If there’s one way to speed up a driveway car wash, it’s by using a foam cannon. A foam cannon is a handy pressure washer attachment that allows users to turn their pressure washers into car wash-worthy, high-performance soap dispensers. They use the pressure washer itself to turn a soap mixture into thick foam, spraying it onto the surface being cleaned with very little effort. They’re fast, convenient, and efficient, often using less water and soap than a standard hose and bucket.
If that sounds like a refreshing take on DIY car washes or even projects around the home (there are many uses), check out this guide on how to choose the best foam cannon.
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How We Picked the Best Foam Cannons
Choosing the best foam cannons wasn’t something we took lightly. We know how frustrating it can be to purchase a new tool to speed up a process only to find out it’s not worth the money. For that reason, we had to draw upon all of our experience with pressure washing, car washing (we have a lot of it), and power tools to come up with the features that we thought were most important, and that’s where we started.
Once we knew what we were looking for, we gathered a list we thought would meet most of our needs. We then compared their designs, capacities, requirements, prices, and more to ensure that each foam cannon provided enough value and was high enough quality to make the list.
Best Overall Foam Cannon
MTM Hydro PF 22.2
Whether you’re washing your car or house, we suggest the MTM Hydro PF 22.2 foam cannon as the best pressure washer foam cannon, thanks to its durable materials and smart design. It operates with pressure washers that produce 1,100 to 5,000 psi, making it a great choice for most gas and some electric models. Its body is made from durable nickel-plated brass for long-term durability, and it has a newly designed wide-mouth bottle that makes filling its 32-ounce capacity easy and mess-free.
The PF 22.2 has a two-stage nozzle that rotates from horizontal to vertical spraying. The spray pattern is adjustable, allowing users to choose the best setting for applying soap to their home or car. Unfortunately, folks with low-pressure power washers might be out of luck, though they can use the smaller orifice nozzle (it does come with two). It also comes with a ¼-inch quick connect adapter and a threaded adapter.
Key Features
- Type: Fixed with replaceable orifices
- Recommended pressure: 1,100 to 5,000 psi
- Jar size: 32 ounces
Pros:
- Has a large container with a wide opening for easy filling
- Made from high-quality nickel-plated brass for long-term durability
- Operates over a wide pressure range (1,100 and 5,000 psi)
Cons:
- It might not foam as well at lower pressures
Price: ~ $85
Best for Car Washing
Chemical Guys Torq Foam Cannon EQP310
When it comes to finding the best foam cannon for cash washing, the Chemical Guys Torq Foam Cannon is our top pick. This model has a fully adjustable nozzle that allows the user to create a wide fan for covering the vehicle faster, or a concentrated fan for reaching into wheel wells or the tops of taller vehicles. It’s compatible with pressure washers between 500 and 3,500 psi, though Chemical Guys suggests 800 psi as the lowest rating.
The Chemical Guys Torq Foam Cannon’s design also aims to solve one of the most common issues–wear and tear and leaking around the bottle. It has a thread-lock design which reduces wear and allows it to work properly for as long as possible, making it the best foam cannon for detailing, even for some pros.
Key Features
- Type: Adjustable
- Recommended pressure: 500 to 3,500 psi
- Jar size: 32 ounces
Pros:
- Bottle features Torq thread-lock design to reduce wear and eventual leakage
- Suitable for use with lower-pressure power washers
- Fully adjustable fan pattern for concentrated or wider coverage
Cons:
- Minimum pressure is 500 psi, but Chemical Guys suggests 800 psi
Price: ~ $90
Best for Garden Hoses
SwiftJet Car Wash Foam Gun
The SwiftJet Car Wash Foam Gun is a great choice for anyone who wants a quality car wash at home but doesn’t want to purchase a pressure washer. This foam gun attaches directly to a garden hose, allowing users to lay a thick, foamy layer of soap on their cars for the best possible result without a pressure washer. The nozzle is also adjustable from vertical to horizontal, though the fan pattern doesn’t adjust. However, the foam spray settings do adjust.
This foam gun has many great features for a simple device. It has an adjustable foam ratio so users can fine-tune the thickness of their foam. This foam gun also comes with a quality brass connection ring, as well as a specially designed hose nozzle for a secure fit. It also comes with a quick-connect fitting for QC hoses, though it’s entirely plastic so it might be this unit’s weak point, but otherwise, it might be the best car wash foam gun available.
