Looking for a powerful and reliable pressure washer? Here’s an in-depth comparison of Generac and Simpson to help you choose between these top brands.
Generac and Simpson are both leading pressure washer brands. They build high quality gas and electric models for home and commercial use.
We’ll dive into their key differences in:
- Cleaning power
- Durability
- Ease of use
- Noise
- Safety
- Engines
- Cost
- Warranties
- Reviews
- Maintenance
- Best applications
So you can pick the best brand for your needs.
Generac pressure washers deliver excellent cleaning capabilities with models ranging from 2,200 up to 4,000 PSI and maximum flow rates of 4 gallons per minute. This powerful pressure and flow combination provides professional-grade cleaning performance for the toughest home or commercial jobs.
Simpson also offers high cleaning power in their pressure washers, with PSI spanning 2,500 to 4,200 and flow rates of 2.5 to 4 GPM. The strong pressure and flow from Simpson washers also enables them to take on demanding cleaning applications around the house or business.
So in terms of raw cleaning power and capabilities, both Generac and Simpson products deliver outstanding cleaning abilities that can handle even the toughest dirt, grime, and debris removal tasks.
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Warranties
Generac and Simpson back up their washers with generous 1-7 year warranties depending on models. This demonstrates confidence in their products’ reliability. Long warranties provide peace of mind for such a significant purchase.
Reviews
According to most customer reviews, both brands earn praise for their cleaning effectiveness, durability, and overall value. Their reputations for quality and performance make Generac and Simpson two of the top reviewed pressure washer brands on the market.
Maintenance
Like any power equipment, periodic maintenance is key to longevity. Oil changes, hose inspections, pump lubrication, and winterization for gas engines will keep both Generac and Simpson washers running smoothly for years. Proper care prevents avoidable repairs.
Best Applications
With outstanding power and rugged build quality, Generac and Simpson pressure washers excel at tasks like cleaning houses, vehicles, boats, RVs, decks, patios, equipment, commercial buildings and more. Their versatility suits most residential and commercial cleaning needs.
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Durability
Generac designs their pressure washers for maximum durability and longevity by utilizing heavy-duty components like commercial-grade brass pumps and powder-coated steel frames. These high-end parts enable Generac washers to withstand years of regular use.
Simpson also engineers their washers using extremely rugged materials such as cast aluminum pumps and welded steel tubing frames. This robust construction allows Simpson pressure washers to endure consistent use week after week without breaking down prematurely.
So both brands excel at building incredibly durable machines that can handle frequent use in demanding home or professional settings without falling apart or needing constant repairs. The sturdy materials used by both make their washers hold up well long term.
Ease of Use
Generac packs their pressure washers with features for exceptional ease of use during cleaning tasks, such as conveniently placed controls, ergonomically designed spray wands that are comfortable to grip, and oversized 10 inch wheels that allow you to easily maneuver the washer around your workspace.
Simpson also offers user-friendly operation in their designs through intuitive control layouts, well-balanced spray guns that reduce fatigue, and smooth-rolling 9 inch wheels that provide great steering as you work.
So both Generac and Simpson build convenience and handling into their washers with smart ergonomics and maneuverability so you can focus on cleaning rather than dealing with difficult controls or unwieldy machines.
Noise Levels
Generac pressure washers operate at fairly low decibel levels ranging from just 65-85 dBa. This reduced noise output allows you to converse normally and not disturb neighbors excessively while running the washer.
Simpson washers produce slightly higher noise levels in the 80-90 dBa range. This is louder than Generac but still within reason for a pressure washer’s typical sound output. The noise won’t be overly intrusive.
So while Generac runs quieter overall, even the higher decibel Simpson washers are not disruptively noisy, allowing you to use them without causing disturbances.
Safety Features
Both Generac and Simpson build in important safety protections into their pressure washer designs, such as trigger safeties that prevent accidental discharge of pressurized water if the spray gun is knocked over or mishandled.
Additionally, Generac offers optional GFCI plugs on their electric models which provides critical protection against electrical shocks in wet conditions for even greater safety.
So the brands both make safety a priority through design elements like their trigger guards. And Generac adds electrical protections for using washers safely and securely.
Engine Options
Generac offers both gasoline powered and electric pressure washer models so you can choose the right engine type for your specific cleaning applications and needs.
Simpson also provides consumers a similar selection of gas and electric washers to match different use cases.
This flexibility in engine offerings by the brands lets you pick gas for portability or electric for convenience depending on your requirements.
Cost Comparison
Generac pressure washer prices span an affordable range from $200 up to $2,000 for their largest professional-grade models. This provides options for various budgets.
Simpson prices overlap in a similar range of around $300 to $1,500 for their high-end commercial models. So both brands offer comparable pricing suitable for homeowners or businesses.
Conclusion
In summary, both Generac and Simpson stand out as top pressure washer brands that offer powerful, durable, and thoughtfully designed machines.
They each provide excellent cleaning capabilities with PSI and GPM output to handle the toughest residential or commercial washing tasks. Their rugged construction from quality materials also allows their washers to endure consistent, long term use.
FAQ
What PSI do I need for residential cleaning?
- Around 2000-3000 PSI is ideal for most home cleaning like vehicles, decks, siding, etc. Higher PSI risks surface damage.
Do pressure washers come with hoses?
- Most include a 20-30 foot hose. Larger replacement hoses are often sold separately.
How long do gas pressure washer engines last?
- Properly maintained gas engines can operate for 500-1,000 hours over 3-7 years before needing overhaul.
What chemicals work with pressure washers?
- Specialized soaps, degreasers and detergents are designed for pressure washer use at correct dilutions. Avoid bleach or acids.
Can I use hot water in an electric pressure washer?
- No, only gas powered models can heat water due to much higher wattage demands. Electric washers use only cold tap water.
What is the optimal distance to hold the nozzle?
- Around 6-12 inches is ideal. Closer risks damage, farther reduces cleaning effectiveness. Adjust as needed.
How often do I need to change pumps?
- Pumps can operate 500-1,000 hours over 1-5 years before requiring replacement if properly maintained.