updated: January 03, 2023

Is the Sun Joe SPX3000 a good electric pressure washer for your needs? Find out in our 2023 review.

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Our rating: 9.5
Price: Average

When you don’t need industrial-strength cleaning, an electric pressure washer like the Sun Joe SPX3000 is something you should consider. This lightweight, economical power washer is tough on dirt but easy on your wallet and your back.

For your average cleaning tasks such as car washing, driveways, gutters, and grills, an electric model will usually provide plenty of power. If you’re on the fence between electric and gas, it’s a good compromise to opt for an electric model with a higher CU (cleaning units score) such as the Sun Joe SPX3000.

SPX3000

Why choose an electric pressure washer

Alex Woodward - Power Washers Expert
Electric pressure washers have several pros over gas, depending on who you ask and what your cleaning needs are. If most of your cleaning is on the light-medium duty side, then electric is usually more than enough. If you have a farm or heavy-duty industrial jobs, gas is the way to go.
Pressure Washer Expert

Here are the PROS of an Electric pressure washer over Gas:

  • Quieter
  • Cheaper
  • Smaller and lighter
  • Easier storage
  • Can be used indoors (depends on cleaning surface)

Electric pressure washers don’t require gas or oil and aren’t as hard to winterize as a gas washer. They also won’t emit any exhaust, so they don’t pollute the air or cause carbon monoxide poisoning.


What do you get with a Sun Joe SPX3000

Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI
  • 5-quick connect nozzles w/ onboard storage (0, 15, 25, 40, and soap)
  • 14.5 amp/1800 Watt motor
  • 2030 max PSI
  • 1.76 GPM
  • CU score: 3573
  • 20-foot hose
  • Two 0.9 L detergent tanks
  • 35-foot cord w/ onboard storage
  • GFCI plug
  • Safety lock switch (TSS or Total Stop System)
  • Full 2-year warranty

The detergent tanks are removable, which helps to avoid spills and makes them easier to empty. You can also fill them with two different cleaning solutions for easy multi-surface cleaning. Switch between tanks with the detergent selection dial, which also allows you to control the concentration of soap.

The TSS (total stop system) is a safety lock switch that automatically shuts off the pump when the trigger isn’t engaged. This saves energy, prolongs pump life, and prevents damage or injury from accidental spray.

With a 35-foot power cord, this machine will reach quite far outdoors. The extra 20 feet you’ll get with the hose and the 34-inch spray wand extends your reach even further. It will help you tackle second-story vinyl, gutters, the undercarriage of vehicles, and more without needing ladders and without breaking your back.

Product dimensions - SPX3000
Product dimensions
  • Height (assembled): 33.9 inches
  • Width: 13.5 inches
  • Depth: 15.6 inches
  • Weight: 31 pounds

The machine is compact enough to easily store without it taking up too much space, although the handle does not fold down. It’s lightweight, making it easy to transport from one job site to another.

How to operate

Once you unbox the unit, assembly is a little tedious with almost two dozen separate parts, but not overly difficult. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver to put some parts together with included screws. Both ends of the high pressure hose look the same, so it shouldn’t matter which end attaches to the pump outlet and which attaches to the wand.

To operate the machine, attach your garden hose to the faucet and the other end to the hose inlet on the machine. Turn the adapter counter-clockwise to tighten the hose.

NOTE: Don’t over tighten the hose connection. Doing so may cause a leak.

If you’re using soap (you don’t have to), fill one or both detergent tanks with your preferred pressure-washer friendly cleaner. Then, plug the unit in. Attach whichever nozzle you need for the job, and turn on the faucet. Turn the switch on the machine to on. It’ll make a little noise as it sucks water into the pump, but then it will be quiet until you engage the trigger on the spray wand.

Recommended nozzles for specific cleaning tasks
This is not an exhaustive list. For more cleaning uses, see your owner’s manual.

