Buffer vs. Burnisher: Which Floor Machine Do You Need?
Quick answer
A low-speed buffer (about 175 RPM) is an all-purpose floor machine: with different pads it can strip, clean or polish. A high-speed burnisher (usually about 1,500 RPM, ranging 1,200 to 2,000) does one job, polishing, by heating the floor finish to bring back a high gloss. Buy a buffer for flexibility on small areas; buy a burnisher if your main goal is shine.
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Buffer vs. burnisher at a glance
| Low-speed buffer | High-speed burnisher | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | About 175 RPM | Usually about 1,500 RPM (1,200-2,000) |
| Main use | All-purpose: strip, clean or polish depending on pad | Polishing only |
| Wheels | Off the floor while working | On the floor while working |
| Motion | Side to side | Straight lines |
| Motor position | Directly over the pad or brush | Offset, with the pad out in front |
| Power | Usually a 110V cord | Battery, electric cord or propane (LPG) |
| Best for | Small areas that need cleaning, polishing and stripping | Restoring shine on finished floors |
Low-speed buffers
The "jack of all trades, master of none." A low-speed floor machine typically spins around 175 RPM, works with the wheels off the floor and uses a 110V cord. Change the pad and you change the job: a black pad helps strip, a red pad cleans and a white pad polishes.
If you mostly scrub, a floor scrubber is more efficient. If you mostly strip, a propane strip machine may be better. You may also hear these called swing machines, motor-on-a-stick or scrubbers; "low-speed buffer" avoids confusion.
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High-speed burnishers
Electric, battery or propane, a burnisher has one purpose: polish the floor. At much higher RPM, it generates heat that melts the floor finish and restores its original luster, usually giving a deeper shine as light reflects off the floor. Burnishers run with the wheels on the floor in a straight line.
Shop burnishers →How to tell them apart
Check the motor. A low-speed buffer has the motor directly over the pad or brush. A high-speed burnisher has an offset motor with the pad area out in front. Because "buffer" and "polisher" are used loosely, be specific when you talk with a supplier.
Buffer and burnisher FAQ
What's the difference between a buffer and a burnisher?
A buffer is a low-speed (about 175 RPM) all-purpose machine that can strip, clean or polish depending on the pad. A burnisher is a high-speed (usually about 1,500 RPM) machine used only to polish, using heat to restore the floor finish's shine.
Can a buffer polish a floor?
Yes, with a white pad a low-speed buffer can polish, but a burnisher produces a higher gloss because its speed heats and restores the finish.
Are propane burnishers available?
Yes. Burnishers come in battery, corded electric and propane (LPG) models. We also rent propane buffers.
Not sure which one you need?
Tell us your floors and goals and we'll recommend the right machine.