Walk into a farm store, a home center, or a hardware shop and you may spot a line of pressure washers finished in a distinctive red and gray, sitting at prices that look reasonable for their ratings. These are the ChoreMaster pressure washers, a series built by Mi-T-M Corporation, an American manufacturer based in Peosta, Iowa. They occupy a useful middle ground: better built than the cheapest big-box specials, but friendlier on the wallet than a full commercial rig. For a lot of homeowners, farmers, and small-business owners, that is exactly the right spot.
Understanding the ChoreMaster line matters because the name covers a range of machines, from a compact 1,400 PSI electric unit for light tasks to 4,200 PSI gas models that can handle serious cleaning. They share a family design, a set of useful features, and the reputation of a manufacturer that has been building cleaning equipment since 1971. This guide explains what ChoreMaster pressure washers are, who makes them, the model lineup and what each one can do, the difference between electric and gas versions, the features that set them apart, what they are best used for, and how to maintain and buy one wisely.
What ChoreMaster Pressure Washers Are
ChoreMaster is a product series rather than a separate company. It is produced by Mi-T-M Corporation, a manufacturer founded in 1971 and based in Peosta, Iowa, that builds pressure washers, generators, air compressors, and other cleaning equipment. The company is employee owned, and its equipment is sold through a dealer network and through retailers such as farm supply stores and industrial suppliers. That dealer support is one of the practical advantages of buying a Mi-T-M product, and the company’s official site documents the full line.
The ChoreMaster name is meant to convey exactly what the line is for: chores. These are machines for cleaning patios, sidewalks, siding, vehicles, farm equipment, and shop floors, the everyday work that keeps a property or a small business running. They are not marketed as the most powerful machines on the market, but as dependable, well-featured machines at a sensible price. There is also a broader ChoreMaster family that includes generators, so the brand appears on more than pressure washers alone.
The pressure washer models themselves divide into two clear camps: compact electric units and larger gas-powered machines. That split defines almost everything about how each machine is used, who should buy it, and what it can realistically clean. Our overview of ChoreMaster models explained covers the same family from a different angle, and this guide goes deeper into the specifics.
Where ChoreMaster Fits in the Market
Pressure washers sit on a spectrum from disposable to industrial, and ChoreMaster lands in the dependable middle. At the low end are inexpensive machines that clean lightly for a season or two and then fail. At the high end are commercial and industrial rigs built for daily professional use, with the price to match. ChoreMaster occupies the space between, offering construction, features, and support that budget machines lack, without the cost of a full commercial machine.
That positioning suits a particular buyer. A homeowner with a large property, a farmer who needs to clean equipment, a property manager maintaining several buildings, or a small contractor doing occasional paid work will find the ChoreMaster range a good fit. These users clean regularly and seriously, but they do not run a machine eight hours a day, five days a week. For that intensity, a belt-drive commercial machine is the better tool.
It helps to think in terms of cleaning units, the product of pressure and flow. Cleaning units are a more honest measure of cleaning power than pressure alone, because they account for how much water and force the machine delivers. Our guide on why flow beats PSI alone explains the principle, and Mi-T-M itself uses cleaning units in its own buying guidance, which shows the concept is central to understanding these machines. A ChoreMaster 3200, for example, produces around 7,680 cleaning units, which places it in the frequent-use category rather than the commercial or industrial range.
The ChoreMaster Gasoline Lineup
The gas models are the heart of the ChoreMaster line for anyone with serious cleaning to do. They share a design language and several features, but differ in pressure, flow, engine size, and pump type. Here is how the main gasoline models compare.
