Foam Cannon vs. Foam Gun: Best Car Washing Tools for the Money

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Most car owners find hand washing their cars at home a tedious chore. This leaves the only alternative of taking the vehicles out to the car wash and paying for experts to do it. However, this might not be a good idea, especially if you are a gardening enthusiast with various gardening tools.

MUST READ:  Best Garden Hose Nozzle for Car Wash

MUST READ:  The Best Spray Nozzle

Investing in a car pressure washer not only saves on car washing costs but also brings more fun when cleaning the car as a family. If you already have the washer, it is prudent to enhance your car washing technique by purchasing foam cannons and foam guns. The importance of these attachments is to pre-clean as it removes loose dirt before the actual washing.

Foam cannons and foam guns makes DIY car washing less tiresome and time consuming. If you are still finding difficulties in understanding how these equipment works, and the best models on the market, you are in the right place. Read on to find out how your car will benefit from investing in one.

Top Foam Cannons and Foam Guns on the Market

Product Name Key Feature Our Score
Adam’s Red Foam Cannon and Snub Nose 98%
DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon
  • Accurate foam mixture
  • Adjustable nozzles
96%
TriNova Foam Cannon
  • Bottleneck prevents from cracking
  • Tolerates wide PSI
95%
Chemical Guys EQP Professional Foam Cannon
  • Has air injector controller
  • Powerful vertical jet nozzle
92%
Gilmour 1609706073 Cleaning Sprayer Foamaster
  • Adjustable concentration
  • Accurate solution
90%
MATCC Adjustable Foam Cannon
  • Easy to assemble
  • Quality premium brass make
89%
Sun Hoe SPX – FC34 Foam Cannon
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Deep cleaning action
87%
Fasmov Foam Cannon
  • Saves on detergent use
  • Fast rinsing action
85%
SudMagic Foam Cannon
  • Rust resistant build
  • Touchless wash
83%
Vivreal Foam Gun
  • Multiple applications
  • Fit most garden hoses
83%

1.    Adam’s Red Foam Cannon and Snub Nose

Our top product is from the reputable Adam’s Polishes and comes top for many reasons. Adam’s Red Foam Cannon and Snub Nose features impeccably high foam power and production. It also comes with multiple spraying patterns that help the foam cling and cover both small and large areas.

You will be impressed by the construction and durability of this foam cannon. The unit has all moving parts that disconnect and swivels fluidly yet sturdily made. It is made from high-quality Italian parts and assembled in the USA for ascertained quality. All the metal parts are also made with durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel that assures longevity.

Using Adam’s Red Foam Cannon and Snub Nose reveals more of its features such as the linear-pull, excellent comfort grip that is easy to squeeze with easy control of the rate of flow. You can comfortably use to detail all your cars for hours without fatigue.

Pros

  • High adjustability
  • Comfortable use
  • Works well with all pressure washers
  • Durable with sturdy make

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Only works with pressure washers
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2.    DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon

Among the priority considerations when looking to buy a foam cannon is that it should provide an accurate mixture. This comes in handy, especially for those who aren’t experienced enough to balance the foam ratio. If you have the same problem, consider the DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon as a reliable option that generates premium foam quality and quantity.

The unit comes with an adjustable nozzle that makes it easy to combine the foam with water for an assuring result. It comes with all you need to ensure that the ratios are right. This is easy as well, thanks to the transparent bottle that enables users to watch their liquid quantities.

The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon can hold up to one-liter of foam. This amount should be sufficient for car washing, ensuring that you don’t overdo the coverage. The foam cannon also works exemplary well with all pressure washers with pressure ratings above 1000.

You will also like the heavy-duty design and make of this foam cannon. Most pressure washers are long-lasting, and it would be disappointing to have a foam cannon that requires frequent replacement. The brass connectors coupled with the durable design ascertain this.

Pros

  • Accurate foam mixture
  • Adjustable nozzles
  • Durable design
  • Brass connectors

Cons

  • Few manufacturing defects
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3.    TriNova Foam Cannon

The TriNova Foam Cannon is a high-quality foam cannon that works with pressure washers both at the high end and at the low end of the PSI scale. The unit’s pressure scale ranges from 800 to 3500PSI, making it a suitable product of choice for use with nearly all pressure washers.

