Step 4
Home Snowmaking Pressure Washers - What You'll Need
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Need a little more snow? Try the CHS Cornice.
If you need a little bit more power than the Snow-Tec ST2, go for the CHS Cornice. Jason at CHS is well known in the snowmaking industry and has created a super-efficient, powerful line of home snowmakers. It costs a bit more, but is well worth the price tag.
Check out the CHS Cornice
Minimum Requirements
For a pressure washer, this snowmaker is designed to work best with pressure washers that have a GPM (Gallons per Minute) flow rating of 2.1 - 3.4 GPM. The washer needs to be at rated for at least 1000 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) but the exact number doesn't matter too much. If you have a washer with less than 2.1 GPM, replace one of the 4002 nozzles with a plug when you build your snowmaker.
Good
1,350 PSI, 1.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
Quality: 5/10 Price: $99
This is a pretty standard electic pressure washer that can crank out a good amount of snow. It lists for $99 but is often on sale. You may need to buy a pressure washer extension hose as well (about $15 at any hardware store or Amazon) if your model comes with a one-piece hose/wand combo as they sometimes do.
Full details:
1,350 PSI, 1.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
Better
Briggs & Stratton 20418 2,700 PSI 2.3 GPM
Quality: 7/10 Price: $299
Not the most reliable engine, but a good flow rate and a good setup. Don't expect to engine to last forever, but you'll enjoy plenty of snowmaking with this beauty.
Full details:
Briggs & Stratton 20418 2,700 PSI 2.3 GPM
Best
Power Boss 3,000 PSI , 2.5 GPM, Honda GC190 Engine
Quality: 9/10 Price: $479
This is an awesome pressure washer for snowmaking. Reliable Honda engine, high flow rate (2.5gpm), solid frame.
Full details:
Power Boss 3,000 PSI , 2.5 GPM, Honda GC190 Engine
Borrow vs Renting vs Buying
Just like air compressors, pressure washers can be expensive but are also common items found in workshops and garages all over the place. We always recommend that you borrow a pressure washer to get started. If you're serious about making snow, here are a few options you can buy at a reasonable price. Renting from places like Home Depot is also an affordable option if you only are going to make snow a time or two each year.
