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Essential Washer Pressure Washing Accessories
Concept:
When upgrading my pressure washing accessories for my automotive detailing setup,
I discovered a company that isn't widely discussed in the online automotive enthusiast communities I frequent.
Despite their low profile, their products stood out for their high quality, durability, and performance.
What intrigued me even more was their budget-friendly pricing, offering excellent value without compromising on quality.
As long-time readers of my website know, I am always on the lookout for high-quality products that offer great value—much like all of our
appreciation for Toyota's blend of quality and reliability at an excellent price point.
This unexpected combination of superior quality and affordability made this company’s products a compelling choice for enhancing
my detailing equipment.
If you explore the links on this page, you'll find that this product line is priced significantly lower than comparable,
more well-known brands, and even below some of the commonly known "value" brands I've used in the past—all while offering
higher quality materials. I am also exploring more of their product line as they expand, so check back for future updates.
I first came across the Essential Washer company when searching for an upgrade replacement for my McKillans Short Gun, a product I have highly regarded and used for some time. Although I was very satisfied with the McKillans and had no pressing need to change, I am always on the lookout for new offerings to ensure I am getting the most for my money.
The Essential Washer Short Gun with Swivel immediately caught my attention. It appeared similar to the McKillans but featured enhanced components. See the comparison pictures below. This gun boasts higher-quality construction, with nickel-plated interior parts that ensure enhanced durability and performance. I also appreciate its use of both a stainless steel QD coupler and plug.
Additionally, the gun’s blue color is not only aesthetically pleasing but also complements some of my other accessories, creating a cohesive look in my automotive detailing pressure washer setup.
Despite its superior build, this short gun remains an affordable option, providing excellent value for its price.
Using it feels just like the McKillans I am accustomed to, with a smooth swivel operation and trigger function.
While Essential Washer offers a less costly version without the swivel, I find the swivel feature indispensable.
It allows for greater maneuverability, making it easier to move around the vehicle without tangling the hose.
The Essential Washer pressure washer extension wands are designed to enhance your cleaning reach and efficiency. You can get all three of their wands for the price of a single high-end offering from more well-known brands. Even individually, they are more affordable than the budget-minded products I have been using.
In comparison to the McKillans 21" Rinsing Extension Wand that I used previously, the Essential Washer wands stand out. While both use real stainless steel fittings, the Essential Washer wands feature a true high-pressure stainless steel body, unlike the McKillans, which appears to be chromed steel.
Performance-wise, they are similar, but the Essential Washer version offers an all-stainless steel body and an aesthetically pleasing blue color that complements my existing setup. This full stainless steel construction not only adds to their durability but also provides a uniform, professional appearance.
I appreciate that there are three available lengths: 12" straight, 18" straight, and 20" bent. The flat, no-slip ribbed grip handle is comfortable during extended use.
The 20" bent wand is perfect for easily rinsing the hood and roof of my lifted 4Runner, and it's also useful for rinsing the underside to remove road salt in winter.
The 18" straight wand makes cleaning the rear hatch and sides easy without awkwardly angling your wrist.
The 12" straight wand is ideal for wheels, which I always spend time on first before washing the main vehicle body.
This item is currently ONLY available in the 40° spray angle.
This item is currently ONLY available with either a 3.0 or a 4.0 orifice size.
I am using the 4.0 orifice size with my Active 2.0 pressure washer setup which will produce an ideal 1,000psi at 2.0gpm.
You can use the 3.0 orifice size with a Karcher or Ryobi type setup, though in that case it will only produce 700psi at 1.35gpm.
With those machines I prefer to use 2.5 orifice size which will produce 900psi at 1.3gpm.
Using a pressure washer nozzle with a rubberized protector ensures safer rinsing and protects your vehicle's paint from accidental
scratches or dings. This is an essential accessory for DIY enthusiasts and professional detailers alike.
The quick connect design, featuring a rubber protective cover, shields the nozzle from impacts, damage, and abrasion, extending its
lifespan and providing a safer cleaning experience.
Additionally, this nozzle guard effectively reduces water backsplash, minimizing mess and splatter during the cleaning process.
Constructed with full stainless steel internals, it offers durability and corrosion resistance. Unbelievably, it is priced at just a
third of many leading competitors similar offerings.
