Looking for the Best Pressure Washer? Our 2019 reviews and buying guide are a great place to start!

updated: July 07, 2019

If you’re here, you’re probably searching for the best pressure washer for your home cleaning needs. Pressure washers, also known as power washers or pressure cleaners, are not for casual cleaning. These high-powered machines are perfect for removing stubborn grime from outdoor surfaces like cars, driveways, decks, patio furniture, siding, and much more.

You have two main types of pressure washers to choose from: electric and gas. Depending on your individual needs, each has its advantages and disadvantages. In general, an electric pressure washer is all most homeowners will need. If you have a lot of surface area to clean beyond the reach of an electrical outlet, gas is the way to go.

In our handy buying guide, we’ll cover how pressure washers work while comparing some of the top-performing products on the market. We researched several sources to gather current information.

Our reviews give a great rundown of the pros and cons of each product listed. Individual ratings are based on price, performance, dependability, ease of use, and other factors that real customers reported after using the products.

Alex Woodward

Expert Team

How to determine power ratings (PSI, GPM and CU)

When looking for pressure washers, you’ll see a few acronyms flying around like PSI, GPM and CU. By looking at product specs, you may think that PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) is the most important factor, but in reality, you’ll want to know the CU score (Cleaning Units). You won’t find this on all product specs. But it’s a better measurement of how efficient the washer can be in terms of water usage and speed.

PSI is the pushing force. It’s what removes the grime from the cleaning surface. The GPM is the flow rate of water. More flow means more water used per job. To determine the CU, multiply the PSI by the GPM (Gallons Per Minute).

For example, a pressure washer with 1500 PSI and 1.6 GPM would have a 2400 CU score. Compare that with a garden hose at 60 PSI and 8 GPM that would have a 480 CU score. The pressure washer would use 5 times less water for 5 times the cleaning power.

Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers

For most homeowners, an electric pressure washer will work just fine. They’re great for lighter-duty jobs around the home like cleaning vinyl siding. You will need a access to a power outlet and a hose and that’s about it. Gas washers require more maintenance.

Cheap Electric Pressure Washer

Other PROS of Electric pressure washers vs. Gas:

Quieter
Cheaper (average $150 – $250)
Easy storage
Can use indoors
Lighter

CONS of Electric pressure washers:

Cord limits reach
Less power

Gas pressure washers are better for heavier-duty jobs like cleaning concrete and farm equipment. They will cost more in terms of fuel and maintenance and need to be properly winterized before storage.

Gas Pressure Washer

PROS of Gas pressure washers:

More power
Can be used anywhere outdoors, no power outlet needed

CONS of Gas pressure washers:

More expensive (average $300 – $500)
Heavier
Louder
Cannot be used indoors

What’s the deal with nozzles and degrees?

All pressure washers will come with either an adjustable all-in-one nozzle or a few replaceable nozzles, usually color coded. It doesn’t matter what CU score your washer has – if you’re using the right nozzle, it’ll get the job done. Choosing the wrong one can either do a crappy job of cleaning or cause serious damage such as peeling paint off your car, splintering a wood deck, or punching through brick mortar.

Each nozzle has a different degree, which controls the size and shape of the water jet, much like a garden hose sprayer. There are five common nozzles:

0-degree (usually red) – shoots a narrow, pinpoint jet with a high amount of pressure. You will rarely if ever need this nozzle. In fact, Consumer Reports recommends you toss it. It can pose a huge risk of injury or property damage.
15 – degree (usually yellow) – shoots a 15-degree wide sheet of water that spreads the force over a larger area, but still with a lot of pressure.
25 – degree (usually green) – shoots a 25-degree wide sheet of water. This is the most commonly used tip.
40-degree (usually white) – a much gentler spray that can be used for more delicate jobs such as window cleaning (if not held too close to the glass).
Soap nozzle – low pressure – you must use this one when applying soap in most pressure washers.

What can you clean with a pressure washer?

Before we dive into the nitty gritty details, we have to mention safety. The high pressure coming from a pressure washer can easily damage delicate, fragile surfaces and your skin! Never, ever point the spray at yourself or anyone else.