| Model | PSI | GPM | Engine | Pump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CM-3000 | 3000 | 2.4 | 212cc Mi-T-M OHV | Axial, fixed pressure |
| CM-3200 | 3200 | 2.4 | 212cc Mi-T-M OHV | Axial, adjustable pressure |
| CM-3600 | 3600 | 2.8 | 300cc Mi-T-M OHV | AR crankshaft, adjustable |
| CM-4200 | 4200 | 3.4 | 420cc Mi-T-M OHV | Crankshaft, adjustable |
These four models tell a clear story. The CM-3000 is the entry point, with 3,000 PSI and 2.4 GPM on a 212cc engine and an axial pump with fixed pressure. The CM-3200 steps up to adjustable pressure on the same engine. The CM-3600 adds a larger 300cc engine, higher pressure and flow, and an AR crankshaft pump, which is a meaningful durability upgrade over an axial pump. The CM-4200 is the range topper, with a 420cc engine, 4,200 PSI, 3.4 GPM, and a crankshaft pump, giving it the most cleaning power in the gasoline lineup. There is also a horizontal-shaft model, the CM-3000-4MMC, rated 3,000 PSI and 2.3 GPM with a detergent tank, aimed at home and small business users who value the compact horizontal layout.
The engine and pump upgrades across these models matter more than the pressure figures suggest. Moving from an axial pump to a crankshaft pump, and from a 212cc engine to a 300cc or 420cc unit, changes how long the machine lasts under hard use. If you plan to clean often, that progression is worth the extra cost. Our guide on choosing a pressure washer pump explains why pump type is so important.
The ChoreMaster Electric Lineup
Not everyone needs a gas machine, and Mi-T-M builds compact electric ChoreMaster units for light cleaning around the home. These center on the CM-1400 family.
| Model | PSI | GPM | Motor | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CM-1400-1MEH-M | 1400 | 1.5 | 1.5 HP, 120V | Hand carry / mister |
| CM-1400-0MEC | 1400 | 1.5 | 1.5 HP, 120V, 13.5 A | Cart, variable nozzle |
| CM-1400-0MEC-DM | 1400 | 1.5 | 1.5 HP, 120V, 13.5 A | Cart with hose reel, mister |
The electric ChoreMaster units are modest machines, rated 1,400 PSI and 1.5 GPM, which puts them firmly in the light-cleaning category. They are not intended for heavy jobs like stripping paint or cleaning large concrete areas; they are for washing vehicles, patio furniture, small walkways, and other light tasks. Some models come as pressure washer and mister combinations, which adds a misting function for dust control or gentle application, a niche but genuinely useful feature in some settings.
Because they are electric, these units run quietly, produce no exhaust, and can be used in places where a gas engine is impractical, such as inside a garage or near a food-preparation area. That makes them suitable for certain commercial environments where fumes are prohibited. Their light weight and simple operation make them easy for almost anyone to use. Our guide on the best PSI for pressure washer tasks helps you judge whether 1,400 PSI is enough for your needs.
Pressure, Flow, and Cleaning Units Explained
The numbers on a ChoreMaster spec sheet only make sense with a little context. Pressure, measured in PSI, is the force of the water. Flow, measured in gallons per minute, is the volume. Multiply the two and you get cleaning units, the honest measure of a machine’s production.
Take the CM-3200. At 3,200 PSI and 2.4 GPM, its cleaning units are 3,200 multiplied by 2.4, or about 7,680. Now compare that to a larger machine at 4,000 PSI and 3.5 GPM, which produces about 14,000 cleaning units, nearly double. Mi-T-M’s own guidance uses this comparison to show how a more powerful machine can cut a job from eight hours to four, which at a professional hourly rate translates into real money saved. That is why flow and pressure together, not pressure alone, determine how fast a machine cleans. Our guide on what GPM means for pressure washers explains the idea in plain terms, and our guide on why flow beats PSI alone goes deeper.
For a ChoreMaster buyer, the practical takeaway is that a higher model does not just clean harder; it cleans faster because it moves more water. If your jobs are large or frequent, stepping up the range in pressure and flow pays off in time. If your jobs are light and occasional, the smaller models do the work at a lower cost.
Electric vs Gas: Which ChoreMaster Is Right
Choosing between the electric and gas ChoreMaster machines comes down to the size of your jobs and the environment you work in.
Choose electric if your cleaning is light and occasional, you value quiet operation and no exhaust, you work near places where a gas engine is impractical, and you want a machine that is simple to start and maintain. The CM-1400 family fits these needs, handling vehicles, patios, small walkways, and furniture. It will struggle with heavy concrete cleaning, paint stripping, or large surfaces, because its pressure and flow are modest.
