Weighing 1.77 kg when empty, the sprayer itself doesn’t add on too much weight, and there is an adjustable strap included as well – just another factor that helps it be easier to use for extended periods. Whilst this isn’t the most comfortable strap in the world, as it doesn’t have any padding, it does help distribute the weight and keep the sprayer secure, at least. If the pressure sprayer has a hose that’s too short, you will be stooping continuously whilst working. This will cause pain and may also slow tasks down because you’ll have to constantly stop and stretch. The components are all made from tough plastic and are shatter proof and frost resistant – something that is good to know when working out where to store tools over winter. Generally, a 5 L tank will be best for small areas. So, smaller gardens, patios, and standard driveways. A 5 L tank will also mean a lighter unit when full, which might be more suitable if you aren’t able to support heavy weight for a long period of time. The spray itself is also very impressive. When used with the max pressure (23 pumps), the spraying water is powerful enough to wash windows and cars, with the same strength as a motorised pressure washer. You therefore need to get used to its power, and work out how many pumps best suit each job, to avoid jet washing the lawn when you’re trying to apply weed killer. To help with this, the adjustable cone nozzle can be twisted to change the force of the spray.

Some of the more premium sprayers come with a choice of nozzles. If you want a particularly versatile sprayer, different nozzles are worth looking out for. These can help angle the jet for specific jobs like cleaning under car arches. However, the most important thing is to ensure the sprayer has at least an adjustable wand head to adjust the concentration of the water. In a piston pump pressure sprayer, there is a tube connected to the bottom of the main tank. Within this tube, a piston goes up and down to create pressure. Some piston sprayers are capable of delivering around 60 psi pressure. High pressure is useful for applying liquid fertilisers and spray herbicides because the droplet size will be smaller and therefore spread more evenly. Diaphragm Sprayer You can choose between an output of either 1.5 bars or 3 bars by turning a valve. This is especially useful for spraying with different products. For example, when using 1.5 bars the droplets are bigger, which is better for spraying herbicides as the droplets don’t catch in the wind and get on other plants. Using the 3-bars setting creates finer droplets, ideal for pesticides (or general light-misting jobs). Whether using a hose, lawnmower or pressure sprayer, having to keep the ‘on’ lever held down for extended periods is no joke – hand fatigue doesn’t take long to set in.

With just a 5 L capacity, it’s one of the smaller garden sprayers here, and may not be the best sprayer for large spaces; however, its small size does help to keep the weight down.

The two models can look relatively similar at first glance, but knowing the difference – and therefore knowing which one to choose – will make it easier to complete certain jobs. Piston Sprayer Choosing the right capacity ultimately comes down to how large the area you want to treat is, and how much weight you can comfortably support. The spray lance should have an adjustable cone nozzle so that you can choose a different spray pattern depending on the job you’re doing. At the very least, you’ll want a jet option and a spray option. For large driveways or gardens that need a lot of care and maintenance, a garden sprayer with a larger tank will save you time as they won’t need refilling as frequently. Keep in mind that a larger tank will add a considerable amount of weight to the unit when full. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ No matter the quality of your pressure sprayer, it won’t last as long if you don’t wash it out well between uses. If you’re using any chemicals, such as weed killers, make sure that none of the solution is left in the tank after use – it could corrode the plastic over time. Weighing under 1 kg when empty, it doesn’t exceed 6 kg even when filled with water. If you’re concerned about carrying heavier weights, or just want something that’s less effort, this is an option that’s suitable for the majority of gardeners. Whilst some motorised sprayers require you to constantly squeeze the spray trigger, this model gives your hands a bit of a rest making it a lot easier to use for longer jobs. Make a note of the lance length from the product description and measure this against yourself. If you have to bend so that this measurement reaches from the floor to your hand, you may find that the lance of the manual pressure sprayer will not be long enough for you.