Consumer Reports Best Pressure Washer

When it comes to cleaning concrete or decking, pathways, patios, stairs, and other hard surfaces, nothing beats a pressure washer. With a single blast, the top models can remove months or even years’ worth of stains.

Be cautious while using pressure washers, also known as power washers, before unleashing the heavies. It is possible to inflict significant harm or damage to property with high-pressure water delivery instruments. As a result, we only provide consumer reports best pressure washer recommendations for a select few of the many models we evaluate.

Pressure cleaners, often referred to as power washers, are robust cleaning appliances that use water under high pressure. Low-pressure water is converted to high-pressure water by an electric motor or a gas engine in a pressure washer and then pumped out of the machine through a nozzle. Because of this, pressure washers come in handy for cleaning just about anything.

We have gone a long way with pressure washers. Quality has improved while costs have decreased during the previous ten years. A pressure washer has excellent cleaning power, rapidly and efficiently eliminating dirt, grime, and algae. Your capacity to keep your land and equipment clean and well-maintained will rise significantly when you invest in a pressure washer. Pressure washers are a fantastic investment if you value your time, but if you choose the incorrect one, you may be disappointed and end up wasting a lot of both.

That’s when things become interesting. Before selling the best pressure washer, we ask our customers what they plan to use it for, where they want to use it, and how frequently they plan to use it. As a result, we’ll be able to recommend a pressure washer that’s better suitable for their needs. The following is meant to educate you to make those choices on your own and allow you to choose what you want depending on your requirements and what you know is vital to complete the job successfully.

Understanding Ratings

The following are some actual rankings for you to familiarize yourself with:

Power in the form of horses (HP)

Engine or motor output is measured in horsepower. When looking at the pump’s efficiency, pay attention to how much pressure and volume it can generate.

The weight of one kilogram per square inch (PSI)

PSI, or pounds per square inch, is the unit used to measure the pressure created by a pressure washer. The cleaning power comes from pressure.

Billion gallons per year (GPM)

Gallons per minute (GPM) is a unit of measurement used to express how much water a pressure washer produces. The cleaning power is also influenced by volume.

Power Units Cleaning (CPU)

Cleaning Power Units measure the cleaning power of a pressure washer. GPM x PSI is the formula for calculating CPU. The machine’s ability to clean thoroughly and effectively increases in direct proportion to the CPU power.

Top 8 Best Pressure Washer in 2021

Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer Powered by Honda

In terms of pressure washers, the Simpson Cleaning MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer is one of the most acceptable options out there. The Honda GC190 engine provides dependable power to this powerful machine. At 3,200 PSI, it’s perfect for use on your home, driveway, patio furniture, automobile, and painted surfaces alike. It uses only 2.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM).

The 10-inch pneumatic tires on this pressure washer give it more stability. The chassis is made of heavy-duty welded steel. It has a 66-pound curb weight. In addition to the ergonomic spray gun, the MegaShot comes with a long (25-foot) and flexible (kink-resistant) hose and an OEM axial pump. To make things even better, there are five different types of spray nozzles included. This gas-powered pressure washer is dependable, durable, and robust, and it’s a breeze to start.

Pros

• Powerful motor
• Sturdy construction
• High-pressure capacity

Cons

• Expensive
• Some complaints about oil leaks
• Some complaints about pump

Sun Joe 2030 MAX PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 Amp Electric Pressure Washer

There is no need to replace the oil with electric power washers, but the disadvantage is that you must be near an electrical outlet to use them. Today’s top-rated electric pressure washer is the Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer, with a pressure of 2,030 psi and a flow rate of 1.76 gallons per minute. You get five quick-connect spray tips with this low-cost device, as well as two detergent tanks and five detergent tanks.

There is a 20-foot high-pressure hose on the Sun Joe Pressure Washer, as well as a 34-inch extension wand and a 35-foot power chord on the machine. There’s even a garden hose adaptor included. The twin chambers let you alternate between two different kinds of detergent by turning a selection dial. This multipurpose power washer is ideal for both simple and difficult cleaning jobs. Some of our beta-testers used it on siding, decks, and automobiles, among other things.

Pros

• Dual detergent tanks
• Auto shutoff
• Reasonably quiet

Cons

• Not high-powered
• No storage for hose
• Short extension wand

Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer

You don’t want to wash your automobile by hand, so you use a car wash machine. A fast and efficient pressure washer, such as the Karcher K5, will perform the job well. The onboard detergent tank makes it simple to apply soap with this electric power washer, with a maximum pressure of 2,000 psi and a maximum flow rate of 1.4 GPM. Compared to a garden hose, Karcher’s K5 has 40 times the pressure and comes with two wands: the Vario for general cleaning and the DirtBlaster for heavy-duty tasks.

