Best Pressure Washers With a Foam Cannon for Cars
The best pressure washers with a foam cannon for cars include the Westinghouse ePX3100s for a ready-to-foam starter, the Westinghouse ePX3050 for a cannon and a 3 year warranty, and the Sun Joe SPX100-GO for a foam bottle and four spray tips.
On this page (9 sections)
- The 6 best pressure washers with a foam cannon in detail
- Side by side: max PSI, flow and cannon
- How we picked these 6 pressure washers
- Which pressure washers come with a foam cannon?
- What to check on the cannon and fittings
- How much flow a foam cannon needs (GPM)
- Foam cannon on a pressure washer: basic use
- Size, reach and warranty
- Which pressure washer with a foam cannon to pick
If you want a pressure washer with a foam cannon for your car, check what comes in the box first. Five of the six electric washers here include a cannon, so you can foam your first wash without a second purchase.
A cannon turns car wash soap into a thick coat that clings to the paint, which gives the soap more time to work before you rinse. For the whole routine, read the Pressure Washer for Car: The Complete Home Wash Guide.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
The 6 best pressure washers with a foam cannon in detail
The Westinghouse ePX3100s ranks first because it ships with an adjustable cannon in the smallest frame of the six. The Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO ranks last because you add the cannon yourself, even though it has the most flow.
Westinghouse ePX3100s
- Adjustable foam cannon in the box
- 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM
- 20 ft hose and 35 ft GFCI power cord
- Built-in holders for the gun, lance and nozzles
An adjustable foam cannon comes in the box. Westinghouse rates the washer at 2100 max PSI and 1800 rated PSI, in a frame about 8 in tall.
Pros
- Adjustable foam cannon included
- Built-in holders keep the gun, lance and nozzles together
- Smallest frame of the six, about 13 x 9.7 x 8 in
Cons
- Its 2 year limited warranty is a year shorter than the ePX3050 and ePX3100v
The ePX3100s is for a first foam wash on a car or a small driveway. An adjustable foam cannon comes in the box, so you can start foaming once the washer is hooked up.
Westinghouse gives it 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM, plus lower rated figures of 1800 PSI and 1.2 GPM. Max is the peak figure, and rated is the lower figure Westinghouse gives alongside it.
At about 13 x 9.7 x 8 in it is the smallest of the six, with built-in holders for the gun, lance and spray nozzles. The turbo nozzle that comes with it is for tough dirt on concrete, so keep it off the paint.
Look elsewhere if warranty length decides the sale, since its 2 year limited warranty is a year shorter than the ePX3050 and the ePX3100v. Rinse the cannon with clean water after each wash so dried soap doesn't clog the tip.
Westinghouse ePX3050
- Foam cannon included
- 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM
- Low 26 in profile with 5 in never-flat wheels
- Works with M22-fitting foam cannons
A foam cannon and a 3 Year Limited Warranty come together. Westinghouse says the low profile and 5 in never-flat wheels make it easy to move.
Pros
- Foam cannon and three quick-connect nozzles included
- 3 Year Limited Warranty, a year longer than the ePX3100s
- Never-flat wheels and a 35 ft GFCI cord
Cons
- Stands about 26 in tall, much taller than the ePX3100s
The ePX3050 is the Westinghouse to buy when you want a foam cannon and a 3 year limited warranty together. It matches the ePX3100s on pressure and flow, at 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM.
The frame is tall and narrow, about 26 in high, and Westinghouse says the 5 in never-flat wheels make it easy to roll around a car. The kit adds a 20 ft hose, a 35 ft GFCI cord and quick-connect nozzles at 15 degrees, 25 degrees and turbo.
Westinghouse also says the washer works with other foam cannons that have M22 fittings. That helps if you upgrade the cannon later, but check the fitting on any second cannon first.
The 25 degree tip is the widest in the kit and the usual starting point for paint, while the 15 degree and turbo tips stay off it. Look elsewhere if you are short on storage room, since 26 in is much taller than the ePX3100s.
Sun Joe SPX100-GO
- Foam cannon in the box
- 13.53 oz foam bottle for the spray wand
- Four quick-connect tips at 0, 15, 25 and 40 degrees
- 14.33 lb with wheels and onboard storage
Sun Joe packs a foam cannon, a 13.53 oz foam bottle and four spray tips into a 14.33 lb washer. Its 1800 max PSI is the lowest of the six.