Choose gas if your cleaning is frequent or heavy, you need to reach areas without an outlet, and you want the power to clean driveways, siding, decks, farm equipment, and vehicles efficiently. The CM-3000 through CM-4200 models deliver far more cleaning power and run without a cord. The trade-offs are noise, exhaust, fuel handling, and more maintenance.
A useful rule is to match the machine to the hardest job you actually do. If you clean a large driveway, siding, and equipment, a gas ChoreMaster makes sense. If you wash a car and a few patio items, the electric unit is simpler and cheaper to own. Our guide on what a 3000 PSI machine can do helps set expectations for the gas entry model.
The Pump: Why It Matters More Than Pressure
The pump is the heart of any pressure washer, and ChoreMaster models use different pump types that affect durability. The smaller models use axial pumps, while the larger models use crankshaft pumps, sometimes sourced from AR, a well-known pump manufacturer.
Axial pumps are compact, inexpensive, and common on consumer machines. They work well for occasional use, but they are less tolerant of heat, run at engine speed, and are generally not rebuildable, so they are replaced rather than repaired. On a ChoreMaster used for light to moderate cleaning, an axial pump is acceptable. Under frequent use, it becomes the limiting factor.
Crankshaft pumps use a crankshaft and pistons or plungers and are more robust, run cooler, and can often be rebuilt. The CM-3600 and CM-4200 use crankshaft pumps, which helps explain their higher prices and longer expected life. If you plan to use a machine often, the crankshaft pump is the better investment. Our guide on the parts of a pressure washer pump shows what is inside each design.
Pump quality also affects maintenance. A pump with a forged brass manifold and quality seals resists corrosion and wear better than a cheaper unit, and it can be rebuilt with seal and valve kits when it wears. When evaluating a ChoreMaster model, look at the pump type, not just the engine. The machine’s long-term durability lives in the pump.
Features That Set ChoreMaster Apart
Part of what justifies the ChoreMaster price over the cheapest machines is a set of practical features. These appear across the line and add real value in daily use.
Mi-T-M Pressure Relief Start. This feature reduces pressure buildup in the system, making the machine easier to start, especially after it has been sitting at full pressure. It is a small thing that becomes a big convenience over time.
Thermal relief valve. When the gun is closed and water recirculates, heat builds up quickly. A thermal relief valve releases a little hot water to protect the pump from overheating, one of the leading causes of early pump failure.
In-line water strainer. A strainer keeps debris out of the pump, where it would damage valves and seals. It is inexpensive insurance and a sign of thoughtful design.
Built-in low-pressure detergent injector. Many ChoreMaster models include a detergent injector that applies soap at low pressure, then lets you rinse at high pressure. This makes cleaning faster and more effective on greasy or dirty surfaces.
Forged brass manifold. A brass manifold resists corrosion and holds up better than cheaper materials, protecting the pump’s internals.
Quality frame and tires. Powder-coated steel frames and flat-free or semi-pneumatic tires make the machine sturdy and easy to move over rough ground, which matters on a farm or a job site.
Individually, these features are modest. Together, they separate a machine designed to be used from one designed to be sold. That is the ChoreMaster proposition: dependable equipment with the details that reduce frustration. Our guide on pressure washer components from pump to nozzle explains how each of these parts fits into the whole machine.
What a ChoreMaster Is Best Used For
Matching the machine to the job is the key to satisfaction. ChoreMaster pressure washers excel at a well-defined set of tasks.
Home exteriors. Siding, decks, fences, and patios are natural ChoreMaster territory, especially with the gas models that provide enough pressure and flow to clean efficiently. Use a wide nozzle on siding and wood to avoid damage.
Driveways and sidewalks. The larger gas models handle concrete well, especially with a surface cleaner attachment that cleans flatwork evenly and quickly. Our guide on a surface cleaner for flat surfaces explains how they work.
Vehicles and equipment. Cars, trucks, tractors, and shop equipment clean well with a ChoreMaster machine, especially with a detergent injector for a pre-soak. The gas models handle farm machinery effectively.