So what can you clean with a pressure washer? Lots of things. This is not an exhaustive list, but it’ll give you a good idea of just what a good pressure washer can do for you. We’ll list them in order of pressure needed from light duty to heavy duty.

Garbage cans
Motorcycles
Patio furniture
Bicycles
Garden Tools
Cars, trucks, and vans
Lawnmowers
Boats
Gutters
Vinyl siding
Fences
Swimming pools / hot tubs
Brick walls
Decks & patios
Concrete driveways

Some interior surfaces like ceramic tiles can be cleaned with a pressure washer as well, but ONLY with an electric pressure washer. Never use a gas-powered washer indoors due to the danger of carbon monoxide in the exhaust.

Power Washer Engines

To power the pump, a gas pressure washer uses an engine, like a lawnmower and other outdoor equipment. The bigger the compression chamber, measured in cc (cubic centimeters), the more powerful they are. For instance, a Honda GCV190 engine has a 190cc compression chamber.

Electric pressure washers use motors to power the pump. They generally have 3 types:

Universal – cheapest, light & portable. Good for small jobs. Can be pretty loud.
Induction (or brushless)- average cost, good performance. Very quiet and durable.
Water-cooled – expensive, but reliable. Cooled water increases motor life.

Soaps & detergents

While you can use a pressure washer without any surface cleaner for light jobs, a soap or detergent can speed up the process. Soaps are usually based on natural products such as plant and animal oils and fats. That’s what makes them safe for our baths. Detergents are usually man-made chemicals.

Different pressure washers will have different ways to dispense soap. Some have built-in dispensers. Others have separate ones that attach to the hose. Remember that a downstream detergent injector is easier on the pump because it joins the water after it exits the pump. Be sure to read your owner’s manual to find what cleaning agents work best for your washer.

Depending on the job, look for cleaners with these ingredients (not an exhaustive list):

Vinegar – windows, door handles
Citric acid – concrete driveways, wood decks
Oxalic acid – rust removal
Bleach – sanitizing and disinfecting
Sodium hypochlorite – stain removal, disinfectant
Sodium hydroxide (caustic) – removes grease, oil, etc
Ammonia – cleans glass and stainless steel

Hot or cold water?

Most pressure washers on the market use only cold water straight from your garden hose. However, there are a few hot water pressure washers available, but they are NOT cheap. A good one will set you back at least $1800. Hot water does clean more efficiently than cold, but unless you’re a pro getting paid to use it, we generally don’t recommend a hot water power washer.

Best Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers (also called electric power washers) are appropriate for the vast majority of homeowners. While not as powerful as their gas-powered cousins, electric pressure washers are strong enough to remove most normal grime. They’re great for small jobs or infrequent larger jobs. They can easily clean your driveway, deck, gutters, patio furniture, vehicles and lawn equipment.

When shopping for an electric pressure washer, consider the power you’ll need. The more PSI/GPM, the more you’ll have to pay. Electric pressure washers have a general range of 1200 – 1700 PSI. Compare that to gas at 2,000 – 2,800 PSI, and you can see why gas has more oomph. However, an electric model is easier to carry and operate and is less likely to cause damage to surfaces.

PROS of Electric pressure washers:

Quieter than gas, especially those with brushless induction motors
Cheaper than gas (average $150 – $250)
Easy storage, no winterizing needed
Can use indoors – no exhaust fumes
Lighter and more portable

CONS of Electric pressure washers:

Must be near a power outlet
Less power than gas
Wands (usually plastic) are less sturdy than metal

While some people use extension cords to extend their cleaning reach, most manufacturers don’t recommend it. Since you’re pairing electricity and water, there’s always a risk of electrocution if the machine isn’t used properly. An extension cord can shorten the life of your pressure washer and may even void the warranty in some models. ALWAYS consult your owner’s manual before using an extension cord.

If using an extension cord, you MUST plug it into a GFCI receptacle, and the cord must have a grounding pin intact AND be heavy gauge (12 +) so it won’t trip your circuit breaker. But, if you need a few more feet to work with, it’s much safer to use a hose or wand extension.

