This will be used for cleaning tiled patios and driveways (not commercial use). Interested in build quality, run time without overheating, longevity, length and flexibility of hoses and power, ease of use.
Pressure Washers - What's Best between Karcher and Ryobi?
theimpossiblue on 20/09/2025 - 09:34
Last edited 20/09/2025 - 10:14 by 1 other user
Last edited 20/09/2025 - 10:14 by 1 other user
Comments
Which models we talking here?
I have karcher k3 and that’s really the minimum for any semi serious cleaning imo
I also have the Ryobi 18v pressure washer that can draw off a water bucket, good for when I cbf setting the k3 up for spot cleaning bird poo off the balcony
When looking for mine, I was told to look for a few things, metal pump (lasts longer), mesh hose (less tangly & sturdy) and flow-rate (larger is better/faster to clean).
Given you're in for longevity, keep those things in mind but longevity also means more $$. Gerni and karcher per previous poster are the ones that are more likely to have these features. There are other good models including some aussie made ones. Stihl but they're def more expensive, usually have metal pumps.
I personally went one of the Gerni models, found a good special on bunnings, had a number of those features. From memory it was the 7000 series, which has better minimum and max flow rate than the 3000/4000 series.
Didn't love the gerni foam sprayer, the one from bowdens own was better, the deck/patio sprayer is good.For patio's you're not using max psi also, you'll need to dial it back a touch as the patio cleaner will want to act like a rocket and take off. Anything in around the 2000psi range is fine, the other attributes were more important compared to cheaper things i purchased in the past.
metal pump (lasts longer)
Myth really, plastic pumps are fine if they are well built.
Given you're in for longevity, keep those things in mind but longevity also means more $$. Gerni and karcher per previous poster are the ones that are more likely to have these features.
Like everything, you get what you pay for! Spend more dollars to buy a better built unit and it will last longer generally.
A commercial one will probably get the job done a lot faster. The little home ones take longer because they have less pressure so you need a narrow area to wash with.
Get one with a hose reel, saves storing the mess that is a hose if you don't have a reel.
Karcher and Gerni are the more reputable brands in pressure washers.
All of the manufacturers make a range between cheap stuff to high end, so I can't answer which is better.