Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501: Garden-Tested Truth

Trying to choose between the Sun Joe SPX3500 and SPX3501? You’re not alone. If you want a clean patio, mildew-free siding, or spotless garden tools, both are solid picks.

They look almost the same, but the SPX3501 has a built-in hose reel. That makes a big difference.

I’ve used both in my garden during wet seasons, storm cleanups, and heavy moss buildup.

In this guide, I’ll share what I found, so you can pick the one that works best for your home, space, and budget.

Sun Joe SPX3500 Review: Is It Right for Your Garden?

If you’re like me and love a clean patio or mildew-free path, a pressure washer is a must. I’ve used the Sun Joe SPX3500 for a few months now, and it’s been a big help in the garden.

This review is for anyone wondering, “Should I upgrade from a hose? Or from my old washer?” I’ll share what I like, what could be better, and who I think it’s best for.

What I Like About the SPX3500

Here’s what stood out after using it on many garden tasks.

• Strong and Steady Power: The 13-amp brushless motor is quiet and smooth. It doesn’t shake or buzz like cheaper models. It feels strong and steady while you work.
• Cleans Really Well: You get up to 2000 PSI at 1.59 GPM. That’s enough for patios, decks, fences, siding, and more. The pressure is strong and doesn’t drop, even after long use.
• It Doesn’t Tip Over: The frame is wide and heavy at the bottom. I pulled the hose around tight corners and small slopes—no tipping!
• Easy Nozzle Changes: You get five nozzles (0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap). I use the 25° and 40° most for paths and chairs. The 15° works great for mossy areas.
• Feels Sturdy: The body is tough plastic and holds up well outdoors. The wheels roll smooth, and the metal spray wand is solid.

What Could Be Better

No tool is perfect. Here’s what I’d change.

• Awkward Hose Spot: The hose hooks up near the base. If you don’t use a quick-connect part, it’s hard to attach, especially near tight garden taps.
• Stiff Hose: The 20-foot hose is short and stiff. It curls up on its own and is hard to straighten. A flexible aftermarket hose is a good fix.
• No Built-In Hose Reel: There’s no reel for the hose. I like it that way—less to break—but some might miss it.
• A Bit Heavy: It weighs around 46 lbs. It rolls fine, but you won’t want to carry it upstairs often.

My Gardening Experience

My first test was on the mossy bricks near my greenhouse. I used the 25° nozzle. It cleared the green gunk in one pass—no soap needed.

Later, I cleaned a fence that faces north and never gets sun. The mildew came off fast. I also washed our garden chairs and pots. They looked brand new again.

Setup took about 10 minutes. I used a brass quick-connect and a strong outdoor cord. Everything ran smoothly.

SPX3500 Performance at a Glance

Feature	Rating	Notes
Cleaning Power	5/5	Strong pressure for garden and home use
Build Quality	4.5/5	Solid parts and sturdy feel
Hose Flexibility	2.5/5	Too stiff and short
Noise Level	4/5	Quieter than most pressure washers
Ease of Use	4/5	Setup is easy; hose port could be better
Mobility & Storage	3.5/5	No reel and a bit heavy, but stable
Accessory Compatibility	5/5	Works with foam cannons and quick-connect nozzles

Who Should Buy the SPX3500?

This washer is great for:

• People with medium to large gardens
• DIYers who want power without gas
• Homeowners who clean patios, siding, or decks
• Users who want something solid and long-lasting

You Might Want to Skip It If:

• You need something very light (check the SPX3000 instead)
• You want a hose reel built in (look at the SPX3501)
• You don’t want to buy add-ons like quick-connect fittings

Final Thoughts on the Sun Joe SPX3500

The SPX3500 is a solid, well-built washer. It’s not flashy, but it works—and it works well. The motor feels like a step up from cheaper models. Yes, the hose could be better, but the rest makes up for it.

I actually enjoy using it—especially after a storm or during spring cleanup. If you want a pressure washer that gets the job done, this one won’t let you down.

Sun Joe SPX3501 Review: A Tidy Powerhouse with a Hose Reel Bonus

If you’ve ever fought with a tangled hose while washing your patio, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s what made me try the Sun Joe SPX3501. It’s a lot like the SPX3500—but with one big perk: a built-in hose reel.