Our 2019 reviews list some of the best models currently on the market. We’ll focus on some of the most important criteria so you can find the one that fits your project needs and budget:

Price
PSI / GPM / CU (cleaning power)
Warranty
Weight
Extra nozzles (on board storage is a big plus)
Plastic or stainless wand
Wheels – larger and pneumatic wheels provide the best stability and maneuverability
Plastic or brass couplings for hose attachment
Cord and hose length – minimum 20-foot hose and 30-foot cord
Hose and cord storage

Electric Pressure Washers – Our Top Picks for 2019

Sun Joe SPX3001 Our rating: 9,9 Price: Average Check Price on Amazon	Karcher K5 Premium Our rating: 9,8 Price: High Check Price on Amazon	AR Blue Clean AR390SS Our rating: 9,6 Price: Average Check Price on Amazon	Stanley SLP2050 Our rating: 9,4 Price: High Check Price on Amazon
Easy-to-use washer that’s lightweight and powerful enough for most light to medium-duty cleaning. Comes with 2-year full warranty.	Strongest machine from Karcher’s K Series with patented pump and water-cooled motor. Good for light, medium and some heavy-duty cleaning.	The most powerful machine from this brand with long hose and adjustable detergent dispenser. Good for medium and some heavy duty jobs.	The latest of Stanley’s S-line of pressure washers is its most versatile in terms of storage and usage. Good for most light – medium duty jobs.

Full reviews & ratings for 2019
Electric Pressure Washers

Best Gas Pressure Washers

For ultimate cleaning power, a gas pressure washer (also called a gas power washer) is unmatched. These big boys are tough enough to tackle heavy duty jobs that electric power washers often can’t touch, such as removing chewing gum and tree sap from walkways, paint stripping, and stubborn stain removal from large areas such as patios, driveways, and siding.

Contractors and professional handymen definitely prefer these guys over electric models, since they don’t require a power outlet and typically range from 2,000 to 4,000 PSI.

Gas pressure washers are not just for the professionals, however. Over the years, the performance gap has closed between the cheaper gas washers and high-priced electric washers. If you already operate gas lawn mowers, weed eaters, and other such equipment, you’ll be ready to handle the maintenance needs of a gas pressure washer.

PROS of gas pressure washers:

No power cord to limit reach, no power outlet needed
Great for cleaning large areas quickly
Best for removing very tough stains
Versatile for a wide variety of applications

CONS of gas pressure washers:

Heavier
Louder
More expensive (~$300 – $500 for residential models)
Can’t use indoors due to exhaust
Requires winterizing – must drain all water and add antifreeze

Gas pressure washers use engines to power the water pump. There are two main types of engine/pump systems – direct-drive and belt-drive. Direct-drive is more affordable and compact. However, they are prone to overheating after extended use (4 or more hrs/day). They also vibrate more and are louder.

A belt-drive system takes up more space, resulting in a heavier, more expensive washer. The belt, however, extends the life of the engine by absorbing vibration and reducing RPM. It can run at a lower temperature and won’t overheat with extended use (8 hrs/day).

Most gas power washers operate with cold water. However, you can find hot water gas power washers that heat water to 140 F. The high temp is really effective in breaking up tough dirt. However, these tend to be really expensive (over $1500).

Our 2019 reviews list some of the best models currently on the market. We’ll focus on some of the most important criteria so you can find the one that fits your project needs and budget:

Price
PSI / GPM / CU (cleaning power)
Warranty
Weight & carriage frame
Extra nozzles (on board storage is a big plus)
Plastic or stainless wand
Wheels – larger and pneumatic wheels provide the best stability and maneuverability
Plastic or brass couplings for hose attachment
Cord and hose length – minimum 20-foot hose and 30-foot cord
Hose and cord storage