The Essential Washer Premium Foam Cannon and Heavy Duty Foam Cannon are both excellent choices for automotive detailing,
each catering to slightly different needs. The Premium Foam Cannon is designed for optimal foam density control and ease of use,
featuring an air intake knob and adjustable pattern fan blades. Its high-quality nickel-plated body and stainless steel fittings ensure
durability and performance. On the other hand, the Heavy Duty Foam Cannon, with its standard brass body, is built to a lower price
point while still including key features such as a robust stainless steel quick-connect plug and an adjustable foam thickness knob.
Both models provide exceptional value for their price, but the Premium Foam Cannon is marketed to more demanding users,
while the Heavy Duty model is ideal for those seeking a reliable, basic option for their detailing routine.
I thought I would prefer the Premium version more so, as I particularly appreciated the dark color of its nickel-plated body and the
shaded bottle and cohesive blue theme. While it produced decent foam, albeit very wet which some seem to prefer for its ability to
pull down dirt from the vehicle, I was surprised to see that the Heavy Duty version of the Essential Washer foam cannon actually produced
thicker more richer foam during my inital testing than the Premium cannon.
There was some type of "sputtering" issue during operation. I ensured that there was no air in my pressure washer hose, but I repeatedly
encounterd this issue and I believe it to be the cause for the lower than anticipated quality of foam production.
Bottle: 900ml standard mouth, standard base, HDPE translucent
Assembled nozzle: 1.25mm orifice
Spare nozzle: 1.1mm orifice
Adjustable Foam Thickness: Yes
Adjustable Spray Pattern: No
Suction Tube: with inlet filter
Included items: Teflon tape
Ok, so this is definetly a budget or "cheap" choice for sure. At times this will even be on a discounted sale so I do understand the reason someone
would consider this over other options. It has all the standard stuff foam cannons have had for years now, so nothing really inovative here.
Due to the bottle shape it is not only harder to fill with soap, but more prone to tipping over.
I initially thought that this would simply just be a cheaper option for someone wanting to simply get snow foam soap on their vehicle
in the most cost effective way. But I was quite surprised with the foam output on this one.
While neither produce foam as thick as some higher end offerings from companies like MJJC or Griots, those more expensive alternatives
are more than double the price.
That said, I think for the price that you can get the Heavy Duty foam cannon, which sometimes actually goes on sale for lower than list,
this is a really great entry level product and one that I am keeping in my detailing arsenal for sure.
I did note two items of minor concern with this one as can be seen in the last two pics below.
1) They inadvertently included two 1.25mm orifice nozzles rather than one 1.25mm orifice and one 1.1mm orifice nozzle.
The 1.1mm nozzle is used to obtain higher foam production when using a pressure washer on the low end of the GPW scale,
1.0gpm to 1.7gpm for example, such as my current Karcher setup.
For those pressure washers having higher flow output, such as the Active 2.0, you will want to stick with the 1.25mm orifice
nozzle so as to NOT push the amperage higher on the pressure washer pump and stress the machine out as it is unnecessary to do so
to obtain higher foam production.
2) The spray fan was not set at the factory to exactly vertical and there is no way to turn it as it is not adjustable.
This did not seem to affect operation.
Quick disconnect fittings offer several benefits when used in a pressure washer setup:
1. Ease of Use: Quick disconnect fittings allow for fast and effortless connection and disconnection of hoses, spray guns, and nozzles. This convenience saves time and reduces the effort needed to set up or change attachments.
2. Time Efficiency: These fittings eliminate the need for wrenches or other tools to attach or detach components, significantly speeding up the process. This is particularly useful in professional settings where time is crucial.
3. Versatility: Quick disconnect fittings enable easy switching between different nozzles and accessories. This versatility allows users to quickly adapt the pressure washer for various tasks, such as switching from a high-pressure nozzle for tough stains to a low-pressure nozzle for applying soap.
4. Improved Safety: Quick disconnects can enhance safety by ensuring secure connections that are less likely to leak or come apart during use. This reduces the risk of water pressure accidents or damage to the equipment.
5. Reduced Wear and Tear: Constantly screwing and unscrewing traditional fittings can lead to wear and tear on threads and seals. Quick disconnect fittings minimize this, helping to extend the lifespan of the components.
