Wholesun 3000PSI Review

Performance Comparison

Cleaning

Since you buy a pressure washer for its incredible cleaning power, each machine's test results in this metric account for 45% of their total score. The Wholesun 3000 posted average scores when it came to measurements of power. But it sure impressed us in the subjective carpet cleaning test. We can't deny how quickly and thoroughly it tackled that challenge.

We'll start the objective tests. One is to measure each machine's cleaning units. To calculate them, we use an inline pressure gauge to measure pressure per square inch (PSI) of the water stream when we use the 15-degree nozzle option. (It also comes with a soap nozzle as well as a 0, 15, 25, and 40-degree nozzle. The angle references the width of the spray.)

For the Wholesun 3000, that's 1,200 PSI. Then we multiply that by how many gallons the washer sprays in a minute (GPM). That number is an impressive 1.21 GPM for the Wholesun, bringing the cleaning units to 1464. That's well below the test average of 2153 because the PSI number is comparatively low.

Similarly, it maintained a middling performance in the power-based bocce ball test, where we use the same nozzle to roll the ball up a 24-degree chute. Then we measured the distance. For the Wholesun that was 3 feet below the group average.

Again, the bocce ball test prioritizes power. While the Wholesun doesn't shine in PSI (which is useful for tasks like stripping paint), it does move a lot of water, which its relatively high GPM tells us. That's probably why this pressure washer really impressed us in the cleaning department.

We covered a portion of carpet in activated charcoal and then timed how long it took each washer to wash it clean. In two rounds of testing, it only took four and a half to five minutes to clean the carpet. Only one electric option was faster. (The more powerful gas motors fared better here.)

The setup is a little clunky when it comes to using soap with this machine. Many other washers have a built-in detergent tank. This one has a separate spray bottle that you screw onto the spray gun. It works fine but adds a little weight where you don't want it. Though this pressure washer failed to shine in all of our cleaning power tests, it has it where it counts.

Portability

Thanks to its small profile and lightweight body, the Wholesun 3000PSI is one of the most portable pressure washers in the test. Its impressive performance in this metric elevated its final score, accounting for 30%.

To test this metric, we weighed the washer, evaluated how easy it is to load in and out of vehicles, push and pull around varied terrain, and accounted for how easy it is to put in and pull out of storage.

Weighing in at just 16.3 pounds, this washer is one of the lightest in our testing, well under the average of 37 pounds. This makes it significantly easier to pick up, put in a vehicle, or get it up and down stairs.

It's a good thing too. The Wholesun's wheels are small and struggle to tackle even moderately rough terrain. The model is also short, reaching just over two feet, so you'll probably have to stoop to pull it. It's also quite hard to get enough leverage to push it. As a result, we found ourselves carrying it around most of the time.

That light and compact nature works well when storing this washer too. It's easy to find enough room for its 10.5" length, 9.5" width, and 27" height.

The unit also has a built-in reel for its hose, making it incredibly convenient to employ or tuck away for storage. The wand holder isn't as refined, and the spray guy often slips out of place and into your way. Given the many portability wins of this model, we're willing to deal with it.

Noise

Loud noises aren't just annoying; they can damage your hearing over time. That's why our noise tests account for 15% of each washer's final score. You can have 85 decibels within the range of human hearing or dBa blaring in your ears for up to 8 hours without a significant safety concern. But anything over 91 dBa is only safe for two hours at a time. (And some of these machines do reach those levels.)

To measure noise levels, we placed a sound pressure level (SPL) meter directly beside the machine and then 25 feet away. Both readings matched our experience. At 73.3 dBa, the Wholesun is quieter than our test average of 81.6 dBa when you're right beside it. When you're further away, it's comparably louder, registering 67.3 dBa. That's in line with most of the machines we tested, which have an average reading of 67 dBa from that distance. The machine turns off its compressor when you aren't using it — we enjoy having that break from the constant noise.

Ease of Use

The Wholesun 3000 is one of the easiest pressure washers in the test to use. To compare them, we noted how hard it is to connect and store their hose, how stable each machine is, how much regular maintenance you can expect, and how well the washer stores extras like nozzles and power cords. The results of these investigations account for 10% of the washer's final scores.

We really like quick connection fasteners, which let you attach hoses to their ports without screwing them in. They work more like a plug. This pressure washer only comes with one that connects the water to the spray gun. It's certainly better than none.

Keeping with this machine's compact theme, the hose is among the shortest in the test at just over 20 feet. It's also stiff and can be difficult to manage. But, since it arrives wrapped onto a spool with a built-in reel, it is easy enough to roll it back on. The garden hose port in the back of the machine is easy to access, with plenty of room around it.

At 32 feet and 5 inches, the electric cord is the shortest in the test by several feet. We don't notice its limitations often, though. A bracket on the back of the machine holds it securely in place for storage. But, the cord is unruly while you're wrapping it.

One thing that all-electric pressure washers have in common is that they require less maintenance than gas options. You can skip the oil, gas, oil changes, and checkups.

Even though this washer is short, with a low center of gravity, it is tippy. It often wants to fall over when you move it or coil the hose or power cord. It also doesn't give you any place to store the five nozzles it comes with.

Value

The Wholesun delivers on value. We find its reasonable price point to be an excellent deal given this washer's solid performance across the board in our tests.

Conclusion