Best Pressure Washers

Pressure washers can turn 3-hour jobs into 10-minute jobs thanks to their ability to deliver water with much more power than your standard garden hose.

The problem is, it can be difficult to find the best pressure washer with so many options available. There are even multiple types—mainly electric and gas—that you will also have to decide between.

To help you find your fit, we’ve created this guide that highlights the best pressure washers currently available on the market and goes over what you should consider when choosing one. 

In this guide:

Best Electric Pressure Washers

Are you looking for a pressure washer that is portable, quiet, and can help you accomplish all your washing needs? Then an electric pressure washer might be just what you’re looking for.

The pressure of electric washers generally ranges from 1,500 to 2,300 PSI, which is generally enough for most household cleaning jobs like cleaning your sidewalks, siding, car, and much more. And best of all, you get all of this at lower noise and maintenance levels compared to gas pressure washers.

You can check out our top picks below or go directly to our Best Electric Pressure Washers guide.

Best Very Light-Duty Electric Pressure Washer: Sun Joe SPX1000

Rating: 9.9/10

  • Pressure: 1,450 PSI (1,150 PSI rated)
  • Flow Rate: 1.45 GPM (1.09 GPM rated)
  • Key Features:
    • Quick-adjust nozzle to effortlessly switch water flow and pressure
    • One of the lightest pressure washers around
    • “Total Stop System” that enhances the pump efficiency and longevity
    • Offers “great” value in terms of its power-to-price ratio

The Sun Joe SPX1000 offers enough power for household use and its adjustable nozzle allows the user to comfortably switch between different water flows and pressures. You can achieve a flow of anything between 0° to 45° by twisting the nozzle and find the pressure that best suits the application.

Weighing only 11.7 lbs, this electric pressure washer is one of the lightest ones around. You can carry it around your yard with ease. Another feature that increases your reach is the 33-in extension wand provided with the electric washer. Simply attach this to your trigger gun and reach the most difficult spots you always wanted to clean!

Sun Joe’s “Total Stop System” adds to the pump’s durability and efficiency by switching it off when the trigger is not pressed. This pressure washer is also protected by a two-year warranty that can be activated in case of any manufacturer defects.

On the downside, the Sun Joe SPX1000 is limited in the power it delivers and is best suited for light-duty tasks. Additionally, it does not come with a detergent tank so you will have to purchase one separately.

All in all, the SPX1000 is a reasonably-priced, light-duty electric pressure washer. It offers “great” value to customers in terms of the price-to-power ratio. If you are looking for a high-value, affordable electric pressure washer for light-duty home applications, the SPX1000 is the best choice out there.

Pros

Cons

Best Light-Duty Electric Pressure Washer: Greenworks 1600

Rating: 10/10

  • Pressure: 1,600 PSI
  • Flow Rate: 1.2. GPM
  • Key Features:
    • Affordable price and good value for money
    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Sturdy machine with vertical and horizontal functioning capabilities
    • Multiple quick-connect nozzle fittings for varied applications

Light-duty and lightweight, the GreenWorks 1600 is a versatile pressure washer that can be used for most household applications. In terms of its design, the pressure washer is shrewdly built for the most part. It weighs only 17.5 lbs and has ample onboard storage for attachments. The standard 35-ft power cord and 20-ft high-pressure hose add to the machine’s reach. 

However, this pressure washer is not supported by wheels. There are also concerns with the build quality of the machine, with a few customers complaining about the fragile nature of the parts. GreenWorks also offers a relatively smaller one-year warranty period on this. 

Moving on to the performance, this machine delivers a cleaning unit count of 1920, which is sufficient for almost all home applications. It comes with an attachable soap applicator that makes easy work of soaping. Simply attach the applicator onto the wand and you are ready to soap anything. 

Along with the soap applicator, the GreenWorks 1600 also comes with two other quick-connect nozzles. These high-pressure nozzles come in 25° and 40° variants. They snap on to the trigger gun easily and can be used as per the application at hand. 