Pros
- Foam bottle feeds detergent through the spray wand
- Four quick-connect tips store on the unit
- 2 year warranty plus 90 days of bonus coverage after you register
Cons
- 1800 max PSI is the lowest of the six
- No flow rate is published for this model
The SPX100-GO is for someone who wants soap options and spray tips in one portable package. It comes with a foam cannon, and Sun Joe adds a 13.53 oz foam bottle for running detergent through the spray wand.
A 13-amp motor drives 1800 max PSI, the lowest of the six. Four quick-connect tips at 0, 15, 25 and 40 degrees store on the unit, so the 25 and 40 degree fans, the usual starting point for paint, are always at hand.
It weighs 14.33 lb with its wheels and onboard storage, and Sun Joe adds a telescoping handle, a 20 ft hose and a 35 ft GFCI-protected cord. The warranty is 2 years, plus 90 days of bonus coverage when you register.
Check the flow rate of this model before you buy if you want to choose on GPM for thick foam. Use only car wash soap in the bottle, as the soap label says.
Westinghouse ePX3100v
- Detachable foam cannon
- Pro-style steel wand and nozzle tips
- Built-in carry handle
- 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM
The foam cannon detaches from the washer. Westinghouse backs the unit with a 3 Year Limited Warranty.
Pros
- Detachable foam cannon
- Pro-style steel wand
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
Cons
- At about 18 lb it is heavier than the Sun Joe SPX100-GO
The ePX3100v is for a car owner who wants the cannon to come off when you only need a rinse. Westinghouse describes the foam cannon as detachable, and a pro-style steel wand and a set of nozzle tips come with it.
It makes 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM, with 1800 rated PSI and 1.2 rated GPM. A built-in carry handle makes it easy to move, and Westinghouse says the pump stops when the trigger is released.
At about 18 lb it is heavier than the Sun Joe SPX100-GO, so it suits a short carry from the garage to the driveway. Westinghouse backs it with a 3 Year Limited Warranty, and our Westinghouse ePX3100v review covers it in full.
Confirm the cannon is in the kit and the hose length is what you want before you order. Coil the hose after each wash so it doesn't kink.
Karcher K 5 FC
- Foam cannon included
- 2000 max PSI and 1.2 max GPM
- Aluminum pump
- Turbo nozzle plus 25 and 40 degree and soap nozzles
The K 5 FC comes with a foam cannon and a soap nozzle. Karcher says its aluminum pump handles higher pressure and frequent use better than plastic parts.
Pros
- Foam cannon and soap nozzle included
- Aluminum pump, which Karcher says is built for frequent use
- Turbo nozzle for stubborn dirt on concrete
Cons
- 1.2 max GPM is less flow than the Westinghouse and Chemical Guys washers
- Stands about 33 in tall
The K 5 FC is for a buyer who wants a 2000 PSI washer with an aluminum pump and a foam cannon in the same box. Karcher says the aluminum pump is built for higher pressure and frequent use, with less wear than plastic parts.
The kit adds a turbo nozzle, 25 and 40 degree nozzles and a soap nozzle. The 25 and 40 degree tips are the usual starting point for paint, and the turbo nozzle is for stubborn dirt on concrete.
Flow is 1.2 GPM, less than the Westinghouse washers and the Chemical Guys, so rinses move a little slower. The frame stands about 33 in tall, so measure your shelf or corner first.
Skip it if you want a stated warranty or weight up front, since neither is given for this model. Follow the Karcher manual for setup.
Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO
- Takes foam cannons without adapters
- 2030 PSI and 1.77 max GPM
- 25 ft hose and 35 ft GFCI cord
- 360 degree casters and cable management
No foam cannon comes in the box, but it takes one without adapters. Chemical Guys says its standard connections fit foam cannons, snubby guns and rapid-release fittings.
Pros
- Standard connections take foam cannons without adapters
- Most flow of the six at 1.77 max GPM
- 360 degree casters for moving around a garage
Cons
- You buy the foam cannon separately
- Its 30 day warranty is the shortest stated here
The PM2000 PRO is for a home detailer who already owns a foam cannon or has a specific one in mind. No cannon comes in the box, but Chemical Guys says its standard connections take foam cannons, snubby guns and rapid-release fittings without adapters.
It makes 2030 PSI and 1.77 max GPM, the most flow of the six by a small margin. A 25 ft hose, a 35 ft GFCI cord and 360 degree casters help you cover a full car, and Chemical Guys says that means no repositioning mid-wash.
At 19.8 lb it is heavier than every Westinghouse and Sun Joe washer here, but the casters do the rolling. Chemical Guys suggests pairing it with its TORQ Professional Foam Cannon, and our Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO review covers the rest.
Skip it if you want a cannon in the box or a longer warranty, since the stated coverage is 30 days.
