HyperTough 1600 PSI Pressure Washer Review: Is This Walmart Special Worth It?
- Trendy Wittystudio
- Apr 17
- 5 min read
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Looking for a budget-friendly pressure washer that can handle basic cleaning tasks? The HyperTough 1600 PSI electric pressure washer, a Walmart exclusive, might be just what you need. I picked one up to see if it lives up to the hype. Let's dive into the unboxing, features, and performance to determine if this "Walmart special" is a worthwhile investment.
Unboxing and First Impressions: What's in the Box?
I was pretty excited to check out this pressure washer. It's been a while since I've done a dedicated review, so I was eager to see what this HyperTough model had to offer. Opening the box, here's what I found:
Hose: A 20-foot hose with an M22 fitting. It's important to know that there are two common sizes: M22 by 14mm and M22 by 15mm. I'll confirm the exact size of this one—it's the standard M22 by 14mm.
Accessories: Some screws, a manual, and plastic pieces for onboard storage.
Pressure Washer Wand: For a pressure washer in this price range (about $99 after a price adjustment at Walmart), the wand seems solid. It has an o-ring fitting, so you don't need to use Teflon tape. It also features a standard quarter-inch quick connect. The trigger feels good and includes a safety mechanism to prevent accidental activation during storage.
Main Unit and Foam Blaster: The main unit looks easy to assemble. Most of the pieces snap into place, which is always a plus. The unit also has a cord storage design.
That Mystery Piece...
There was also this extra piece. I'm not really sure what it's for. It fits on the back of the unit, but it doesn't seem to hold anything. I even checked the manual, but it didn't clarify its purpose. I decided to leave it off since it just adds bulk.
Foam Blaster Caveats
The unit comes with a foam blaster attachment that screws onto the wand. Here's my concern: the threads on the foam blaster are plastic, while the threads on the wand are brass. Plastic on brass isn't a great combination. The plastic threads can easily strip over time. Plus, these foam blasters tend to produce soapy water rather than actual foam.
Foam Cannon Recommendations
If you're serious about foam, I recommend investing in a dedicated foam cannon. Here are a couple of options:
Amazon Basics Foam Cannon: This is an affordable option (under $20) with a brass-on-brass attachment. You can find it on Amazon Basics Foam Cannon.
MJJC Foam Cannon Pro: For a higher-end choice, the MJJC Foam Cannon Pro is my favorite. It produces an insane amount of foam and has an adjustable nozzle and spray pattern. Check it out on MJJC Foam Cannon Pro.
Here's a quick comparison of the two foam cannons:
Feature Amazon Basics MJJC Pro Price Lower Higher Foam Quality Basic High Adjustability Limited Full Features and Design: A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at the HyperTough pressure washer's features and design.
Power Cord and Hose: It has a 35-foot power cord with a ground fault interrupt plug, which is pretty standard. The pressure washer hose is 20 feet long. The wand seems decent enough for its intended use.
Hose Quality Concerns
The included hose is where I have some concerns. First, 20 feet is often too short, especially if you're trying to wash a car. You'll likely have to keep moving the pressure washer around. More importantly, the hose kinks easily. Kinking can create pressure points and lead to premature failure.
Uberflex Hose Recommendation
I highly recommend upgrading to an Uberflex hose. These hoses are 50 feet long and are kink-resistant. They're also very flexible, making them easier to maneuver. Learn more about the UberFlex Pressure Washer Hose or the FlexZilla Pressure Washer Hose.
M22 Fitting Confirmation
As I mentioned earlier, the outlet and hose use an M22 by 14mm fitting, which is a standard size. The Uberflex hose is also M22 by 14mm, so it's a direct replacement.
Quick Connect Recommendation
To make things even easier, consider adding quick connects. They allow you to quickly attach and detach the hose and wand. You can find them here: Quick Connects for Pressure Washer.
Design Positives
I do like the upright design of this pressure washer. It stands up on its own, although it doesn't have wheels. I also appreciate that the water inlet and outlet are on opposite sides. This prevents the hoses from getting tangled.
Performance Testing: PSI, GPM, and Noise Levels
Now for the real test: how does this pressure washer perform?
Testing Setup
To test the performance, I used my Uberflex hose and an aftermarket wand. I know from previous tests that these changes don't affect the PSI or GPM readings.
Initial Air Purge
Before testing, I purged the air from the system by running water through the hose and wand.
Pressure Gauge
I used an MTM pressure gauge, which is known for its accuracy, to measure the PSI.
Nozzle Options
The HyperTough pressure washer comes with two nozzles: a green 25-degree nozzle and a yellow 15-degree nozzle. For car detailing, I prefer 40, 25, and 15-degree nozzles. The orifice size of the nozzle affects the PSI and GPM.
Total Stop System
This pressure washer has a total stop system, meaning that it shuts off when you release the trigger. It runs very quietly.
Noise Level Testing
I used a decibel reader on my phone to measure the noise level. The ambient noise level in my shop is around 50 decibels. While talking, the noise level is about 80 decibels. When the pressure washer is running, the noise level is approximately 82 decibels. It's a pretty quiet machine!
Amperage Check
I also checked the amperage draw at the wall, which was between 14 and 15 amps.
PSI Testing with Included Nozzles
25-degree Nozzle: Approximately 1400 PSI.
15-degree Nozzle: Approximately 1450 PSI.
There's a minimal difference between the two nozzles.
PSI Testing with Aftermarket Nozzle
I also tested with a 2.5 orifice 25-degree nozzle. This resulted in a lower PSI reading of approximately 1000 PSI. The larger orifice is the reason for the lower pressure.
If you want to experiment with different orifice sizes, check out these options: 2.5mm orifice pressure washer nozzles, 3.0mm orifice pressure washer nozzles, and 3.5mm orifice pressure washer nozzles.
GPM Testing
To measure the GPM, I used a bucket with a measuring guide and a timer. The unit is rated for 1.2 GPM.
15-degree Nozzle GPM Test: I measured 5 quarts of water in one minute, which equals 1.25 GPM.
Aftermarket Nozzle GPM Test: I measured 5.5 quarts of water in one minute, which equals 1.375 GPM.
Final Verdict: Is the HyperTough Pressure Washer a Good Deal?
So, is the HyperTough 1600 PSI pressure washer worth buying?
Overall, it's a decent pressure washer for the price. It delivers around 1450 PSI with the included nozzles and 1.25 GPM. With an aftermarket nozzle, it provides about 1000 PSI and 1.375 GPM. For only $100 at Walmart, it's a budget-friendly option for light-duty tasks.
Pros and Cons
Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
Affordable
Easy to find at Walmart
Decent performance for the price
Quiet operation
Easy return policy
Cons:
Subpar hose quality
Unclear purpose of the included accessory
Foam blaster with plastic threads
No wheels for portability
Upgrade Recommendations
If you decide to buy this pressure washer, I strongly recommend upgrading the hose. Quick connects are also a worthwhile addition. And if you want better foam, consider investing in a higher-quality foam cannon.
With its quiet operation, solid performance, and ease of use, the HyperTough 1600 PSI pressure washer is worth it for the price.