6. Compact Storage: These fittings make it easier to disassemble and store the pressure washer and its accessories, which can help in keeping the equipment organized and reducing storage space requirements.
Overall, quick disconnect fittings enhance the efficiency, safety, and versatility of pressure washer setups, making them a popular choice among both professionals and homeowners.
Using stainless steel fittings over brass in a pressure washer setup offers several additional advantages:
1. Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel fittings maintain their appearance better over time, as they are less likely to tarnish or develop a patina like brass. This can be important for applications where aesthetics matter.
2. Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel has superior corrosion resistance compared to brass, especially in environments exposed to water, chemicals, and high pressure. This makes stainless steel fittings more durable and longer-lasting.
3. Strength and Durability: Stainless steel is stronger and more durable than brass. It can withstand higher pressures and more extreme conditions without deforming or breaking, which is particularly important for high-pressure applications.
4. Longevity: Due to its resistance to wear and tear, stainless steel fittings typically have a longer lifespan than brass fittings. This can reduce the need for frequent replacements and maintenance.
5. Chemical Resistance: Stainless steel is more resistant to a wider range of chemicals and cleaning agents. This makes it suitable for use in harsher cleaning environments where various chemicals might be used.
6. Temperature Tolerance: Stainless steel can handle a wider range of temperatures, both high and low, without compromising its structural integrity. This is beneficial in applications where the pressure washer might be used in extreme temperatures.
While stainless steel fittings are generally more expensive than brass, the benefits of increased durability, longevity, and performance
combined with better looks, often justify the higher cost, especially in demanding applications.
I have found that the stainless steel fittings in Essential Washers lineup are actually priced better than some of the well known brands brass offerings.
Stainless Steel Garden Hose Quick Connect Set #B08DP48ZC8
(4) 3/4” GHT Female to 1/2" QD Couplers
(4) 3/4” GHT Male to 1/2" QD Plugs
Spare Washers
My Applications:
(4) 3/4” GHT Female to 1/2" QD Couplers for 2 garden hose house spigots, 1 for 3' leader to connect to pressure washer pump inlet, 1 to connect to y-splitter
(4) 3/4” GHT Male to 1/2" QD Plugs for 2 garden hose inlets, 1 for pressure washer pump inlet, 1 for garden hose 3' leader to connect to y-splitter
Ensures a secure, leak-free and versatile connection between various hose attachments as well as between the jumper hose to get low pressure
water into the pressure washer.
Stainless Steel 3/4" Garden Hose Check Valve Set #B0CMRVKL8N #X004140D63
(2) 3/4” GHT Female to 1/2" QD Check Valve Couplers
(2) 3/4” GHT Male to 1/2" QD Plugs
Spare Washers
My Applications:
(1) GHT Female to 1/2" QD Check Valve Coupler and (1) 3/4” GHT Male to 1/2" QD Plug used at Bucket Filler Nozzle
These are a "nice to have" item and I am initially using these at my garden hose nozzles so I can "hot-swap" them as needed.
A big benefit I am finding with these is that when using the quick disconnects to change from my bucket filler nozzle to my foam cannon filler
nozzle, the hose does not drain out onto my garage floor when performing the swap.
Essential Washer Garden Hose Quick Connect Set with Check Valve
In conclusion, the Essential Washer pressure washing accessories offer a compelling combination of quality, durability, and affordability.
The Essential Washer Short Gun with Swivel stands out with its superior construction and smooth operation, making it a favorite for its value
and performance. The extension wands, available in various lengths, provide enhanced reach and efficiency, complemented by their robust
stainless steel construction and ergonomic design.
Additionally, Essential Washer’s extensive line of Stainless Steel Fittings ensures a leak-free and durable connection for all your
pressure washing needs. These high-quality fittings are designed to withstand high pressures and provide reliable performance,
making them a valuable addition to any setup. They give the setup a premium look and feel in contrast to traditional brass components.
Overall, Essential Washer products offer excellent value, matching the quality of many more well-known brands while surpassing them on price.
I recommend highly you look into these accessories if you are looking to start or upgrade your pressure washing setup,
whether for automotive detailing or even general cleaning purposes.
Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to explore more of Essential Washer’s innovative product line.
For the latest prices and availability, please follow the provided links.