Cleaning your car can transform from a chore into a satisfying activity, especially when you incorporate a foam cannon into your routine. There’s something undeniably enjoyable about blanketing your vehicle in thick, luxurious foam using your favorite snow foam or car shampoo. As foam cannons have surged in popularity, the market has become saturated with options, making it challenging to discern the truly effective products. In 2023, the variety of foam cannons available is vast, ranging from budget-friendly finds on Amazon to premium models. With so many brands now in the game, finding the Best Foam Cannon Pressure Washer for your needs requires careful consideration.
From inexpensive $15 foam cannons to high-end $100 models, there’s a foam cannon for every budget and level of car detailing enthusiast. We’ve put numerous foam cannons to the test to identify the top 5, catering to both serious detailers and weekend hobbyists looking for the best foam cannon pressure washer experience.
Are Expensive Foam Cannons Always Better?
While it’s often true that you get what you pay for, this isn’t always the case with foam cannons. Our testing included several “expensive” foam cannons that underperformed, even being outperformed by models costing significantly less. It’s crucial not to equate a high price tag or brand name with superior quality. We’ve done the legwork for you, weeding out the overpriced and ineffective units to ensure you don’t waste money and end up disappointed. Our goal is to help you find the best foam cannon pressure washer without breaking the bank.
What to Consider When Choosing a Foam Cannon
Several factors come into play when selecting the best foam cannon pressure washer for your car cleaning needs. The primary consideration is whether you already own a pressure washer. Foam cannons are specifically designed to attach to pressure washers and won’t function with a standard garden hose alone, for hose connection you would need a foam gun.
Budget is another significant factor. We’ve curated a selection of foam cannons across various price points, ensuring there’s a suitable option for almost every budget. If you only plan to use a foam cannon sparingly, a high-end model might not be necessary. Consider your intended frequency of use and choose accordingly.
Are you a professional detailer or someone who details cars regularly? If you rely on detailing for your livelihood or even as a serious weekend pursuit, investing in a durable, reliable foam cannon that will withstand frequent use is a smart decision. Durability and consistent performance are key for those seeking the best foam cannon pressure washer for professional or frequent use.
MTM PF22.2 Foam Cannon: The Industry Benchmark
When foam cannons are mentioned, MTM is a name that immediately comes to mind. For years, MTM has been the leading manufacturer of top-tier foam cannons, widely regarded by professionals as the best foam cannon pressure washer available.
The MTM PF22.2 is their latest flagship model, embodying everything you’d expect from a premium foam cannon. Made in Italy with high-quality materials, it boasts a robust build, an attractive design, a stable base that prevents tipping, and, most importantly, it generates an incredible amount of foam. This foam cannon is a staple in the professional detailing industry, perfectly suited for garage setups, driveway detailing, or mobile operations. Its reliability and performance are unmatched, making it a top contender for the best foam cannon pressure washer title.
MTM PF22.2 Foam Cannon
MTM PF22.2 Foam Cannon: A top choice for those seeking the best foam cannon pressure washer, offering professional-grade foaming and durability.
The MTM PF22.2’s versatility is another key advantage. It’s compatible with a range of detailing chemicals, from snow foams and car shampoos to stronger solutions like all-purpose cleaners and wheel & tire cleaners. Its robust construction ensures it will perform reliably for years.
Ease of use and consistent performance are hallmarks of the MTM PF22.2. It comes with a 1.1MM orifice, which optimizes foam production when paired with smaller pressure washers like Ryobi or Karcher. For more powerful pressure washers like Kranzle, Active 2.0, Active VE52, or AR Blue, the pre-installed 1.25MM orifice is ideal.
Using a 1.1MM orifice with high-powered pressure washers can strain the motor and pump, potentially shortening their lifespan. In most cases, the 1.25MM orifice will deliver exceptional foam and is generally the best foam cannon pressure washer setup for longevity and performance balance.
We’ve tested numerous excellent foaming shampoos with the MTM PF22.2, including Vonixx V-Floc, The Detail Firm Exterior Lather, Adam’s Car Shampoo, Lithium Double Tap, Vvash Hyper Foam, Carmistry Car Shampoo, and CarPro Reset, among others. The MTM consistently enhances the performance of these shampoos, creating thick, clinging foam.
