DeWalt 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer

First impressions and setup

I wheeled the DeWalt 3300 out of the box onto my driveway on a Saturday morning and was cleaning before coffee got cold. Assembly is minimal: fold up and bolt the handle, add the included engine oil, connect the hose and gun, push on a quick-connect tip, and you’re essentially set. The welded steel frame is reassuringly rigid, and the 10-inch pneumatic tires roll over cracks, hoses, and garden terrain without drama. At 64 pounds it’s not featherweight, but the center of gravity is low and it’s easy to tip and steer.

On-board storage is straightforward and effective. The wand, tips, and hose all have dedicated homes, so it stows neatly on a shelf or in the corner of a garage. It’s compact enough to lift into an SUV with one person, though two is easier if you’re loading it high.

Power and performance

This unit is rated at 3300 PSI and 2.4 GPM, which places it squarely in the heavy-duty homeowner category. In practice, it has the grunt to strip winter grime from concrete and lift algae off vinyl siding quickly. On my aggregate driveway, a 15-degree tip cut clean stripes with each pass; switching to a 25-degree tip blended those stripes into an even finish without etching the surface.

For wide areas, a surface-cleaner attachment is a smart pairing. The 2.4 GPM flow is enough to spin a 12–15 inch cleaner effectively, and it reduces streaks while speeding up large slabs. You won’t match a commercial 4 GPM machine, but for residential driveways, patios, and sidewalks the DeWalt 3300 makes efficient progress.

On wood, it’s easy to overdo it at this pressure. Use a 25- or 40-degree tip, keep a consistent standoff distance, and let the water do the work. If you’re lifting old stain, plan to sand afterward; even with care, high-pressure water can raise grain and fuzz softwood.

Engine and pump

The 208 cc OHV engine is a recoil-start unit with low-oil shutdown—good insurance against accidental damage. It starts predictably cold (choke on, one or two pulls) and settles into a steady rpm once warm. Hot restarts require a light touch: crack the choke or leave it off entirely, squeeze the gun trigger while you pull to reduce pump load, and avoid over-priming. Do that and it lights back up without much drama.

The pump is an OEM Technologies axial cam, a direct-drive, “maintenance-free” design with a thermal relief valve and detergent inlet. Axial cam pumps typically have shorter service lives than triplex plunger pumps but are lighter, simpler, and well-suited to intermittent homeowner use. The thermal relief is a plus—if you leave the gun closed for too long, it dumps hot water to protect the pump—but you should still avoid long bypass periods. If you need to pause, shut it down rather than letting it idle for minutes at a time.

Noise and vibration

This is a gas pressure washer, and it sounds like one. It’s loud enough that I wear hearing protection and keep it respectful of neighbors. Vibration through the frame is minimal; the engine is mounted solidly, and the tires act like small isolators on hard surfaces.

Hose, gun, and tips

The included MorFlex 25-foot, 1/4-inch hose is light, doesn’t fight you with memory coils, and uses standard M22 fittings. It’s a fine length for washing a car or short walkway, but I prefer a 50-foot line for driveways and decks so I can park the machine once and work. Upgrading to a 5/16-inch or quality 1/4-inch hose improves reach and reduces pressure drop on longer runs. The spray gun and 16-inch lance are durable and comfortable, though I’d love a slightly longer wand (20–24 inches) for better body position on horizontal surfaces.

You get the expected five quick-connect tips—0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap. They snap in positively and spray patterns are true. As always, reserve the 0° for very stubborn spots on tough materials; it will gouge softer surfaces.

Detergent injection and accessories

Detergent draw is via a simple siphon tube on the pump inlet, downstream of the pump. That means you can use a wide range of soaps without worrying about pump damage, but you do need to run the soap nozzle for proper chem draw. It works as expected: stick the tube in your mix, apply product with the soap tip, then switch to the 25° or 40° to rinse. After using chemicals, I pull the tube and run a minute of clear water to keep the valve happy.

A couple of accessories elevate this machine: a 12–15 inch surface cleaner for concrete, a turbo nozzle for rough masonry or heavily soiled areas, and a longer hose. Quick-connects on the gun and pump make swaps painless if you add adapters.

Ergonomics and mobility

The heavy-duty frame takes knocks without flinching, and the footprint is stable while pulling on the hose. I like the layout: fuel cap and oil fill are accessible, and the on/off/choke controls are easy to read. The tires make a difference on gravel and grass. The only nit is hose storage; like most washers, wrapping a longer aftermarket hose can feel cramped on the factory bracket.

Starting behavior and reliability notes

Cold starts are consistent, hot restarts benefit from the right technique, and the low-oil shutdown is a welcome safeguard. As with any small-engine tool, ethanol-free fuel or a stabilizer goes a long way toward reliable starts after storage. Before first use and after the first five hours, change engine oil; then follow the manual intervals. The pump is nominally maintenance-free, but I still like to run a pump saver through before winter to protect seals.

Warranty coverage is solid for the class: three years on the pump, two on the engine, five on the frame, and 90 days on accessories. Service usually runs through authorized centers, so keep your receipt and register early.

What I’d change

• Include a 50-foot hose option. The machine has the power to cover larger areas; the 25-foot line feels limiting.
• Add a longer wand in the box. The 16-inch lance is compact, but a bit more reach improves ergonomics and control.
• Provide a fuel shutoff and drain note on the control panel. It’s in the manual, but a reminder helps prevent gum and varnish during storage.

Who it’s for

If you’re a homeowner with annual or seasonal cleaning to tackle—driveways, patios, siding, fencing, equipment—the DeWalt 3300 strikes a smart balance of power, size, and cost. It’s overkill for delicate jobs you’d hand to a small electric unit, and it’s not a daily-use commercial washer. But for weekend projects and periodic deep cleans, it covers a lot of ground quickly.

Safety and care reminders

• Wear eye and hearing protection; 3300 PSI will cut skin and the engine is loud.
• Keep it outdoors; never run a gas engine in enclosed spaces.
• Don’t let it idle in bypass; shut down for breaks longer than a minute or two.
• Test an inconspicuous area before washing wood or painted surfaces to avoid damage.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 3300 for homeowners who want real cleaning power without stepping into professional, high-maintenance territory. It delivers strong performance on concrete and siding, pairs well with common accessories, and comes in a durable, easy-to-handle package. You’ll want to budget for a longer hose and, ideally, a surface cleaner, and you should expect the usual gas-engine realities: noise, exhaust, and a bit of restart technique. Treat it with basic care—fresh fuel, timely oil changes, and proper storage—and it’s a capable, confidence-inspiring washer for the jobs most people actually need to do.