If you want to get the feel for how effective Grout Steam Cleaners work, then try this little experiment. Go outside and turn your water tap on. In one minute, approximately 8 gallons of water will pour out.
Now, attach a spray gun to your garden hose. You basically reduce the flow to about 5 gallons per minute. As a result, the water pressure increases from 10 PSI (pounds per square inch) to 40 PSI.
Just by adding an ordinary spray gun to your garden hose, you’ve increased the pressure by 4 times and simultaneously reduced the amount of water used.
Here’s the problem. The water pressure isn’t strong enough to actually clean anything. It just pushes stuff around and gets your socks wet.
A pressure washer takes the same principle to the extreme. It uses a gas-powered engine or an electric motor to greatly boost water pressure to 1000 to 4000 PSI. We’re talking about serious water pressure that can actually clean stuff, and if you are not careful, you could destroy stuff. Careful use is recommended, due to extreme temperatures and pressure you can actually do a reverse effect if you don't take special care in how you operate it.
Some steam cleaners shoppers are so focused on the price tag that they overlook the quality of the machine.If you separate them into three categories: Consumer, Prosumer and Professional.
For homeowners, there’s no need to even consider a professional-grade Steam Cleaner unless they have equipment or a large farm or ranch. The trickier decision is choosing between consumer- and prosumer-grade.
Basically, here’s the difference:
Consumer-Grade Consumer-grade steam cleaners do a great job, and most people would be proud to own one. They’re also very affordable, starting around $299. However, they’re cheaper because they are made with lesser quality parts.
For example, consumer-grade machines feature a direct drive system. The axial cam pump is connected directly to the engine and spins at the same speed. As a result, the bearings wear down faster, shortening the life of the pump.
On the flip side, it’s often more cost effective to simply replace a consumer-grade Steam Cleaner than to repair one. If you plan to use it just a few times a year, get a consumer-grade power washer.
Prosumer-Grade Prosumer grout steam cleaners are more powerful with PSI ratings ranging from 2500 to 4000. They’re also made with higher-quality and more durable components.
For example, prosumer-grade Grout Steam Cleaners often feature Honda GX instead of lesser-quality Honda GC engines. They can also contain Triplex plunger pumps and professional-grade guns and hoses.
If you plan to use your pressure washer for 100 to 1,000 hours per year, get a prosumer or professional grade. You’ll thank us years from now.