Light commercial cleaning. Small businesses use ChoreMaster machines for sidewalk, entry, and equipment cleaning. The line straddles the residential and commercial boundary, which is exactly its appeal.
Light tasks for the electric models. The CM-1400 units handle vehicles, patio furniture, small walkways, and gentle cleaning where their modest power is sufficient.
Where ChoreMaster is not the right choice is in heavy, continuous commercial or industrial work. A machine running full-time every day needs a belt-drive commercial rig with a high-flow pump. For those users, a ChoreMaster is a step too small. Our guide on the best pressure washer for commercial use covers what to look for in that tier.
Maintaining a ChoreMaster Pressure Washer
ChoreMaster machines reward routine care with long service. The maintenance routine is straightforward.
Change the pump oil. Oil-lubricated pumps need their oil changed on schedule, using the correct non-detergent pump oil. Axial pumps may be maintenance free, but crankshaft pumps benefit from regular oil changes. Our guide on oil for gas pressure washers covers the details, and our guide on choosing pump oil helps you select the right type.
Service the engine. Change the engine oil, check the spark plug, clean the air filter, and use fresh, stabilized fuel. A well-maintained Mi-T-M or Honda engine runs for years. Storage with old fuel is the most common cause of hard starting.
Keep the inlet filter clean. A clogged strainer starves the pump and causes cavitation, which damages it. Wash the strainer regularly. Our guide on the inlet water filter explains why it matters.
Protect from freezing. Water left in the pump freezes and cracks it. Winterize with antifreeze before the first freeze. Our guide on winterizing a gas pressure washer walks through the process.
Check hoses, nozzles, and O-rings. Replace worn O-rings and damaged hoses, and clear or replace clogged nozzles. Small parts cause most performance problems. Our guide on an O-ring kit to seal leaks covers the common fixes.
Tune it up each season. A seasonal tune-up restores peak performance and catches small issues before they become failures. Our guide on a pressure washer tune-up puts the routine in one place. Following these habits, a ChoreMaster can serve reliably for many years.
Parts, Support, and Buying a ChoreMaster
One of the strengths of buying a Mi-T-M product is the support behind it. Because Mi-T-M builds and sells through a dealer network, parts and service are generally available, which is not always true of cheap machines with no manufacturer behind them. Common wear items such as nozzles, O-rings, hoses, and pump rebuild kits are readily sourced, and engines from Mi-T-M or Honda are widely serviceable. Our guide on finding pressure washer parts covers where to look.
When buying, confirm the exact model and its specs, since ChoreMaster covers a wide range. Look at PSI, GPM, engine size, and pump type, and match them to your jobs. Check the warranty terms, and buy from a dealer or retailer that can support service. If you buy used, inspect the pump for leaks and the engine for smoke or unusual noise, and check that the pump oil is clean. A well-kept Mi-T-M machine holds value and can be a smart used purchase. Our guide on pressure washer components helps you inspect the important parts.
Also consider what the machine does not include. Some models omit a detergent tank, a hose reel, or a longer hose, which you may need to add. Decide whether the variable-pressure nozzle that comes with one model suits you better than the quick-connect nozzles on another. Small differences in the included accessories affect how pleasant the machine is to use, so compare the contents, not just the ratings. Our guide on choosing a wand helps when upgrading accessories.
Is a ChoreMaster Pressure Washer Worth It?
For the right buyer, yes. ChoreMaster machines offer a combination that is hard to beat at their price: an American manufacturer with decades of experience, useful features like the pressure relief start and thermal relief valve, a range of models from light electric to powerful gas, and a support network for parts and service. They are built for the chores that fill a homeowner’s or small business’s calendar, and they handle those chores well.
They are not the cheapest machines, and they are not full commercial rigs. A buyer looking for the absolute lowest price may find something cheaper that will not last. A buyer who needs daily, all-day commercial performance should step up to a belt-drive commercial machine. For the wide middle ground between those extremes, ChoreMaster sits comfortably, offering dependability and support that budget machines cannot match. Industry bodies such as the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association recognize equipment in this class as professional-grade cleaning tools when it is used and maintained properly.