Among the best features of this product is the canister design. Its triangular shape means that you can place the canister down without worrying about it tipping over. Besides, you don’t have to don’t a place to lay it down as with other narrow models.

The TriNova Foam Cannon canister is also built with a crack-resistant design. The wide bottleneck shape won’t wear out, despite repeated use. the wide neck also makes it easy to pour foam solutions into the cannon without spills, unlike the experience of dealing with other products. The steel and brass trimmings also ascertain a longer lifespan.

The adjustable knob and hose offer total control over the treatment process and users can generate as much foam as they need. All you need to do is twist the hose for more solution.

Pros

  • Bottleneck prevents from cracking
  • Tolerates wide PSI
  • Doesn’t tip over
  • Generates dense foam
  • Easy to fill and rinse

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Canister not calibrated
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4.    Chemical Guys EQP Professional Foam Cannon

As much as it is satisfying to scrub your car at home, the swirl marks and scratches left by hand washing equipment isn’t worth. Besides, water conservation should be a priority concern, especially where pressure washers are being used.

That said, the Chemical Guys EQP Professional Foam Cannon should be your go-to remedy for effective cleaning, less water use, and sparkling clean car.

Like other foam cannons, this model brings forth better cleaning effects compared to bucket washing.

Unlike the Gilmore Foam aster, this unit produces thick snowy foam that provides an assurance of satisfactory foam wash. The foam cannon can be used with any pressure washer.

The main advantage of foam washing is that it penetrates deep into the crevices of the car, removing even the stubborn dirt. The foam pre-soaks the car paint, assuring of a perfect vehicle wash.

With the Chemical Guys EQP Professional Foam Cannon, its vertical jet nozzle provides perfect control of the desired foam level. This minimizes the accidental over spraying or wastage associated with basic foam cannons. Besides, the foam mixture can be adjusted aided by the air-injector controller. This helps in getting an accurate mixture for washing needs.

Pros

  • Thick snowy foam
  • Can be used on various vehicles
  • Has air injector controller
  • Powerful vertical jet nozzle

Cons

  • Flimsy jet nozzle
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5.    Gilmour 1609706073 Cleaning Sprayer Foamaster

Foam cannons have evolved over time, with newer models making it easier to clean your cars at home. Well, the Gilmour 1609706073 Cleaning Sprayer Foamaster features a simplistic technology that helps DIY car cleaners to achieve perfect cleaning with much ease.

This foam gun has a generous wide mouth that minimizes the spills and makes it easy to refill if you run out of the foam solution when washing. Note that simple carelessness such as spills can result in wasting a lot of foam solution, which could go a long way in helping you achieve a perfect cleaning result.

The gun also comes with a fan spray that helps users in maximizing the space they spray the solution on. With this, you will require minimal effort to spread out the foam mixture to the cleaning area. You will also certainly like the quickset dial that helps in providing the exact and accurate amount of cleaning solution simply by keying in the mixing ratio. E will provide the highest concentrated solution, while A provides a milder solution.

Pros

  • Wide mouth
  • Adjustable concentration
  • Fan spray assures an even concentration
  • Accurate solution

Cons

  • Foam solution not thick
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6.    MATCC Adjustable Foam Cannon

MATCC is a widely recognized brand, popular for manufacturing the most robust and competent foam cannons for pressure washers. The MATCC Adjustable Foam Cannon adds to its quality product list, with all the reasons to be included in our list of the best products.

Starting is its flexible foam lance that can be adjusted to different angles for fast and accurate cleaning. The cannon’s framework also has a 0.25” outlet with a one-liter container that stores the foam soap. For best results, users should adjust the water pressure of the pressure washer to more than 1000PSI.

