Best pressure washer for detailing

[MatteRB26]

I'm in the market for a pressure washer for detailing but unsure on where to really start with them. Some Googling revealed the Karcher K4 as being a good candidate but wanted to know what it's like or there's any similar/cheaper alternatives (without skimping on quality). I'm planning on getting a snow foam Lance for it as well. Is the K4 a recommended buy or can I start lower?

[Pesty]

I’ve had good luck with nilfisk.

When I was researching at the price point I bought the nilfisk had metal impeller the marchers were plastic.

[Andeh1]

I'm on my second nilfisk and for the second time am needing to use the warranty towards the end of it. I use it at least every other weekend to wash 2 x cars, clean off the surface of the driveway etc but both times some form of pressure switch is letting go.

Last one would looses pressure & surges a few times during use, then eventually got back swapped out by Amazon. This one (the replacement) simply isn't engaging when trigger is pulled. It does eventually, but I need to urgently try and replace/repair it under their warranty.

Hesitant to say I would recommend, never had experience with any others though!

Edit; I'm not convinced a metal vs plastic impella is worthy of consideration, that's not a failure mode that is likely to occur (it's a 'dumb' solid part) compared to the pressure switches, bearings, o'rings, motors, switches)

Edited by Andeh1 on Saturday 1st February 18:58

[Pesty]

I’m no expert but after three failed karchers I gave up on that brand. I remember reading at the time about impellers failing it why it sticks in my mind.

Sample of one, happy so far and like you use most weekends.

[JulianHJ]

I had a Karcher which died within the warranty period. I replaced it with a Nilfisk C120 that's been going strong for ten years now.

[Pesty]

Interesting, couldn’t remember how long I’d had mine just checked amazon bought 2015 for 189

E140 Now £253 so no longer a bargain it was. That’s some inflation, does have very long hose which was short on the karchers

Seem to be all different kinds now on Amazon including blaupunct.

[Zarco]

I've had a Nilfisk since 2017. I don't wash the car all that often but it's been faultless so far. I do always take the time to blow virtually all the water out of it after use (think the manual says this is a good idea).

[D'oh]

I've been using Karcher for Years with no problems , other than having to replace the hose once due to a leak

[liner33]

Nilfisk for me , I tend to use mine around twice a week and sometimes more and they last years and years

[Pesty]

From that link thus looks interesting
Never heard of them.

Nice long hose and cable. Longer than most cheaper end of the well known brands I think.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KZWO1UM/ref=sm_n_au...

You never had a problem but you had a problem

[Pesty]

Damn I hope my nilfisk breaks now.

Look at the stats on this

I have pressure washer envy.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01ET9AZ2K/ref=psdc_11...

[stevensdrs]

Anything but a Karcher. I just use a cheap one I purchased in a Homebase sale for about £40 and it has outlasted all my previous Karcher machines. I still use the Karcher hose and gun on it though as these are good.

[liner33]

Pesty said:

Damn I hope my nilfisk breaks now.

Look at the stats on this

I have pressure washer envy.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01ET9AZ2K/ref=psdc_11...

Look at the reviews

[Pesty]

Hmmm dodgy. Still it’s powerful and long hose make it a decent buy. No need for the ‘deception’

The most powerfull nilfisk seems to be max 150

That’s a constant 160 so still better. I note the nilfisk doesn’t seem to say what the pressure drops down to.

Edited by Pesty on Sunday 2nd February 18:41

[MOBB]

If you go for a Karcher, look at the online outlet, some bargains on there sometimes

Kranzles are very good but the next price band up

[Silent1]

Ive got a karcher HDS 6/12C, brilliant in winter

[liner33]

Pesty said:

Hmmm dodgy. Still it’s powerful and long hose make it a decent buy. No need for the ‘deception’

The most powerfull nilfisk seems to be max 150

That’s a constant 160 so still better. I note the nilfisk doesn’t seem to say what the pressure drops down to.

Edited by Pesty on Sunday 2nd February 18:41

Is more pressure really better ? I find 130bar more than sufficient although mine is 145bar