Key Features
- Type: Foam gun
- Recommended pressure: Standard hose pressure
- Jar size: Unknown
Pros:
- Operates on standard hose pressure so a pressure washer is not necessary
- Nozzle fan adjusts from horizontal to vertical and foam thickness is also adjustable
Cons:
- The quick-connect adapter is entirely plastic
Price: $64.95
Best for House Washing
Chemical Guys Big Mouth Foam Cannon EQP324
Houses have a lot of square footage to cover with thick, soapy foam, and the Chemical Guys Big Mouth Foam Cannon is up to the job. This model uses a large 34-ounce bottle that holds a large amount of premixed water and soap to allow users to work longer without refilling. It also features that brand’s “Big Blow Bezel,” which measures almost 2 inches in size, allowing the user to spray an extremely wide fan of soap on their homes or cars.
This foam cannon is suitable for a wide range of pressure washers without outputs between 800 and 3,200 psi. It has an adjustable foam knob to tailor the pressure and foam output, as well. It’s also worth noting that the jar has a wide-mouth design that makes filling the jar considerably easier and less messy than a standard bottleneck. Conversely, the bottle and nozzle are quite large which could make this model too heavy for some users.
Key Features
- Type: Adjustable
- Recommended pressure: 800 to 3,200 psi
- Jar size: 34 ounces
Pros:
- “Big Blow Bezel” adjusts from a concentrated stream to an extremely wide pattern
- 34-ounce jar is larger than most other container on the list, making it great for homes
- Suitable for a wide range of pressure washer outputs
Cons:
- Large jar and nozzle could be a bit heavier than some users are comfortable with
Price: ~ $100
Best for the Money
Tool Daily Foam Cannon
What if you could spend less on a foam cannon than a standard supreme car wash? You can with the Tool Daily Foam Cannon. This model’s price point is lower than most luxury-level car washes, allowing users to save money time after time on their vehicle’s washing. It comes with a standard foam cannon with a quick-connect fitting and bottle, as well as five pressure washer nozzles for added versatility.
This model features an adjustable nozzle that users can tweak for concentrated or wide fan patterns. It also has a foam adjustment knob for creating the perfect foam. It operates between 1,000 and 3,000 psi, which might be slightly higher than some electric pressure washers can produce.
Key Features
- Type: Adjustable
- Recommended pressure: 1,000 to 3,000 psi
- Jar size: 32 ounces
Pros
- Costs less than the price of a standard high-level car wash.
- Fully adjustable fan pattern and foam level
- Comes with five pressure washer nozzles for extra value
Cons
- It might not work for less powerful electric pressure washers
Price: $29.99
Best for Electric Pressure Washers
ArmorAll 2-in-1 Foam Cannon E303511700
The ArmorAll 2-in-1 Foam Cannon is a great choice for electric pressure washer owners who want a product that will work for their machines. This model is designed to work with both gasoline and electric pressure washers, with the minimum pressure washer output being 500 psi (and up to 3,500 psi). It also comes with the fittings and nozzles to work with a garden hose as a standard foam gun.
This model features a 40-ounce reservoir to hold a lot of premixed soap and water. The nozzle isn’t adjustable, the foam output is, allowing users to tweak the output.
Key Features
- Type: Fixed nozzle
- Recommended pressure: 500 to 3,500 psi, but also works with a garden hose
- Jar size: 40-ounce reservoir
Pros:
- It’s compatible with gas and electric pressure washers
- Comes with a foam gun attachment for connecting to a garden hose
- Large jar with adjustable foam output levels for ideal foaming
Cons:
- The spray pattern isn’t adjustable but the foam output is
Price: ~ $37
Best Foam Cannon for Mud
Griot’s Garage Brilliant Finish Foam Cannon 51185
Anyone looking for the best foam cannon for removing mud after a long weekend offroading or simply a bad parking spot should check out Griot’s Garage’s foam cannon. This model features a fan that adjusts between a wide, gentle spray and a concentrated spray that has the pressure to spray foam off the vehicle safely with a jet of foamy soap. It can handle pressure washers up to 5,000 psi, as well, ensuring it has the power to get through the mud.
While the fan is adjustable, it doesn’t adjust from horizontal to vertical. But, the wide-mouth bottle does make filling the jar easier and reduces the chance of a mess (the mud is enough of a mess on its own).