Side by side: max PSI, flow and cannon
| Product | Best for | Max PSI | Max GPM | Foam cannon | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse ePX3100s | a ready-to-foam starter | 2100 | 1.76 | Included | 9.2 |
| Westinghouse ePX3050 | a cannon and a 3 year warranty | 2100 | 1.76 | Included | 9.0 |
| Sun Joe SPX100-GO | a foam bottle and four spray tips | 1800 | N/A | Included | 8.7 |
| Westinghouse ePX3100v | a detachable cannon and a steel wand | 2100 | 1.76 | Detachable | 8.6 |
| Karcher K 5 FC | a 2000 PSI aluminum pump | 2000 | 1.2 | Included | 8.4 |
| Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO | a cannon hookup without adapters | 2030 | 1.77 | Not included | 8.1 |
The three Westinghouse washers tie on max PSI and flow, so the cannon style, frame size and warranty decide between them. The Sun Joe SPX100-GO shows N/A for flow, so check its flow rate before you compare it on GPM.
How we picked these 6 pressure washers
We compared the specs and features the makers publish, including what comes in each box, then scored each washer against what a foam wash needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
We looked at the cannon first, then fittings, flow, frame size and warranty. A cannon in the box counts for more than extra max PSI, since the cannon is the part you would otherwise buy on top.
Where a maker gives both a max and a rated figure, we kept both. For a basic wash with no cannon in mind, see Best Pressure Washers for Washing Cars at Home.
Which pressure washers come with a foam cannon?
Five of the six include one: the three Westinghouse washers, the Sun Joe SPX100-GO and the Karcher K 5 FC. The Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO is the exception, so you add a cannon of your own.
Pressure washers with a foam cannon in the box
These five ship with a cannon, and each pairs it with something different:
- Westinghouse ePX3100s: an adjustable cannon and a turbo nozzle
- Westinghouse ePX3050: a cannon with 15 degree, 25 degree and turbo nozzles
- Sun Joe SPX100-GO: a cannon, a 13.53 oz foam bottle and four tips
- Westinghouse ePX3100v: a detachable cannon and a steel wand
- Karcher K 5 FC: a cannon, a soap nozzle and an aluminum pump
Every one still needs car wash soap, used as the label says. Never add chemicals to a cannon.
Foam cannon or built-in soap tank?
A foam cannon attaches at the wand and whips car wash soap into thick foam. A soap tank or foam bottle feeds soap through the spray wand, which is simpler to run but usually doesn't make the same clinging coat.
Choose the cannon if you want foam on every wash. Choose a tank or bottle if you wash now and then and want to switch between soap and rinse quickly.
The SPX100-GO has both a cannon and a 13.53 oz foam bottle, so it covers either habit.
A pressure washer that takes a foam cannon without adapters
The Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO has no cannon in the box. Chemical Guys says its standard connections take foam cannons, snubby guns and rapid-release fittings without adapters.
That makes it the right washer if you already own a cannon or want a specific one, such as the TORQ cannon Chemical Guys suggests pairing with it.
What to check on the cannon and fittings
Match the fitting before you buy a cannon, because the connection decides whether the two parts join at all. Compare the end of your washer's gun or wand with the cannon's inlet.
Our foam cannon fittings guide explains quick connect, M22 and adapter styles. If you are still choosing a cannon, how to choose a foam cannon for your pressure washer walks through the options.
Quick connect and M22 fittings
A quick connect snaps on and off without tools, so you can swap between a cannon and a spray tip fast. M22 is a thread size that many foam cannons and washers use.
Westinghouse says the ePX3050 works with M22 cannons, and Chemical Guys says the PM2000 PRO's standard connections take rapid-release fittings. Both claims make those washers easy to pair with a cannon you already own.
If the sizes differ, an adapter can bridge them. Each adapter adds a joint, so buy one only when the two ends truly don't match.
A three-size check before you order
Write down three things before you buy: the fitting on your gun or wand, the inlet on the cannon, and the connector on any adapter between them. Three written sizes make a mismatch easy to spot.
If a joint leaks after you connect it, shut the washer off and recheck the sizes instead of adding another part. A leak usually means a size mismatch or a loose joint.
How much flow a foam cannon needs (GPM)
GPM is gallons per minute, the amount of water a washer moves. A cannon mixes soap into that water, so flow matters as much as pressure for foam.
The three Westinghouse washers list 1.76 max GPM, the PM2000 PRO lists 1.77, and the K 5 FC lists 1.2. Check the SPX100-GO's flow rate before you compare it on GPM.