Overall, this pressure washer is rated as “good” on our scale of value for money. The power offered is respectable for the price the customer is expected to pay. If your requirement is a light-duty electric pressure washer and you do not mind a one-year warranty, this product is a solid choice.

Pros

Cons

Best Light/Medium-Duty Electric Pressure Washer: Sun Joe SPX2598

Rating: 10/10

  • Pressure: 2,000 PSI (1,500 PSI rated)
  • Flow Rate: 1.65 GPM (1.2 GPM rated)
  • Key Features:
    • “Total Stop System” that enhances the pump efficiency and longevity
    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Great value for money in terms of powered delivered
    • Easy-glide wheels for improved portability
    • Automatic detergent dilution capability

Built to handle all your household cleaning tasks, the Sun Joe SPX2598 is a light/medium-duty electric pressure washer. Weighing less than 17 lbs and supported by easy-glide wheels, you can use this to tackle all cleaning jobs in your yard. The 35-ft power cord and 20-ft high-pressure hose also add to its reach and maneuverability.

To add to the user-friendly design, Sun Joe also provides an adjustable nozzle that can be switched to deliver anything from 0° to 45° sprays. To do this, you can simply rotate the nozzle till you find the perfect flow for the job. Although the cleaning unit count of 3,300 is pretty impressive, the machine delivers that only with the 0° pressure setting. In regular use, the machine delivers closer to 1,800 cleaning units.

The machine is protected by a “no questions asked” two-year warranty. Along with this protection, Sun Joe has also paid attention to other details enhancing the life of the product. This includes the Total Stop System (TSS) technology that switches off the pump of the machine when the trigger is not squeezed. However, some users have found a few parts to be fragile, making the machine non-sturdy.

Other notable features of the SPX2598 include a 1L onboard detergent tank that also provides for automatic detergent dilution. With the purchase of this machine, you also get a 34-in extension wand that can be used to reach the otherwise unreachable spots.

Above and beyond the aforementioned features of the electric pressure washer, the power it provides for its price is a great value. It is powerful and comes at a reasonable price, priced lower than almost all other comparable models.

If you are looking for a portable light/medium-duty electric pressure washer, the Sun Joe SPX2598 is a great option.

Pros

Cons

Best Medium-Duty Electric Pressure Washer: Stanley SHP2150

Rating: 10/10

  • Pressure: 2,150 PSI
  • Flow Rate: 1.4 GPM
  • Key Features:
    • Equipped with leak-proof brass garden hose connector
    • More powerful than most comparably priced models
    • Comes with a high-pressure foam cannon
    • Zinc steel lance for stable use

The Stanley SHP2150 is tied for our highest-rated pressure washer and the best medium-duty electric pressure washer. With a PSI count of 2150 and a GPM of 1.4, it offers a cleaning unit count of 3010, more than most comparable models.

To take full advantage of this powerful machine, Stanley provides you with 4 quick-connect nozzles (0°,15°, 25°, and 40°) and a high-pressure foam cannon to quickly and easily soap objects. You can clean your furniture, sidewalk, concrete paths, wooden objects, cars, and even stubborn grime and dirt. All your home jobs are covered with this pressure washer.

When it comes to design, the machine is compact but relatively heavier than other options. It does come with a push-in handle and is supported by wheels so the weight might not be an issue. The ease of use and build quality of the product is also enhanced by a metallic spray lance, leak-proof brass garden hose adaptors, and a soft and flexible high-pressure hose.

If you are looking for a medium-duty electric pressure washer to take care of your domestic cleaning needs that provides great value, the Stanley SHP2150 is a great option. For the extra money paid, you do get a decent warranty and a powerful machine with sturdy attachments.