How Cleaning Units Translate Into Job Time
The abstract idea of cleaning units becomes concrete when you apply it to real work. Mi-T-M’s own comparison is instructive. A ChoreMaster rated 3,200 PSI and 2.4 GPM produces about 7,680 cleaning units and, in their example, takes roughly eight hours to complete a large job. A more powerful machine at 4,000 PSI and 3.5 GPM produces about 14,000 cleaning units and does the same job in roughly four hours. At a professional rate of, say, eighty dollars an hour, that difference saves hundreds of dollars in labor on a single job.
For a homeowner, the calculation is about personal time rather than money. If a job that would take eight hours takes four, the upgrade pays for itself in a weekend afternoon. This is why flow, not just pressure, drives satisfaction with a pressure washer. Two machines can both say “3,000 PSI” and still clean at very different rates if their flow rates differ. When you compare ChoreMaster models, or a ChoreMaster against another brand, multiply PSI by GPM and compare the result. The number that comes out is the one that predicts how fast you will finish. Our guide on why flow beats PSI alone makes the case in detail.
The practical lesson for a ChoreMaster buyer is to buy slightly more machine than their smallest recurring job would require. A machine sized exactly to a light task will feel slow on anything bigger, while a machine with a step of extra power handles both the small and the medium jobs comfortably. Mi-T-M publishes guidance on choosing a pressure washer by cleaning category, and it is worth reading before you buy. You can find Mi-T-M’s pressure washer selection guidance on their official site and their how-to blog.
ChoreMaster Compared to Other Brands
Buyers naturally want to know how ChoreMaster stacks up against the names they see everywhere. The honest answer is that it occupies a distinct position, and understanding that position helps you choose.
Against budget big-box brands. Cheap pressure washers at the low end often use lightly built pumps, thin frames, and minimal support. A ChoreMaster typically costs more but offers better construction, features like the pressure relief start and thermal relief valve, and the backing of an American manufacturer with a dealer network. For someone who will use the machine regularly, the ChoreMaster is usually the better long-term value.
Against premium consumer brands. Established names such as Simpson and others build strong consumer machines, and the competition is real. The choice often comes down to specific features, warranty terms, and the engine and pump fitted to a particular model. Mi-T-M’s advantage is its engineering heritage and support, plus the consistency of its lineup.
Against full commercial rigs. A belt-drive commercial machine with a high-flow triplex pump will outlast and outperform any ChoreMaster on heavy, daily work, but it costs far more. If your work justifies that investment, it is the right call. If not, the ChoreMaster gives you much of the dependability for a fraction of the price. Our guide on the best pressure washer for commercial use helps draw that line.
The honest summary is that ChoreMaster is not the cheapest and not the most powerful, but it is a well-built, well-supported middle option. For buyers in that middle, it is a smart choice.
Choosing the Right Nozzle for a ChoreMaster
The nozzle controls how the machine’s power meets the surface, and choosing the right one prevents both poor cleaning and damage. Most ChoreMaster gas models ship with quick-connect nozzles in several angles, plus a detergent nozzle.
The 0-degree (red) nozzle produces a pinpoint stream with the highest concentrated force. It is useful for tough spots but is aggressive and can etch concrete or damage wood and paint. Use it sparingly and with care.
The 15-degree (yellow) nozzle is a strong general-purpose tip for stripping and cleaning hard, durable surfaces such as concrete and brick. It removes stubborn material well but is still aggressive on softer surfaces.
The 25-degree (green) nozzle is the all-around workhorse for most cleaning tasks, balancing force and coverage. It suits siding, decks, driveways, and general surfaces without being overly harsh.
The 40-degree (white) nozzle is the gentlest and is used for rinsing and for delicate surfaces, where a wide, soft spray avoids damage.
The detergent nozzle applies soap at low pressure so it can dwell on the surface before rinsing. Most ChoreMaster models include a low-pressure detergent injector and a corresponding nozzle for this purpose.
