If you’re looking for a gas pressure washer from a trusted American brand that balances performance, durability, and user-friendliness, the Briggs & Stratton S3100 should be on your radar. With 3100 PSI, a 2.5 GPM output, and the Briggs 875EXi Series engine, this unit is ideal for homeowners who want professional-grade power without the bulk or cost of a contractor rig. 🏠🧽💪
I spent a weekend putting it through its paces — and it handled everything I threw at it with ease.
📊 Quick Specs:
- Engine: Briggs & Stratton 875EXi Series™
- PSI: 3100
- GPM: 2.5
- Pump: Axial cam
- Nozzles: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, Soap
- Hose: 25 ft, flexible high-pressure
- Frame: Welded steel
- Weight: ~66 lbs
- Fuel Tank: 0.3 gallons
- Extras: Detergent injection system
🔧 Engine Performance That Just Works
Briggs & Stratton is known for making reliable small engines, and the 875EXi lives up to that reputation. It started on the first pull every time, ran smoothly, and had no issues with power dips — even during an extended 90-minute cleaning session.
It’s also designed to be maintenance-friendly, with no oil changes required — just top it off as needed. That makes it especially attractive to users who want gas performance without constant engine upkeep. 🛠️⛽
💦 Pressure That Gets Results
The 3100 PSI / 2.5 GPM spec puts this unit in the mid-high residential range — strong enough for heavy-duty home tasks but not so aggressive that you’ll damage surfaces with one wrong move.
Here’s what I cleaned using the S3100:
- 🧱 A brick patio with moss and mildew
- 🚙 My SUV’s undercarriage after an off-road trip
- 🪵 A faded wood fence (prepping for stain)
- 🏠 North-facing vinyl siding covered in algae
With the 15° and 25° nozzles, most surfaces were restored in a single pass. The soap nozzle, paired with the built-in detergent injection system, worked great for pre-treating larger areas.
🧴 Detergent System
Rather than a built-in tank, the S3100 uses a siphon-style detergent injection system. It pulls soap from an external bottle when you switch to the soap nozzle. While not as convenient as onboard tanks, this system gives you more control over detergent types and concentration.
I used a biodegradable cleaner for siding and it mixed perfectly — no clogs, surges, or detergent waste. 🫧🧼
🛠️ Build Quality and Design
The overall build is rugged, with a welded steel frame, solid fittings, and a handle that folds down for easier storage. The 10″ wheels glide over most terrain, and the frame’s center of gravity is well-balanced — no tipping over when tugging on the hose.
The 25-foot hose is abrasion-resistant and kink-free, although I do wish it was longer. For bigger jobs, you might consider adding a 50-ft extension.
🎯 Ideal Use Cases
This machine excels at:
- Deep cleaning driveways and concrete
- Removing mildew from siding
- Washing larger vehicles and trailers
- Prepping wooden decks or fences for refinishing
Basically, it’s the perfect step up for homeowners who’ve outgrown electric units and want more power — without diving into full-on commercial territory.
🔇 Noise & Fuel Use
As a gas washer, yes — it’s louder than electric, but not obnoxiously so. The engine sound is smooth, and the muffler reduces any high-pitched buzzing. You’ll still want ear protection if you’re using it for extended periods. 🔊🧏
Fuel usage is modest. I got about 90 minutes of use per tank with varied nozzle intensity. That’s efficient for a washer in this power range.
⚠️ A Few Downsides
Here’s where the S3100 shows its limits:
- No detergent tank – Requires external soap container
- Short hose – 25 ft can feel restrictive on larger jobs
- Axial pump – Reliable but won’t last as long as a triplex pump with daily use
Still, these are reasonable trade-offs for a sub-$400 washer with this much power.
💬 Final Verdict
The Briggs & Stratton S3100 is a solid, dependable gas pressure washer that brings real cleaning power to serious homeowners. It’s easy to start, built to last, and gets the job done with minimal fuss.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)
👍 Pros: Great engine, strong pressure, low-maintenance design
👎 Cons: Hose could be longer, no onboard soap tank
For those who want gas-powered results without commercial complexity, the S3100 is one of the best value picks out there. 🧼🔥💪