Pros

Cons

Electric Pressure Washer w/ Highest PSI: Ryobi RY142300

Rating: 7.5/10

  • Pressure: 2,300 PSI
  • Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM
  • Key Features:
    • Covered by a 3-year warranty
    • Supported by large, never-flat tires
    • Has a high-quality brushless motor at its core
    • User-friendly design and easy assembly

The Ryobi RY1423000 is a medium-duty electric pressure washer that is versatile and generates a good amount of power. At 2,300 PSI, this unit’s specifications are unlike other electric pressure washers. However, it is also one of the most expensive electric pressure washers around.

At its core, the RY142300 has a brushless induction motor that ensures better performance and enhances the life of the machine. One of the most outstanding features of this pressure washer is the 3-year warranty that it comes with. Very few models have warranties that are this long.

You can use the high power this machine offers with three different nozzle tips. The powerful 360° turbo nozzle, the 15° tip, and the low-pressure soap nozzle. A simple change of nozzles will allow you to switch from applying soap to your car to cleaning off stubborn grime and dirt from sidewalks.

Overall, the Ryobi RY142300 is a unique and powerful model. If you are looking for a powerful electric pressure washer to accomplish daily tasks in a residential setting, this is a good machine to consider. However, it is important to keep in mind that the RY142300 is one of the most expensive electric pressure washers. You might have to consider if the superior power, warranty, and brushless motor are worth the extra money.

Pros

Cons

Best Gas Pressure Washers

Gas pressure washers are strong, sturdy, and durable. They usually deliver at least 2,800 PSI and are powerful enough for all household and commercial cleaning jobs.

Although they are heavier than electric pressure washers, gas models give you a different dimension of maneuverability. Since you don’t need to plug them in, you can move the machine wherever you need to use it with ease.

You can check out our top picks below or go directly to our Best Gas Pressure Washers guide.

Best Overall Gas Pressure Washer: Generac 6882

Rating: 10/10

  • Pressure: 2,900 PSI
  • Flow Rate: 2.4 GPM
  • Key Features:
    • Offers “great” value in terms of its power-to-price ratio
    • Designed for quick and easy cleaning
    • Never-flat wheels for support and stability
    • Easy to assemble and maneuver

Efficient and powerful, the Generac 6822 is a very capable gas-powered pressure washer. It provides you with a total cleaning unit count of 6,960, sufficient for all domestic and commercial purposes. While the machine is undoubtedly powerful, what makes it unique is the user-friendly design and low cost.

One of the biggest pain points we see with pressure washers is the time and effort it takes to clean. Generac has tackled this issue with thoughtful attachments. The Turbo nozzle cleans up to 30% faster and Generac’s Soap Blaster nozzle reaches up to 3 times farther than regular soap nozzles—making it easier and faster for you to accomplish your cleaning jobs.

To add to these valuable features, the Generac 6822 also comes with a PowerDial ergonomic spray gun. This gun comes with a dial that is capable of adjusting the water flow of the machine based on the surface you are cleaning. These surfaces include wood, concrete, car, and soap. So all you need to do is twist and select the surface you need to clean and the machine will adjust.

Like all gas pressure washers, the 6822 is louder than its electric-powered counterparts. There is also going to be more maintenance required and regular operational costs involved.

Overall, if you are looking for a powerful machine for an affordable price with a good warranty period and helpful attachments, the Generac 6822 is an amazing option.

Pros

Cons

Most Powerful Gas Pressure Washer: Generac 7122 SpeedWash

Rating: 9.7/10

  • Pressure: 3,200 PSI
  • Flow Rate: 2.7 GPM
  • Key Features:
    • The most powerful gas pressure washer around
    • Allows for quick & effortless cleaning
    • User-friendly controls & attachments
    • On-board accessory storage
    • High-pressure flex hose for increased hose flexibility

The Generac 7122 SpeedWash is a powerhouse. Delivering a total cleaning unit count of 8,640, this machine will accomplish all your household and commercial cleaning tasks.