The general rule is to use the widest, gentlest nozzle that still does the job, and to test on a hidden area before committing. Matching the nozzle to the surface is the difference between a professional result and an expensive repair. Our guide on which color tip to use for concrete and other surfaces goes deeper, and our guide on matching PSI to the task helps you calibrate expectations.
Setting Up a ChoreMaster and First Use
Getting a new ChoreMaster running correctly the first time sets the tone for its life. A few steps prevent common early problems.
Read the manual. It specifies the engine oil, pump oil, fuel type, and starting procedure for your exact model. These details matter, especially the pump oil specification.
Fill the engine with oil before first start. Many gas engines ship without oil. Running one dry damages it immediately, so check and fill the engine oil first. If the pump is oil-lubricated, check its oil level through the sight glass as well.
Connect a supply that exceeds the flow. Feed the machine from a tap or tank that supplies more water than the pump demands. A starved pump cavitates and wears quickly. Use a short, wide supply hose and confirm the water flows freely before starting.
Purge air from the system. Connect the hose and gun, turn on the water, and squeeze the trigger until a steady stream flows with no sputtering. Trapped air causes rough running and can damage the pump.
Start and test. Start the engine per the manual, and test the machine on a safe area to confirm steady pressure and no leaks. This is also the moment to check the connections and the nozzle.
Break it in. New machines benefit from a gentle first session, after which you check oil levels and connections again. Following these steps ensures the machine starts its life correctly. Our guide on pressure washer components from pump to nozzle helps you understand what you are setting up.
Common ChoreMaster Problems and Fixes
Most issues with a ChoreMaster, or any pressure washer, trace back to a handful of causes. Recognizing them speeds repair.
Loss of pressure. Usually a worn or clogged nozzle, a clogged inlet strainer, a worn pump, or a stuck unloader. Swap the nozzle first, then check the strainer, then the pump.
Pulsating or surging spray. Often trapped air or an insufficient water supply. Confirm the supply exceeds demand and purge the system thoroughly.
Pump overheating. Usually caused by running the machine with the trigger closed for too long, a stuck unloader, or a failed thermal relief valve. Let the machine rest and address the cause; never defeat the thermal relief valve.
Milky pump oil. Water has entered the pump, usually through worn seals. Rebuild the pump promptly to prevent rust and further damage.
Hard starting engine. Most often stale fuel or a gummed carburetor, especially after winter storage. Drain and refresh the fuel, and clean the carburetor if needed.
Water leaking from connections. Usually worn O-rings, which are inexpensive and easy to replace. Keep spares on hand. Our guide on an O-ring kit to seal leaks covers the common culprits.
Addressing these issues early keeps a ChoreMaster running for years and avoids the spiral where one ignored problem leads to an expensive failure. Our guide on choosing and replacing a pump helps if the pump itself needs attention.
Accessories That Extend a ChoreMaster
A ChoreMaster becomes more capable with the right accessories, and several are worth considering.
Surface cleaner. For flatwork such as driveways and patios, a surface cleaner cleans faster and more evenly than a wand, and it keeps the spray contained. It is one of the most valuable add-ons for a gas ChoreMaster.
Longer hose. A longer high-pressure hose lets you reach further without moving the machine, which saves time on large properties. Keep the diameter matched to preserve flow.
Rotating or turbo nozzle. A rotating nozzle concentrates force into a spinning pattern that cleans hard surfaces quickly, a useful option on higher-pressure models.
Extension wand. For reaching siding, gutters, and second-story areas, an extension wand adds reach from the ground. Our guide on wand extension types and safe use covers the choices.
Spare nozzles and O-rings. Keeping spares on hand means a clogged nozzle or worn O-ring does not stop a job. They are cheap and small.
Hose reel. A reel keeps the hose organized and speeds setup, especially on a machine that travels. Our guide on matching a reel to your machine helps choose one.
These accessories let a ChoreMaster tackle bigger, faster, and more varied work. Buying them to match the jobs you actually do keeps the investment sensible.
New vs Used ChoreMaster Machines
Because Mi-T-M machines are well built and well supported, a used ChoreMaster can be a smart buy. The keys are inspection and honesty about the machine’s history.
