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Nothing says “clean” like a thorough pressure-washing. Decks, driveways, patio furniture, and window shutters—they all collect dust, dirt, and an occasional bird dropping, growing grimier by the day. But a deep pressure-washing can spray away weeks, months, and even years of buildup. However, not all pressure washers are able to provide the same results, so we tested some of today’s best-selling pressure washers to see how well they performed in real-life cleaning situations.
Read on to find our detailed hands-on reviews featuring some of the best pressure washer options on the market for cleanup tasks around the home. Plus, check out a breakdown of what you need to know while shopping for a pressure washer, including the types of pressure washers available and the cleaning power offered by each kind.
- BEST OVERALL: Westinghouse WPX2700 Pressure Washer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Pressure Washer
- BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Ryobi 2000 Whisper Electric Pressure Washer
- BEST MEDIUM-DUTY: Westinghouse WPX3200 Pressure Washer
- BEST BATTERY POWER: Ego Power+ 3200 PSI Pressure Washer
- BEST PORTABLE: DeWalt DWPW2100 Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer
How We Tested the Best Pressure Washers
We carefully researched more than 35 models of pressure washers before narrowing our hands-on testing list to the highest rated in several categories. We paid some attention to brand name—after all, manufacturers like Westinghouse and DeWalt have stellar reputations for turning out top-notch power tools and appliances. But, we also gave a lot of weight to customer satisfaction because that’s a true determining factor for performance and reliability.
To gauge the capabilities of the pressure washers, we set up driveway pressure-washing tests by marking off concrete sections for a timed cleaning comparison. Then, depending on the machine’s maximum listed pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI), we tested the models on additional surfaces, such as house siding, windows, and patio furniture.
We awarded points based on a rubric, and each machine earned points for cleaning power, price, user comfort, and build quality. We also made an interesting observation—when PSI is the same, an additional 1 gallon per minute (GPM) makes an enormous difference in terms of cleaning power, but an increase of 500 PSI does not make much difference when GPM is consistent. Pressure hose flexibility and maneuverability improve under pressure, but stiff hoses are still awkward. Also, bigger wheels are easier to roll over uneven surfaces than smaller ones, and pneumatic tires roll more smoothly than solid wheels.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 10
- Hours spent testing: About 15
- Tests performed: 5
- Price range: $140 to $800
Our Top Picks
With an array of electric and gas pressure washers on the market—all looking somewhat alike—it can be challenging to figure out which surface cleaning tool is the best. To sort things out, we tested and reviewed some of the best pressure washers on the market—tools that are well suited to DIYers. Check out the results.
Best Overall
Westinghouse WPX2700 Pressure Washer
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power: Gas
- Pump type: Axial
- Flow rate: 2.3 GPM
- Pressure: 2,700 PSI
- Attachments: 4 nozzle tips: 0 degrees, 25 degrees, 40 degrees, soap
What We Like
- Built-in detergent tank makes cleaning easy
- 1-gallon gas tank that’s large enough for most tasks
- Moves an impressive 2.3 GPM; ideal for most home cleaning
- 25-foot abrasion-resistant hose is durable and has a long reach
What We Don’t Like
- Gas-powered pressure washers aren’t as eco-friendly as electric models
- Large and heavy; may be tricky to move and/or store
The Westinghouse WPX2700 earned high marks in our field tests with its combination of cleaning power, maneuverability, relatively compact footprint, and competitive price. It also costs hundreds less than the next-best gas pressure washer we tested, and it delivered nearly identical cleaning performance.
This gas-powered washer delivers ample water pressure for cleaning stains from the driveway, but not so much as to risk damaging a car’s paint job. It has strong water pressure, a good flow rate, and up to 2.3 GPM for 2,700 PSI, so it is suitable for most tough outdoor cleaning chores, from washing mold stains off concrete on the highest setting to cleaning windows on the lowest setting. The large plastic wheels are less desirable than pneumatic tires for working “off road” but still offer decent mobility on uneven terrain.
The Westinghouse power washer includes four quick-connect nozzles and a 25-foot abrasion-resistant hose. Another positive: This pressure washer features a built-in detergent tank for easy cleaning and a 1-gallon-capacity gasoline tank. For users who want a dependable, powerful machine, this Westinghouse pressure washer does not disappoint.