Perhaps the most striking thing about Generac’s designs is the attention paid to making the machine an efficient model. The 7122 SpeedWash comes with a Turbo nozzle cleaning up to 30% faster, a Soap Blaster nozzle that applies soap up to 3 times farther, and a PowerBroom attachment with a coverage area of 12 inches.

Adding to its versatility are the four other color-coded nozzle attachments (0°, 25°, 40°, and soap), that vary the water flow and fan as required. The ergonomically designed PowerDial spray gun has four different surface settings that allow you to quickly adjust to the optimal settings for cleaning wood, concrete, your car, or for soaping things.

It is also protected by a 3-year engine and 2-year parts warranty, both of which are better than most other gas power washers.

Since the machine is gas-powered, it is noisier than electric pressure washers and is vulnerable to malfunctioning after long periods of storage. It also requires frequent maintenance and operational expenses like lubricant and fuel.

All in all, if you are looking for a powerful pressure washer, and time and effort are primary concerns for you, the few extra bucks spent on the Generac 7122 SpeedWash will be worth it. It delivers great value for money and is a powerhouse.

Pros

Cons

Best Customer Reviews: Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot

Rating: 9.3/10

  • Pressure: 3,200 PSI
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Key Features
    • Very powerful
    • Maintenance-free OEM Technologies axial cam pump
    • Stable & sturdy steel frame & wheels
    • MorFlex hose for enhanced durability
    • Great customer reviews

The Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot is a very powerful and reasonably priced machine. It delivers one of the highest cleaning unit counts of 8,000, making it suitable for household and commercial applications. 

While its power is an important feature, it is also user friendly and durable. The intelligent design starts with the easy assembly process and goes all the way to the maneuverability thanks to the 10-in pneumatic tires. The machine comes with 5 nozzle fittings (0°,15°, 25°, 40°, and soap) to make it easy to find the perfect water flow and pressure.

Another notable feature is the detergent siphon hose that extracts soap directly from a detergent bottle and can automatically dilute it too. All of these design features and the solid frame of the machine have resulted in positive reviews from customers. 

On the downside, although the machine has a decent 2-year engine warranty and a 1-year pump warranty, the accessories are protected only by a 90-day warranty. This is shorter than most similar models.

All in all, the Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot is powerful and has great customer reviews. It has a user-friendly design and offers good power and features for the price. If you are looking for a reasonable gas-powered machine and power is a major factor, you should consider this product because its durability and performance are customer-vouched.

Pros

Cons

Another Great Gas Pressure Washer: Simpson MS60763-S MegaShot

Rating: 9.3/10

  • Pressure: 3,100 PSI
  • Flow Rate: 2.4 GPM
  • Key Features:
    • Powered by a premium Kohler engine
    • MorFlex hose for enhanced durability
    • Maintenance-free OEM Technologies axial cam pump with thermal relief
    • Well built steel frame construction

The Simpson MS60763-S MegaShot is a gas-powered pressure washer that can be used for most domestic and commercial purposes. It is a sturdy machine with a steel frame, built on a powerful engine and a durable pump, and supported by 12” never-flat tires.

When it comes to performance, the powerful engine combines with 5 different nozzle fittings (0°,15°, 25°, 40°, and soap) to deliver a great cleaning experience. By simply changing these nozzles, you can switch from cleaning your furniture to sidewalk to soaping your car. The machine also comes with automatic detergent dilution capability, mixing water and detergent in a 7:1 ratio.

Where this machine might disappoint a user is its limited warranty period. This Simpson is supported by a 2-year engine warranty, 1-year pump warranty, and a 90-day accessories warranty. Along with the limited warranty for the accessories, the attachments have also been reported by users to be less sturdy than expected. 

Powerful and relatively inexpensive, the Simpson MS60763-S MegaShot delivers great value. If you are looking for a machine that is reasonably priced and you do not mind a reduced warranty period, this is the pressure washer for you.

