Garden Hose Foamer vs. Power Washer Foam Cannon: Which is Better for Washing Cars & Trucks?

There are few things more satisfying to gearheads, car buffs, and hobbyists than covering their ride with a thick layer of foam.

Let’s face it: garden hose foamers, also sometimes called soap guns or foam cannons, are just plain fun to use. But are they more effective than pressure washers/power washers?

Truthfully, both have loyal fans, and the answer really depends on whether you prioritize convenience, cost, or results more.

Foam Cannons for Power Washers and Foam Guns for Garden Hoses: What’s the Difference

We know the terminology can be confusing. Essentially, foam guns are different than foam cannons. Foam guns, also called foam sprayers for hoses or garden hose foamers, are simple devices that can be filled with soap and water to be sprayed onto a vehicle for an easy and fun washing experience.

Foaming attachments for pressure washers also exist, however, and these are what are referred to as foam cannons, or foam cannons for pressure washers.

The two are not interchangeable.

Garden Hose Foamers: Pros & Cons

Foaming sprayers for garden hoses are probably the simplest way to soap up your car during a hand car wash. These handy devices usually have a quick connect for easily attaching and being removed from a standard garden hose. They’re also:

• Easy to set up and store.
• Affordable.
• Good for quick washes and light dirt.

On the other hand:

• Foam tends to be thinner and runnier than in a cannon.
• Lower water pressure makes for less cleaning power.
• They use more water since the hose flows continuously.

Foam Cannons for Pressure Washers: Pros & Cons

Foam cannons are always attached to pressure washers, and they’re generally the go-to for expert auto detailers chasing professional-level foam. Cannons produce thick suds that cling to a car’s paint and help lift dirt and debris up off of it, resulting in less potential for creating swirl marks. This is important when chasing a show-car shine.

The main pros of foam cannons are as follows:

• Create dense shaving-cream-like foam.
• Pressure washers remove more grime than a hose can.
• They use soap more efficiently than garden hose foamers.
• They’re great for heavily soiled vehicles.

On the other hand, there are drawbacks of using a pressure washer to wash your car with a foam cannon attached, and they include:

• Higher cost (pressure washers are often $200+ in addition to foam cannons which are often $70+).
• More setup and breakdown time.
• Can feel cumbersome to use with cords, hoses, and connections.

Final Thoughts

Foam cannons and foam guns might at first seem similar but in reality, they’re actually quite different. Foam cannons are meant for pressure washers. Foam guns are meant for garden hoses. Therefore cannons are more expensive, but produce richer, thicker foam and professional quality results.

Looking for a high-quality foam cannon for the best results possible? Check out our car wash bundles with foam cannons!