The maximum flow of this unit is approximately 20liters per minute. Besides, it comes with a heavy-duty design assured by the brass fittings that can be customized for assured durability.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • High spraying capacity/rate
  • Quality premium brass make
  • Adjustable stream to soap ratio
  • Heavy-duty design

Cons

  • Needs a pressure washer that can handle high pressures
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7.    Sun Hoe SPX – FC34 Foam Cannon

Sun Hoe is among the first brands that manufacture high-quality vehicle products at affordable prices. Like other high-end products on our list, the Gilmour 1609706073 Cleaning Sprayer Foamaster is perfect for car washing enthusiast looking to save both time and energy in their tasks.

An outstanding feature of this product is its lightweight and silent design that offers effective cleaning. It eliminates grime on the car surface compared to other products in its price range.

It is also sleek, overly portable, and powerful, thanks to its 14.5amph 1800-watt motor that ensures a perfect cleaning. You will also enjoy the convenience brought by the digital dial section, handgun, and spray wand that offers better cleansing.

Its durable framework is made from plastic that makes it rustproof and resistant to shocks. The canon works best with Sun Joe pressure washers in the market.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to adjust the foam amount
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Deep cleaning action

Cons

  • Uses Sun Joe pressure washers only
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8.    Fasmov Foam Cannon

The Fasmov Foam Cannon stands out for two main reasons. The first one being that it produces the same high-quality performance with all kinds of detergents, including dish soaps and car shampoos. Secondly, it is adept in bringing the best from whatever liquid solution used.

With good quality mix, ardent car cleaners can clean more than one car with a single full bottle. It also provides measured success even with low soap to water ratio, since it produces thick and abundant suds. That said, those using costly car shampoo cleaners will save on cost due to long refill times.

The nozzle can also be adjusted to achieve a wide spray pattern or stream depending on the part being aimed at. That aside, Fasmov Foam Cannon gives users the ability to adjust the amount of detergent being used. For instance, if you regularly wash your vehicle, a thin coating foam should produce the desired results. This additionally saves on the detergent use.

Another benefit of the Fasmov Foam Cannon is that it can work with low PSI of 800. Therefore, you won’t necessarily need strong pressures to use it. You can also choose to use cold water or warm it to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros

  • Saves on detergent use
  • Fast rinsing action
  • Produces lots of dense and snow-like foam
  • Works well with various detergents
  • Works with weak pressure washers

Cons

  • Flimsy components
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9.    SudMagic Foam Cannon

Like other quality foam cannons in our list, the SudMagic Foam Cannon is designed to work nearly all the pressure washers available on the market. The unit works with maximum pressures of 3200PSI, which is way above what most pressure washers can provide. It also features a 0.05-inch adapter that first a built-in 0.04” orifice.

The foam cannon provides exemplary results when used with both gas and electric powered pressure washers. As for foam production, which is one factor that most cleaning DIYs lookout, it generates dense and clinging suds.

The dense thickness of the generated foam makes it possible to achieve a touchless car wash, eliminating the need to wipe off build-up debris before cleaning. The height of the foam can be adjusted based on the size of the vehicle. The quantity of the suds can also be controlled, a great feature that enables users to achieve decent foam even with low settings.

Pros                                                                                                 

  • Solid construction
  • Rust resistant build
  • Touchless wash
  • Clear usage instructions

Cons

  • Inappropriate bottle measurements
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        10.      Vivreal Foam Gun

Unlike foam cannons, foam guns can only be used with garden hoses. Therefore, they are a great choice of car washer equipment if you don’t own and don’t want to incur the cost of purchasing a pressure washer. The Vivreal Foam Gun fits and can be used with both small and standard garden hoses with no issue.

The unit comes with chenille wash mitt in the package. The mitt s made of micro-fibers to avoid streaks and swirls caused by sponges thus ascertaining a scratch-free cleaning. It also has eight varying spray patterns, and you can choose one that works best for you. You can apply your washing detergent and rinse it off with the mist, jet, or fan pattern. However, you should get a thick coating detergent since the gun uses a garden hose instead of pressure washers.

