Simpson PowerShot PS4240 review

The Simpson PowerShot PS4240 pressure washer is perfect if you’re looking for a professional cleaner for those heavy-duty tasks

Simpson PowerShot PS4240 Review
(Image: © Simpson)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

The Simpson PowerShot PS4240 is a high-performance, commercial washer designed to meet the needs for heavy-duty, professional cleaning. Although it’s heavier than most, it’s easy to transport around on its sturdy, premium, pneumatic wheels. Priced at under $1,000, it’s certainly a bargain for a machine of this type.

Pros

  • +

    Powerful Honda engine with low oil shutdown

  • +

    Compact heavy-duty steel frame

  • +

    Tackles professional-heavy-duty tasks in less time

Cons

  • -

    Pressure hose a little rigid

  • -

    Noisy

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Here's everything you need to know about the Simpson PowerShot PS4240 pressure washer. We've researched the latest pressure washers, asked the experts, and sifted through thousands of specs, features and user reviews to find the best pressure washers around. 

 If you’re looking for the best budget pressure washer, check out our Greenworks GPW1501 review, or for a pressure washer with professional features, read our RYOBI RY803001 3000-PSI Power Control review

Simpson PowerShot PS4240: What you need to know

The Simpson PowerShot PS4240 is a high-performance, gas pressure washer ideal for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. Simpson is a brand well-known for outdoor power equipment and this PowerShot model is designed for optimum performance. Driven by a Honda GX390 gas engine and reliable AAA industrial triplex pump, this is an extremely powerful washer designed to quickly meet the demands of cleaning professionals. This washer is best suited for deep outdoor cleaning, jobsite use, equipment, facility or fleet maintenance.

Simpson PowerShot PS4240 Pressure Washer: Price

The Simpson PowerShot PS4240 is selling for $979 at both Home Depot and Walmart and is also available on Amazon. Considering the majority of commercial, gas pressure washers usually cost well above the $1,500 price mark, the Simpson PowerShot is exceptionally good value for under $1,000. We chose the Simpson PowerShot as our top choice for a high-performance, professional washer at a bargain price. 

Simpson PowerShot PS4240 Pressure Washer: Features

  • Powerful Honda power unit
  • Engineering and features are of premium quality
  • Useful oil alert system
Simpson PowerShot PS4240: Specs

HONDA GX390 engine with oil alert
AAA Industrial triplex plunger pump
3/8 in. x 50 ft. monster hose with quick connect fitting
13" Premium pneumatic wheels
5 Quick connect nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40° and soap
Turbo tip that ensures high-pressure jets of water for better cleaning
3-year limited HONDA commercial engine, 5 year limited pump, 10 year limited frame and 90 day accessory

One of the main features of the Simpson PowerShot is its powerful, Honda HX390 engine which delivers a PSI of 4200. In addition, the AAA industrial triplex plunger pump and ergonomic spray gun delivers 4.0 GPM, guaranteeing high-performance results.

As to be expected with Simpson, the engineering and features are of premium quality. The pump itself has an advanced oil seal technology paired with ceramic coated pistons to protect the pump from overheating and extend its lifespan. 

The unit includes a useful oil alert system which automatically shuts down the engine when the oil level is insufficient and there are five quick connect nozzles on the unit for various spray patterns to suit every cleaning need. The Simpson PowerShot is noisier than electric washers but completes cleaning tasks in a fraction of the time.

Simpson PowerShot PS4240: Design

  • Frame is constructed from welded solid steel
  • Much heavier than most electric washers
  • Features two large 13-inch, pneumatic wheels

The Simpson PowerShot is well engineered and designed. The frame is constructed from welded solid steel, making it much more sturdy and resilient to rough environments or conditions. 

Bear in mind, at 160 pounds, the washer is much heavier than most electric washers. However, its compact size makes it a little easier to transport on two large 13-inch, pneumatic wheels. This is particularly useful for contractors or professionals who need to regularly manoeuvre along grimy surfaces or rough terrain.

Simpson PowerShot PS4240: Performance

  • Delivers incredible power for size
  • Professional clean
  • 1.6 gallon fuel tank lasts long enough to handle the toughest jobs

For its small stature, the Simpson PowerShot delivers incredible power. This is mainly due to its heavy-duty, Honda engine which offers a forceful 4200 PSI. Paired with an AAA industrial triplex pump, with Power Boost technology, it gives the spray wand enhanced pressure resulting in a professional clean. 

The unit itself is compact for a gas washer, and has a pull-start cord that is quick and easy to operate. The non-abrasive hose is ideal for such extreme pressures and boasts quick connectors, with a range of nozzle tips along with a soap applicator. This is particularly useful for getting the perfect clean for those trickier surfaces. 

While you can clean at low pressure, this washer isn’t recommended for doing lighter, domestic cleaning tasks. It’s so powerful, it may cause damage to surfaces or even remove paintwork, so be careful. 

The 1.6 gallon fuel tank lasts long enough to handle the toughest jobs, such as concrete, sidewalks and exterior walls in no time at all. Just make sure that your Honda engine has proper oil levels before using it for a long period of time.

Similar to any gas washer, the noise levels are higher than the prescribed decibel limit, making it hard to be heard while the engine is on. So this may not be the best option if you live in a quiet neighbourhood!

However, the Simpson PowerShot PS4240 is the perfect, commercial washer for contractors who specialize in deck cleaning, wood restoration, graffiti removal and other professional cleaning projects.

Simpson PowerShot PS4240: User Reviews

  • Hight user review scores
  • Buyers have been impressed with the overall performance
  • Compact and sturdy design a big hit

The Home Depot scores it 4.7 out of 5 (out of 210 reviews), with 95% recommendation, while it rates 4.5 out of 5 at Walmart. 

The majority of users have been impressed by its superb ‘beast’ power and overall performance. They have commented on the ease of use and reliable pull-start each time. Many users have typically used the washer to clean heavy-duty grime off concrete, brick siding or decking. With one user suggesting the Turbo Tip nozzle to clean driveways and walls in 1/3 of the time of domestic washers. Others liked the ability to adjust the PSI level lower if you don't want the full 4200 PSI to wash or risk damage to vehicles. 

Users have rated the compact and sturdy design, fittings that are easy to use and the reasonable price. 

Drawbacks reported include the pressure hose being too rigid, and the part that holds the hose not big enough even for the 50' hose. However since they are quick connect hoses, it may be easier to store it off the unit and unroll it prior to using the washer.

Should you buy the Simpson PowerShot PS4240 pressure washer?

If you are after a professional clean at a domestic price, the Simpson PowerShot PS4240 washer is an excellent choice for contractors.

Designed with high-performance in mind, its powerful Honda engine and industrial Triplex pump guarantees extreme pressure for those tough, heavy grime jobs. 

It’s compact, easy to use with no fuss and portable around sites. While it is a little loud it does last longer and cleans in half the time. Plus, it’s relatively cheaper than most high-performance gas washers under $1,000, so we think this model makes a great buy overall. 

Cynthia Lawrence

Cynthia Lawrence is a freelance lifestyle and interiors journalist, writing for national publications and websites. Obsessed with homes and garden content, she spends her time writing about interiors inspiration, savvy solutions, buying guides, and exciting product reviews. In more recent months she has written about dishwashers and other home appliances for Top Ten Reviews.