Pressure washer steam vs hot water

[ch47dpilot]

Seen two types of hot water pressure washers. Ones with steam, temp about 250F. The others are just hot water, temp around 200F. Anyone use both types and have an opinion on if the steam ones are really worth getting over just really hot water ones.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have an old Steam Genny. No pressure, just steam. It's nice because the grease just runs straight down and doesn't get blown all over everything.

But dangerous as all ****!

And, in the cold, you can't see a thing.

 

[RandyT]

I have an old Steam Genny. No pressure, just steam. It's nice because the grease just runs straight down and doesn't get blown all over everything.

But dangerous as all ****!

And, in the cold, you can't see a thing.

Sounds like it would make a good snow making machine. Steam mixed with the cold Canadian air.

 

[CADplans]

I rented a hot water pressure washer when I painted my 584 IH, 20 years ago,,
The result was the tractor could not have been any cleaner the day it was delivered.

I had run a steam jenny in the 1960's,, never again,, too dangerous for me.

The hot water one that I rented seemed to have the water temp drop to a non-pain temperature when I used it.
I do not remember any safety gear other than an old jacket, old hat, and goggles.
I may have used gloves, but, I doubt it,, back then I never used gloves if there was not snow on the ground,,,

 

[Industrial Toys]

I set my steam lance down and it moved, catching me on the shoulder wearing just a T-shirt. Look Ma . . . no more Skin!

 

[Stimw]

I have an older Jenny Hot Water Washer with 11 hp Honda and diesel/kero tank.
I have used steam machines at previous jobs also.
I prefer the Hot Water machines.
You still get almost steam but can still see what you are doing.
The steam is harder to control.
Northern Tool seems to have a good selection and decent prices on them.

 

[fried1765]

I have an older Jenny Hot Water Washer with 11 hp Honda and diesel/kero tank.
I have used steam machines at previous jobs also.
I prefer the Hot Water machines.
You still get almost steam but can still see what you are doing.
The steam is harder to control.
Northern Tool seems to have a good selection and decent prices on them.

I have an old "Hotsy" with electric motor, and 1000 psi pump.
It is at least 40 years old, but works like a charm.
Beats my 13HP / 4500 psi cold water washer by a mile
I will NEVER part with my Hotsy!

 

[CalG]

If you want to paint after, steam cleans to bare metal or previous paint.

If you just want the item to look clean, hot water is fine. not much better than cold water in my opinion.

 

[4570Man]

I’ve never used a steam cleaner, but hot water beats cold by a mile. Even in just dirt. If there’s grease or oil involved the difference is even more. Here’s a hot water wash and it’s never been that clean since it was new and it’s had several cold water washes. I had to use it to pull out a stuck forklift soon after that picture and it hurt me just a little to drive it in the dirt again.