Inspect the pump. Look for leaks, check the pump oil for milkiness, and look for cracks. A pump repair or replacement is the largest potential expense, so it deserves attention.
Inspect the engine. Start it, listen for unusual noise, and watch for smoke. Check the oil and the air filter. A Mi-T-M or Honda engine in good condition lasts a long time.
Test under pressure. Run the machine with water and a nozzle, and confirm it builds steady pressure without surging or leaking.
Check the frame and tires. Rust and flat tires are fixable but indicate how the machine was stored and used.
Confirm parts availability. Because it is a Mi-T-M product, parts are generally available, which makes a used machine a reasonable risk. A well-kept ChoreMaster that was maintained with clean water, fresh oil, and proper winterizing can serve a second owner for many seasons. Our guide on where to find pressure washer parts helps you plan for replacements.
Reading a ChoreMaster Model Number
Model numbers look cryptic but decode into useful information. Take the CM-4200-0MMB. The “CM” stands for ChoreMaster. The “4200” is the pressure rating in PSI. The trailing letters describe the configuration: the “M” groups indicate a Mi-T-M engine, and the final letters identify the pump, frame, or feature set. Other suffixes signal differences such as a horizontal-shaft engine, an electric motor, or a special feature. The “CM-1400-1MEH-M” decodes as a ChoreMaster rated 1,400 PSI with an electric motor and a specific configuration. Learning to read these codes lets you compare models at a glance and confirm exactly what you are buying.
This matters when shopping, because two machines with similar pressure can differ in pump type, engine, and included accessories, and the model number is how you distinguish them. Write the exact model number down and look up its spec sheet before purchase, rather than relying on a display sign or a sales tag. Our guide on pressure washer components explains what each part does, so you can judge which configuration fits you. It is also worth reviewing how the broader lineup is organized, which our guide on ChoreMaster models explained covers.
Storing a ChoreMaster Between Uses
How you store a pressure washer between uses determines much of its lifespan. Poor storage causes more failures than hard use.
Drain and winterize. If there is any chance of freezing, run antifreeze through the pump and coil, or at minimum drain all water thoroughly. A cracked pump from a single freeze is a common and avoidable loss. Our guide on winterizing a gas pressure washer details the process.
Treat or drain the fuel. Gasoline left over a season gums up carburetors and causes hard starting. Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine briefly to circulate it, or drain the fuel entirely before long storage. Fresh fuel at the start of the next season saves a carburetor cleaning.
Store upright and dry. Keep the machine on level ground in a dry place, and store the hoses and gun so they are not kinked or under strain. A covered spot protects the frame’s powder coating and the engine.
Protect the pump. Use pump protector or antifreeze for oil-lubricated pumps during storage, and keep the inlet strainer clean. This protects the seals from drying out and cracking.
Do a pre-season check. Before the first use of a new season, check oil levels, prime the pump, and inspect hoses and nozzles. A short tune-up restores peak performance and catches small issues early. Our guide on a seasonal pressure washer tune-up walks through the steps.
Proper storage is unglamorous but decisive. A machine stored with care runs like new year after year, while one stored carelessly develops leaks, hard starts, and eventual pump failure.
Understanding What You Get for the Price
It helps to see a ChoreMaster as a sum of its parts, because the price reflects them. The engine, the pump, the frame, the accessories, and the support behind the machine all contribute.
The engine is often a Mi-T-M OHV unit, which is a genuine cost and a genuine benefit: it is designed for pressure washer duty and is backed by a three-year warranty on many models. A cheaper machine may use a generic engine with minimal support. The pump ranges from a basic axial unit on entry models to a durable crankshaft unit on the larger ones, and that difference is one of the most significant in the machine’s life. The frame, tires, and hose assemblies are sturdy rather than thin, which keeps the machine stable and easy to move. And the support network means that when something wears out, you can get parts.
