Buy a true steamer if you need to thaw, melt or lift heavy grease, wax or paraffin with very little water; buy a hot water pressure washer if you need pressure and flow to blast soil off large surfaces fast. A true steamer like the TS-4255 runs 5 GPM at 250 PSI with output up to 375°F. On hotandmightydirect.com, the TS-4255 True Steamer skid starts at $27,290 and the trailer-mounted TS-4255 starts at $44,590 (listed starting prices as of October 2026; final pricing in a written quote).
What is the difference between a true steamer and a hot water pressure washer?
A hot water pressure washer heats water and pushes it out at high pressure. It cleans with force and flow, and the water stays below boiling. A true steamer runs at low pressure and heats water past the boiling point, so it delivers wet steam at very high temperature. It cleans with heat, not force.
How do the specs compare?
| Spec | True steamer (TS-4255) | Hot water pressure washer (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | 250 PSI | 3,000 to 3,500 PSI |
| Flow | 5 GPM | 4 to 10 GPM per washer |
| Output temperature | Up to 375°F (325°F temperature rise) | Below boiling |
| Burner | 760,000 BTU diesel, adjustable thermostat | Sized to the pump's flow |
| Engine | 9.8 HP Kohler diesel, electric start, 2,900 watt generator | Gas or diesel |
| Hose | 25 ft steam hose standard, 50 to 75 ft available | 200 ft or more on a reel |
| Cleans by | Heat | Pressure, flow and heat |
When should I buy a true steamer?
- Thawing frozen equipment. Valves, wellheads, pipelines and frozen lines in oilfield and cold-climate work. See our oilfield TS-4255 build.
- Heavy grease, wax and paraffin. Soils that melt with heat but smear under high-pressure water.
- Sensitive surfaces and components. Low pressure is less likely to drive water into seals, bearings and electrical parts.
- Limited water. 5 GPM at low pressure goes a long way from a 335-gallon tank.
When is a hot water pressure washer the better buy?
- Fleet, equipment and flatwork. Mud, road film and grime on large surfaces come off faster with pressure and flow.
- Two or more operators. Dual operator and multi-washer trailers let a crew work at once.
- Wash water recovery. Pressure washers pair with recovery vacuums and recycling systems, such as the recovery packages for an existing washer.
What does each option cost?
| Build | Key specs | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| TS-4255 True Steamer (skid) | 5 GPM @ 250 PSI, up to 375°F, 760,000 BTU diesel burner | $27,290 |
| General TA3 TS-4255 (enclosed trailer) | TS-4255 in a 7'x14' enclosed trailer, 335 gal tank, tandem 5,200 lb axles | $44,590 |
| Slider MCS-3506 (hot water skid) | 5.7 GPM @ 3,500 PSI, dual operator | $18,670 |
| Slider MDS-5357 (diesel hot water skid) | 5 GPM @ 3,500 PSI, diesel | $29,530 |
| General TA3 MCS-3008 (enclosed hot water trailer) | 7.8 GPM @ 3,000 PSI, dual operator, 535 gal | $39,490 |
Listed starting prices on hotandmightydirect.com as of October 2026. Your final price depends on the options you choose and is confirmed in a written quote. For all trailer price tiers, see how much a pressure washer trailer costs.
Can I get both on one trailer?
Yes, on a custom build. Hot And Mighty is mainly a custom build shop, so a trailer can carry a true steamer and a hot water pressure washer if your work needs both. Tell us what you clean and we'll size the tank, burners and power.
Frequently asked questions
Is a true steamer the same as a steam pressure washer?
No. Many "steam" pressure washers are hot water pressure washers that stay below boiling. A true steamer runs at low pressure and heats water above boiling, up to 375°F on the TS-4255.
What PSI does a true steamer run at?
The TS-4255 runs 5 GPM at 250 PSI. Low pressure is what lets the water exceed boiling temperature safely.
Can a true steamer thaw frozen pipes and valves?
Yes. Thawing frozen valves, wellheads and lines is one of the main jobs true steamers are bought for, especially in oilfield and cold-climate work.
Is a true steamer better for degreasing?
For grease, wax and paraffin that melt with heat, often yes. For mud and road film on large surfaces, a hot water pressure washer is usually faster.
How much does a true steamer cost?
On hotandmightydirect.com, the TS-4255 True Steamer skid starts at $27,290 and the enclosed trailer version starts at $44,590 (listed starting prices as of October 2026).
Get a quote
Hot And Mighty has built hot water and true steam cleaning systems for 50+ years, delivered nationwide. Call 800-897-7515 (Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 EST) or text us through the chat on this site.
