Top-Rated Electric Power Washers for Superior Outdoor Cleaning
Updated: Mar. 28, 2024
Keep your outdoor spaces looking like new with these top picks for the best electric pressure washers.
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For tough cleaning tasks, elbow grease only goes so far. Being able to spray away years of grime and dirt provides spectacular results and instant DIY satisfaction—a feeling attainable only with a pressure washer.
“An electric pressure washer is perfect for removing dirt and grime from hard-to-reach places and is exceptional for quick cleaning of decks, windows and patio furniture,” says Nicole Durden, Senior Merchant of Outdoor Power Equipment at Home Depot. “When coupled with a surface cleaner attachment, corded electric pressure washers can also tackle smaller driveways, sidewalks and other areas around the house.”
You can choose the best electric pressure washers with added features, like 360-degree wheels, a telescoping handle and quick-connect nozzles. Electric models are easier to use and don’t emit exhaust. They’re not as powerful as gas models, but most homeowners don’t need the extra force for around-the-house tasks.
The best electric pressure washers are suited for blasting through all kinds of outdoor mess, including mildew on siding and fences, oil stains on concrete and dirt and grime on patio furniture and driveways. You might find yourself running around your property looking for more surfaces to clean, since electric models are so easy to use and can tackle just about any job.
What to Consider When Buying an Electric Pressure Washer
When looking for the best electric pressure washers you need to consider the power, functionality, motor and mobility and storage. Pressure washer specifications list the power by pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM). In general, if you’re trying to clean exterior vinyl siding, decks and patios, the best PSI is 1,900 to 3,000. A lower PSI of 1,200 to 1,800 is recommended for cleaning soft wood, aluminum or outdoor furniture and grills.
Look at the functionality of features like larger wheels for uneven ground and a soap reservoir to make cleaning oil or grease stains easier. Some units come equipped with a variety of interchangeable nozzle sizes or an adjustable variable spray wand to adjust the water pressure.
Are mobility and storage a factor? Consider whether you need a heavier, rugged unit or a lightweight, compact one. Cord storage can be either a cord reel, a simple hook or a velcro strap. Electric pressure washers come with an induction or a universal motor. Induction motors are usually at a higher price point, but tend to be quieter and have a longer lifespan.
When taking all of those things into consideration, Durden says that the most important thing to think about is what you’ll be cleaning with your electric pressure washer and how often. That will help you narrow down the power level you need as well as the nozzle type and how mobile the unit needs to be to get the job done.
The Best Electric Pressure Washers
- Best Overall: Rock&Rocker Electric Pressure Washer
- Best Budget: Greenworks Upright Hand-Carry Washer
- Best on Amazon: Sun Joe SPX3000 High Pressure Washer
- Best Portable: Wholesun Foam Cannon Pressure Washer
- Best for Auto Detailing: Karcher K5 Premium Induction Pressure Washer
Best Overall Electric Pressure Washer
Rock&Rocker Electric Pressure Washer
When looking for the best electric pressure washer, this Rock&Rocker pick is a top option on the market. It’s a powerful little workhorse packed with useful features, like a hose reel, spray tips and four color-coded quick-connect spray nozzles. Its 2,150 pounds per square inch (PSI) cleaning power and 2.6 gallons per minute (GPM) output remove the toughest dirt and grime.
We’re big fans of the auto shut-off pump feature and the wand design, which allows for easy trigger pressure to continually squeeze for hours of washing. This unit has a 26-foot-long pressure hose (6 feet longer than most spray hoses) and well-designed cord storage that protects it from kinks.
Pros
- Has a 26-foot-long hose
- Comes with four spray nozzles
- Weighs just under 20 pounds
- Has an auto shut-off feature
Cons
- Only has a one-year warranty
Best Budget Electric Pressure Washer
Greenworks Upright Hand-Carry Washer
This upright, hand-carry pressure washer from Greenworks is ultra-compact and lightweight for easy transportation. The 1,500 PSI and 1.2 GPM are plenty of power for home use. The spray is consistent, powerful and precise with very little air uptake in the hose line. The included 40-degree nozzle option is ideal for washing a car while the 25-degree nozzle is best for stronger projects, like removing mildew off the side of a garage.
“Bought this to replace a larger pressure washer that had failed. Works as good or better than the $300 model it replaced,” writes five-star reviewer, Joyce A.
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- Comes with a high-quality foam cannon
- Weighs just under 17 pounds
- Has a three-year warranty
Cons
- No wheels
Best Electric Pressure Washer on Amazon
Sun Joe SPX3000 High Pressure Washer
If you’re looking for a popular unit that allows for an array of cleaning tasks, this Sun Joe electric pressure washer is an excellent pick. This highly rated model requires minimal assembly—just attach the hose and screw on the wand brackets. It comes with five quick-connect tips that adjust water pressure for every type of surface.