Get the Westinghouse WPX2700 pressure washer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Portability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power: Electric
- Pump type: Axial
- Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
- Pressure: 1,700 PSI
- Attachments: 3 nozzles: turbo, 15-degree all-purpose, detergent
What We Like
- Compact size is great for storage while still providing good cleaning power
- Plenty of reach with a 20-foot electrical cord and a 20-foot high-pressure hose
- Affordable price point, especially when compared to similar models
What We Don’t Like
- Lower PSI can take longer to clean away heavy dirt
- Light-duty connection hardware may not stand up to frequent heavy use
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a boost of cleaning power from a pressure washer. For quick and efficient cleaning of mildly dirty items—such as house windows, car exteriors, vinyl siding, and patio furniture—check out the Karcher K1700 Cube electric pressure washer. The Karcher is a 1,700 PSI electric pressure washer with a 1.2 GPM flow rate.
Three quick-connect spray nozzles, an onboard detergent tank, and a convenient on/off foot switch make it versatile and strong enough for tackling light-duty cleaning chores. The 20-foot power cord and 20-foot pressure hose offer plenty of reach for washing second-story windows.
Considered one of the best electric pressure washer options, this lightweight unit is built like a tool box, with a carry handle. In our tests, we liked the amount of cleaning power it offered for such a compact size. This would be an excellent choice for RVers and anyone who is tight on storage space.
Get the Karcher pressure washer at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.
Best Light-Duty
Ryobi 2000 Whisper Electric Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Portability 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power: Battery, electric
- Pump type: Axial
- Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
- Pressure: 2,000 PSI
- Attachments: Extendable handle, two 6 amp hour (Ah) batteries
What We Like
- Battery power eliminates toxic fumes and the need to store and handle fuel
- Light-duty model packs a cleaning punch for removing dirt, mud, and window messes
- Onboard soap dispenser makes it easy to add power washer soaps
What We Don’t Like
- A tool-only purchase, requiring a separate purchase of compatible batteries
Battery power means no toxic fumes or need to store fuel. For years, battery-powered tools have been substandard to their gas-powered cousins, but battery technology is constantly improving, and machines like Ryobi’s 40-volt 2,000 PSI pressure washer are closing the gap.
The first thing we noticed about the Ryobi 2000 was how quiet it was while running. We didn’t test the decibel level for all the models, but we tested this one because it impressed us with the low noise level. It registered just 68 decibels from 6 feet away on our tester. That’s comparable to background music in an office or restaurant.
Despite its quiet demeanor, this pressure washer packs a power punch for a 2,000 PSI machine. It effectively cleaned dirt and caked-on mud from concrete and siding. We also tested it by cleaning the windows in a patio door. For that test, we filled its onboard dispenser with pressure washer soap meant for cleaning windows and sprayed the glass thoroughly. The pressure was sufficient to clean off smears, dried dog slobbers, and splatters. The soap dispenser is a great perk.
The machine sells as a tool only, which means that batteries are sold separately. Unless you already have the Ryobi batteries for other tools, this can be a pricey investment. We tested this model with two 40-volt rechargeable batteries. We got more than 45 minutes of runtime on a single charge, making this a great little pressure washer for light-duty uses around the house.
Get the Ryobi pressure washer at The Home Depot or Ryobi.
Best Medium-Duty
Westinghouse WPX3200 Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power: Gas
- Pump type: Axial
- Flow rate: 2.5 GPM
- Pressure: 3,200 PSI
- Attachments: 5 quick-connect nozzles, soap applicator tip
What We Like
- Powerful cleaning performance; offers 3,200 PSI of pressure, making it effective for removing tough stains
- Oversize wheels make it easy to roll the machine from spot to spot
- 5 spray tips for adjusting the angle and spread of the spray
- Easy-pull recoil start—even a child was able to pull start the machine
What We Don’t Like
- Higher PSI makes damage of delicate surfaces, such as softwoods, more likely
- This is a relatively loud machine—we had to holler to hear one another over it
Our second Westinghouse model to make the lineup, the WPX3200 pressure washer combines power, portability, and performance. This is a well-designed machine for DIYers who need robust cleaning power that can go anywhere.
