The very best snow foam lances will work with a good pressure washer to deliver a thick and consistent coating of snow foam to a car.
Using snow foam is our favourite way of pre-washing your car. Not only does it look like your car has been hit by a blizzard, but it also helps to lift away embedded bits of dirt that regular shampoo sometimes struggles to lift (think bird poo, tree sap and overspray). You don’t even need a particularly powerful pressure washer, a budget pressure washer will still be good enough.
And while guides will talk extensively about the correct snow foam, the right snow foam lance is just as important. Not only do you need to make sure it’s good quality, but some are manufacturer-specific while others don’t even require a pressure washer to work. This roundup will explore three different types of the best snow foam lances; universal, brand-specific and non-pressure washer versions so you know the correct one to buy.
The best universal snow foam lances at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Autobrite Direct Snow Foam Lance – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best snow foam lance for beginners: Autoglym Polar Blaster Snow Foam Lance – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best snow foam lance bundle: Meguiar’s Ultimate Car Snow Foam Cannon Lance Kit – Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor's choice
Pros
- Perfect for creating a thick foam
- Good value for money
Cons
- Requires a quick adapter end
Best snow foam lance for beginners
Rrp: £39.32
Rrp: £39.32
Pros
- Solid quality
- Good adjustability
Cons
- Tiny risk of leaking
Best snow foam lance on a budget
Pros
- Good value for money
- Better than a standard foam cannon
Cons
- Won't be as optimised
Best premium snow foam lance
Rrp: £19.99
Rrp: £19.99
Pros
- Exceptional build
- The ticket to the best snow foam
Cons
- Overkill if only used occasionally
Best snow foam lance bundle
Rrp: £31.08
Rrp: £31.08
Pros
- Includes lots of adapters
- Free snow foam
Cons
- Better foam cannons are available
Snow foam lances FAQs
How does a foam cannon work?
The snow foam mixture sits in the base of the foam cannon and when a jet of pressurised water passes through the nozzle, something called the venturi effect happens and it all mixes with air to create that all-important thick foam for car cleaning.
This snow foam then helps to gently lift away and soften any dirt on the car. This will make cleaning the car afterwards with a wash mitt a lot easier and should also reduce the risk of scratches occurring as you clean.
Do I need a powerful pressure washer?
It’ll certainly help. Cordless pressure washers may struggle here but any mains-operated example should be powerful enough to deliver a consistent coating of snow foam.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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