Gas Pressure Washers – Our Top Picks for 2019

SIMPSON Cleaning PS3228 Our rating: 9,9 Price: High Check Price on Amazon	Champion 3200-PSI Gas Our rating: 9,7 Price: Average Check Price on Amazon	Excell EPW2123100 Our rating: 9,5 Price: Low Check Price on Amazon	Duromax XP3100PWT Our rating: 9,4 Price: Average Check Price on Amazon
This model is powerful enough for commercial use, but can easily be adjusted to clean even delicate surfaces such as lawn furniture.	Heavy-duty cleaning in a compact machine with a long run time. Great for pretty much any light to heavy-duty cleaning job.	This affordable pressure washer produces a lot of power for the price. It’s compact for easy storage. Great for medium to heavy duty tasks.	This simple to use pressure washer works for a wide variety of surfaces & grime. Includes big detergent tank and several nozzles.

Full reviews & ratings for 2019
Gas Pressure Washers

How to Use a Pressure Washer Safely and Efficiently

Nothing beats a pressure washer for cleaning years’ worth of stuck on grime from surfaces all around your home. From mildew to tree sap and even old chewing gum, a pressure washer is your best friend to remove these stubborn sticky messes.

Pressure washers rely on water pressure to produce the cleaning power needed for such jobs. They do this by pumping water through a very narrow hose and wand, which increases pressure the narrower it gets. On the wand is a hand-squeezed trigger that activates the flow.

Some pressure washer wands have an adjustable nozzle. Others have separate detachable nozzles. Both types allow for more control over the angle and pressure used for different tasks.

Due to the high pressure, it’s vitally important to follow strict safety measures to prevent surface damage as well as injury to yourself and others. Follow these general guidelines for safe operation of your pressure washer:

Read the manual. It will tell you exactly how to operate your particular model, along with important info about replacement parts and troubleshooting.
Never touch the spray. Don’t point it at kids or pets either. It can easily lacerate skin and even remove fingers if the pressure is high enough.
Wear protective gear. No shorts and flip flops. Think safety goggles, work gloves, enclosed shoes, ear protection (especially with gas power washers), and pants.
Prep your surroundings. Cover exterior lights, vents, and close your windows. Get all tripping hazards out of the way, including pets and kids.
No ladders! Pressure washers can produce a serious kickback force, which can lead to a nasty fall. Opt for extension wands to reach high areas instead.

It’s not difficult to use a pressure washer, but there are some rules that should be followed for a safe, effective cleaning job each and every time. These are general steps. The process can vary depending on your machine.

Sweep or brush all loose dirt and debris from the surface you’re cleaning.
Connect garden hose to the water inlet.
Turn the faucet on fully.
Sweeze wand trigger to release air pressure.
Check hose connections for leaks.
For a gas power washer, pull the starter cord to start the engine. For electric, plug into a grounded, GFCI outlet.
Let water run through the machine for about a minute to prime the system. But never let it idle for longer than 3-5 minutes so you won’t overheat the engine.
With trigger off, attach a low pressure nozzle, or set adjustable nozzle to low. Always start with low pressure and work your way up.
Hold the wand with both hands. Plant feet firmly on the ground.
Start with low pressure, about 18 inches from cleaning surface. Move in a side-to side motion at a 45 degree angle to the surface.
Keep moving. Don’t stay in one spot or you risk damage to the surface. Move the spray in overlapping lines to avoid streaks.
If you need more pressure, try moving the spray closer to the surface, but no more than 6 inches away. Or lock the trigger on the wand and attach a higher pressure tip.

Pressure washer nozzles 101: A beginner’s guide

It’s important to choose the right pressure washer nozzle for specific cleaning jobs. Use our quick and handy guide to help you choose the right nozzle to get the most out of your pressure washer cleaning time.

How do you know whether it’s better to buy or rent a pressure washer?

Pressure washers can revitalize your outdoor surfaces. Many homeowners wonder if it’s better to rent or buy. While electric units cost less than gas, they can still run a few hundred bucks. What’s best for you?

Does your home’s vinyl siding need some TLC? Learn how to pressure wash a house with this simple guide.

Afraid to power wash your house? With the right pressure washer, cleaning your home’s siding and other exterior surfaces will keep it looking great to retain its resale value. Learn how with our helpful guide.

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