Pressure washers use a electric motor or gas engine to power a pump. It forces water at high pressure by a concentrating nozzle to quickly blast away accumulated grime on surfaces like driveways, decks, and patios.
They let clean outdoor siding, chairs, and many other items in the time it will take to fill a bucket of soapy water or find a scrub for brushing.
Motor oil stains in the driveway. Slippery mildew on the deck. You have carbonized cookout on the grill. All you need ahead is hours of backbreaking labour using plenty of elbow grease.
You want the gunk gone. A pressure washer could effectively exile the grime in a fraction of the time it takes using a brush and bucket of water. It transforms ordinary garden hose into a dirt-demolishing and deep-cleaning machine. Let’s check them out.
Best Pressure Washers
SPX3000 2030 Max
The Sun Joe pressure washer is a perfect budget-friendly pick if you’re looking for an affordable unit that can get the job done. It’s one of the most delicate models, considering 27.6 pounds. The highly-rated delivers 2,030 PSI, with a max GPM of 1.76. It has dual detergent tanks to house different cleaning solvents. Five quick-connect spray tips permit versatility to complete diverse cleaning tasks, from decking and siding to cars and boats.
MegaShot MSH3125
Though the most pricey on the list, the power explains the cost. The model has five quick-connect spray heads, a PSI of 3,200, and a GPM of 2.5, which is more near aligned with a professional-grade piece of supplies. Admittedly, it’s more than what the average homeowner will need, but it’s an excellent pick for any DIYer who favors performance and strength above all. Just note that at 65 pounds, it’s not as easy to lug around as other models.
1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
The 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer delivers the best blend of significance and performance. With its modest 1.2 GPM, it’s best for more small jobs, like emptying dirt and mildew from your deck. The telescoping grip and lightweight, 22.7-pound construction make for comfortable handling. The compact design and vertical storage are also good if limited space in the shed or garage for outdoor power supplies.
WORX Pressure Washer with Rolling Cart
Don’t let the streamlined design fool you: The well-priced Worx electric pressure washer pumps out an impressive 1.93 GPM and a max PSI of 2,240. Those stats are up there with some expensive gas-powered pressure washers. In addition, the turbo nozzle attacks away stuck-on grease and grime. Another excellent comfort feature of the 36.3-pound machine is the onboard hose wheel, making it effortless to handle the 25 feet of hose.
1,600 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
Consider this appliance a smaller, more accessible rendition of the top pick. The compact, light, weighs just over 16 pounds, yet its 1,600 PSI and 1.2 GPM delivers enough strength for many household chores. Plus, it arrives with three nozzles, including a turbo choice for 50% faster cleaning. Finally, it’s an outstanding option for anyone who thinks portability may be considered since it’s comfortable enough to carry to a boat pier or a camp.
WPX2700 Gas Powered Pressure Washer
Gas-powered pressure washers are outlying from lightweight and compact. Still, this unit will demand by anyone who enjoys the power of a gas machine as it brags an impressive 2,700 PSI and 2.3 GPM and longs the portability of an electric device. Though it does still weigh a whopping 63 pounds, it has a sleeker, more vertical design than other models that make maneuvering and storage a bit easier.
K4 Electric Pressure Washer
This model is a little overweight. Nevertheless, it has celestial cleaning capacity. The 1.5 GPM 1,900 psi machine arrives with two spray lances: one with contrasting pressure for customization and a patio crown brush that makes short work of cleaning large deck and patio areas. Despite the size, its significance tops out at 38.3 pounds; the machine has many opportune features that make the repository more accessible, including a retractable handle.
Generac 2900 PSI 2.4 GPM Pressure Washer
If you’re skimming for serious cleaning power, like blasting oil paints off the driveway or stubborn tree fluid off the patio, this pro-grade gas pressure washer from Generac is one to believe. It’s among the most effective machines between its 2,900 PSI and 2.4 GPM. Weighing 50 pounds, it takes some strength to carry around. However, the device is counterbalanced with superior ergonomics, including the buffered grip and easy-to-pull trigger, which should clip down on hand cramps.
