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Pressure washer selector for mobile detailing

Build a pressure-washer shortlist from your water source, measured flow, power supply, workload and vehicle before comparing products.

Describe the working system before comparing products. The result narrows the type of machine to investigate and exposes the measurements still needed; it does not choose or approve a model.

Working setup

Packed size, safe restraint and service access all matter.
Higher-throughput work raises the value of duty cycle and service support.
Choose the workload you can realistically sell, not an aspirational maximum.
Open-container suction is safe to shortlist only where the exact model manual permits it.
Continuous output and starting demand are separate checks.

Measured limits

L/min
Measure through the actual tap or complete tank, filter, fittings and hose path.
%
Allowance retained above a candidate machine's operating flow.
W
Use the lower applicable continuous rating for the outlet, generator or power station.
%
This does not replace a separate motor start-up or surge check.

Shortlist direction

Professional electric shortlist

Measurements entered—compare specifications

Regular or higher-throughput work makes published duty cycle, service support, parts and hose compatibility more important than minimum purchase price.

Provisional operating-flow ceiling10 L/min
Provisional rated-input ceiling2,917 W
A ceiling is not a target or recommendation. Keep a candidate below it, then check the exact manual's inlet, start-up, duty-cycle and installation requirements.
  1. 01

    Keep candidate operating flow below the provisional 10.0 L/min supply ceiling, then check the manual's separate minimum inlet requirement.

  2. 02

    Keep rated input below the provisional 2917 W continuous-power ceiling, then verify motor start-up demand separately.

  3. 03

    Match the tank outlet, pump, filter and hose as one system; a pump label alone does not prove inlet delivery.

  4. 04

    Check duty cycle, warranty terms and wear-part availability for regular paid work.

  5. 05

    Check service clearance, payload and secure restraint before adding a fixed reel or larger machine.

Compare this direction on Amazon UKRun a candidate compatibility check
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The price is unchanged for you. Search results are not endorsements or compatibility approvals. Outside the UK, apply the same specification checks with a suitable local retailer.

Shortlist in dependency order

Start with the supply—not the pressure claim.

A pressure washer has to fit the whole mobile system. Establish the water path and measured inlet flow, then the available power, expected workload, transport constraints and fitting ecosystem. Only then compare models.

  1. 01
    Define the water path

    Separate a customer tap, pumped tank and manufacturer-approved open-container suction. They are not interchangeable assumptions.

  2. 02
    Measure at the machine

    Test through the real outlet, filter, valves, fittings and hose. The component label is not the delivered inlet flow.

  3. 03
    Check power twice

    Compare rated input with continuous capacity, then verify motor start-up demand and the supply arrangement separately.

  4. 04
    Price the working life

    Duty cycle, service parts, warranty, hose reach and fittings can matter more than the cheapest purchase price.

Four useful directions

The result narrows a class—not a model.

  • Compact electric for lean, customer-utility or early validation setups where packed size matters.
  • Professional electric when regular throughput, duty cycle, parts and repair support justify the extra size and cost.
  • Tank-capable electric only when the exact model instructions support the intended suction or inlet arrangement.
  • Engine-driven where independent power is essential and outdoor exhaust, fuel, noise and transport controls are workable.

If you are buying in the UK, continue into the four-model Karcher, Nilfisk, AVA and Kranzle comparison. Once you have an exact candidate, enter its published inlet requirements in the tank and pressure-washer compatibility checker. Then turn its operating flow and target pressure into a chart reference with the pressure washer nozzle size calculator.

Primary referencesHSE — electrical pressure washers HSE — electrically powered work equipment Kärcher K 7 WCM manual — suction example Nilfisk MC 2C manual — model-specific inlet instructions CDC/NIOSH — carbon-monoxide hazards