Pros

• Onboard detergent tank
• Two spray wands
• Long motor life

Cons

• Not exceptionally high-powered
• Some leaks

Greenworks 1500 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer

Will your pressure washer just be used for minor jobs? Less expensive equipment, such as the Greenworks Pressure Washer, will do the job in such instance. This low-cost model’s 1,500 pressure and 1.2 GPM setting is perfect for modest chores like cleaning patio furniture or washing your vehicle.

The lightweight electric pressure washer has a 35-foot power chord and a 20-foot high-pressure hose. It weighs a little under 16 pounds. It comes with 25- and 40-degree quick-connect tips for varied spraying settings and can be used vertically or horizontally for improved stability. Even though it’s a beautiful idea, this vacuum cleaner is nonetheless capable of cleaning various surfaces.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Quiet

Cons

• Only includes two spray tips
• Small detergent bottle
• Not high-powered

SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 3100 PSI at 2.5 GPM gas pressure washer powered by HONDA GC190

Because of their engines, gas pressure washers are usually more powerful than electric versions. When it comes to gas pressure washers, the Simpson Pro Gas Pressure Washer is one of the most acceptable options. This powerful pressure washer has a maximum pressure of 3100 psi and can handle tasks up to 2.5 GPM.

This machine is powered by a 420 cc engine and constructed of heavy-duty steel for long-term use. This washer can easily navigate paved or grassy surfaces. The five quick-connect nozzle tips that come with the Pressure Washer may be utilized for a wide range of tasks, including wood restoration and graffiti removal.

Pros

• Extremely powerful
• Five spray tips
• Long hose

Cons

• No built-in detergent tank
• It can be tiring to use
• Noisy

Champion Power Equipment 4200-PSI 4-GPM Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer 100790

An industrial gas pressure washer, such as the Champion Power Equipment Commercial Duty Gas Pressure Washer, is required for cleaning dirty surfaces like concrete driveways. While everyone doesn’t need such high-performance levels, for those that do, this machine is unbeatable. Mud, engine oil, paint, mold, and other complicated things are no match for the Champion 389 CC’s 4,200 pressure and 4 GPM water blast.

Unlike rubber hoses, the pressure washer’s 50-foot steel-braided line is three times more abrasion-resistant. To increase cleaning performance, it incorporates a AAA industrial triplex plunger pump. For problems that need more than just water, there’s a detergent tank built right in.

Because of the heavy-duty steel construction, this pressure washer will last for many years of heavy usage by builders and cleaners who deal with all kinds of grime and need it to be removed as rapidly as possible. Even though it’s built to last, it’s nevertheless lightweight and portable.

Pros

• Detergent tank
• Very powerful
• Durable construction

Cons 

• Expensive

Ryobi 1,600 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer (Model RY141612) 

Pressure washers may weigh up to 50 pounds, so the Ryobi 1,600 PSI Electric Pressure Washer is a good choice if you want something easier to transport about the yard. When it comes to storage, even the most packed garage or tool shed, this Ryobi model weighs only 16 pounds, making it easy to stash away.

This 1,600-psi electric power washer uses one gallon of water per minute. It has three nozzles, one of which is the turbo for quick cleaning. It’s also quite strong considering its small size. It’s perfect for various things, including automobiles, sidewalks, and lawn and garden equipment.

Pros 

• Reasonable price
• Very portable
• Quiet

Cons

• Not high-powered
• No built-in detergent tank

WEN PW3200 Gas-Powered 3200 PSI 208cc Pressure Washer, CARB Compliant, Black

You’ll need a powerful pressure washer like the WEN 3200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer if you’re cleaning concrete or other hard surfaces. This heavy-duty piece of equipment is intended for professional use only. Moreover, it has no problem removing debris such as sand, dirt, mold, paint, and other contaminants.

This Pressure Washer has a maximum pressure of 3,200 pounds per square inch and a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. A steel-braided hose, 30 feet long, is more abrasion-resistant than rubber hoses, making it more durable. 

Pros

• Very high-powered
• High-performance engine
• Five nozzles

Cons

• Expensive
• Noisy

Buying Guide

A pressure washer is a relatively simple piece of equipment. A motor or engine turns a pump, pushing water through an orifice (tip). While passing down the narrow canyon, water speeds up and is more effective at blasting dirt and filth than when it is moving at a slower pace. It’s a piece of cake to figure out. A certain amount of water is pumped through the tip every time the pump runs. Water pressure increases linearly with volume, so as you add water, you also add power. The higher the pressure, the faster the water moves, and the harder it hits the dirt, removing it from the surface you want to clean.

Kinds of Pressure Washers/ Brushers

There are several different kinds of pressure washers.