  • 0 degree (orange): Small, concentrated areas of hard surfaces. Removes tar, grease spots, and caked mud.
  • 15 degree (yellow): Intense cleaning on hard surfaces. Removes paint, mildew stains, and rust.
  • 25 degree (green): Vinyl siding, brick patios, wood, and driveways.
  • 40 degree (gray): Cars, trucks, boats, patio furniture.
  • Soap nozzle (black): Low-pressure. Always use when applying detergent.
Quick-Connect nozzles
NOTE: Consumer Reports recommends throwing away the 0 degree nozzle since it poses the most danger of personal injury and property damage.
2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer
Performance

Users have reported that the yellow nozzle (15 degrees) worked well on cleaning mildew from vinyl and concrete walkways. The gray nozzle (40 degrees) cleaned patio furniture and ceramic planters really well.

On car wheels, caked on dirt didn’t come off without some manual scrubbing. Bird droppings and tree sap on the rest of the car came off easily with the gray nozzle.

Some customers had trouble getting deeply stained surfaces clean. Those may require manual scrubbing or a bleach pretreat (for set-in mold).

Many people have been happy with how quiet the machine runs. Mind you, no pressure washer is very quiet. But at 81 dB (decibels), it’s somewhere between a hair dryer and blender as far as noise goes. If it bothers you, wear ear protection.


What’s to love about the Sun Joe SPX3000

This is a top-selling pressure washer with mostly positive customer reviews. Most homeowners found that it met their general cleaning needs. They were able to clean fences, patio furniture, cars, patios, vinyl, and more.

They like that it’s quiet and compact for easy storage. The handle is about waist-high so that it is easy for most people to roll around. All the parts have onboard storage, so keeping up with nozzles and hoses shouldn’t be difficult.

There’s also a full 2-year warranty that covers almost everything so long as you’re using it for residential use. Using extension cords, unapproved detergents, or anything prohibited in the user manual can void the warranty.

Sun Joe SPX3000 a good electric pressure washer

What’s not-so-great about the Sun Joe SPX3000

If you’re looking for heavy-duty, hours-long cleaning session, you’ll probably be disappointed. Running this machine for too long can make it prone to leaks. The aluminum hose connector threads can also be stripped after a few uses, which increases leak chances.

The adapter on the unit itself is plastic, which can also be prone to leaks. If this happens, Sun Joe supposedly has a brass attachment they can send to you for free.

Customers reported that the fittings aren’t universal, which made finding replacement parts harder. The 20-foot hose was also too short for some customers, and the hose is mounted low to the ground, so it may get in the way when you’re rolling it.

For more versatility in your cleaning experience, try these optional accessories:
SPX-25H
Fits a variety of electric and gas power washers up to 2300 PSI with 22mm (M22) connections.
SPX-RB1 - Rotary brush
For all Sun Joe SPX series power washers. Good for deep-cleaning patios, cars, siding, and more.
Author
Alex owns a home improvement and restoration company in Vancouver. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and is a NARI Certified Remodeler. His team does a wide range of home restoration products, both interior and exterior.

image description Comments
Sandra Odom
May 11, 2022 at 5:13 pm

I have not found this pressure washer effective at removing mildew. It does not even remove cobwebs? Used yellow wand?

Gilbert
April 14, 2022 at 9:31 pm

Can the washer work if connected on a non-pressurized water source ?

Thanks,.

William r clements
October 1, 2021 at 9:15 am

Any recommended soap solution that can be purchased at a big box store.

Darryl
September 5, 2021 at 11:31 pm

When I put my SUNJOE on detergent, it does not come out very pressurized, like the regular water pressure washer.Is this normal? I don’t think the detergent wash does any good this way. Is this normal? THANKS!
Darryl

PW
April 14, 2022 at 9:16 pm

The SunJoe is my third power washer, and the first electric. ALL power washers I have owned have a detergent bottle. SunJoe has two which is a plus. NO power washer uses soap under pressure. Use the soap, let it rest per detergent instructions and wash off under pressure. This is normal operation.

