Buying guide for Best electric pressure washers
It’s thrilling to sit back and check out a cleaning job well done. Glimmering car wheels free of brake dust. Brilliant vinyl siding rinsed clean after a summer of dust and pollen. And thanks to the availability and affordability of electric pressure washers, it’s easy to achieve that kind of clean without all the scrubbing, soaping and old-fashioned elbow grease.
These cleaning machines are quieter and easier to maintain than gas-powered pressure washers, and they create enough pressure to take on the vast majority of household jobs. There is no risk of overheating or exposure to noxious fumes since gas isn’t involved and storing an electric pressure washer is easy, too.
When shopping for an electric pressure washer, there are two numbers to look for. The pressure of the water as it comes out of the nozzle is reflected by the pounds per square inch (psi) measure; a higher psi means it can blast away more grime and handle tougher stains (1,700 to 2,000 psi works for most people’s needs). The amount of water flowing through the pressure washer each minute is reflected by the gallons per minute (gpm) measure; the higher the gpm, the faster you can clean.
Our Testing Lab researched electric pressure washers and concluded that the Karcher 1700 PSI TruPressure Electric Pressure Washer provides the power and flexibility needed to clean just about anything you point it at. Its water-cooled motor offers superior efficiency and longer operational life than washers from competing brands.
Best electric pressure washers
Our top pick, this 1.2 gpm Karcher washer delivers 1,700 psi of cleaning pressure for ridding furniture, automobiles, concrete, siding and more of caked-on grime. It comes with three smoothly operating quick-connect nozzles, including a turbo nozzle for precise blasting, and a 20-foot kink-resistant hose. Our testers found that it made quick work of their dirty sidewalk and even faded some set-in oil stains on the driveway. Thick mud glued to the underside of their motorcycle fenders was also no match for this powerful model.
A plastic exterior keeps the appliance light at just above 20 pounds, while an interior aluminum frame provides dependable durability. Additional features include a half gallon removable detergent tank, an onboard storage bin and large, no-flat wheels. And you can keep your hands free while turning the pressure washer on thanks to its on/off footswitch. Our testers also loved that it assembles easily out of the box with no tools required.
This highly affordable lightweight electric pressure washer prioritizes low-cost portability with a convenient carrying handle and an ultra-thin and flexible 20-foot hose. Its motor delivers 1,800 psi at 1.2 gpm, and its detachable turbo nozzle delivers up to 50% more power for stubborn jobs. Weighing in at 16.34 pounds, this model is relatively light.
If you need the additional cleaning that only soap can provide, not to worry — the included detergent tank snaps on easily as needed. While this pressure washer does not have a hose or power cable reel to facilitate storage, it’s small enough to tuck away on a shelf or under a bench when the job is done.
Sun Joe upholds its reputation for offering affordable feature-packed tools with this 2,030-psi, 1.76-gpm pressure washer. Five color-coded quick-connect spray tips give you the flexibility you need to take on any cleaning job, from gently rinsing your car to blasting moss off of your sidewalk. Two separate detergent tanks let you address various jobs without having to swap out containers.
The appliance’s side hook conveniently stores its 20-foot hose. The washer’s 34-inch wand extends your reach, and a 35-foot power cable keeps the motor running without the need for an extension cord. The unit weighs over 24 pounds, so it’s on the heavier end.
Say goodbye to grime with this powerful Ryobi pressure washer that blows away dirt with 2,300 psi of pressure at 1.2 gpm. An accessory rack holds three nozzles and an extension wand within easy reach, while a 25-foot hose wraps neatly underneath the washer. A hand-truck frame and oversized wheels make this 49-pound unit easier to move.
The built-in soap tank holds a gallon of liquid and is easily filled thanks to its wide-mouth opening. This machine is far from the most affordable on the list, but if you’re looking for consistent power without the need for gasoline, Ryobi delivers.
This 1.76-gpm washer provides 2,050 psi of pressure and includes five nozzles for maximum stream customization. To keep things compact, its 25-foot high-pressure hose wraps up neatly on its side, and the nozzles snap out of the way into a back storage panel. It’s conveniently lightweight at 19 pounds.
What sets this washer apart from the competition are its four lockable wheels and low center of gravity. Able to rotate 360 degrees, this washer can be pulled along as you work with no risk of tipping over.
DeWalt’s 1.1-gpm entry into the electric pressure washer market is no slouch when it comes to convenience. This washer’s 2,400 psi of pressure, 35-foot power cable and oversized pneumatic tires make it just as appropriate for home use as it is on the unforgiving and bumpy terrain of job sites. It weighs a hefty 45.2 pounds but is still quite portable.
This model includes five nozzles, one of which is a turbo attachment made to focus water into a high-powered beam for deep cleaning. Its 25-foot hose coils neatly under its nozzle-holding storage rack. The central detergent tank is easy to fill as needed via its wide-mouth opening.
With 2,000 psi of pressure, large wheels, a 25-foot hose and a 35-foot power cable, this 1.4-gpm pressure washer delivers extreme cleaning wherever you need it. The washer includes a quick-connect spray gun, two quick-connect nozzles and two wands to customize how much power you need to get the job done. The unit weighs a manageable 32 pounds.
An adjustable detergent tank lets you decide how much soap to add to the spray, resulting in less wasted soap. The washer’s water-cooled induction motor is designed to boost performance while providing five times the operational life of competing models. The built-in hose reel keeps the appliance tidy and compact for easy storage.
How we tested
After researching what each electric pressure washer has to offer, we tested the Karcher 1700 PSI TruPressure Electric Pressure Washer to see how it did in the following areas.
