A box of pressure washers weigh down your hand as you lean into the aisle, the cart loaded with supplies. Two logo catch your eye: one from Westinghouse, the other from Ryobi. Each brand promise to give you a fresh-looking deck and siding, and both fit within a weekend budget.
It’s a toss-up, right? Not so fast. The brands is looking at the issue different, and knowing that can save you frustration (and money) down the road.
And it’s not all brand loyalties here either. It’s about priorities in engineering. Some brand build for durability of machine.
Some build for making whole process easier on user. Figure out what matters most to how you clean and make sure you get it right. Broken nozzles.
Burned out motors. Those are the things that happens when you choose the wrong thing. And then the outdoor cleaning becomes one of those chore that you’re glad you have someone else do for you.
Comparing Westinghouse And Ryobi Pressure Washers
Motor Types and Durability
The first story is about heart of machine. Electric motor are either universal or induction. Westinghouse use universal motors a lot.
Universal motors is electric motors made for high speed. Their high speed allow them to create pressure in a pump by spinning quickly. But there’s a price.
Universal motor won’t last as long. Induction motors will last longer, run cooler but cost more. And they’re also heavier.
In one case you’re paying for longevity. In the other case you’re paying for immediate power. Now check out how they build the pump, as that’s what typically kills off low end washers.
Pump Materials and Heat Resistance
The Westinghouse use an aluminum oxide ceramic piston. This is not only more durable, but resist heat better then typical plastic. Ryobi use solid composite and plastic materials.
That make the washer light, but also allow you to change the whole washer if needed. Plastic can melt/warp in prolonged high heat. So one time a year washing your house is OK with plastic.
Running it for two hours straight will get the pump hot. Westinghouse handle the heat better. Ryobi gets lighter.
Power Sources and Convenience
Then think about accessories. Here, Ryobi win out because their Ryobi and Greenworks lines typically use same battery platform. It is convenient because you can trade batteries in and out.
No more tripping on hoses, no extension cords. For Westinghouse, it’s old school. Gas or corded electric.
Gas offer unlimited power within range. Mobile and corded electric model provide constant power without any fumes. Battery tech continues to improve.
However, it doesn’t offer the raw power of a heavy-duty corded unit or a gas engine for sustained pressure. It come down to choosing raw power or choosing convenience. Decibels matter.
Noise Levels and Neighborhood Use
Gas models (Westinghouse) is loud. They are like lawnmowers. Electric models (Ryobi) is quiet.
You can start ‘em super-early in the morning without annoying your neighbors. That’s a quality of life feature. Comfort?
Sure. Feasibility? Also very much yes.
If you’re in an apartment complex, then Ryobi is really your only option. Westinghouse will get you a noise complaint. The situation matter most here.
Choosing the Right Pressure Washer
But which one do you buy? Answer: if you’re going to use it a lot, buy Westinghouse for their better durability and heat control. If you’ll only use it occasionally, buy Ryobi for their better ease of use.
You should of looked at the motor type, look at the pump material, then head out there and wash that driveway. Don’t just get the most expensive one because it’s the most expensive. Get the one that matches how you use it.
Look at the motor type, look at the pump material, then head out there and wash that driveway.