Pressure Washer vs Power Washer: Is There a Difference? (October 2026)
The terms often mean the same kind of machine, but “power washer” sometimes refers to a heated-water model. Check a model’s features to see whether it heats water.
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Pressure washers and power washers often mean the same thing, though “power washer” sometimes refers to a machine that heats water. Check a model’s features to confirm whether it has a heater.
A pressure washer sends water through a hose and spray wand at high pressure. The term “power washer” is also used for machines that heat water, but naming varies.
The Westinghouse ePX3500 is electric, while the WPX3400 is gas powered. The product information provided for these models does not describe a water heater, so compare their power source, pressure, flow and setup.
Pressure washer vs power washer: what's the difference?
A power washer may heat water, while a pressure washer typically uses the incoming water supply. In everyday product names, the terms often overlap.
Heated water can help loosen some oily or greasy soil. Pressurized water helps loosen dirt and rinse it away, but a machine’s name alone doesn't tell you whether it heats water or which detergents and surfaces it supports.
Check the exact model’s manual for a heater, allowable inlet temperature and compatible accessories. If those details aren't clear, don't assume hot water is safe to use.
Does “power washer” always mean hot water?
No, the name doesn't guarantee a built-in heater. Brands use “power washer” in different ways.
Look for a stated heating system and hot-water temperature range. A pressure rating, flow rate and engine or motor description don't prove that a machine can heat water.
The two washers in this comparison are identified as an electric pressure washer and a gas pressure washer. Their product information doesn't describe a water heater, so confirm with Westinghouse before using heated water.
Which washer is better for typical home jobs?
Choose based on the surfaces you clean, the output you need and the setup you can manage. Match the nozzle and technique to each surface.
The ePX3500 has 2000 rated PSI and 1.2 rated GPM. It weighs 19 lb and has a 25 ft hose, four quick-lock wheels with 360° steering and an onboard soap tank.
The WPX3400 has 3400 PSI and 2.6 GPM. It uses a gas engine, and its fuel and engine oil add setup and care.
Use an appropriate nozzle and spray pattern for each surface. Our guide to using a pressure washer safely covers nozzle choice and basic technique.
Is an electric or gas washer easier to manage?
The ePX3500 uses AC power, while the WPX3400 runs on a gas engine. Consider your work area, storage space and the setup each model requires.
The ePX3500 has four quick-lock wheels with 360° steering. Its pump stops automatically when the trigger isn't engaged.
The WPX3400 uses a 212 cc, 4-stroke gas engine with recoil start. Westinghouse says the washer includes engine oil and tools.
Consider the full setup alongside the cleaning numbers. If you're deciding between fuel and an outlet, read our electric vs gas pressure washer comparison.
What do PSI and GPM tell you?
PSI measures pressure and GPM measures water flow. Together, they describe a washer’s output, but don't tell you whether it uses hot water.
The ePX3500 has 2000 rated PSI and 1.2 rated GPM. Its maximum figures are 2500 PSI and 1.76 GPM at the lowest pressure.
Compare rated figures with rated figures, and maximum with maximum.
The WPX3400 has 3400 PSI and 2.6 GPM. Those higher figures indicate greater output, but don't make it suitable for every surface.
Start with the surface and cleaning task. Our guide to choosing a pressure washer size can help you narrow the output you need, and the PSI and GPM explainer explains the numbers.
Which Westinghouse washer fits your needs?
Pick the ePX3500 for a compact electric setup, or the WPX3400 for higher pressure and flow from a gas engine. Neither model’s product information describes a water heater.
The ePX3500 includes a 17.5 in steel wand, five quick-connect nozzles and a 25 ft hose. Its anti-tipping design uses a low center of gravity and four steering wheels.
The WPX3400 has a 25 ft abrasion-resistant hose and 12 in high-profile, never-flat wheels. It weighs 28.6 kg and runs on gasoline.
For broad, even passes over a flat surface, a surface cleaner can be a useful add-on. See our guide to pressure washer surface cleaners before checking accessory fit and operating instructions.
When should you rent instead of buy?
Rent when you need a washer for one short project or a task that calls for equipment you don't own. Buying can make sense when regular cleaning justifies the storage and upkeep.
Ask the rental shop whether its machine heats water and which surfaces it suits. Confirm the allowed detergent, nozzle and water supply before starting.
If you expect to use a washer often, compare its setup and care needs with the jobs you expect to do. Our rent or buy guide walks through that decision.
Final choice: pressure washer or power washer?
Choose by confirmed features, not by the label. If hot water is essential, verify that the exact model heats water and supports your task; otherwise, compare pressure, flow, power source and handling.
The ePX3500 suits buyers who want a compact electric washer with 2000 rated PSI and 1.2 rated GPM. The WPX3400 suits buyers who want 3400 PSI and 2.6 GPM and can manage a gas engine.
If you're still deciding between those power sources, use our electric vs gas washer guide to compare their tradeoffs for your home.
Frequently asked questions
Are pressure washers and power washers the same?
Often, yes. Both terms commonly describe machines that send pressurized water through a wand, and brands may use the names differently.
Some people use “power washer” for a unit that heats water, so check the model’s features instead of relying on its name.
Does a power washer use hot water?
Some power washers use heated water, but the name alone doesn't confirm that a particular machine has a heater. Look for an explicit hot-water feature and its operating instructions.
The two Westinghouse models compared here are described as electric and gas pressure washers.
Which is better for home use, electric or gas?
An electric washer can suit household jobs and compact storage, while a gas washer can offer higher output without an electrical outlet nearby. Match pressure and flow to the surface, then consider noise, setup, storage and maintenance.
Neither power source is best for every home.
Can I use hot water in any pressure washer?
No. Use only the water temperature the exact washer allows.
Hot water can damage equipment that isn't designed for it, and the manual sets safe limits for inlet temperature, detergent and accessories.
Don't assume a washer can heat water or tolerate hot water because of its name.
What matters more, PSI or GPM?
Both matter: PSI describes water pressure, while GPM describes water flow. The right combination depends on the job and surface, so don't choose by the largest number alone.
Our PSI vs GPM guide explains how to read both figures.