After months of garden cleanup, here’s what I found—both the good and the not-so-good.

What I Like About the SPX3501

This washer doesn’t just look tidy—it works great too.

• Strong Cleaning Power: Like the SPX3500, it gives up to 2000 PSI and 1.59 GPM. That’s more than enough for patios, fences, dirty planters, and tools. The 13-amp motor runs smooth with low noise. It handles long jobs without slowing down.
• Hose Reel Included: This is the star feature. The reel holds the 20-foot hose, keeping it off the ground. It’s stiff at first, but way easier than winding by hand. It also helps keep things clean while you work.
• Quick-Connect Nozzles: You get five tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and a soap nozzle. I use the 25° for most jobs and the 15° on mossy spots. They click on fast and don’t leak.
• Tough Build: The body is made from weather-safe plastic. The metal wand feels solid. Big wheels help it roll over gravel or bumpy garden paths. After months outdoors, mine still works like new.

What Could Be Better

Even good tools have flaws. Here’s what didn’t impress me.

• Hose Reel Can Be Clunky: It works, but only if you guide the hose while winding. If not, it may jam or twist. It’s not hard—just slower than I’d hoped.
• Short Hose and Cord: The 20-foot hose and 35-foot power cord may not reach everything. I added a longer hose and used a heavy-duty cord to fix this. The stock hose is stiff and kinks in cold weather.
• Low Hose Connection: Like the SPX3500, the water hookup is near the base. If your tap is low or close to a wall, it can be hard to attach.

My Real-World Garden Use

I gave the SPX3501 a real test after a long week of rain. The patio was muddy, the wall had moss, and my raised beds were coated with dirt.

I used the 25° nozzle on the patio and the 15° on mossy spots. The hose reel helped a lot—I didn’t have to drag the hose through the grime I’d just cleaned.

Setup took less than 10 minutes. I used a quick-connect fitting and a strong outdoor extension cord. The washer ran strong the whole time without overheating.

SPX3501 Performance Overview

Feature	Rating	Notes
Cleaning Power	5/5	Clears patios, tools, fences with ease
Build Quality	4.5/5	Feels solid; wand and frame hold up well
Hose Flexibility	2.5/5	Hose is short and stiff
Noise Level	4/5	Quiet for an electric washer; smooth motor hum
Ease of Use	4/5	Reel helps, but hose port is low
Mobility & Storage	4.5/5	Rolls well; reel keeps it tidy
Accessory Compatibility	5/5	Works with foam cannons and quick-connect hoses

Who Should Buy the SPX3501?

Pick this washer if you:

• Want a tidy hose setup with less mess
• Have a medium-sized garden or patio
• Don’t want to deal with gas models
• Use foam cannons or add-on tools
• Need something stable that stays upright

Skip It If You:

• Need something very light (this weighs about 46 lbs)
• Don’t care about the reel and want a simpler model (try the SPX3500)
• Want a longer, more flexible hose out of the box
• Prefer a top-mounted hose hookup for easy access

Final Thoughts on the Sun Joe SPX3501

If your main pressure washer complaint is a messy hose, the SPX3501 will feel like a win. It has the same power and strength as the SPX3500, but with a bonus reel for neater storage.

It’s not small or light, and the hose could be better. But once you get used to it—or swap the hose—it becomes a reliable part of your garden gear.

Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501: Which One Is Best for Your Garden?

I’ve used both the Sun Joe SPX3500 and SPX3501 to clean patios, fences, garden chairs, and tools. These two electric pressure washers are very similar—but a few small things set them apart.

If you’re stuck choosing between them, this guide will help. I’ll compare them feature by feature from my real-world use.

Cleaning Power — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Cleaning Power	Notes
SPX3500	2000 PSI / 1.59 GPM	Consistent power for patios, fences, and siding
SPX3501	2000 PSI / 1.59 GPM	Same motor specs and strong output

Both models use the same 13-amp brushless motor, and both deliver solid, steady pressure. I washed muddy bricks, stained siding, and mildew on wood—all with equal success from both machines.