Pros

Cons

How We Rated Pressure Washers

We went through an extensive research process to find the best pressure washers currently on the market.

We started off with 40 of the most popular units on the market today. From there, we gathered data including price, pressure, flow rate, warranty length, customer reviews, attachments, and more.

We put that data into our rating algorithm to narrow our list down to the 5 best electric pressure washers and the 4 best gas pressure washers currently available. Our algorithm mostly benefits pressure washers with high power-to-price ratios and great customer reviews.

Over time, we will continually update this list to make sure that you can find the best pressure washers currently available. 

Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers

Not sure if an electric or gas pressure washer is right for you? The following table goes over some key differences to help you decide:

Electric Gas
Pressure
1400 – 2300 PSI
2800+ PSI
Flow rate
1.2 – 1.8 GPM
2.3+ GPM
Power source
Electric outlet
Gas tank
Noise
Quiet
Loud
Maintenance
Little
Decent amount
Size
Small to medium
Medium to large
Weight
10 – 50 lbs
50 – 90 lbs
Price
$80 – $300
$250 – $600

How to Decide Which Pressure Washer to Buy

There are many options in the pressure washer market to consider.

So how do you decide which to buy?

Each has its own benefits to choose from. Some deliver more power but at a higher price, while others are cheaper with less features.

Which is best for you will depend on your personal situation and what you need out of your pressure washers. This section will list out all the important aspects that you should consider before purchasing a pressure washer.

Pressure Generated (PSI)

The pressure generated by pressure washers is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. The higher this figure, the higher the pressure your unit delivers.

Higher PSI counts will mean that your pressure washer is capable of cleaning a surface with less effort in a shorter period of time. This also means that you will be able to get better results against stubborn surfaces and spots if the PSI count is high.

While using a pressure washer delivering high pressure is generally a better option, you will have to consider the fact that higher PSI means a higher price tag too. If you don’t have extremely grimy spots, like deeply stained concrete, that require high pressure, you might be better off spending less money on a lower PSI pressure washer.

Electric pressure washers generally range from 1,400 to 2,3000 PSI while gas units go from 2,800 and up.

Flow Rate (GPM)

The amount of water that the pressure washer can spray over a period of time is called the flow rate. The flow rate of a pressure washer is measured in gallons per minute or GPM. The higher this number, the more water is released from the machine onto the surface you are cleaning in a given amount of time.

What the flow rate will tell you about the pressure washer is the time and effort you will take to clean the surface. This is because more water hitting a surface is likely to dislodge the dirt/grime from it and make the cleaning job easier and quicker for you. The PSI and the GPM combine to give you the overall power of the machine.

The usual GPM range for gas-powered pressure washers lies in the range of 2.3 GPM to 2.8 GPM. This is significantly higher than electric pressure washers that range between 1.2 GPM to 1.8 GPM.

Similar to the PSI, the higher flow rate will attract a bigger price tag and you should consider your usage. If you deal with commercial tasks or have to clean stubborn dirt regularly, you will require a machine with a higher GPM.

Weight & Maneuverability

Gas-powered units have bigger bodies than electric units and therefore are significantly heavier. With starting weights of around 50 lbs, you can be certain that any gas-powered pressure washer you purchase will be relatively heavy. You typically won’t have to worry about the weight of electric pressure washers much as they are typically under 40 lbs. 

Note that most pressure washers come with wheels to make moving around your yard easier. Many models even have pneumatic or never-flat tires. 

Along with a high-pressure hose, electric pressure washers come with a power cord. These two parts of the pressure washer also determine your reach around your yard/house. Most electric pressure washers come with a 35-ft cord and a 15 or 20-ft high-pressure hose. Gas-powered pressure washers, on the other hand, do not require an electric power cord, so you are never dependent on its length.

Detergent Tanks & Detergent Dilution

One of the most common uses of a pressure washer is to soap up cars or other surfaces that need to be cleaned. In this regard, pressure washers that come with a detergent tank are extremely useful.