Key Features
- Type: Adjustable
- Recommended pressure: 1,100 to 5,000 psi
- Jar size: 33.8 ounces
Pros:
- Fan adjusts from powerful and concentrated to wide and gentle
- Can handle pressure washers up to 5,000 psi (Griot does not recommend exceeding 5,000)
- Wide mouth bottle is easy to fill and avoid spills
Cons:
- Fan angle does not adjust
Price: ~ $65
Best Foam Cannon Buying Guide
Don’t just rush out there and grab the first foam cannon you see. There are a few things that you need to know about these handy tools so you can purchase one that fits your needs.
Foam Cannon Types and Their Differences
There are essentially two types of foam cannons; fixed and adjustable. These types refer to the nozzle’s fan and volume.
Fixed foam cannons only spray in one pattern and at one volume. They’re generally safe for any vehicle. They’re also convenient because they can be attached and used immediately without any adjustments. Adjustable models have nozzles that twist to adjust the flow, angle, or fan of the foam. These can be adjusted for any scenario and they’re the most versatile, but they can be more finicky to use and there is always the potential of using too much pressure.
Compatibility with Your Pressure Washer
Foam cannons might not output a ton of pressure (more like a soft spray of thick foam), but they do require a lot of pressure to make them work properly. This requires a pressure washer. Most require around 1,000 psi for their best performance. Electric pressure washers might not produce enough pressure, but each model is different and the quality of electric washers is improving.
Material and Build Quality
Importance of High-Quality Materials
A foam cannon receives a lot of pressure on its inlet side, where the water exits the pressure washer gun and enters the foam cannon. Because of this, it’s important to ensure that the foam cannon is made from durable materials. Otherwise, the foam cannon will eventually fail and could even break off the gun.
Durability and Longevity
When it comes to durability and longevity, high-quality materials (as we mentioned above) are key. But leaks are a foam cannon’s worst enemy. There are a couple of ways to deal with a leak, though. First, keep the pressure as low as possible while still producing a thick foam. Also, wrap any threaded connections with plumber’s tape to create a solid seal that won’t allow water to leak.
Price Range and Budget
Finding the Right Balance
There’s a tricky balance to strike between quality and practical uses. Folks who use their foam cannon professionally need a high-quality foam cannon, which might be quite expensive. But for those who only wash their car a few times a year, a less expensive model will typically do the trick.
Value for Money
The most expensive foam cannon isn’t always the best model. Many DIYers and part-time users can get away with a cheaper pressure washer that will perform just as well for their needs. Getting tricked into paying more for a foam cannon is a common issue, so shoppers need to do their research.
Foam Cannon Features and Adjustability
Adjustable Spray Patterns
Some of the best foam cannons have adjustable spray patterns. These patterns allow the users to choose how wide the spray pattern is so they can get the best coverage and reach possible. For instance, a small car that can easily be reached can be sprayed with a wide fan, but a tall truck with a roof that’s tough to reach might require a concentrated spray to reach and cover the surface. The adjustable spray patterns allow users to reach all of these areas with the same cannon.
Soap Ratio Adjustment
The user has to start their foam cannon off with a jar of premixed water and soap, which is usually a 1:10 to 1:8 soap-to-water ratio. After that, they can use the adjustable foam control to adjust the amount of water in the spray. Almost all foam cannons come with a soap ratio adjustment.
Uses of Foam Cannons
Foam cannons have several uses, so they’re handy to have around. The following are the most helpful uses for a foam cannon, though even more may exist.
Car Washing and Detailing
Foam cannons are at their best when washing cars. Users can fill their tanks with water and soap, attach them to a pressure washer, and easily spray their entire vehicle with the soap, saving time, water, and soap.
Keep in mind that most foam cannons suggest that users spray the vehicle first with water before applying the soap mixture. Luckily, foam cannons attach quickly, so users can spray their vehicle with the pressure washer before snapping the foam cannon into place.
Benefits for Car Enthusiasts
Car enthusiasts specifically appreciate foam cannons, as they allow them to wash their cars at home with greater detail than the self-wash stations, and they don’t have to worry about the grit and sand that could be embedded in the brushes of an automatic car wash.
Household Cleaning
Effective Cleaning of Surfaces
Foam cannons can be handy when cleaning certain surfaces. For instance, a homeowner could use their foam cannon to apply a siding cleaner to their home before using a scrub brush and rinsing with the pressure washer.