The MTM excels in spray pattern adjustability. It easily transitions between a wide fan spray and a focused stream for wheels and tires. While many foam cannons offer adjustable patterns, the MTM stands out by maintaining its set position securely, enhancing the user experience. We also tested MTM Snow Foam with the PF22.2 and were impressed by its incredible foaming action and pleasant scent.
Despite its leadership in the foam cannon market, the PF22.2 isn’t without minor areas for improvement. The bottle opening is somewhat narrow, which can lead to spills when filling. A wider mouth bottle would be a welcome enhancement. Additionally, the mixed material construction of the bottle and sprayer body (plastic and metal) can make cross-threading a risk if you’re rushing. A more durable plastic bottle and threaded connection could improve long-term usability. However, these are minor points. Overall, the MTM PF22.2 is an exceptional foam cannon and rightfully holds its position as a top choice for the best foam cannon pressure washer.
Using code GLOVEBOX15 at MTM Hydro Parts, you can save 15%, bringing the MTM PF22.2 price to under $90, a fantastic value. Even at its regular retail price of over $100, the MTM PF22.2 remains a worthwhile investment for those serious about car detailing and seeking the best foam cannon pressure washer.
MJJC Foam Cannons: Innovation in Car Detailing
MJJC has rapidly gained recognition in the detailing industry, particularly in the foam cannon segment. In 2023, MJJC has become synonymous with quality and innovation, incorporating the best features from existing foam cannons and adding their unique touches to create outstanding products. They’re quickly becoming known for offering some of the best foam cannon pressure washer options on the market.
The MJJC Foam Cannon Pro V2 and the MJJC Foam Cannon S V3 are both exceptional, well-built, and competitively priced foam cannons. Many detailers and hobbyists now consider these MJJC models to be among the best foam cannon pressure washer choices available, and it’s easy to see why.
Visually, the Pro V2 and S V3 differ noticeably. The Pro V2 is wider and shorter, while the V3 is taller and narrower, featuring a clear bottle, a nice aesthetic touch. The Pro V2’s bottle shape is highly functional, but it has a semi-opaque white color, like frosted glass. Both bottles are easy to fill and allow you to monitor chemical levels, but the clear bottle of the S V3 offers slightly better visibility. The Pro V2 uses a traditional threaded cap, whereas the S V3 features a quick-disconnect bottle system for easy attachment and removal, a notable innovation in foam cannon design.
Like the MTM PF22.2, both MJJC cannons come with interchangeable orifices to optimize foam production for different pressure washers. They also offer adjustable spray patterns, allowing for vertical or horizontal fan orientation. However, unlike the MTM, the MJJC cannons don’t maintain their spray pattern position as firmly and can rotate more easily. While not a major drawback, it’s a slight difference compared to the MTM’s more secure adjustment mechanism. The build quality and materials of both the MJJC Pro V2 and S V3 are excellent, suggesting long-term durability.
Based on our experience and reviews from detailers like IMJOSHV on YouTube, performance differences between the MJJC Pro V2 and S V3 are negligible. Personal preference often comes down to aesthetics. For example, the blue and white MJJC S V3 might appeal to those with blue-themed garages, while the red and black Pro V2 might be preferred by others. Despite being taller and thinner, the S V3 remains stable and resistant to tipping, a common issue with some cylindrical foam cannons.
A standout feature of the MJJC foam cannons is the weighted ball at the end of the internal hose. This ensures consistent chemical draw and continuous foam spraying regardless of the angle you’re working at. Both the Pro V2 and S V3 are priced at $89.99, offering excellent value for their foam performance and design quality. They are strong contenders for the title of best foam cannon pressure washer in their price range.
Many retailers offer deals on MJJC foam cannons, so it’s worth shopping around for the best price. In a head-to-head comparison with the MTM PF22.2, discerning which produces superior foam is incredibly difficult. Ultimately, the choice between them often boils down to personal preference.