Max GPM and rated GPM
Westinghouse says its 1.76 max GPM applies at the lowest pressure, and it also gives 1.2 rated GPM alongside 1800 rated PSI. The lower rated figure is the one to picture for everyday use.
If the foam runs off thin, check the cannon's mix setting and tip before you blame the washer. Our guide to foam cannon not foaming: causes and fixes covers the usual culprits.
Foam cannon on a pressure washer: basic use
Fill the cannon with car wash soap as its label says, foam the car from the top down, then rinse. The guide on how to use a foam cannon on a car covers each step.
Pick a car wash soap rather than a household cleaner, and follow its label for the mix and the wait time. Rinse before the foam dries on the paint, and work in the shade, one panel at a time.
Rinsing with a pressure washer and foam cannon
For the rinse, a 25 or 40 degree fan nozzle is the usual starting point. Keep the 0 degree, 15 degree and turbo nozzles off the paint.
Chipped, peeling, loose or poorly repainted paint can be damaged by a pressure washer, so skip those spots. Our guide on whether pressure washers are safe for car paint covers what to check first, and your washer's manual and the car maker's care guide come before both.
Size, reach and warranty
The ePX3100s is the smallest washer here and the K 5 FC the tallest, so check height before you compare anything else. By the makers' dimensions, heights run from about 8 in to about 33 in.
Low frames and tall frames
The ePX3100s is about 8 in tall, the ePX3100v about 11 in, and the PM2000 PRO about 10.75 in, though the PM2000 PRO is 17.56 in long and needs floor space more than shelf height. The SPX100-GO stands about 13.75 in tall.
The ePX3050 at about 26 in and the K 5 FC at about 33 in stand upright, so they suit a floor corner better than a shelf. Weight matters if you lift the washer, and the SPX100-GO is 14.33 lb with its wheels and onboard storage.
Hose and power cord
The ePX3100s, ePX3050 and SPX100-GO have 20 ft hoses, and the PM2000 PRO has a 25 ft hose. All four also come with 35 ft GFCI-protected cords, which sets how far you can walk around a car before you move the washer.
Follow the maker's manual for power and cord setup.
Warranty at a glance
Westinghouse gives the ePX3050 and ePX3100v 3 years and the ePX3100s 2 years, while Sun Joe gives the SPX100-GO 2 years plus 90 days after you register. Chemical Guys states 30 days, and Karcher states no warranty for the K 5 FC.
A limited warranty covers defects under normal use, so keep your receipt and read the terms that come with the washer.
Care for the cannon between washes
Rinse the cannon with clean water after each wash so soap doesn't dry inside it. Pour out leftover soap, since it can clog the tip if it sits.
Store the cannon with the washer's other accessories so the parts stay together. The ePX3100s has built-in holders for the gun, lance and nozzles, which makes that easy.
Which pressure washer with a foam cannon to pick
Start with the cannon, then match the washer to your space and warranty. Use these rules to choose:
- Pick the Westinghouse ePX3100s if you want a cannon in the box and the smallest frame.
- Pick the Westinghouse ePX3050 if a 3 year warranty matters more than size.
- Pick the Sun Joe SPX100-GO if you want a foam bottle and four tips in one box.
- Pick the Westinghouse ePX3100v if a detachable cannon and a steel wand matter most.
- Pick the Karcher K 5 FC if you want 2000 max PSI with an aluminum pump.
- Pick the Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO if you already own a cannon and want the most flow.
If you are weighing a washer without a cannon focus, our best pressure washers for washing cars at home roundup compares seven more.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
Which pressure washer comes with a foam cannon?
Five of the six here do: the Westinghouse ePX3100s, ePX3050 and ePX3100v, the Sun Joe SPX100-GO and the Karcher K 5 FC. The Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO has no cannon in the box, but its standard connections take one without adapters.
Can you add a foam cannon to any pressure washer?
Not always, because the cannon's fitting has to match your washer's gun or wand, such as a quick connect or an M22 thread. Check both ends and buy an adapter only if the sizes differ, since Westinghouse says its ePX3050 works with M22 cannons.
Is a built-in soap tank the same as a foam cannon?
No, because a soap tank or foam bottle feeds soap through the spray wand, while a foam cannon attaches at the wand and whips the soap into thick foam. The Sun Joe SPX100-GO includes a cannon and a 13.53 oz foam bottle, so it covers both habits.
What makes a pressure washer good for foam?
Look for a cannon in the box or a matching fitting, then check the flow in GPM, since more water gives the cannon more to work with. Use car wash soap as its label says, and rinse the cannon after each wash so the tip doesn't clog.