Those looking for multipurpose tools will also find the Vivreal Foam Gun very handy. With the various available spray patterns, you can use it for all gardening tasks such as washing pets, cleaning windows, and much more. You will additionally enjoy working with the padded pistol grip that provides additional comfort when in use.

Pros

  • Solid build
  • Multiple applications
  • Fit most garden hoses
  • Easy to use
  • Comfortable grip
  • Multiple spray patterns

Cons

  • Difficulties turning the knob
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Foam Cannon and Foam Gun FAQs and Buyer’s Guide

What is the difference between Foam Cannon and Foam Guns?

Foam cannons and foam guns have similar names and used essentially to achieve the same result, but work differently. The first clue to their difference comes from their names. However, the functional difference is that foam guns are designed specifically to be used with garden hoses as foam cannons work well with pressure washers.

Despite the simple nature of foam guns, the fact that they can only be used with garden hoses implies that;

  • The effectiveness of foam guns relies on the pressure of water coming from the hose.
  • It uses more water than foam cannons. It will take a lot of low-pressure water to accomplish enough task that high-pressure water would do.
  • The foam from the fun is weak and runs off quickly without achieving much cleaning.

Foam cannons, on the other hand, as mentioned, works with pressure washers. This automatically makes them quite complicated than the simple foam guns. For starters, you will need a pressure washer and high-quality brass connectors that attach the pressure washer to the foam cannon. Don’t worry though, as this extra effort brings along some serious benefits, which include;

  • Combined high water pressure with foam results in an outstanding clean
  • It minimizes wastage as less water is being used
  • It is an efficient method of cleaning your car.

What are the considerations when choosing a foam cannon?

Having outlined the importance of foam cannons, you should keep in mind several factors to find the best product. Among them, include;

  • Connectors – as mentioned, connectors are essential in joining the pressure washer to the foam cannon. Using a poor connector will let out water pressure making the tool less efficient. Most of the models outlined above use brass connectors that provide the best value on the market.
  • Versatility – make sure that your product of choice can be used in other applications. For instance, apart from cleaning your car, you can use it for concrete driveway cleaning and other tasks.
  • Solid build – note that these tools are subjected to a lot of work and abuse. For instance, they handle a lot of water pressure, that can easily destroy them. Connectors are one of the weak points of the entire set. Therefore, ensure that the entire piece of made with a solid build that can hold up to tough conditions.
  • Capacity – it is boring having to stop for a refill after every few minutes into washing. Therefore, ensure that you get a foam cannon with a reasonable capacity that can store enough liquid solution for use during the entire cleaning period.
  • Foam generation – in most cases, the denser the foam is, the clingier it is. Dense foams are better as it makes it easier to perform a pre-clean. The watery foam will easily wash off, and won’t stick on the vehicle, thus reduced time of breaking down any present dirt. This is why you should consider how the tool generates and uses detergent.
  • Ratio adjustability – as mentioned in the product descriptions, some foam cannons can be adjusted while others are static. This totally depends on the manufacturer, and various models allow users to control various features, including spray foam and water flow. Go for such units if you need a flexible product.
  • Pressure output – ensure that you know the pressure ratings of the foam cannon before using it with a pressure washer. Ignoring this increases the risk of blowing off your new foam cannon, especially if the washer has more pressures than what the cannon can handle.
  • Ease of use – even simply made devices can be tough to use. Some designs are also flawed, making it difficult to use. That said, always settle for a cannon with user-friendly features.
  • Accessories – purchasing a product with extra features is always a plus. Some manufacturers provide these accessories as part of the purchase while others require that users purchase them separately.

The Bottom Line

Foam cannons and foam guns are essential car washing tools that are perfect for pre-cleaning. Your choice of product should efficiently remove dirt, dust, and any other accumulated debris before washing the car. This makes it safer and easier to achieve a clean wash.

There are both cheap and premium products available in the market. However, note that cheap options break easily and may not be of much value. Premium models, including some of the products mentioned above, should be your priority choice. The recommendations above cover products of varying budgets, increasing the chances of finding your sought-after car washing tools.

Finally, have you used any of the products above? If so, share with us your experience in the comments section below!

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