When it comes to cleaning your car pressure washers & foam cannons have become handier & easier to use compared to traditional ways of washing your car.
With a bucket, soap, mittens, sponges, or rags. Using a foam cannon to wash your car also helps to minimize scratches & abrasions.
Foam Cannons are basic car washing equipment attaching to a pressure washer & helps you mix the perfect amount of soap, water & air generating a thick layer of foamy soap blanket over your .
Even if you are not so much into washing your car pressure washers & foam cannons are an ideal way to wash your car with promising results.
Though washing your car using pressure washer & foam cannon is easy, finding one that suits your needs can get a little tricky.
And here comes the question “how do you choose a perfect foam cannon for your car?”
Well, you don’t have to worry because in this article we are going to discuss everything you need to know about foam cannons and we have made a list of the top 10 best foam cannons.
Before anything else let us take a look at the possible number of benefits provided by foam cannons.
Benefits of Foam Cannons
1. Use less soap & water
Foam cannons & pressure washers use a minimal amount of soap & water to ensure that once you are finished you won’t have to dump excess soapy water.
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2. Make clean-up easy
Say goodbye to taking out a sponge, bucket, and car wash soap again & again because with foam cannons all you have to do is attach it with a pressure washer, clean your car, roll it up and keep it inside.
3. Store car wash
By using a foam cannon, you can conveniently store your car wash concentrate in an air-tight sealed bottle and be sure it will ready to use whenever you wish to wash your car.
4. Cut down on time spent on washing your vehicle
Traditional ways of washing your car with two buckets include a chain of steps i.e., mixing the perfect amount of soap & water, applying the car wash & make sure it covers all those tiny cracks.
But with a foam cannon, all you need to do is attach it with a pressure washer, and in no time, you can spread & cover your car under a thick foamy soap layer.
Plus, you can cover all those tiny cracks or cervices just by turning the foam cannon towards that particular section or area of your vehicle.
5. Other uses
Foam cannons are multi-functional & can be used as a quick & effective solution for cleaning your dirty porch, lawn or patio furniture, two-wheelers, trailers, RVs, etc.
Types of Foam Cannons
While shopping for a foam cannon you will notice that they are available in a number of varieties, which are as follows:
1. Quick Release
Also known as quick-connect foam cannons, they are quite common in the market. They come with a 1/4″ male fitting that can be easily connected to most pressure washer wands.
Their quick-release characteristic means you can quickly & efficiently remove foam cannon from pressure washer.
Which means you can easily switch between washing or rinsing your car without having to buy a special instrument.
2. Adjustable
Adjustable foam cannons can be easily adjusted to not only spray more or less soapy foam but also in other patterns as well such as a fan or steam pattern.
Their adjustable characteristic also allows you to change your soap-water dilution ratio according to the dirtiness of your vehicle.
You can change the washing pattern according to the part of the vehicle you are cleaning.
It is advisable to use a fan pattern to cover your entire vehicle but to target & clean out stubborn or old stain stream pattern is best.
3. Interchangeable Nozzle Tips
It is a common characteristic & many foam cannons come with interchangeable nozzle tips with differences in the angle at which they spray.
Common angles at which they come includes 15, 25 & 40 degrees. These nozzles are to be attached with a pressure washer instead of foam cannon to directly spray water wherever required.
4. Bottling
By this, we refer to the opacity or transparency of foam cannon bottles, which varies depending on their manufacturer.
So, for those that enjoy the foam cannon mechanism of work, a transparent model is better because opaque bottles will not allow you to see it.
This characteristic is not related to how foam cannon works, so choose either, but with opaque bottles, you will have to depend on its weight to check out if it’s near-empty or half-filled, etc.
5. Professional Grade
By this, we mean heavy-duty materials, namely stainless steel that is more sustainable against abuse and a lot of manufacturers label their product as one.
Quick-release foam cannons bottles & nozzle tips are generally made of heavy-duty materials for extended durability and to produce a thicker foam for easy cleaning as well.
Though higher-quality materials are also indicative of higher prices.
