Updated Sep. 09, 2024
If you're looking for a powerful pressure washer, here's a list of the best devices for every budget, skill level and outdoor surface.
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A pressure washer is a powerful cleaning tool for washing big outdoor messes from decks and patios, patio furniture, cars and more. Let’s be real: Nothing’s more satisfying than blasting stains from your concrete patio so it’s sparkling for guests to come over.
We considered several factors, including ease of use, motor type, required maintenance and price, to choose the best pressure washers. For further investigation, we talked to Trusted Media Brands Executive Editor Nicole Doster, who owns our favorite pressure washer on the list. Spoiler alert: She loves how it cleans!
So, if you’re in need of a pressure washer to blast away dirt and grunge from fencing, siding, decking and other outdoor areas, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best pressure washers on the market right now.
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The Sun Joe Pressure Washer has earned its status as a top-selling Amazon product for good reason. This portable and efficient machine is lightweight and user-friendly, making it an ideal choice even for beginners. Its 14.5-amp/1,800-watt electric motor delivers a powerful spray that effectively cleans outdoor surfaces such as cars, RVs, concrete driveways and patio furniture.
Nicole Doster, the Executive Editor at Trusted Media Brands, admires not only the cleaning performance of this Sun Joe pressure washer but also the inclusion of multiple nozzle attachments and a storage organization system that keeps all the accessories neatly in place. “It removed dirt and weeds from hard-to-reach areas like cracks and edges,” Doster says. “I could not believe the results. We’ve even cleaned our vinyl greenhouse, metal shed and our cars. We also used it to clean the tile on our front patio. It was mesmerizing to see how effortlessly it cleaned our grout.”
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The functional and affordable Craftsman 2100 pressure washer may not be the cheapest option available, but the less expensive alternatives often come with one or more drawbacks that make the Craftsman a superior choice overall. With a maximum pressure of 2,100 PSI and a flow rate of 1.2 GPM, this pressure washer offers an unbeatable package at its price point.
It includes four nozzles and features a convenient locking mechanism that keeps the wand stable during transportation. Speaking of transportation, the durable 10-inch wheels easily maneuver over steps, landscaping and other small obstacles. And a 35-foot power cord and 25-foot kink-resistant hose provide an impressive range.
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The Simpson Powershot boasts an impressive power of 4,000 PSI at 3.5 GPM, making it more than capable of stripping paint or removing a decade’s worth of accumulated grime from your sidewalk.
This gas-powered pressure washer derives its strength from a Honda GX270 engine, delivering a deep and thorough cleaning performance without the additional cost of commercial-level features. The 3/8-inch hose extends a generous 50 feet, which is twice the length of most other washers on this list, while the 13-inch wheels ensure easy maneuverability.
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If you prefer to avoid the hassle of renting and only need a pressure washer for occasional use, we highly recommend the Ryobi 2300. The 13-amp brushless motor and pump deliver 2,300 PSI and 1.2 GPM, and the 25-foot hose offers ample room for maneuvering. This versatile pressure washer is safe to use on a variety of surfaces including cars, decking, driveways, patio furniture and even grills.
Additionally, it includes a detergent tank for those who want a deck and patio cleaner. Compared to gas-powered alternatives, electric washers are generally lighter and easier to transport, but they can be prone to tipping over. The Ryobi 2300 strikes an ideal balance between convenience and safety, thanks to its stable stand and large wheels.
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This Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer can run on a 120V outlet or go cordless with two Greenworks 60V batteries. In battery mode, it provides a hearty 1,550 PSI and 1.1 GPM. With plugged-in AC service, the pressure steps up to 1,800 PSI. Greenworks also added a siphon feature, which lets you pull water from a bucket in case there isn’t an outdoor water faucet nearby.
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If you’re in search of the best pressure washers that offer easy maneuverability, look no further than the Karcher K3 Follow-Me. This model, known for its ultra-portability and lightweight design, effortlessly moves across your home and yard. It’s equipped with four wheels, two of which swivel in the front and two stationary ones at the back, for exceptional mobility.
