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Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer vs Simpson PowerShot PS3228 Gas Pressure Washer
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on setup & storage. Simpson PowerShot PS3228 Gas Pressure Washer wins on cleaning power, durability (pump & fittings).
The biggest complaint about the Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer is still awkward to store; for the Simpson PowerShot PS3228 Gas Pressure Washer it's very heavy. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer | Simpson PowerShot PS3228 Gas Pressure Washer | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in pressure washers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $ | $$$ |
| Type | Electric | Gas |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | — |
| Overall score | 3.6 | 4.2 |
| Cleaning power | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Hose & wand | 3.5 | — |
| Setup & storage | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Noise | — | — |
| Durability (pump & fittings) | 3.5 | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $200 · $$ $200–450 · $$$ over $450. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer
- Still awkward to store
However tightly Wirecutter wrapped it, a looped hose and loose wand stuck out, and nothing could be stacked on top.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Fixed detergent tank
The soap tank is built into the body, so Wirecutter had to flip the whole washer over to empty it.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Bulky GFCI plug
The GFCI brick is at the plug end, which may make it too big for some exterior outlets (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Simpson PowerShot PS3228 Gas Pressure Washer
- Very heavy
77 lb because of the gas engine; Popular Mechanics warns about loading it into a vehicle.
Source: Popular Mechanics - Oil leaks and flimsy parts for some buyers
This Old House's summary of buyer reviews of the Simpson PowerShot gas washer mentions oil leaks, poor packaging, flimsy parts and units arriving with a fuel smell or residual oil, though owners praised customer service.
- No detergent tank, not in California
Popular Mechanics lists both as cons.
Source: Popular Mechanics
Who should pick which
Pick the Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer if
Budget buyers who want stability (hard to tip over)
Small homes, cars and patios
Pulling it around behind you on four wheels
Skip it if: You need a compact, stackable unit; Your outdoor outlets are covered or crowded (bulky GFCI plug); You switch detergents often
Pick the Simpson PowerShot PS3228 Gas Pressure Washer if
Big properties and heavy grime
Buyers who want pro-grade engine and pump
Using a surface cleaner on driveways
Skip it if: You live in California; You need to lift it often (77 lb); You want onboard soap
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