Top 10 Best Foam Cannons
Foam cannons are efficient & affordable popular car washing equipment marketed by number of manufacturers, each product comes with their advantages.
Thus, we have a made list of Top 10 Foam Cannons, making it easier for you to choose one.
1. DUSICHIN Adjustable Foam Cannon (SFL-001)
First on our list we have DUSICHIN SFL-001, it is an adjustable foam cannon that comes with 1/4″ quick release brass connectors which ensures longer durability.
The product features a 33-ounce bottle, which means you won’t have to refill it again & again.The product supports water flow ranging from 2.0-5.3 GPM and a pressure of 1,000 – 3,000 PSI.
With its fully adjustable feature, you can control & change soap-water mix & how much foam it generates, depending on how dirty your vehicle is.
As the bottle is quite opaque, you may face some problems to monitor the foam liquid mix left.
Apart from this, the product provides amazing features at a reasonable price. Although some may have complained about bottle neck-breaking, it is totally user-dependent.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Nozzle,
- 1/4″ Quick Release lance,
- Made of Plastic,
- Stainless steel & Brass,
- Flow range 2.0 GPM – 5.3 GPM,
- Pressure range 1,000 PSI – 3,000 PSI.
2. Best with a Hose: Chemical Guys TORQ Foam Blaster
The first thing you need to know about this product is that it can be used without a pressure washer, which means it can be used with a normal water hose.
The product comes with an adjustable spray lance, which allows you to customize the soap-water dilution ratio & foam sprayed.
It can hold around 1-litre of premix and is made from heavy-duty materials such as Brass & Aluminum.
It is specially designed with an easy-to-use trigger & a precision spray handle for better efficiency. Also, you can also stop the water flow using its nozzle when it is not in use.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Dilution ratio,
- Compatible with standard hose,
- Made from Brass & Aluminum,
- Designed with precision spray handle & easy to use the trigger,
- Ideal for users who don’t have a pressure washer.
3. MATCC Adjustable Foam Cannon
An important thing to note about this product is that it is similar to DUSICHIN SFL-001 foam cannon i.e., 1/4″ quick release fitting, supports water flow.
Ranging from 2.0 to 5.3 GPM and pressure range of 1,000 to 3,000 PSI, Brass connectors, and holds 33-ounce of liquid.
However, it differs from DUSICHIN with its expanded range of adjustability i.e., it allows you to customize the amount and the concentration of foam it sprays.
It is a multi-purpose product, which means you can use it to clean windows, driveways, porch, etc.
You can also change its spray pattern viz. fan or cylindrical. The core & main body is made from heavy-duty brass, while the foam maker is made from stainless steel.
Key Features:
- Changeable Spray Pattern,
- 1/4″ quick release fitting,
- Adjustable foam generation & control mix,
- Flow range 2.0 – 5.3 GPM,
- Pressure range 1,000 – 3,000 PSI,
- Manufactured from Plastic, Brass & Stainless Steel.
4. Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance
If you are looking for a highly-sustainable, sturdy foam cannon then this is the perfect choice for you.
Just like any other foam cannon presented in this list, Fasmov Adjustable Foam Cannon also comes with a 1/4″ quick release fitting, 1-liter capacity.
Its adjustable nozzle allows you to customize the amount of solution being sprayed & the angle of spraying as well.
Fasmov offers a translucent bottle, which means you can see the exact amount of solution left inside.
Key Features:
1/4″ quick disconnect fitting, Translucent bottle with 1-liter capacity, Brass Connectors, 2.0 GPM Flow, 1,000 PSI pressure, Adjustable nozzle.
5. Twinkle Star Foam Cannon
This product provides features similar to other products mentioned in the list; however, this product offers 5 different pressure washer nozzle.
Each with a different spraying angle for improved efficiency. Also, all of its connectors are made from high-quality brass only.
Twinkle Star Foam Cannons comes with standard key features including a 1/4″ quick release fitting, 1-liter capacity, 1,000 PSI pressure.
But it does offer support for a minimum 2.5 GPM flow pressure washer and can dispense foam up to 20 feet.