Rating: 10/10 for both

Hose Management — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Hose Setup	Notes
SPX3500	Loose 20-ft hose	No reel; hose needs coiling by hand
SPX3501	Built-in hose reel	Neater storage but requires guided winding

This is the big difference. The SPX3501 includes a hose reel, which keeps things tidier and off the ground. It helped keep mud off the hose after patio cleanups. The SPX3500 doesn’t have a reel, which means manually coiling the stiff hose—but it’s also simpler with fewer parts to jam.

Rating: SPX3500 — 6/10, SPX3501 — 8/10

Hose Flexibility — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Hose Quality	Notes
SPX3500	Stiff, 20-ft PVC hose	Kinks in cold; tough to uncoil
SPX3501	Same hose	Slightly easier due to reel but still stiff

Both come with the same short, stiff hose. On cold days, it practically has a mind of its own. You’ll probably want to buy a longer, flexible aftermarket hose if you’re working across a large area.

Rating: 5/10 for both

Setup & Usability — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Setup Time	Notes
SPX3500	~10 minutes	Easy to connect but hose port is low
SPX3501	~10 minutes	Same port placement; reel adds a step to rewind

Both models are quick to set up. I used a brass quick-connect fitting, which helped a lot. The hose connection is low on both units—if your tap is near a wall, it takes a bit of patience. The reel on the SPX3501 is handy, but winding the hose neatly takes practice.

Rating: SPX3500 — 7/10, SPX3501 — 7.5/10

Build & Durability — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Build Material	Notes
SPX3500	Tough plastic + metal wand	Feels solid; good for outdoor storage
SPX3501	Same materials	Same frame and wand; reel adds slightly more bulk

I left both machines outside in mild rain and sun. No rust, no trouble. The body is rugged, and the large wheels help with rough ground. Both feel built to last, but the reel adds a bit more complexity on the SPX3501.

Rating: SPX3500 — 9/10, SPX3501 — 9/10

Noise Level — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Sound Output	Notes
SPX3500	Low hum, brushless	Quieter than gas models
SPX3501	Same motor	Same quiet performance

These are two of the quieter pressure washers I’ve used. No screaming motor, no heavy vibration. You can easily talk while it’s running.

Rating: 8.5/10 for both

Mobility & Storage — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Portability	Notes
SPX3500	Stable, rolls well	Easy to wheel, awkward to lift
SPX3501	Same frame + reel	A bit bulkier with reel, but better for hose storage

Both models weigh around 46 lbs. That’s fine for rolling, but not for lifting up stairs. The SPX3501 is slightly bulkier with the reel, but it does help reduce hose clutter in the shed.

Rating: SPX3500 — 7/10, SPX3501 — 7.5/10

Accessory Compatibility — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Add-on Support	Notes
SPX3500	Foam cannon, QC tips	All tips included; works well with snow foam tools
SPX3501	Same	Same accessories and compatibility

Both models work great with foam cannons and quick-connect fittings. I tested a universal foam cannon on both and got thick, even foam for washing the car and siding.

Rating: 10/10 for both

Value for Money — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Approx. Price	Notes
SPX3500	Slightly cheaper	Lower cost; fewer moving parts
SPX3501	Slightly more	Adds hose reel; more features for neat storage

If price matters most and you don’t mind coiling the hose by hand, the SPX3500 gives excellent value. The SPX3501 is a bit more, but the hose reel can be a real quality-of-life improvement.

Rating: SPX3500 — 9/10, SPX3501 — 8.5/10

Overall — Sun Joe SPX3500 vs SPX3501

Product	Overall Score	Summary
SPX3500	8.5/10	Great for simple setups with fewer parts
SPX3501	8.7/10	Same power + neater hose storage

Both are excellent pressure washers for medium-sized gardens. Power and durability are equal. The SPX3501 gives you a hose reel for better organization, but adds a bit of bulk and complexity.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Pick?

If you want simple, solid, and don’t mind coiling your own hose, go for the Sun Joe SPX3500. It’s powerful, reliable, and straightforward—great for regular outdoor cleanup.

But if you’ve ever tripped over a hose or hated the mess afterward, the Sun Joe SPX3501 is worth the extra cost. The built-in reel makes a real difference when storage matters.

Whichever you pick, both deliver strong pressure and lasting performance without the hassle of gas models.

FAQs: Sun Joe SPX3500 and SPX3501