2,300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
This top pick wins praise from nearly anyone who gets their hands on it. The Home Depot best-seller has a truly impressive PSI (2,300!) for an electric machine, making it an excellent choice for residential users who want to tackle a wide range of projects. The 49-pound engine pumps out a respectable, if not chart-topping, 1.2 gallons per minute. It also comes with a bonus turbo nozzle that claims to deliver up to 5% more cleaning power for more challenging jobs, like oil-stained driveways or severely mildewed fencing.
Qualities of Pressure Washers
- PSI: PSI, or pounds per square inch, means the water pressure provided by the machine. Pressure washers with a high PSI will cleanse deep stains more virtually than machines with a lower PSI. Electric pressure washers generally range from 1,600 PSI to 2,300 PSI, while gas pressure washers vary from 2,700 PSI to 4,400 PSI.
- GPM: Though PSI is necessary, you can’t rely on it alone. PSI and GPM, or gallons per minute, are supercritical. Without the other won’t result in the right combo. GPM estimates the volume of water delivered by the pressure washer — an indicator of how fast your machine will clean. Higher GPM pressure washers will wash faster than those with lower GPM.
- Safety: When using pressure washers, significantly more powerful gas models, you can readily cause physical harm and surface damage like splintering if you’re not cautious, says Rothman. So wear closed-toe shoes and safety goggles at all times when utilizing your pressure washer. And if your machine comes with interchangeable nozzles, use the small, powerful one first — you can continually advance to a more robust nozzle if you require to — and position yourself about four feet from whatever you’re grooming. When in doubt, site test an inconspicuous region first.
Pressure Washers: Working
The reality is pressure washers are not garden hoses. Their nozzles shoot water with 30 to 80 times more pressure. They have strong cutting capabilities, no matter which sprays setting you to use. Use pressure washers with great caution. When the pressure washer’s wand tip is set at narrowest spray setting, a misplaced jet of water may land you or a bystander in the emergency room.
Shopping Tips
Buying a unit will pay for itself in next few years, as long as you take care of it.
If you need to use soaps, solvents or cleaning additives, consider a pressure washer that has a built-in soap tank. Tool and cord storage is a plus, as are wheels for more cumbersome models.
Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
| Pros | Cons |
| Delivers higher-pressure water. | Relatively noisy and heavy |
| Quickly cleans large areas e.g., decks, siding, and driveways without the need for chemicals. | They require tune-ups. |
| Deftly dispatches tough gunk like chewing gum and tree sap. | Idling for long periods can overheat the pump, possibly ruining the machine if the safety valve fails. |
| More pressure results in a nozzle set on a wider angle will clean and electric models run at a narrower setting. | Pumps must be winterized with antifreeze in colder climates since gas machines should not be stored inside a home. |
| More power increases risk of injury, as well as gouging, splintering, or etching wooden surfaces, or inadvertently chipping paint. |
Electric-Powered Pressure Washer
| Pros | Cons |
| Best for small decks and patios, outdoor furniture, and other small jobs that require mainly cleaning. | Lower water pressure makes for longer cleaning time. |
| Relatively light and quiet | Wands and nozzles are less sturdy plastic material. |
| Requires little upkeep | Cleaning area is limited to the length of unit’s cord & hose. |
| Creates no exhaust emissions | |
| They start and stop conveniently. | |
| They do not need winterizing if brought indoors, and their small size makes them easy to store. |
DO’S and DONT’s
| DO’s | DONT’s |
| Read the manufacturer’s manual. | Don’t get closer than 6 inches to whatever you’re cleaning. You could damage paint, pockmark the asphalt of your driveway, puncture your car’s tires, and gouge holes in deck wood. |
| Wear goggles, long pants, and sturdy footwear (no flip flops), and take extra care on wet surfaces, which can quickly get slippery. | Don’t let the engine run for long on a gas pressure washer without pressing the trigger to prevent the pump from overheating. |
| Always start with the widest spray angle. Begin by working with the nozzle 2 feet away from the surface and move closer as needed. | Don’t use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder. Pulling the trigger could cause recoil and throw you off balance. |
| If your washer uses replaceable spray tips, turn off the engine and press the trigger to drain excess water before changing tips. | Don’t point the nozzle toward yourself, other people, or pets. |
| Test-wash a surface patch in a less-noticeable area until you get the hang of the machine. | Don’t use an extension cord with an electric-powered model. |
| Take care if washing or rinsing your car. A garden hose would be more gentle on your car’s paint job. |