Weighing in at only 15 pounds, it is approximately half the weight of competing products, making it incredibly easy to transport. With a maximum pressure of 1,800 PSI and a flow rate of 1.3 GPM, it handles a wide range of household tasks with ease.
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Using a foamer is an excellent method for washing your car, truck or RV. The Stanley portable pressure washer includes a detergent bottle that serves as a high-pressure foamer, enabling you to create a rich lather for cleaning your vehicle. This model is backed by a two-year limited warranty and is supplied with an O-ring replacement kit for added convenience.
It is important to avoid pressure-washing your car, as the force of the water can push abrasive particles into the surface and potentially cause damage to weakened or flaking paint. However, you can safely use this pressure washer to generate foam, scrub the car down by hand and then rinse it off to achieve a thorough cleaning.
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The Simpson Aluminum Series is lightweight but heavy on power and features. It’s one of the best pressure washers for DIYers with multiple properties or areas that require frequent maintenance and cleaning. With a PSI of 4,200 and 4.0 GPM flow rate, it packs enough punch to tackle everything from wood restoration to graffiti removal.
The Honda GX390 engine (with low-oil automatic shutdown) powers a CAT pump. It comes with a 50-foot long, steel-braided 3/8-inch hose with quick connect fittings, plus five nozzle tips. And it moves around most job sites with ease on 13-inch pneumatic tires.
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With so many options to consider when shopping for a pressure washer, it’s smart to equip yourself with a few key aspects to keep in mind to help you make an informed purchase.
There are two main types of pressure washers:
When evaluating a pressure washer’s power and performance, consider three key metrics: PSI, GPM and CU.
Nozzle types are crucial for customizing your pressure washer to the necessary cleaning task. Most pressure washers come with interchangeable nozzles, ranging from narrow, high-pressure jets for tough grime to wider, gentler sprays for delicate surfaces. They usually range from 0 to 40 degrees. Many models integrate soap dispensers, which place detergent into an onboard tank for more effective cleaning. This is handy for washing cars or siding.
When looking at how easy a pressure washer is to use, consider the following:
Durability and build quality are key components of the shopping decision. Look for tough, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or brass fittings, which can withstand frequent use.
Safety is essential when using a pressure washer, and two key features to look for are:
A good warranty covers defects and potential issues for a set period of time. Look for a warranty that covers key components like the motor and the pump. Likewise, responsive and helpful customer support can significantly impact the overall user experience.
For this article, Madi Koetting dug into her multiple years of experience as an editor for Family Handyman, where she reviews hundreds of home products. Her work has also been published in Reader’s Digest, Better Homes & Gardens and Taste of Home.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
To compile our list of the best pressure washers, we conducted extensive research on popular brands and their top models, aiming to cover a wide range of categories and user needs. We included both gas-powered and electric pressure washers to provide options suitable for various cleaning tasks around the home. Our selection features lightweight models perfect for quick, everyday cleaning jobs and heavy-duty machines capable of tackling the toughest grime and dirt.
Recognizing that budget plays a crucial role in choosing the right pressure washer, we included high-quality options across different price points. Whether you’re looking for an affordable unit for occasional use or a premium model for heavy-duty applications, our curated list offers pressure washers that deliver excellent performance and value for money. Our goal was to provide a comprehensive guide that helps you find the perfect pressure washer to meet your specific needs.
Several top pressure washer brands exist. Standout companies are Kharcher and Sun Joe, which make impressive electric models. Craftsman and Simpson are great gas options.
Anything between 1,200 and 2,000 PSI can tackle most household cleaning tasks. For tougher jobs, look for 2,500 to 3,000 PSI.
Professionals use larger commercial pressure washers, often gas-powered, to tackle any job. Their priorities focus on a pressure washer’s durability and versatility.
Originally Published: July 14, 2021