Seen this way, the ChoreMaster price is not simply higher than a bargain machine; it buys proportionally more machine. The bargain may be adequate for very light, occasional use, but for anyone who cleans regularly, the ChoreMaster delivers more value over its life. Our guide on where to find power washer parts helps you keep it running, and our guide on seasonal tune-ups keeps its performance high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes ChoreMaster pressure washers? ChoreMaster is a series built by Mi-T-M Corporation, an employee-owned American manufacturer based in Peosta, Iowa, that has produced cleaning equipment since 1971.
Are ChoreMaster pressure washers any good? Yes, for residential and light commercial use. They are well built, feature thoughtful details, and come from a manufacturer with strong parts support, though they are not intended for daily industrial work.
What PSI does a ChoreMaster pressure washer have? The electric models are rated around 1,400 PSI, while gasoline models range from 3,000 to 4,200 PSI, depending on the model.
What is the most powerful ChoreMaster pressure washer? In the gasoline lineup, the CM-4200 leads with 4,200 PSI and 3.4 GPM on a 420cc engine with a crankshaft pump.
Are ChoreMaster pressure washers electric or gas? Both. Mi-T-M builds compact electric units in the CM-1400 family and larger gasoline models from 3,000 to 4,200 PSI.
Is ChoreMaster a good brand for a homeowner? Yes. The electric models suit light home tasks, and the gas models handle driveways, siding, decks, and vehicles well.
What pump do ChoreMaster pressure washers use? Entry models use axial pumps with fixed or adjustable pressure, while larger models such as the CM-3600 and CM-4200 use crankshaft pumps, including AR pumps on some models.
Where can I buy ChoreMaster pressure washers? They are sold through Mi-T-M’s dealer network and by retailers such as farm supply and industrial suppliers, as well as some home and hardware stores.
Can I get parts for a ChoreMaster pressure washer? Yes. As a Mi-T-M product, ChoreMaster machines are supported with parts and service through dealers, and common wear items are widely available.
What is the warranty on a ChoreMaster pressure washer? Many models carry a three-year engine warranty and a one-year pump or motor warranty, though terms vary by model, so check the specifics before buying.
Is a ChoreMaster good for commercial use? The larger gas models can handle light commercial work, but for daily professional use a belt-drive commercial machine is the better choice.
Can I use a surface cleaner with a ChoreMaster? Yes. A surface cleaner attaches through the wand and works well on the higher-flow gas models for flatwork such as driveways and patios.
What engine do ChoreMaster pressure washers use? Most gasoline models use Mi-T-M’s own OHV engine, in sizes from 212cc up to 420cc depending on the model.
Is a ChoreMaster good for washing a car? Yes. Use a wide, gentle nozzle and the low-pressure detergent injector, and keep the tip at a safe distance to avoid damaging paint or trim.
How much does a ChoreMaster pressure washer cost? Prices vary by model and retailer, ranging from a few hundred dollars for the compact electric units to well over a thousand for the largest gas models, so compare specs and not just price.
Can a ChoreMaster run from a water tank? Yes, provided a suitable supply is used and the pump is fed with enough water and volume. Running a pump dry or starved will damage it, so set up the supply carefully.
What oil does a ChoreMaster pressure washer pump use? Use the pump oil specified in your manual, typically a non-detergent pump oil, and change it at the interval Mi-T-M recommends for your model.
Are ChoreMaster electric models safe for indoor use? Their electric motors produce no exhaust, which suits some indoor and enclosed settings, but always follow the manual, keep water away from electrical components, and use proper outlets and cords.
Final Thoughts
The ChoreMaster pressure washer line is a sensible answer to a common question: what should I buy if I want dependable cleaning equipment without overspending on a commercial machine or wasting money on a disposable one? Mi-T-M’s answer is a range of electric and gas machines with practical features, a trusted engine, and the support of an established American manufacturer.
Match the model to your work. Choose electric for light, quiet, occasional cleaning, and gas for frequent or heavy jobs. Pay attention to the pump type, because a crankshaft pump in the larger models pays off over time. Take care of the machine with routine oil changes, clean water, and proper winterizing, and it will reward you for years.
For homeowners, farmers, and small-business owners who want dependable equipment without the price of a full commercial rig, the ChoreMaster pressure washer is a sensible, well-supported choice that gets the chores done.