Griot’s Garage Brilliant Finish Foam Cannon: Best All-Around Value
If you’re seeking a foam cannon that’s user-friendly, budget-conscious, well-made, and performs exceptionally well, the Griot’s Garage Brilliant Finish Foam Cannon is an excellent choice. Priced at $65, it’s more affordable than the MJJC Pro V2, S V3, and MTM PF22.2, while offering comparable quality and performance. For many car enthusiasts and detailers, this represents the best foam cannon pressure washer for overall value.
The wide-mouth bottle facilitates easy pouring, and a unique narrow thread pattern inside the red cap allows direct attachment to Griot’s Garage 22-ounce and 35-ounce bottles, adding to its convenience. The machined aluminum manifold, finished in black, complements the red cap and nozzle aesthetically. The rubberized nozzle is easy to grip and adjusts from a 4-degree targeted stream to a 0-degree wide fan. The double-threaded cap design allows for quick bottle changes, ideal for using multiple chemical solutions without emptying and refilling the standard 33-ounce bottle.
Maintenance is straightforward, similar to other foam cannons in this guide, and replacement parts are readily available. The Griot’s foam cannon excels at producing both thick, shaving cream-like foam and thinner, more fluid foam, depending on your needs and the car shampoo or snow foam used. While designed to work seamlessly with Griot’s Garage products, it performs admirably with a wide range of car care chemicals.
The Griot’s foam cannon is compatible with various pressure washers and, like other top models, can be adjusted to suit different pressure and flow rates. For new detailers seeking an accessible, affordable, yet high-performing option, or experienced detailers needing versatility, the Brilliant Finish Foam Cannon is a smart investment. It’s a strong contender for the best foam cannon pressure washer for value and ease of use.
FENG PAI Foam Cannon: The Best Low Budget Option
For weekend warriors, hobbyists, or those just starting in car detailing, numerous decent, budget-friendly foam cannon options exist. Be wary of rebranded, generic foam cannons sold under various names online, often without any real brand backing, except for the reputable brands discussed above.
Amazon offers a vast selection of affordable foam cannons. Among the lower-priced alternatives we tested, the FENG PAI clear foam cannon stood out. Priced around $20.99, and often available for $15-$16 on sale, it offers remarkable performance for the price. It features a quick-disconnect system, like most modern foam cannons, and a large, clear bottle that’s easy to fill and handle.
The FENG PAI foam cannon produces surprisingly good foam, offers decent adjustability, and makes an excellent backup to higher-end units. It’s also ideal for applying all-purpose cleaners for pre-washing, wheel & tire cleaners, and other tasks where a premium foam cannon might be overkill or exposed to harsher chemicals. Using a more affordable foam cannon for harsher chemicals can help extend the lifespan of your more expensive models like the MTM, MJJC, or Griot’s Garage units. Like all foam cannons, the FENG PAI requires basic care and maintenance. It’s easy to clean, and replacement parts are generally easy to source. For its price, it’s arguably the best foam cannon pressure washer option for those on a tight budget.
Which is the Best Foam Cannon Pressure Washer on the Market?
Determining the absolute best foam cannon pressure washer is subjective and depends on individual needs and priorities. If budget is no concern and you demand unwavering performance and reliability, the MTM PF22.2 is the top recommendation.
For a balance of durability, excellent performance, and affordability, the MJJC units are highly recommended, often available for under $80 on sale. They represent a sweet spot for many detailers seeking a high-quality foam cannon without the top-tier price.
For hobbyists or those seeking a user-friendly, budget-conscious option that still delivers great performance, the Griot’s Garage Brilliant Finish Foam Cannon is an outstanding choice.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of the foam cannons on this list. The best foam cannon pressure washer for you depends on your detailing journey, budget, and specific needs. Regardless of your choice, using a foam cannon will undoubtedly elevate your car washing experience, making it more enjoyable and efficient, and likely earning envious glances from your neighbors as you wash your car in style.
Purchase Links:
MTM Hydro Parts Code: GLOVEBOX15 for 15% Off
MJJC Official Website Code: JHVKQ5HW for 10% Off
