8 Best Pressure Washers of 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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8 Best Pressure Washers Of 2023VIA MERCHANT

A pressure washer is a powerful cleaning tool when it comes to 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 looked at several different factors to choose the best pressure washers including ease of use, motor type, required maintenance and price. 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.

The Best Pressure Washers

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Sun Joe Spx 3000 Electric Pressure Washer
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Best Overall Pressure Washer

Sun Joe SPX 3000 Electric Pressure Washer

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.”

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Powerful yet lightweight
  • Quiet motor
  • Portable
  • Accessory organization system
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Some Amazon reviewers report the nozzle tip clogs

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2 / 8

Craftsman 2100 Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer
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Best Value Pressure Washer

Craftsman 2100 Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer

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.

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Lightweight
  • Includes removable soap tank
  • Storage organization for pressure washer accessories
  • Three-year limited warranty

Cons

  • Some reviewers say this product is loud

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3 / 8

Simpson Powershot 4000 Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer
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Best Gas-Powered Pressure Washer

Simpson Powershot 4000 Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer

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.

Pros

  • Powerful gas-powered engine with low oil shutdown feature
  • Commercial-level performance
  • Hose stretches 50 feet
  • Comes with five nozzle tips
  • Includes multiple warranties for pressure washer parts

Cons

  • Gas pressure washers tend to require more maintenance, so it may not be best for novice DIYers
  • Pricey

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Ryobi 2300 High Performance Electric Pressure Washer
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Best Electric Pressure Washer

Ryobi 2300 High Performance Electric Pressure Washer

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.

Pros

  • High efficiency brushless electric induction motor
  • Lightweight
  • Safe to use on a variety of outdoor surfaces
  • Storage for accessories
  • Affordable price point
  • Three-year limited warranty

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the hose isn’t flexible enough, making it difficult to coil back into place

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5 / 8

Greenworks Pw 1800 Electric Pressure Washer
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Best Hybrid Pressure Washer

Greenworks PW-1800 Electric Pressure Washer

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.

Pros

  • Convenient hybrid model
  • Easy to assemble
  • Portable
  • Pro-style wand with extra nozzle attachments

Cons

  • Some users found this device works best for cleaning small surface areas

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6 / 8

Karcher K3 Follow Me 1800 Electric Pressure Washer
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Best Lightweight Pressure Washer

Karcher K3 Follow Me 1800 Electric Pressure Washer

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.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy to assemble
  • Four-wheel base makes it easy to maneuver
  • Kink-resistant high-pressure hose
  • Onboard detergent tank

Cons

  • Small wheels aren’t ideal for rolling over obstacles

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7 / 8

Stanley Shp2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer
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Best Vehicle Pressure Washer

Stanley SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer

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.

Pros

  • Safe for use on vehicles
  • Easy to maneuver on wheels
  • High-pressure foamer lathers surfaces in suds
  • Includes attachments for common household cleanups

Cons

  • Reviewers note a cleaning solution is needed for clearing tough stains on outdoor surfaces

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8 / 8

Simpson Aluminum 4200 Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer
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Best High-End Pressure Washer

Simpson Aluminum 4200 Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer

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.

Pros

  • Powerful Honda GX390 engine
  • Heavy-duty wheels for maneuvering around job sites
  • Long 50-foot hose
  • Multiple warranties on pressure washer parts

Cons

  • Expensive

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What to Consider When Buying a Pressure Washer

Here are a few terms and options to keep in mind when buying a pressure washer:

  • Water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI): This measures the force of the water coming out of the nozzle. The higher the PSI, the more aggressive the water. This is also affected by the nozzle, which controls the angle of the spray.
  • Flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM): More water equals more impact on the object being cleaned. A high GPM is less likely to damage the item than a high psi, and heavier water flow is especially helpful when using detergent.
  • Gas or electric motor: Gas motors traditionally provide more power and flow. Electric pressure washers are another effective option, and sometimes easier to use. Pressure washers with gas engines are ideal when cleaning far from a power source.
  • Maintenance: Electric pressure washers don’t need much upkeep. Gas engine pressure washers require maintenance ranging from oil changes to filter replacements and tune-ups.

How We Found the Best 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

How much should I spend on a pressure washer?

Typically, electric pressure washers are more affordable than gas-powered models. You can expect to spend $100 to $450 on an electric pressure washer and about $300 to $700 on a gas-powered version. However, commercial-grade pressure washers can cost thousands of dollars.

What PSI pressure washer is best for home use?

For light to medium home cleaning jobs you should look for a pressure washer that puts out 1,000 to 2,788 PSI. Most concrete cleaning jobs require higher pressure levels, so for tougher jobs we recommend looking for a pressure washer that can produce 3,000 PSI.

Madi Koetting
Madi Koetting is a shopping editor for Family Handyman and is an expert at curating the internet’s best cleaning gadgets, organizing gear and home buys. She’s constantly testing products for "best" lists, I Tried It reviews and gift guides, along with internet-made-me-buy-it home goods. If there’s a viral product taking the internet by storm, you can count on Madi to give an honest review. Madi's love for magazine journalism began at Drake University where she served as Editor-in-Chief of her school's Pacemaker-award winning magazine, Drake Mag. Since 2017, Madi's home expertise has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman and Birds and Blooms. Madi is also a contributing writer for The Everygirl and Stylecaster, covering relationship, fashion and beauty topics. When she’s not decorating her apartment, you can find her reviewing her favorite home and kitchen finds on Family Handyman's Instagram.