean.
Features
- 3,600 PSI
- 2.5 GPM
- Honda GX200 engine with oil alert
- Weighs 80 pounds
- Kink and abrasion-resistant, non-marring 5/16 inches X 35 ft. MorFlex hose
- Threaded fittings
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- Brushed extra aluminum tubing
- 10″ Premium pneumatic wheels
- 5 Quick connect nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap
- AAA triplex pump
- Ergonomic spray gun
Pros
- It is lighter than some other models
- The aircraft-grade aluminum frame is very durable
- Powerful Honda GX200 engine
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The wheels tend to become rickety after just a few weeks of use
- It costs more than other pressure washers in its weight class
3. SIMPSON Cleaning PS3228 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer
Even with the powerful Honda GX200 engine, this may be the most “not-so-good” Simpson pressure washer of all. It could be somewhat difficult to start at first use.
Other than this and a few minor challenges, the Simpson PS3228 PowerShot seems to be a decent enough pressure washer.
When in perfect working conditions, it can deliver rigorous cleaning jobs, which is why professionals love it.
It features a solid steel frame build that keeps it sturdy when in use. The compact size and lightweight is another appreciated feature as this makes it easy to maneuver around smaller spaces and move to and fro the worksite.
Features
- 3300 PSI
- 2.5 GPM
- AAA Industrial triplex plunger pump w/ PowerBoost Technology
- 5/16 in. x 25 ft. MorFlex hose (non-marring, kink and abrasion resistant)
- Threaded fittings
- Welded steel construction frame
- 10″ premium pneumatic wheels
- 5 Quick connect nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap
- Weighs 83.2 pounds
Pros
- It is light and easy to maneuver
- It is compact so it won’t take up much storage space
- It has a sturdy steel frame
Cons
- You may experience having leakages on the machine upon delivery
Related: Ryobi Vs Simpson Pressure Washers (Final Verdict)
4. Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
Many users have applauded the ease with which you can set up and use this unit. They also appreciate the simple start function, unlike some other models that may take several attempts before they come on.
Besides its ease of use, the cleaning power backed by its Honda GC190 engine is also welcomed. It is perfect for cleaning the patio, house sidings, and eaves. The features of this product speak volumes of it.
Built with a PSI of 3,200 and a GPM of 2.5, it is ideal for large scale commercial cleaning. It can be used daily and can last for many years.
Another lovely feature is the weight. It is just 63 pounds, and this makes it one of the lightest in its class. The ease of moving it to and fro the worksite and maneuvering around stains is well commended by professionals who have used it.
Features
- 3200 PSI
- 2.5 GPM
- HONDA GC190 premium residential engine
- Maintenance-free OEM Technologies axial cam pump
- Welded steel frame
- 10” Premium pneumatic wheels
- 5 Quick connect nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap
- 25ft. Kink and abrasion resistant hose
- Ergonomic spray gun
- 5 stainless steel quick connect nozzles
- Weighs 63 pounds
Pros
- It is lighter and easier to move around than others in its class
- Sturdy steel frame
- Maintenance-free axial cam pump
Cons
- It vibrates too much when in use
- There’s a tendency of experiencing oil leakage when unboxed
5. SIMPSON Cleaning MS60763-S MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
As far as noise is concerned, this pressure washer is as quiet as it comes. I appreciate the low noise levels and the low vibration this unit produces.
It is powered by a strong Kohler engine and it cleans very effectively. The washer starts easily, so you won’t have to strain your back each time you want to use it.
It may not be the best pressure washer on the market but many users still love it because it offers more than the price tag attached to it. The rugged steel frame construction is also applaudable as it guarantees long-lasting use.
One of the downsides of this unit is the quality of the washer gun. In some cases, it could stop working after only a few hours of use. But in other cases, it works just fine. I guess there are factory errors on some units.
The washer requires no assembly and it is user-friendly.
Features
- 3100 PSI
- 2.4 GPM
- KOHLER RH265 premium residential engine
- Maintenance-free OEM Technologies axial cam pump
- 1/4 in. x 25 ft. MorFlex hose is non-marring, kink, and abrasion-resistant
- Equipped M22 connection
- Rugged steel construction frame
- 5 Quick connect nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap
- Weighs 63 pounds
Pros
- Abrasion-resistant hose
- Lightweight
- Rugged steel frame
- No assembly required
- Quiet operation
Cons
- The washer gun is not as durable as it should be
Related: Pressure Washing Pros and Cons
Craftsman Pressure Washer Reviews
Now let’s take a look at the most recommended Craftsman pressure washer models.
1. CRAFTSMAN 3000 MAX PSI at 2.1 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
Every user wants to buy a product that will be easy to use and maintain. The Craftsman 3000 PSI Gas Pressure Washer offers them just that.
The Briggs & Stratton 190cc motor features ReadyStart technology, which helps to blast hard stains away. Users have found the no-prime and no-choke feature very helpful as it makes operation much simpler.
I love the very quiet engine that comes with this unit. It is made possible by the Idle down technology that reduces noise by up to 40%.
Another lovely feature of the machine is the low fuel consumption. This is always a welcomed improvement since we all would like to save money on gas.
It is designed with an axial cam pump that has an easy-start technology. With this unit, you can clean off hard stains from a wide variety of surfaces, including concrete, tiles, and siding.
It comes with 4 quick connect nozzles that make cleaning more versatile. Users also love the 25-foot flexible hose that allows better maneuverability during cleaning and foldability when being stored after use.
Features
- 3000 PSI
- 2.1 GPM
- Made in the U.S.A
- 190cc Kohler engine
- 25 ft. Flexible hose
- 4 quick connect nozzles
- 10-inch never-go-flat wheels
- Foldable handles
- Weighs 52 pounds
Pros
- Handles can be folded for easy storage
- Produces minimal noise when in use
- Lightweight
- Durable tires
Cons
- The starting cord may be too stiff
2. CRAFTSMAN 2800 MAX PSI at 1.8 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
This unit is perfect for home use. Although it is good value for money considering its size and capacity, it is not the most powerful pressure washer on the market.
You may have to think long and hard before you opt for this product. The overall build is not as sturdy and as rugged as you may hope for. But then, you get what you pay for.
The good news is that this 2000 PSI & 1.8 GPM unit is very easy to start and maintain. It has no prime or chokes, so operation is quite easy.
I appreciate the 4 quick connect nozzles included in the package because it gives a wider range of cleaning ability. It also features 10-inch durable wheels that make movement smooth and free.
Besides being lightweight (just 60.1 pounds), it is also compact and easy to store thanks to its foldable handles. You’ll appreciate this feature if you have limited storage space at home.
Features
- 2000 PSI
- 1.8 GPM
- 25 ft. Flexible hose
- 163cc Briggs & Stratton Engine
- Foldable handles
- Weighs 60.1 pounds
Pros
- Foldable handles for space-saving storage
- Lightweight
- Flexible hose
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- The wand extension isn’t durable
Conclusion
You will agree that the Simpson models are built for more professional cleaning jobs. They carry a higher PSI and GPM ranking, which is why they can perform harder tasks.
The issue with Simpson models is the weight. Most of them are between 80 to 100 pounds, making them heavier than the Craftsman models, which are better suited for domestic use.
In conclusion, I’d say both of them are excellent models. It all depends on the level of cleaning you want to use them for.
I hope this Simpson Vs Craftsman pressure washer review has been helpful.
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