Electric and gas-powered pressure washers are the two most common varieties.

Electric-powered

In comparison to gas-powered models, electric pressure washers are less expensive and quieter. To get it started and change the settings, you have to touch a few buttons. The force of electric-powered pressure washers is generally lower, so they’re helpful for smaller jobs like washing your car, grill, or furniture, as well as cleaning your patio.

However, the disadvantage of using an electric pressure washer is that you will have to have it plugged in all the time. It’s also good to read the instructions to learn about the various pressure washers’ power cord settings. Some electric pressure washers may only be used by plugging them directly into an outlet. Extension cables can be connected to some of these models. This will help you determine how far you can move the pressure washer away from the outlet. Keep this in mind while moving the pressure washer.

Gas-powered

Gas-powered pressure washers are best for more extensive and more complex cleaning jobs. You may use them to clean siding, walkways, and storage tanks outside because of their increased mobility and power. They are, however, more cumbersome than pressure washers driven by electricity. Pull-start gas pressure washers are available with several models of gas-powered pressure washers. In addition, some models include an electronic starter as an optional feature.

Follow the fuelling guidelines provided by the manufacturer to achieve the greatest results from your gas-powered pressure washer.

Cleaning Tasks Kinds

Light Cleaning

Pressure washers with PSI ratings between 1300 and 1800 and GPM ratings of 1.5 are more than enough for simple cleaning activities like removing mildew off grills, cleaning window shutters, and washing cars. PSI and GPM are common in electric pressure washers, making them excellent for cleaning in small spaces.

Medium Cleaning 

Utilize a PSI between 2000 and 3000 and a GPM of 2.5 if you wish to use pressure washers for more intense cleaning activities like washing sidewalks and building exteriors. They’d be great for cleaning up after pets and other outside creatures. A two-way closing valve makes switching between cleaning solutions a breeze.

Heavy Cleaning

You’ll need a powerful pressure washer with a PSI of 3,000 or more and a GPM of 4.0 if you’re cleaning paint, oil stains, or concrete. Gas-powered pressure washers are ideal in these situations.

7 Crucial Pressure Cleaner Review Categories, Components, and Add-Ons

Engines – An engine powers the pump on a gas pressure cleaner. In engines, the compression chamber size is expressed in cubic centimeters (cc). Engine power increases linearly with cylinder displacement.

Motors – The pump in an electric cleaner is propelled by one or more motors. Watts or Amps will be used to characterize them, based on how much energy they supply. These are some examples of motors you could come across:

Universal (with the least financial outlay) – Extremely compact and low in weight. For small projects, it’s affordable and dependable. It has the potential to be noisy.

Induction (Medium $$) – You can obtain a better-performing induction motor for a little more money. Long-lasting and very low-profile.

Water-cooled (most expensive) – More expensive but more dependable in operation. The use of water to cool the motor extends its lifespan. An induction motor’s feature.

Cool/Hot Water – Cold water cleans well, although hot water is preferable for cleaning. Your dishwasher utilizes hot water for a purpose. Water is heated to 140F (60C) using an integrated burner/heating coil in a hot water pressure washer. In comparison to cold water systems, they’re at least $1500 more expensive. One is a common item in the toolkits of the greatest professionals.

Hoses – There are several pressure washer hoses, each with a different diameter and material composition. The 1/4-inch diameter is the most popular. Professional contractors are more likely to use 3/8-inch hoses because of their machinery’s more excellent water flow rates. The most common hose material is plastic, and you’ll find it on most home electric and gas pressure cleaners right out of the box. Polyurethane hoses are available for an additional $200 and provide better flexibility and durability while also being lighter to move about.

Nozzles – Nozzles disperse water over a wide area, allowing you to adjust the pressure and area. Nozzles are classified into seven categories: A pinpoint water jet is produced by a 0-degree nozzle. Use a 40-degree nozzle to fan out the water and spread it out over a larger area to reduce pressure. The rotational turbo nozzle is a popular nozzle for removing tough stains from hard-to-reach places. With its 3000-rpm rotation and 0-degree jet pressure, it cleans like a 25-degree nozzle with the same surface area.

Other Attachments – Your pressure cleaner’s cleaning capability may be increased with one of the many attachments available. A surface cleaner with two or three revolving nozzles in a spherical enclosure is the most common. It cleans vast, flat surfaces considerably faster than any other kind of cleaner. A character (such as your vehicle, boat, or wheelbarrow) uses a foam cannon to shoot heavy suds for pre-soaking. The brush attachment, for example, lets you remove dirt and debris off surfaces without having to worry about harming them with excessive jet pressure.

Benefits of Owning a Power Washer

You should acquire a good power washer since it is a must-have outdoor cleaning item.