We tested the WPX3200 on our driveway, brick landscaping borders, and a section of siding, and it performed very well. It powered away caked-on mud and even removed mold and mildew from the side of the driveway. It comes with five spray tips that we used to adjust the angle and spread of the spray and a built-in soap tank for adding extra soap when we wanted more power.
Although it has a recoil start, we found it easy to pull. In fact, a friend’s 11-year-old son was visiting, and we asked him to see if he could pull start the machine; it started on the first try.
With 3,200 PSI of water power, you’ll want to be careful not to stand too close to wood decks or siding, or you could risk damaging some of the wood. Switching to a wider-angle spray tip can also help disperse the spray over a greater area when more control is needed.
The pump is self-priming, so we didn’t have to push a button repeatedly before pulling the cord. Overall, this is a powerful washer made more versatile with its onboard soap capabilities and choice of tips.
Get the Westinghouse WPX3200 pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Battery Power
Ego Power+ 3200 PSI Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Power: Battery, electric
- Pump type: Direct drive
- Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
- Pressure: 3,200 PSI
- Attachments: 5 nozzles: 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 40 degrees, turbo, rinse
What We Like
- Powerful cleaning performance comparable to gas-powered machined
- Long runtime with about 1 hour of cleaning time on a single charge
- Versatile as it includes 5 spray tips and a foam cannon
What We Don’t Like
- Wheels on the pressure washer are on the small side, which makes rolling harder
What a treat! A battery-powered pressure washer that hangs with the big boys. Ego Power+ is making huge strides in battery technology, and the HPW3204-2 model demonstrates this. We love the convenience of battery power, but we weren’t expecting a power washer to deliver quite as much cleaning ability as a gas-powered model. We were wrong.
We tested this model on the concrete driveway, a weathered wood deck, and a large bird bath that had an accumulation of gunk left over from last year. It easily powered away dirt and grime from all surfaces, leaving the deck wood looking newer and fresher and quickly restoring the surface of the bird bath—no scrubbing needed.
The Ego Power+ pressure washer runs on two included 56-volt 6.0Ah rechargeable batteries, and in our tests, it ran just more than an hour on a single charge. That’s a lot of cleaning time without tripping over an extension cord or breathing in gas fumes. We were impressed.
The machine has five spray nozzles and a foam cannon for cleaning cars and motorcycles. It also has an extendable handle for tipping and pulling the machine as you clean. We loved the handle but wished the wheels were a little bigger. The machine was a little challenging to pull over gravel. Still, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly power washer that packs a punch, this might be the machine for you. Check it out.
Get the Ego Power+ pressure washer at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.
Best Portable
DeWalt DWPW2100 Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Portability 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power: Corded electric
- Pump type: Axial
- Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
- Pressure: 2,100 PSI
- Attachments: 4 nozzles: turbo, 15 degrees, 40 degrees, soap
What We Like
- Compact and portable; this machine weighs just 24 pounds and is self-contained
- Nozzle, wand, cord, and hose are all stored in or on the machine, keeping them organized and out of the way
- Roll cage protects the machine from accidental falls and offers multiple handles for carrying
What We Don’t Like
- Not an industrial-strength pressure washer, but fine for all-around cleaning projects
It’s tough to beat DeWalt’s electric jobsite pressure washer if you’re looking for cleaning power on the go. This compact machine is self-contained. The nozzle and wand stow away in dedicated cubbies in the machine’s body, and the cord and hose wrap neatly around pegs to keep them out of the way. Best of all, this pressure washer weighs just 24 pounds and comes with a roll cage that protects it while providing multiple handles for carrying.
Leave it to DeWalt to make a great little pressure washer that can be effortlessly loaded and unloaded from the bed of a pickup truck and carried with ease.
We tested this pressure washer on concrete, a motorcycle, and patio door windows. It did a good job of cleaning away all of the dirt and mud, but we did find some hints of oil stains remaining on the concrete. That’s OK because the handy 2,100 PSI DeWalt tool wasn’t made to be an industrial-strength machine. It’s designed to be a versatile pressure washer that’s easy to transport while still providing general-use pressure. It does that very well.
