Do Craftsman pressure washers have Honda engines?
Yes—some Craftsman gas pressure washers are equipped with Honda engines, but not all. Craftsman sells a mix of electric models (which have no gasoline engine) and gas models using engines from Honda as well as other suppliers like Briggs & Stratton; availability varies by model year and retailer, so you should confirm the engine brand for the specific unit you’re considering.
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What Craftsman sells today
Craftsman, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, offers a broad lineup of residential pressure washers in both electric and gas configurations. In recent seasons, select Craftsman gas units in the roughly 2,500–3,100 PSI range have been marketed as “Powered by Honda,” typically using Honda’s residential GCV-series engines. Many other Craftsman gas models use Briggs & Stratton engines, and some runs have featured other third-party engines. Because Craftsman sources models and components from multiple manufacturing partners, engine sourcing can change over time and by retailer.
Engines you’ll see on Craftsman pressure washers
The following list outlines the engine types most commonly found across the Craftsman pressure-washer range and how they’re positioned.
- Honda GCV-series (e.g., GCV160/GCV170): Found on select consumer gas models labeled “Powered by Honda,” favored for easy starting and smooth operation.
- Briggs & Stratton: Widely used on entry to midrange Craftsman gas models; strong U.S. service and parts network.
- Other OEM engines (occasionally Kohler or private-label suppliers): Appear on certain production runs or retailer-exclusive bundles.
- Electric drive (no gasoline engine): Craftsman corded or battery-powered pressure washers use electric motors rather than gas engines.
Taken together, Craftsman’s lineup spans multiple powertrains: some gas units carry Honda engines, many do not, and electric models are engine-free. The specific engine on any given model should be verified before purchase.
How to tell if a specific Craftsman model has a Honda engine
Because inventory and specifications can shift during a season, these checks help you confirm the engine brand on the exact unit you’re buying.
- Read the product specs: Look for “Engine Brand: Honda” and a model designation like GCV160, GCV170, or (less commonly in this category) GX-series.
- Look for badging: Packaging and the engine shroud typically display a “Powered by Honda” badge if applicable.
- Open the manual/spec sheet PDF: Retailers often link to documentation listing the engine manufacturer and model.
- Check the engine plate: The metal tag or stamping on the engine itself shows the Honda model code if it is a Honda.
- Contact support with the SKU: Provide the exact model/SKU to Craftsman or the retailer to confirm current engine sourcing.
Verifying through these steps avoids surprises at pickup or delivery, especially when similar-looking models ship with different engines depending on batch or retailer.
Why the engine brand matters
Engine choice affects ownership experience, from how the machine starts to where you’ll get service and parts.
- Starting and performance: Honda GCV engines are known for easy starts and smooth operation; Briggs & Stratton units also offer reliable performance across a broad range.
- Service and parts: Both Honda and Briggs & Stratton maintain extensive service networks; parts availability is generally strong for either.
- Warranty coverage: Typically, the engine is warranted by the engine manufacturer (e.g., Honda), while the pump, frame, and accessories are covered by Craftsman—check terms for your model.
- Price and availability: Honda-powered variants may carry a price premium and can be seasonal or retailer-exclusive, affecting availability.
Understanding these differences helps you choose a model that aligns with your priorities for maintenance, cost, and long-term support.
Availability and retailer notes (2025)
As of 2025, major retailers such as Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and online marketplaces periodically stock Craftsman gas pressure washers labeled “Powered by Honda,” alongside Briggs & Stratton–powered models and electric units. Selection is seasonal and can shift within a model year, so two similarly named Craftsman washers may carry different engines depending on the SKU and retailer.
Summary
Some Craftsman pressure washers do come with Honda engines—particularly select consumer gas models marketed as “Powered by Honda”—but many others use Briggs & Stratton or different suppliers, and electric models have no gas engine at all. Because specifications vary by model and retailer, always confirm the engine brand on the exact SKU you plan to buy.
Is Craftsman a good brand of pressure washer?
Craftsman pressure washers receive mixed reviews; their electric models are praised for being lightweight, easy to maneuver, and suitable for light-duty tasks like cleaning cars and decks. However, their hoses can be prone to kinking. Gas models offer more power for heavy-duty jobs but are larger and heavier. Overall, Craftsman offers both electric and gas options, with customer satisfaction varying depending on the model and the intended use.
Electric Models
- Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to move: Users highlight how easy they are to transport around their property.
- User-friendly: Assembly and operation are generally straightforward, with easy-to-read controls.
- Good for light-duty tasks: They perform well on tasks like washing cars, cleaning patios, and washing windows.
- Quieter than gas models: Electric washers are noticeably quieter when in use.
- Cons:
- Hose kinking: Some users report issues with the hoses kinking, making them inconvenient to store.
- Limited by power cord: For electric models, your work is limited to areas with access to an electrical outlet.
Gas Models
- Pros:
- More power: Gas-powered models offer increased power for more demanding jobs.
- Good for heavy-duty tasks: Suitable for cleaning driveways, patios, and tackling tougher stains.
- Cons:
- Heavier and less portable: Gas washers are significantly larger and heavier, making them harder to maneuver.
- Louder operation: They tend to be noisier than their electric counterparts.
General Considerations
- Model Specifics: Reviews can vary significantly between different Craftsman models. Pay attention to the specific PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute) ratings for the model you’re interested in.
- Purpose: Consider the types of jobs you’ll be doing. For cleaning cars or decks, an electric model may be sufficient, but for tougher jobs like deep cleaning concrete or removing stubborn stains from a driveway, a gas model would be better.
Do Craftsman power washers have Honda engines?
The CRAFTSMAN 3200 MAX PSI at 2.3 GPM/2.4 MAX GPM at 2800 PSI gas pressure washer with a Honda® engine provides 187ccs of power to help you tackle the toughest residential cleaning tasks.
Which power washers have a Honda engine?
Many brands manufacture pressure washers that use Honda engines, including Simpson, NorthStar, Mi-T-M, and Pressure-Pro. You can find these models at retailers like The Home Depot, Northern Tool, Walmart, and Pressure Washers Direct. Common Honda engine models found in these washers include the GX390, GX200, and GCV167/GCV170/GCV200.
Key Brands
- Simpson: A popular brand offering a range of Honda-powered pressure washers for various applications.
- NorthStar: Features industrial-grade Honda engines for high-durability applications, with models including both cold and hot water units.
- Mi-T-M: Offers Honda-powered options for both residential and commercial use, available at retailers like Pressure Washers Direct.
- Pressure-Pro: Produces pressure washers equipped with Honda engines, often paired with powerful pump systems.
- DEWALT: Also features pressure washers with Honda engines, found at retailers like The Home Depot.
Where to Buy
You can find these Honda-powered pressure washers at various retailers, including: The Home Depot, Northern Tool, Walmart, Pressure Washers Direct, and Amazon.com.
Do Craftsman mowers use Honda engines?
The CRAFTSMAN® M250 21-in. 160cc Honda® FWD self-propelled mower is ideal for smaller yards and allows you to mow at your own pace. The 160cc Honda engine with automatic choke eliminates choking or priming before starting.