Prevent Wastage of Time

Think about how much water you can save and how quickly you can clean your vehicle with a pressure washer the next time you’re in the driveway. You won’t even have to bend down to clean the low place with the pressure pistol since it’s point and fire.

Here’s where the “5x” came from:

• With a 60 PSI garden hose, you may get around 8 GPM of water flow. That is the equivalent of 480 cleaning power units.
• 1.6 GPM at 1500 PSI may be obtained using an electric pressure cleaner costing $100. In other words, it equates to 2400 cleaning units.

So, for $100, you get 5x the cleaning power while using 5x the water. When it comes to pressure washer evaluations, we look at every washer component, including its brand, to make sure you’re getting the best.

For large flat surfaces like a tennis court or your driveway, accessories like a surface cleaner make pressure cleaning an excellent choice. The majority of mobile contract pressure washers have their own, which allows them to do more tasks in a day.

Spend less money

Three ways a pressure washer saves you money

• You save money on your water bill because you use less water. With pressure cleaning, you can get the job done half the time and use half the water.
• It costs between $100 and $400 to purchase a pressure cleaner. It costs $150 to hire someone to do your driveway cleaning. It costs $100 to hire a deck cleaner. A pressure washer rental costs $80 per day.
• Maintaining clean surfaces extends their lifespan. Your deck, driveway, grill, and other outside spaces will last longer if you keep them clean regularly. A rotting deck that needed to be fixed because it constituted a danger may have crossed your path. Yes, by keeping it clean and healthy, you may help to avoid anything like that.

Surfaces Experience a More Thorough Clean

High-pressure water is the only way to clean surfaces effectively. High-pressure hot soapy water is recommended by industry groups that certify contractors because it is effective and quick. Like the top pressure washing services providers, a hot water pressure washer and a suitable detergent can remove caked-on dirt, oil, and grime in minutes rather than hours or days.

Make Your House More Valuable and Attractive from the Outside

Up to $15,000 may be added to the value of your property by pressure washing the siding, driveway, patio, front stairs, walkways, and garage door. Also, if you’re going to put your house on the market soon, this will draw in more potential buyers.

Tasks Become More Pleasurable

Cleaning unclean outdoor surfaces will be a lot of fun now that you have your new toy. Concrete, wood, plastic, or metal have no chance against him. Power washers can accomplish amazing things. Have you seen them in action? Take a look at the half-cleaned deck in the photo above. And using a power washer is simple: simply aim the wand where you want it to go and press the trigger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to have a water line for pressure washers?

A water supply must be connected to your pressure washer. The most common water supply is an outside faucet, and the garden hose will be used to connect the pressure washer to the tap. Pressure washers usually need the use of an inner diameter of 34 inches or less and a garden hose no more than 50 feet in length.

You still have choices if you don’t have access to an outside water tap. One option is to utilize the washing machine’s water faucet. These taps have the same threading as an outdoor hose tap, so an adapter isn’t necessary to connect the hose. Use a sink in the kitchen or bathroom if you have one. However, since the hose attachments are not threaded, you’ll also want a threaded adaptor sized for the tap and your hose. The hose must be routed inside via a window or door if you’re utilizing an indoor tap.

What to choose from Gas Engine and Electric Motor?

As mentioned before, a pressure washer’s engine or motor is what drives the pump. The PSI and GPM of a pump increase in direct proportion to the horsepower of the engine or motor. The usual gas engine lifespan is 300-3,000 hours. Most of the time, electric pressure washer motors outlast their pumps.

Can I use a different kind of gas in my pressure washer if I want to?

The machine itself determines the kind of gas to use in a gas pressure washer. Some gas pressure washers use regular gasoline with ease, while others need a unique two-cycle mixture to be used successfully. Only a small percentage of gas pressure washers can be powered by a blend of ordinary gasoline and mineral oil. Every gas pressure washer comes with a user’s handbook that tells you what kind of gas to use. The gas pressure washer engine might be permanently damaged if the wrong type of fuel is used.

Conclusion

Buying the best pressure washer requires careful consideration of your demands before deciding on an electric or gasoline-powered model. The electric-powered pressure washer is an excellent value for the regular home-based customer who wants to clean a deck or wash a car. The electric pressure washer is not strong or adaptable enough for commercial use, and a plug outlet constrains it. Finally, pick the pressure washer that best suits your everyday demands. 

Buying a pressure washer requires careful consideration of your needs before deciding on an electric or gasoline-powered model. The electric-powered pressure washer is an excellent value for the regular home-based customer who wants to clean a deck or wash a car. The electric pressure washer is not strong or adaptable enough for commercial use, and a plug outlet constrains it. Finally, pick the pressure washer that best suits your everyday demands.