It is an adjustable foam cannon, so this means you can control as well as change the amount of water & thickness of foam it generates.
Key Features:
- 1/4″ quick release fitting,
- 5 different spray nozzles with different angles,
- 1-liter capacity bottle,
- Minimum flow of 2.5 GPM,
- 1,000 PSI pressure,
- Adjustable,
- Variable jet pattern.
6. MTM Hydro Original Adjustable Foam Lance
This product comes with an adjustable or multi-fan blade viz., narrow or jet so that you can control the amount of foam you want to spray on your vehicle.
The second amazing feature of this product is, it allows you to control the amount of soap being mixed with water, so you can customize the foam output.
MTM Hydro Foam Cannon comes with a 1/4″ quick release fitting, along with a couple of other fittings as well.
Can be used with a pressure washer ranging from 1,000 – 5,000 PSI and supports water flow of 1.8 – 5.3 GPM in a 32-ounce capacity bottle made from heavy-duty material.
However, MTM Hydro Foam Cannon is a bit pricey.
Key Features:
- Adjustable fan blades,
- 1/4″ quick disconnect fitting plus a couple more,
- Flow range 1.8-5.3 GPM,
- Pressure range 1,000-5,000 PSI,
- Adjustable soap-water dilution ratio.
7. Blisstime Adjustable Snow Foam Lance
Blisstime Foam Cannon unlike any other foam cannon so far mentioned in this list comes with a free chenille microfiber car wash mitt absolutely free.
Its features include a 1/4″ quick disconnect fitting, high-quality brass connectors, 1L capacity translucent bottle making it easier to keep an eye on the amount of soap premix left inside.
As it is adjustable, it allows you to control & change the amount of foam being dispensed as well as the angle & pattern at which it is being dispensed.
Key Features:
- 1/4″ quick release fitting,
- High-quality brass connectors,
- Translucent 1L capacity bottle,
- 0 GPM minimum flow,
- 1,000 PSI of pressure,
- Adjustable spray angle & pattern,
- Free car wash mitt.
8. Obetome Adjustable Quick Release Foam Cannon
This one is another good foam cannon with features same as of the other foam cannons including 1/4″ quick release fitting, quality brass connectors, 1l capacity, 2.0 GPM flow, and a minimum of 1,000 PSI of pressure.
It also includes 2 adjustable dials, one to customize the amount of foam dispensed and another one to change spray pattern (wide or narrow).
Now, you must be wondering if it holds the same feature then why should we choose this product & not the others?
Well, the one distinguishes feature of this product is that it comes with exterior marking, so you will know how much of the premix is still inside.
Although, this feature doesn’t concern with car washing it does make the job a little easier, plus their customer services are very attentive & responsive.
Key Features:
- 1/4″ Quick release fitting,
- 1L-bottle with exterior capacity markings,
- Brass connectors,
- 0 GPM required flow,
- 1,000 PSI of pressure,
- Adjustable spray pattern & foam dispensing amount.
9. Tool Daily Foam Cannon
This product comes with 5 different nozzle tips similar to Twinkle Star Foam Cannon each one with different color & angle which includes-
0 degrees (RED), 15 degrees (YELLOW), 25 degrees (GREEN), 40 degrees (WHITE), and 65 degrees (BLACK).
Apart from this, Tool Daily Foam Cannon is equipped with features such as 1/4″ quick disconnect fitting, brass connectors, 1L capacity bottle, adjustable spray pattern & control over foam generation.
It is compatible with most of the pressure washers supporting water flow of 2.0-5.3 GPM and pressure ranging between 1,000-5,000 PSI.
Key Features:
- 5 spray nozzle tips with varying angles of dispense,
- 1/4″ quick disconnect fitting,
- Adjustable spray pattern & foam dispense,
- 1L bottle,
- Flow range: 2.0-5.3 GPM,
- Pressure range 1,000-5,000 PSI.
10. SudMagic Foam Cannon
Here comes our last but not least product, and we actually mean it because this product has some distinguishing features you may not find elsewhere.