Similarly, a foam cannon could be used for applying soap to outdoor garbage cans and outdoor furniture. One could even use it to apply an environmentally friendly cleaner to concrete driveways, wood decks, and other surfaces. The cannon makes it easy to cover the entire surface with soap, using water and soap more efficiently than a hose and bucket.
Time and Effort Savings
The brush and bucket trick might work, but it takes a long time and a lot of effort. A foam cannon saves a lot of time, allowing users to apply soap and water to a surface in a fraction of the amount of time it takes to brush the soap onto the surface. Also, the foam ensures an even application of soap, while a brush and bucket do not.
Commercial and Industrial Applications
Cleaning Large Vehicles and Equipment
Large commercial trucks and equipment are hard to detail and expensive to clean. A foam cannon allows folks to apply soap to these vehicles quickly and easily, especially with the spray pattern set to a concentrated stream. They’re able to step back from the vehicle, adjust the angle of the nozzle, and completely cover the vehicle in soap in far less time than they would with a brush and bucket.
Industrial Degreasing
Foam cannons are great for industrial degreasing applications. Whether it’s a cooking grill, an oily garage floor, or a piece of equipment, the user can apply the foamy degreaser to the surface, allow it to sit, switch the nozzle on the pressure washer, and rinse the surface clean from grease.
Safety Considerations When Using a Foam Cannon
While foam cannons themselves aren’t dangerous, the pressure washers that power them can be. There are a few important safety points to know.
Proper Handling and Operating Procedures
Pressure washers have enough power to cause serious injury if they come in contact with the user’s skin. It’s important to keep the nozzle pointed in a safe direction and not place your hand in front of the spray. Also, be careful not to cross your feet or legs with the spray, as the pressure can bore a hole through clothing and cut through flesh very easily.
Preventing Kickback and Recoil
Make sure to keep a two-handed grip on the pressure washer at all times. Kickback and recoil occur when the user applies pressure to the trigger and the full stream of pressure fires from the barrel. This forces the gun backward or the tip upward, potentially causing an injury. One hand should be on the handle and the other should be on the wand but far from the tip.
Choosing Safe and Appropriate Chemicals
It’s never a good idea to mix chemicals of any sort. After using your foam cannon, be sure to rinse the drum with fresh water and spray until the stream comes out clear and without foam. This will ensure any residual chemicals inside the foam cannon are spent.
Handling and Storage of Chemicals
Cleaning chemicals should be handled and stored carefully. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles when pouring the cleaning chemical into the drum as well as when spraying the foam cannon. When done, clean the foam cannon and safely store the chemicals according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Recommended PPE for Foam Cannon Users
Foam cannons are relatively low pressure compared to a pressure washer, so the required PPE is really more a result of the chemical being used than the actual foam cannon. For example, most car wash solutions are relatively environmentally safe and are unlikely to cause skin or breathing problems, so other than a pair of safety glasses, PPE is not a major concern.
However, for degreasers, harsh cleaners, and other less friendly chemicals, a respirator, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and safety glasses should be worn.
Storing Your Foam Cannon and Pressure Washer
There are a few things to keep in mind when storing your foam cannon and pressure washer. First, disconnect the two to make them easier to store and less likely to break. Second, avoid leaving water or chemicals inside the foam cannon or pressure washer, especially during the colder months.
Maintenance to Ensure Longevity
The best way to ensure the longevity of your foam cannon is to clean it after every use and avoid storing it together as one piece. Make sure to disconnect the two pieces to prevent snapping or damaging them at the connection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foam Cannons
What Is a Foam Cannon and How Does It Work?
A foam cannon is a pressure washer accessory that helps the user apply a thick soapy foam to a surface. It attaches to the pressure washer gun and features a hopper with a water-soap mixture inside. As the pressure washer sprays water into the hopper, it causes the mixture to foam and shoot out the front of the foam cannons.
Are Foam Cannons Compatible with All Pressure Washers?
No, some pressure washers might not have enough pressure to utilize a foam cannon. They often need 1,000 psi or more to operate effectively.
How Do I Adjust the Foam Thickness?
You can adjust the foam thickness by increasing the amount of soap in the hopper. For instance, if you’re using 10 parts water to 1 part soap, you could do 8 parts water to one part soap to increase the foam thickness.
Can I Use a Foam Cannon for Commercial Cleaning?
There are a lot of applications for these products, including commercial uses like spraying restaurant equipment, detailing vehicles (commercial and passenger), and operating a pressure washing business.
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