Chemical Guys ProFlow PM2000
advantages
self-locking wheels
Complete set of washer tips
Long hose and power cord
cons
Plastic Hose Filter Adapter
No hose/cable management
Some mixed customer reviews
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Portable pressure washers, like the Chemical Guys ProFlow PM2000, are convenient and useful tools. Lightweight and manoeuvrable, the ProFlow has a long water hose and power cord with a variety of attachments and accessories to handle all kinds of cleaning jobs. Although great for washing your car in your driveway, the ProFlow will clean siding or brick, walkways, patios and patio furniture, and lawn equipment.
As of this writing, Chemical Guys ProFlow PM2000 is available through their website for $200. Below, we’ve covered the top features, reviewed the settings, and analyzed customer reviews to help you make the right decision if you’re looking for a portable pressure washer.
Chemical Guys ProFlow: What It Offers
The ProFlow comes with a 20-foot flexible water hose, 35-foot power cord, clear hose filter adapter, self-locking polyurethane wheels, brass adapters and connectors, five different pressure washer tips, and the gun. with a separate extension attachment. An owner’s manual is included, but we also recommend watching a video or two on the Chemical Guys YouTube channel to familiarize yourself with the ProFlow.
With its 1680-watt electric motor, the ProFlow delivers up to 2,030 PSI (140 bar) of high-pressure water with a maximum flow rate of 1.77 gallons (6.7 liters) per minute. Working pressure and flow rate equals 1305 PSI (90 bar) and 1.06 gallons (four liters) per minute; voltage and power ratings are 120 volts and 14.5 amps, respectively. The electric motor makes some noise when running, but it’s quieter than we expected.
How to use The Chemical Guys ProFlow
Setting up ProFlow is relatively easy, although we recommend that you take your time during the initial run to avoid inadvertently damaging the unit. Here is the correct process:
Auto-locking polyurethane wheels
These are as fun as they are convenient, turning the Chemical Guys ProFlow into a rolling unit that follows you as you work. The unit also has stationary rubber feet, though you can also lock the wheels in place. Switching between the two is easy as the wheels bolt on where the rubber feet come out.
When threading the wheels clockwise, resist the temptation to over-tighten them. Once the wheels make contact with the plastic of the unit, they are secure enough.
Transparent hose filter
Start by screwing the threaded end of the clear hose strainer, labeled item 10 in your owner’s manual, into the water inlet on the back of the ProFlow; then connect the brass quick release connector (item 13 in the owner’s manual) to your garden hose. Pull back the brass connector sleeve and connect it, with the hose, to the clear filter.
high pressure flexible hose
From here connect the ProFlow high pressure flex hose to the water outlet at the front of the unit. Pull back the brass sleeve of the water outlet to connect the flexible hose.
Pressure Washer Gun and Extender
To use the pressure washer gun without the extender, take the brass adapter labeled item eight in your owner’s manual. The plastic end of the adapter will drop down and lock into the barrel of the gun. If you want to lengthen the barrel with the extender (item number seven in the owner’s manual), it will drop down and lock into the barrel of the gun in the same way.
Then, pull the red release tab near the trigger to connect the whip hose to the pressure washer gun (effectively inserting the whip hose from the bottom).
Also included for the pressure washer gun is a separate connector, listed as item number nine in the owner’s manual. This connector will accommodate different Chemical Guys accessories such as the Torq Snubby Foam Gun.
Chemical Guys ProFlow Pressure Washer Tips
Color-coded pressure washer tips, or quick-connect nozzles, match the stream of water to the cleaning job. Zero degree, 15 degree, 25 degree, 40 degree and 65 degree nozzles are included. Here is the summary:
Zero Degree Nozzle (Red)
Use this intense jet nozzle to remove stubborn dirt, grease and tar in a concentrated area. The resulting high pressure pencil jet from the red nozzle is also suitable for the underside of lawn mowers and garden tractors. Do not use the red nozzle on anything that can be easily damaged.
15 degree nozzle (yellow)
Like the red nozzle, this fan tip nozzle is designed for harder surfaces less prone to damage (ie not for a vehicle). It is ideal for unsightly oil stains, mildew buildup, rust removal, and paint stripping.
25 degree nozzle (green)
Another fan tip nozzle, this one is best for siding, brick patios, wood decks, and driveways.
40 and 60 degree nozzles (white and gray)
Use these spray tip nozzles when washing your car or truck at home (these nozzles are also best for boats, ATVs, and RVs). The white grout is more concentrated and works well on lower quarter panels where road grime collects. If you have a water softener at home, the gray wide fan nozzle provides a streak-free rinse after using something like a Chemical Guys vehicle cleaning packet.
Chemical Guys ProFlow in action
We like to use the Chemical Guys ProFlow in conjunction with our Rain-X Detailing Kit or something from our stock bin full of Mothers car care products. While washing our Kona over Easter weekend, we found that the 40-degree nozzle was best for removing rainwater spots, especially along the fenders and lower quarter panels. The pressure gun extender makes it easy to reach under the wheel wells to remove salt and road grime.
The ProFlow is good if you like to keep track of your vehicle but can’t always make it to the car wash. Some weeks your schedule may be such that it’s better to have something like the ProFlow. Maybe you don’t want to throw away quarters every time or buy a monthly wash membership. If so, Chemical Guys ProFlow allows you to wash your vehicle at home and save your spare change.
Likewise, ProFlow is a good investment if you regularly help friends and family take care of their vehicles, or if you have a show car that you like to clean before an event. The portable unit will store and travel very well, and Chemical Guys even makes trolley bags for such occasions.
Chemical Guys ProFlow Reviews
Customer reviews of Chemical Guys ProFlow on Google are mixed. Some customers raised concerns about the way the clear water hose filter is made of plastic and questioned its long-term durability. Others point to the need for a better power cord and water hose management system, build quality of the pressure washer gun, and occasional leaks from the unit (although leaks can be caused by incorrect settings).
We agree with other customers on the plastic construction of the clear water hose filter, which we noticed right out of the box. Although we haven’t had any issues with ours yet, a more robust design for the clear hose filter may improve future iterations of ProFlow, especially since it’s such a vital component. However, we still recommend the Chemical Guys ProFlow as an affordable pressure washer for the home; just be very careful when screwing the clear filter into the back of the ProFlow.
It’s true that when using the ProFlow on wheels, the power cord and high-pressure whip hose can end up all over your driveway. If you find this to be a problem, try using a set of velcro zip ties to hold the power cord and water hose.
Is The Chemical Guys ProFlow worth it?
For DIY jobs around the house, garage or shop, Chemical Guys ProFlow is a useful tool. The wheels, the pressure gun extender and the selection of flushing tips make the ProFlow even more flexible and functional. It’s easy to store and transport from driveway to driveway if your friends and family convince you to wash their vehicles! And if you enjoy cleaning and detailing with the latest and greatest, consider adding Chemical Guys ProFlow to your list.
As of this writing, ProFlow is available through the Chemical Guys website for $200.
If, after reading this review, you’re not sold on ProFlow, take a look at the Sun Joe SPX3000 or Stanley SHP1600.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He is a member of the board of directors of the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, a former president of the Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions.
Photos: Danielle Anthony.