Darryl
September 5, 2021 at 4:24 pm

Can the SUNJOE not pressure wash detergent? Mine only comes out in a stream, not pressure! Don’t know if the detergent cycle does any good. THANKS!

Darryl
September 4, 2021 at 7:20 pm

I can’t seem to get the detergent to “power spray.” Is this normal? I would think that power washing with detergent would be the best way to clean off heavy dirt. My SunJoe just lightly sprays on the detergent and then I have to switch to regular water to get power wash. THANKS!

Danny M
August 7, 2021 at 7:45 pm

How do you remove the detergent bottles to change cleaning agents? I have it with some car wash liquid, but want to switch it for a vinyl siding solution.

Gord
July 7, 2021 at 5:22 pm

If I’m cleaning granite walkway, how long should I run it before I give it a rest and how long should I let it rest before I continue? Thanks

Beth
June 21, 2021 at 2:11 pm

Is there any way to lock the trigger in the open position? It is really hard on arthritic hands to continuously depress the trigger.

Roger
June 4, 2021 at 3:46 pm

I have had my washer for a couple years and have never had the soap dispenser work reliably. It will usually dispense a little soap when I 1st turn it on and sometimes a little intermittently during use. Any suggestions?

Patty
May 5, 2021 at 6:28 am

Can I use the soap option without being hooked up to a water hose? I wanted up use it inside for my shower walls.

Sean
May 21, 2021 at 10:44 pm

NNo. Ned to be hooked up to water to get the pressure required to make the unit function.

ArkansasNewbie
August 2, 2021 at 4:13 am

I like that idea, tho! Manual squirt bottles are so tough on my hands. I hadn’t thought about using this thing to spray the shower and tub <3

Anita Jones
March 21, 2021 at 5:19 pm

I bought mine on Amazon.

Tara
November 8, 2020 at 8:53 pm

Why the detergent sorry system of my new machine would not work?
Suggest remedies, please.

Nancy
March 31, 2021 at 5:18 pm

Detergent system did not work on mine either. Under extended warranty. SunJoe said to get it repaired…couldn’t find anyone to repair a soap dispenser. Extended warranty service would not locate a repair service or replace unit.

Mr. Joe S.
August 20, 2020 at 12:39 am

Detergent is detergent, if it says it’s safe for pressure washers, then there you go. Dont use harsh solvents or dish soap. Make sure you dilute it in the tanks. Then find someone to tie your shoes for you. Here’s another helpful hint: Generic Prescription Medication is EXACTLY the same as Brand name (Fact). Brand names do not work better. Most medication also does NOT expire, even if it has a date. Even antibiotics many years old, it might lose 5% effectiveness, big deal.. Honey never expires! It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer. You learned something today 😎

Richards Hake
April 8, 2021 at 9:01 pm

I have a sun Joe 3000 pressure washer and for some reason it will not allow the detergent to come out air hose that hooks into the back have the knob from the motor is spewing water out of it and I believe it should be sucking it in for the detergent any suggestions

Frank
August 5, 2020 at 12:37 am

Can you hook a disk up to it?

Brant
July 2, 2020 at 12:21 am

Why is my brand new sunjoe leaking soap?

Kenneth Smith
June 15, 2020 at 10:39 pm

I’m trying to get a spray wand (replacement part) No luck so far.

Ruth
June 2, 2020 at 2:01 am

I want to register my new pressure washer but the web page won’t let me and I can’t get anyone when I call

Mr. Joe S.
June 15, 2020 at 7:36 am

Thank You Ruth!
I have accepted your registration. You will be receiving a welcome packet in 7-10 days which includes a sample pack of detergent and a new upgraded connection.

Beatrice F Smith
July 24, 2020 at 1:36 pm

I am having trouble registering my pressure washer, and someone on the phone to answer questions. I can not find the Sun Joe detergent in my area and wanted to know if there is another detergent I could use

Ruth
April 27, 2021 at 12:23 am

Thank you so much, mr joe!

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