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If you’ve ever considered using a pressure washer to clean your car, deck, or anything else, then you’ve likely heard of Sun Joe.
Sun Joe not only has a pleasant black and green color scheme but also some of the best value pressure washers on the market.
They’re not the most powerful but they are inexpensive and work well enough for most people!
However, if you look at the Sun Joe SPX3000, SPX4000, and SPX4001, you may not be able to see much of a difference.
All three models provide a maximum pressure of 2030 PSI at a flow rate of 1.76 gallons per minute, so what are the differences?
Let’s look at each model in more detail so you can pick the best one for your next pressure washing project.
Sun Joe SPX3000
The SPX3000 is the older of the three models.
It’s both more and less versatile than the SPX4000 and SPX4001.
That’s because it has two 0.9 liter (31.7 oz) detergent tanks. They’re removable and you can have both installed at the same time.
This lets you load up two different soaps for two cleaning projects at once, saving you time if you want to knock everything out with minimum fuss!
As for the unit itself, it’s a standing mobile pressure washer with two wheels and a handle.
The hose hangs on the left and the pressure wand is stored on the right.
A 14.5-amp electric motor drives the washer.
It comes with a 20-foot hose, a 35-foot power cord, a cleaning tool, and five spray tips.
The Total Stop System turns off the motor to save you power when you release the trigger.
Click here for an in-depth review of the Sun Joe SPX3000 pressure washer!
Pros
- Dual detergent tanks
- Downstream chemical injector inserts soap on the far side of the pump for longer pump life[1]
- Fairly maneuverable
Cons
- Tips are prone to rusting if left on the pressure wand
- You cannot select the water pressure level
Sun Joe SPX4000
Unlike the SPX3000, the SPX4000 looks somewhat like a small lawnmower.
There are no blades here, though. It’s still a pressure washer!
The hose hanger has been moved to the back, held between the handlebars. The pressure wand is still on the right.
The single large detergent tank is at the bottom, which keeps the center of balance lower so the SPX4000 is less likely than the SPX3000 to tip over.
The SPX4000 also adds Pressure Select Technology so you can set the pressure to full blast or to a lower pressure for detail work.
Pros
- Larger detergent tank
- Lighter than the SPX3000
- Selectable water pressure level
- Wider base with a lower center of gravity
Cons
- Only one detergent tank so there’s less overall detergent available
Sun Joe SPX4001
The Sun Joe SPX4001 is a small modification to the SPX4000 model.
Most features are the same. However, there are two important differences:
The first is that there is a hose reel that allows you to pull only as much hose as you need or to quickly roll up the hose when you’re finished.
The second is that, for some reason, the SPX4001 has lighter-weight plumbing than the SPX4000.
It’s not much of a difference but is enough that users who have compared the two prefer the SPX4000.
Pros
Same pros as the SPX4000, except…
- The hose reel makes putting the hose away more convenient
Cons
Same cons as the SPX4000, except…
- The SPX4001 can tip over when you’re pulling the hose off the reel
- Not made as durably as the SPX4001
Feature Comparison
Now that you know the basics of these three Sun Joe power washer models, let’s look at the nitty gritty details.
The Sun Joe SPX3000, SPX4000, and SPX4001 have all of the following features in common:
- 1.76 GPM Max
- 14.5 Amp Motor
- 2030 Maximum PSI
- Brass Fittings
- Compatible Accessories
- M22-15mm Non-Standard Threaded Hose Connections
- Quick-Connect Spray Tips
- Total Stop System
Note the 15mm M22 fittings. The standard for M22 is 14mm[2], which is important to know if you want to use non-Sun Joe accessories.
Unique Features
As you can guess from the different model numbers, these Sun Joe portable pressure washers do have some differences.
Here are the major differences between the three models:
Detergent Tanks
The SPX4000 and SPX4001 both have a single detergent tank. It holds 54.1 ounces of liquid detergent.
The SPX3000, on the other hand, has two detergent tanks. This allows you to load up the pressure washer for two different cleaning projects at the same time.
It also holds more detergent total, as each tank holds almost 32 ounces of liquid.
Hose Reel
The SPX3000 and SPX4001 will require you to manually loop the hose around the hanger.
The SPX4001, on the other hand, has a rotating hose reel that makes storing the hose quick and easy!
Pressure Select Technology
The SPX4000 and SPX4001 both have an additional selector for pressure.
This allows you to use the full 2030 PSI when you need it or switch to 1450 PSI when you want to conserve water or power.
Also, more power is not always better.
For example, you don’t want a super-powered pressure washer when cleaning a car. 1450 PSI is right in the middle of the recommended pressure range[3]!
Weight
All three models have similar weights. But similar does not mean “the same!”
The SPX4000 is the lightest, at 27.8 pounds.
The SPX3000 weighs 31 pounds and the SPX4001 is the heavyweight at 32.4 pounds.
Conclusion
Of the SPX3000, SPX4000, and SPX4001, the first two are clear winners over the SPX4001.
The SPX4001 is too lightweight to take advantage of the hose reel for unloading the hose. It’s also not as durable as one would hope.
The SPX3000 and SPX4000 are both more durable than the SPX4001.
Choose the SPX3000 if you:
- Want to be able to select between two detergents at once
- Want a thinner unit for easier storage
Click here to learn more about the SPX3000!
Choose the SPX4000 if you:
- Want to choose your pressure setting
- Want a pressure washer with a lower center of gravity
Click here for more info about the SPX4000!
Choose the SPX4001 if you:
- Are in love with the idea of the hose reel but won’t put too much stress on it
Click here to gaze in awe at the SPX4001’s hose reel!
FAQs
What About the Sun Joe SPX3001?
The SPX3001 has the same problems with the hose reel as the SPX4001.
It’s not as durable as you may hope and pulling the hose off the reel will likely cause the pressure washer to fall over.
Will Standard Accessories Fit Sun Joe Pressure Washers?
The SPX3000, SPX4000, and SPX4001 all use M22-15mm fittings while standard hose fittings are M22-14mm.
This 1 mm difference may seem small but it’s enough to cause a leak. If your hose even fits!
However, there are 14mm to 15mm adapters available.