Ease of use
- Assembly and setup: We evaluated the pressure washer’s packaging, initial assembly and pre-work setup to check for pain points or other difficulties.
- Nozzles: We checked the quick-connect nozzles included with the pressure washer for smooth, easy installation and water tightness.
- Weight: We evaluated the pressure washer’s weight during cleaning and while lifting it into and out of a vehicle’s trunk to see how heavy it felt in typical usage scenarios.
- Cleanup: We followed the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how to clean and disassemble the pressure washer for short-term and long-term storage.
Features
- Power: We tested the pressure washer’s cleaning power on a variety of surfaces and materials, using the included nozzles to assess their effectiveness.
- No-kink hose: We checked the pressure washer’s hose to see how easy or difficult it was to kink with regular use.
- Detergent tank: We filled the detergent tank as directed and evaluated the degree to which soap contributed to its cleaning power. We also noted how much extra work was required to clean and rinse the unit after use.
Overall quality
- Construction: We inspected the pressure washer’s build and material quality to assess its ability to withstand the rigors of regular work.
- Leakage: The pressure washer’s couplings and hoses were thoroughly inspected during operation to check for leaks and loose connections.
What to consider before buying an electric pressure washer
Nozzle types
Electric pressure washers have adjustable or replaceable nozzles. A selection of settings allows you to change the spray angle to suit your task. The lower the angle, the more concentrated the stream of water. Thus, the more effective the cleaning.
Adjustable nozzles are easier to use: Simply twist until you reach the appropriate setting. Replaceable nozzles must be taken on and off, and there is always the chance that they could be lost. That said, they may give you more options than a standard adjustable nozzle.
No significant difference in performance exists between the two nozzle types. If you end up needing more nozzles than your machine has, you can find universal pressure washer attachments. Make sure any attachments you use are rated for the same psi as your pressure washer.
Hose
Consider the length of the pressure washer hose, and make sure it’s long enough for your projects. Also, think about the material and quality of the hose. It should be rugged and durable, but you also want something flexible that doesn’t retain too much coil memory. An excess of coil memory can make it difficult to extend the hose to its full length, and it may snag on things more easily.
A good pressure washer hose is also easy to roll and unroll. Most have a space to wrap the cord when the machine isn’t in use. Some have a handle that lets you quickly reel in the cord so you don’t have to wrap it up manually.
Soap dispensing
Some electric pressure washers have a built-in soap tank. You fill it with soap before you begin, and the pressure washer automatically mixes it with water as it shoots out of the nozzle. Other models have a siphon tube that you place in a soap container. The soap is sucked up and mixed with water before coming out of the nozzle.
Each system has pros and cons. A built-in soap dispenser is easier if you’re going to be moving around a lot, whereas you may have to keep moving your soap container if you’re using a siphon hose. On the other hand, built-in soap dispensers must be cleaned after each use; otherwise, damage could occur to the pressure washer pump when it dries. But if you’re using a siphon tube, all you have to do is pull it out and rinse it off when you’re done.
Mobility
Most pressure washers come with wheels so you can cart them around. The type of tire can impact your ease of mobility. Tires may be pneumatic (like a standard car or bike tire), molded rubber, or plastic. Plastic wheels may chip, and they tend to stick more easily. Pneumatic tires are usually the most rugged option, though they may need occasional reinflation.
You also have to consider the size and weight of the unit and the type of terrain you will cover. You don’t want to have to haul a bulky, heavy unit up and down hills or over rocky terrain. Medium-duty pressure washers tend to weigh between 15 and 25 pounds, whereas the larger hand-truck options offered by Dewalt and Ryobi can tip the scales at nearly 50 pounds. If you’re in the market for a lightweight pressure washer, think carefully about the compromise you may have to make regarding power.
Tips for using a pressure washer
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions before use, and follow them precisely. Improper use could result in damage to the item you’re cleaning, or worse yet, a serious physical injury.
- Start with the gentlest nozzle setting. You can move up from there if you need more power. You don’t want to start off too strong, as you could damage the area you’re trying to clean.
- Wear goggles and sturdy shoes when operating the pressure washer to protect yourself against injury. Consider earplugs if your machine is noisy.
- Hold the pressure washer nozzle at least 6 inches from the item you are cleaning.
- Never leave the pressure washer spray gun unattended while the machine is turned on.
FAQ
Q. What cleaning solutions can I use in my pressure washer?
A. You should only use detergents that are designed for pressure washers. Other cleaners (like bleach) could damage your pressure washer pump and shorten the life of the machine. If you have questions about what types of cleaners can be used in your pressure washer, consult the owner’s manual.
Q. Can I use hot water in my pressure washer?
A. There are pressure washers specifically designed for hot water, but the standard pressure washer is meant to be used with cold water. Using hot water in one of these machines could damage the pump.
Q. How do I clean out a clogged nozzle?
A. Turn off the machine, and disconnect the spray gun before examining the nozzle. If it is clogged, use a thin piece of wire to poke out any obstructions. Then, run water through it to remove any remaining debris. Connect it to the pressure washer, and try again.
Q. How much do electric pressure washers cost?
A. You’ll pay anywhere from $100 to $400 for an electric pressure washer. The range in price largely reflects differences in performance and durability. If you’re looking for a compact unit to handle light-duty tasks, we recommend spending at least $135 to $150. You can feel pretty confident that pressure washers in this price range will be easy to use and hold up well over time.
You may want to think about spending $200 or more if you want something with added power or advanced features, such as a detachable soap tank or several nozzle choices.
