Sun Joe SPX3000 vs SPX4000 – What’s The Better Pressure Washer?
The tough thing about pressure washers is that you don’t really consider them until you really need them.
Most people see mildew growth on their siding or unsightly oil stains on their driveway and immediately start working towards buying a pressure washer.
This is how mistakes are made. While eyesore stains are annoying, you shouldn’t rush into buying just any pressure washer.
That’s how buyer’s remorse happens. Instead, take a deep breath and consider all of your options.
Don’t worry, those stains aren’t going anywhere so you have time to do a bit of research.
And to help you out, we went out and tested a couple of very popular pressure washers: the Sun Joe SPX3000 and the Sun Joe SPX4000.
Which would be the best for your needs? Let’s take a closer look to figure that out.
Sun Joe SPX3000 Vs Sun Joe SPX4000 Overview
“The Sun Joe SPX3000 is the older of these two models. The Sun Joe SPX4000 has a couple of really nice upgrades. However, it is important to note that the motor for each of these pressure washers is identical.”
Quick Facts
Sun Joe SPX3000 |
Sun Joe SPX4000 |
|
Motor |
Electric 14.5 amp |
Electric 14.5 amp |
Max PSI |
2030 |
2030 |
Max GPM |
1.76 |
1.76 |
Detergent Tanks |
2 |
1 |
Key Differences Between the Sun Joe SPX3000 and the Sun Joe SPX4000
When you first take a look at the specs of these two pressure washers, there is not a lot that separates them.
However, there are some key differences. The most important of which include:
- The Sun Joe SPX4000 model allows you to change the pressure between 1450 and 2030 PSI. The Sun Joe SPX3000 does not feature adjustable pressure
- The Sun Joe SPX3000 has two detergent tanks while the Sun Joe SPX4000 only has one.
- The Sun Joe SPX4000 has a lower center of gravity which means it does not tip over as easily as the Sun Joe SPX3000
- The hose hanger of the Sun Joe SPX4000 has been moved to the back as opposed to the left side of the machine.
Sun Joe SPX3000 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- You can use two different detergents with it
- Plenty of power for household use
- Includes 5 spray tips
- Automatic pump shutoff feature
- The detergent tanks are removable
Cons:
- You can’t lower the pressure
- The tips can rust if not stored carefully
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Sun Joe SPX4000 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- You can choose a lower pressure setting
- It has a larger total detergent capacity than the Sun Joe SPX3000
- It has better balance than the Sun Joe SPX3000
- Plenty of power for household use
- Includes 5 spray tips
Cons:
- Only one detergent tank
- It uses 15mm fittings
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Who Should Buy Each One?
At the end of the day, both of these pressure washers will give you enough cleaning power to get mildew and stains off your siding and your driveway.
However, if you have wooden decks you may want to opt for the Sun Joe SPX4000 because it has a lower pressure setting that will be safer for finished wood.
The Sun Joe SPX3000 would be a better option for anyone who intends to tackle multiple cleaning jobs in one go because it has 2 detergent tanks.
Price Comparison
As you can imagine, the newer Sun Joe SPX4000 is a bit more expensive than the older Sun Joe SPX3000.
On the Snow Joe website, the Sun Joe SPX4000 goes for $200 while the Sun Joe SPX3000 sells for $170.
Weight and Handling Comparison
There is an almost imperceptible difference in weight. The Sun Joe SPX4000 is just a hair heavier at 27.8 pounds while the Sun Joe SPX3000 is 27.6 pounds.
In terms of stability though, the lower center of gravity and the fact that the hose hanger is mounted in the center/back of the unit makes the Sun Joe SPX4000 stabler and easier to handle.
Power Comparison
Both units can produce a maximum of 2030 psi. However, the Sun Joe SPX4000 can be tuned down to 1450 psi for more delicate surfaces like painted fenced and treated deck wood.
Runtime Comparison
Both of these pressure washers are electric; but they aren’t battery-powered. Instead, each comes with a 35 foot power cord that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
This gives each model unlimited runtime.
Efficiency Comparison
We liked the overall efficiency of the Sun Joe SPX4000 because you can actually adjust the pressure settings so you don’t need to use so much power on lighter jobs.
Both models have the Total Stop System which automatically turns the pump off when the trigger is not engaged.
Durability Comparison
We think the Sun Joe SPX4000 will actually last a bit longer just because it is much less prone to tipping over than the Sun Joe SPX3000.
Overall Performance Comparison
Once again, the Sun Joe SPX4000 does everything the Sun Joe SPX3000 does and more.
Even though it only has one detergent tank, that single ank holds more soap than the two tanks on the Sun Joe SPX3000 combined.
In terms of cleaning power and pressure, these two models are almost identical. The only difference is that there is a 1450 psi option on the Sun Joe SPX4000 model.
Three Other Pressure Washers to Consider
Sun Joe SPX2598
The Sun Joe SPX2598 has a 13-amp electric motor and can generate a maximum of 2000 psi.
It weighs less than both the SPX3000 and the SPX4000 at just 15.8 pounds; but it only comes with 3 spray nozzles.
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer
The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer is capable of generating 1500 so it would be good for people who don’t need commercial-strength pressure washing.
This is a cordless pressure washer and runs off of rechargeable batteries.
The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer is very easy to use – all you have to do is connect it to a garden hose and you’re good to go.
You can also select a 1000 psi level to maximize the battery life.
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Sun Joe SPX4001
The Sun Joe SPX4001 is very similar to the Sun Joe SPX4000 model.
One of the main differences is that the Sun Joe SPX4001 has a hose reel feature that allows you to extend just enough hose as you need to do your job.
This same feature also makes it easier to roll the hose back up when you’re done. The Sun Joe SPX4001 also has lighter-duty plumbing fittings than the Sun Joe SPX4001. This may affect durability.
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Final Assessment
At this point, it should be pretty clear which pressure washer we liked the best.
In our humble opinion, the Sun Joe SPX4000 is the superior pressure washer. It only costs about $30 more than the Sun Joe SPX3000 and it makes some key upgrades.
It will likely last longer and the adjustable pressure makes it more versatile than the Sun Joe SPX3000.
It’s great for residential applications so be sure to check it out!