The first thing to notice about SudMagic foam cannon is that it features a brass threaded bottle unlike other bottles with plastic thread, this ensures longer durability & unlike other foam cannon bottles it won’t strip over.
The second important feature is it comes with two orifices: 1.1 mm & 1.25 mm to work with different pressure washers.
Its top knob is for adjusting the thickness of foam & the nozzle controls foam spray being dispensed.
Other standard features include 1/4″ quick disconnect fitting, Heavy duty brass connectors with industrial-strength HDPE bottle.
Compatible for pressure washers with a maximum flow of 5.3 GPM & a maximum of 3,200 PSI of pressure.
This might be on the expensive side but if you are looking for a product with high sustainability then this is just for you.
Key Features:
- Brass threaded & industrial-strength HDPE bottle,
- Measuring marks on the bottle,
- 1/4″ quick disconnect fitting,
- Maximum Flow: 5.3 GPM,
- Maximum pressure: 3,200 PSI,
- With two orifices (1.1mm & 1.15mm) it’s compatible with both electric & gas pressure washer,
- Adjustable foam thickness & spray pattern,
- Stainless Steel filter.
FAQs
1. Does a foam cannon really work?
When it comes to washing your car, then nothing can beat a good quality foam cannon with an efficient pressure washer.
Foam cannons blanket your car with the exact amount of thick layer of foam needed to do the job.
The only thing you will need to do is scrub it and wash it down with a good car wash mitt.
2. Do you need a pressure washer for foam cannon?
This entirely depends on the type of foam cannon you are using. While most of them do require a pressure washer but there are some that can be operated using a garden hose.
3. Do you wet the car before snow foam?
It is recommended to always snow foam onto a dry car. Because water acts as an inhibiting agent i.e., the foam will not penetrate dirt & grime and cause the foam to run off your vehicle.
4. Does foam clean better?
There is no doubt that foam cleans vehicle better than any other traditional method. It not only cleans your car thoroughly but keeps it cleaner for enough amount of time.
Foam particles act as a barrier & don’t allow dirt or grime to sit on your vehicle’s surface.
5. What PSI is safe for washing cars?
Ideally, a pressure washer with pressure settings ranging from 1,200-1,900 PSI is best for washing cars with a water flow of 1.4-1.6 GPM. Any higher point than this and you may risk damaging your car’s surface.
6. Is a pressure washer worth it?
Absolutely. A pressure washer not only cleans your car efficiently but they are a great time & energy saver as well. Leaving you looking clean & fresh with minimal time, energy & effort.
7. Can you use any car wash soap in a foam cannon?
Well, the bottom line is to clean your car without causing any further damage. That is why it is recommended to use a specialized & professional car wash with a balanced pH.
8. Can I use wash and wax in a foam cannon?
Definitely. In fact, wash & wax seems to work quite well together especially when distributed from a foam cannon.
Just make sure that wash & wax doesn’t have a low pH (are not acidic) or aren’t too thick otherwise it can clog the foam cannon nozzle.
9. Can you use a Dawn in a foam cannon?
Well, you surely can try this. But, be careful because such a product might strip your car’s paint or its clear coat.
SO, we won’t really encourage this idea. However, instead of Dawn, you can go for Torq foam or a specialized foam cannon soap.
10. Why is my foam cannon not working?
As there can be many reasons “why your foam cannon is not working appropriately?”. If you ever face this issue, you can solve it by: first, make sure there is enough water in the pressure washer.
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Next, clean out your foam cannon i.e., rinse & wash all nozzles, connectors, or any attachments present. And at last, do ensure that your soap isn’t too thick as it can clog foam cannon.
Conclusion
Foam Cannon & an efficient pressure washer coupled together is the best way to clean every bit of your car with minimal effort, time, or energy.
But, if it is your first time with foam cannon, then I would suggest you use it to clean the porch or driveway.
To reduce the risk of possible damage. There are a number of foam cannons available in the market, most of which are universal but if you have any special needs then you can get one for that too.