Blast away grime on siding and concrete or rinse off delicate surfaces like car paint. This until delivers 2,030 PSI with a max flow rate of 1.76 GPM. Meanwhile, the automatic shut-off saves energy and prolongs the pump’s life. The standard 20-foot hose can extend with a Sun Joe branded extension hose for a greater range.
Verified purchaser, Doug Spitzer, writes, “What a great little machine. I can’t complain about how it took two years of Florida mildew and grime off the pool deck. The wood looks new again and ready for its first stain.”
Pros
- Has over 37,000 five-star reviews on Amazon
- Comes with five quick-connect spray tips
- Has two removable detergent tanks
- Has a 20-foot hose (and an extension is available)
Cons
- Bulky cord storage
Psst! Speaking of cleanups, you’ll love the Sun Joe Chipper to quickly turn branches and sticks into mulch, too!
Best Portable Electric Pressure Washer
Wholesun Foam Cannon Pressure Washer
This lightweight, portable electric pressure washer moves around your home and yard with ease. With a 1,950 PSI and 1.58 GPM, this power washer is packed with a host of accessories. Its wheeled, upright design includes five quick-connect tips, a car wash brush and a foam cannon. The 20-foot hose rolls up onto the unit for easy storage and maintenance.
“I bought this pressure washer thinking I would just use it for the cars, decks, lawn furniture and windows on the house. Once I got it, it was so easy to haul around, even for a 60-year-old woman, I have found SO many more uses for it,” writes Marie, a five-star reviewer.
Pros
- Only weighs 17 pounds
- Compact and easy to store
- Has an auto shut-off feature
- Includes a two-year warranty
Cons
- No storage on the unit for pressure nozzles
Best Electric Pressure Washer for Auto Detailing
Karcher K5 Premium Induction Pressure Washer
This Karcher induction washer is what you need for stellar cleaning power. With a built-in pressurized hose reel that conveniently protects and stores the 25-foot high-pressure hose, this electric pressure washer is more than adequate for keeping your home and vehicle spotless. With 2,000 PSI and 1.2 GPM, the pressure can be adjusted by simply twisting the spray wand for effective and surface-friendly cleaning. Rich with features, the Karcher has a spray gun, detergent tank, water-cooled induction motor and convenient storage slots for wands and the electrical cord.
“Absolutely love this pressure washer. Bought it mainly to use with a foam cannon for detailing the cars, but I’ve ended up cleaning just about everything I can,” shares Rich, a verified purchaser.
Pros
- Adjustable pressure via twisting the wand
- Simple, user-friendly controls
- 25-foot kink-resistant hose
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Weighs 32 pounds
- On the pricier side
Why You Should Trust Us
As an award-winning woodworker, I have experience with woodworking, DIY and home improvement. I’ve tested, reviewed and suggested lots of products for Family Handyman readers. I know how to find a variety of products that fit our diverse readers’ needs while also meticulously scanning customer reviews to make sure each item lives up to its description, suggesting only the best of the best.
I consulted with Nicole Durden, Senior Merchant of Outdoor Power Equipment at Home Depot to get more background on why electric pressure washers are a great tool to have. She has worked at Home Depot for the past nine years specializing in various areas of home improvement.
How We Found the Best Electric Pressure Washers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What does an electric pressure washer clean?
A pressure washer is one of the best time-saving DIY tools in your arsenal, as it works on wood, masonry, aluminum and vinyl siding. Pressure washing is not ideal for certain surfaces, such as asphalt shingles, gutters or stained wood.
When used properly, the best electric pressure washers are a safe and efficient way to clean a car with the right amount of pressure. You can also give your fence or deck a facelift about once a year and an additional washing before resealing or painting. A low-pressure setting is great on soft wood like cedar.
Walkways, brick and concrete are more durable, so there is less worry about damaging the surface. Be careful not to blast in between the bricks and remove grout. Lastly, use an electric pressure washer to clean tools like shovels, wheelbarrows and rakes. They also work on garbage cans, recycling bins and patio furniture.
How do you winterize an electric pressure washer?
Electric pressure washers require less maintenance than their gas counterparts. If you live in an area with below-freezing temperatures, it’s a good idea to winterize your electric pressure washer. Disconnect the spray gun and hose, then drain the water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the remaining water from the pump. Unplug from the electrical outlet and run the spray gun until the water stops flowing.
Originally Published: May 05, 2023
