Muc-Off Pressure Washer in review
In the “The Lab” we present the latest products and put them through their paces for you. Some undergo long-term tests, while we check others out only briefly. This time we reveal how the Muc-Off Pressure Washer fared.
Washing bikes is a chore and we’ve all had the thought that “this would be a lot easier with a pressure washer.” However, the eleventh commandment clearly states, “He who washes his bike with a pressure washer shall ruin his bearings forever.” Bike cleaning specialists Muc-Off have a solution with their new 1,200 W pressure washer, designed specifically with bikes in mind. The Muc-Off Pressure Washer uses a carbon brush motor to deliver 6.5 L per minute flow and a max pressure of 100 bar. It comes with three lances, each providing a different level of pressure. The ‘bicycle’ nozzle is lower pressure and safe for use around bearings and sensitive seals, projecting a fan-like spray that lifts mud effectively. Also included is a more aggressive ‘full pressure’ nozzle perfect for cleaning tenacious mud from the tires. The washer does needs mains electricity and a water supply, so cannot be used in the field, but it is great for home use. The pump is quite noisy, and while not obtrusive, it’s definitely louder than using a standard hose. What is most impressive is how effective the pressure washer is at generating a usable stream, even in areas of low water pressure.
While not recommended, we found the washer great for prison showers.
When using the ’bicycle lance’ the washer is safe to use around bearings and seals.
The Muc-Off Pressure Washer is built to last. The rugged construction is confidence inspiring.
Scottish based Trev washes his bike after every ride, so was excited to try it out. After 30 washes, it has been reliable and useful but the real benefit comes in the form of the additional foam lance. We are massive fans of Muc-Offs iconic pink cleaner, so connect a bottle to the foam lance and hit the trigger and instantly a plentiful layer of foam covers everything in the vicinity. We found turning the dial to maximum will quickly cover the entire garden with foam – perfect if you like recreating Christmas scenes. At the more frugal, lowest setting, the bike was covered in a uniform layer of foam that penetrated even the hardest to reach spots. With a bit of care you use no more cleaner than usual but get much better coverage. After leaving it to cut through the grime for a minute or two, the pressure hose makes short work of mud and dirt. Brushes are still needed if you want a showroom finish, but the washer does a great job of knocking the lumps off and is more fun than a hose alone.
If its long-term reliability is as good as the clever design, the Muc-Off Pressure Washer will be an excellent and very functional addition to your life. It’s a bargain too.
Tops
- foam lance is hilarious and functional
- different nozzles are great for various applications
- clever and bike-specific design
Flops
- the pump is quite noisy
- you still need to use brushes
- no 12 V option so cannot be used in the field
Tester Trev
Duration 30 washes
Price £ 119 as tested (€ TBA)
Weight: 6.2 kg
More info muc-off.com