Not only is this a great little jobsite machine, but it would also be ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of storage space for a bigger machine.
Get the DeWalt pressure washer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are either powered by gas or electricity, and there are various features and functions available, so it can be tough figuring out which tool is the right pick for your needs.
Both electric and gas pressure washers are a boon for taking the manual labor out of cleaning exterior surfaces, and both kinds clean similarly. Still, several differences exist, such as how they operate; some models are electric-powered, and others are gas-powered. It can be helpful to consider the following factors when searching for the best pressure washer.
Gas vs. Electric
For those who have large areas to clean, such as a pool deck, a patio, or tall exterior walls, the superior cleaning power of a gas pressure washer is often the best bet. Gas washers typically provide the most mobility and power. They don’t tether the machine to an outlet, so users can move around more easily. Gas washers usually offer higher pressure to do jobs faster.
For smaller, simpler chores like cleaning outdoor furniture, the family car, or just a few feet of exterior space, electric pressure washers offer a few benefits. They’re generally quieter and the plug-ins are lighter than their gas-powered counterparts.
While plug-ins don’t offer quite as much mobility as a battery-powered model, the best plug-in electric pressure washer options will typically include a 30-foot or longer cord and a long pressurized hose that can stretch the perimeter of the worksite. Be sure to keep the socket, plug, and your hands completely dry when connecting and disconnecting the cord.
Flow Rating and PSI
Another feature to consider is how many GPM a pressure washer expels. In consumer-grade power washers, the flow rating tends to run between 1.0 and 4.0 GPM. Commercial pressure washers range from about 2.0 to 10.0 GPM. Generally speaking, higher numbers result in faster, easier cleanups. For dealing with truly stubborn mud, crud, or gunk, let the force be with you and opt for a higher GPM.
While GPM determines the amount of flow through the washer nozzle, the flow pressure is rated in PSI. Pressure washers generate an average of 1,000 to 4,000 PSI of water pressure. However, be aware that a PSI that’s more than 3,000 may damage some surfaces, such as softwood or siding.
Both ratings are important. But keep in mind that PSI is used more often for consumer model pressure washers and GPM is usually more of a consideration when buying commercial models.
Intended Use
Pressure washers come in a variety of power settings, each of which is suitable for different tasks:
- Models rated below 2,000 PSI are considered light duty and work best on smaller surfaces like patio furniture and cars.
- Pressure washers classified as medium duty are rated between 2,000 and 2,800 PSI. They offer a little more power and are an excellent option for larger cleaning jobs focused on smaller surfaces.
- Heavy-duty washers are rated from 2,900 to 3,300 PSI and are suitable for large driveways, high walls, and exterior paint job preparation.
- At the top of the spectrum, professional-grade pressure washers top out at more than 3,300 PSI. They’re most often used in commercial settings and have a steeper price.
- For a variety of cleaning jobs, consider a multiduty model, which allows the user to adjust the pressure, tailoring it to the task at hand.
Attachments
Many pressure washers include a few attachments, and because the fittings are often universal on pressure washers, users can also pick up aftermarket attachments.
- Spray gun: This pistol-shaped handle features a squeeze trigger for delivering a blast of water.
- Lance or wand: This straight metal rod attaches to the spray gun and comes in various lengths.
- Nozzles: These tips control the pattern of spray. Some nozzles deliver a narrow stream, while others offer a wide fanned-out pattern. A foam nozzle incorporates air into the water stream to provide a foamy mix of soap and water.
- Detergent dispensers: If the washer doesn’t have a built-in detergent tank, users can connect a dispenser to deliver soap and detergent.
- Filter: An in-line water filter connected to the hose traps hard water deposits that might shorten the useful life of the spray gun and nozzles.
Cleaning Performance
A pressure washer’s overall cleaning power is measured in cleaning units (CU). Not all manufacturers list a CU on their models, but it’s simple to determine if the PSI and the GPM are available.
To calculate a pressure washer’s CU, multiply the GPM by the PSI. For example, if the washer has a GPM of 2.0 and a PSI of 3,000, the machine will have a collective CU of 6,000. When comparing different pressure washers, if two have the same—or nearly the same—CU, yet the GPM and PSI ratings are different, understand that the higher GPM will clean faster because it produces more water flow.
Axial vs. Triplex Pump
Gas-powered pressure washers feature two common types of pumps, each with its benefits and considerations.
- Axial: An axial pump is a direct-drive pump, which means the pump spins at the same speed as the engine. An axial pump offers good pressure and produces a lot of water power, but it tends to wear out sooner than a triplex pump. A washer with an axial pump is suitable for most DIY washing tasks.
- Triplex: Many commercial-quality pressure washers feature a triplex pump, which describes a heavy-duty displacement pump that works by expanding and contracting rather than spinning. A triplex pump will usually outlast an axial pump when both are used for the same duration, but expect to pay a premium for a washer with this type of pump.
Nozzle
Most pressure washers include more than one nozzle so the user can adjust the water spray pattern. The quarter-inch “quick-connect” connections on these nozzles are standard, which means nearly any nozzle purchased for a pressure washer will fit another pressure washer.
The factor to consider, however, is the PSI rating of the nozzles. Lower PSI-rated nozzles are often a bit less expensive than higher PSI-rated nozzles, depending on the quality. Still, a low-rated nozzle may not stand up under the pressure of a high-rated pressure washer, so make sure to use a nozzle with an equal or greater PSI rating than the washer to which it’s attached.
Portability
Pressure washers, especially gas-powered models, can be hefty, weighing up to 55 pounds or more. They can be a chore to take out, put away, or load in the back of a pickup truck. If transporting the tool is essential, look for a compact, lightweight model; some weigh as little as 15 pounds and include attached carrying handles.
Most of the lighter-weight pressure washers are electric, and there’s a trade-off when choosing a more portable model because it won’t generate quite the CU as a heavy-duty, beefier unit. Still, with the design improvements in today’s electric pressure washers, they’ll do a decent job of tackling most around-the-house and car-washing tasks.
Additional Features
Most pressure washers don’t come with many bells and whistles, but a few options can make them simpler to operate.
- Built-in detergent tank: Some models feature an integrated tank instead of a dispenser that attaches to the wand, making it easy to fill the tank with detergent for washing tasks.
- Steel-braided hose: Reinforced with steel binding, these hoses are often found on commercial pressure washers but can be ordered separately to fit almost any washer. They’re less likely to bulge or leak.
- Upgraded wand: Like nozzles, pressure washer wands are rated for PSI. Some washers include a wand rated for a higher PSI, making them stronger and more likely to last longer.
Tips for Using a Pressure Washer
Using an electric or a gas pressure washer for your chores seems straightforward, but read all safety and usage instructions before operating one for the first time.
Features will vary by model, but the following pressure washer dos and don’ts and general steps are the same for most models.
- Connect a water hose.
- Fill a detergent tank or attach one if soap is desired.
- Attach a nozzle.
- Turn water pressure to the lowest setting.
- Start the washer’s engine or motor.
- Hold the spray gun with both hands and spray the surface.
- Start at least 18 inches away from the surface—you can move closer later.
- Turn up the water pressure, if necessary.
FAQs
Pressure washers significantly speed up cleaning time, reducing or eliminating the need for manual scrubbing. For those new to the world of pressure-washing, some questions are to be expected. Below are answers to some of the most popular questions.
Pressure washers range between 1,000 and 4,000 PSI. A machine will clean away light stains at the lower range, but heavy stains typically require a PSI of 2,500 or higher.
A pressure washer with a CU rating (multiply PSI by GPM) between 4,500 and 7,000 will handle most household cleaning jobs.
Oil is necessary for lubricating a gas engine and helping it run smoothly.
Most gas pressure washers use regular gas from a gas station, but many are not designed to use gas that contains more than 10 percent ethanol.
Electric pressure washers can tend to overheat, have a clog in the line, or have a more significant problem that shuts them off. Try turning off the machine, disconnecting the hose and wand, and then reconnecting and trying again. If that doesn’t help, contact the manufacturer.
Flush the pressure hose from the washer and store it separately. Drain the gas tank or add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to keep the gas from separating and clogging the interior working parts during the winter.
Meet the Testers
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools and other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