When it comes to buying pressure washers, there are three things that you will have to look out for. The first is the size of the tank. You will usually find detergent tanks around the 0.5-gallon mark. The bigger the tank, the easier it is for you to soap a surface without any intermissions.

The second is the detergent dilution capability of the machine. If the machine comes with automatic detergent dilution, you are spared the hassle of pre-mixing the detergent with water. This also means that the tank can be filled with only detergent rather than a mix. So in essence, your detergent tank’s capacity is enhanced.

Finally, there are some models that come with a detergent siphon tube. This tube extracts detergent directly from the detergent bottle and dilutes it in a given ratio (often 7 to 1). If your unit has this, it completely eliminates the need for an on-board detergent tank.

So in case, you are looking for a machine that will be used for soaping on a frequent basis, you must consider all these options and weigh them against the cost.

Customer Reviews

As with any product, it’s important to read customer reviews before making a decision on which pressure washer to buy—as we have done to create this guide. All of the pressure washers listed on this page have good customer reviews.

What are some common things to look out for in customer reviews?

While electric pressure washers are light and less powerful, common customer feedback forms itself around the flimsy build-quality and lower than expected water flow. 

Gas pressure washers, on the other hand, are often louder than they expected and heavy. When it comes to the power, one has to keep in mind that these machines deliver a good amount of pressure. Not keeping this in mind could lead to unfortunate incidents, like the paint being removed off of a surface due to excessive pressure. Always remember to use the right attachments based on the surface.

Another common topic of discussion is the seizing of gas pressure washer engines. This generally happens when the product has not been used for a long time and might require some maintenance efforts before it starts up again.

Warranty Length

Longer warranty periods are every customer’s dream. It means your machine is protected for a longer time and there is a “peace of mind” that you work with while using the machine.

Electric pressure washers tend to have a single warranty that covers all parts of the machine. 

With gas pressure washers, you are likely to find different warranty periods for different parts of the machine. These separate parts include the engine, pump, accessories, and frame. When it comes to warranty, there are no questions that the longer this period the better it is for you.

Keep in mind that longer warranties command higher prices. Try to weigh how valuable a longer warranty is for the increased price you will have to pay for it.

Other Features

Sometimes you will find that there is not much that distinguishes one pressure washer from another. They might fall in similar price and power ranges and even fall under similar warranties. It is here that additional features can really assist you in making a decision.

One of the first features to consider is which nozzles come with the unit. These make switching from one job to another easier, and often come in 0°,15°, 25°, 40°, and soap nozzles. Some even come with turbo nozzles that generate even more power or adjustable nozzles that let you change the flow rate simply by spinning the nozzle.

Another example is a “Total Stop System” that shuts off the pump when the trigger is not pressed, increasing efficiency and durability. Other features include onboard storage provided for accessories, an onboard detergent tank to make soaping easy, or a surface cleaner that makes cleaning sidewalks and other flat surfaces easier.

>> Read More: Pressure Washer Buying Guide

What Pressure Washers Can Be Used For

Here is a list of some things you can use pressure washers to clean:

  • Concrete or brick walkways
  • Vinyl
  • Lawn furniture (do not use 0-degree tip)
  • Decks (do not use 0-degree tip)
  • Stucco (do not use 0-degree tip)
  • Cars
  • Fences (do not use 0-degree tip)
  • Wooden surfaces (do not use 0-degree tip)
  • Unpainted metal
  • Rusty surfaces
  • Ducts, gutters, and drains
  • Bikes, boats, and motorcycles
  • Outdoor equipment
  • Windows
  • Pools
  • Moss-covered surfaces

Deciding Which Nozzle to Use

Here are examples of the nozzles many pressure washers come with and what each is best suited for:

Nozzles Degrees Description Use
Red
Very high pressure, low flow
Stubborn grime & hard-to-reach areas
Yellow
15°
High pressure, medium flow
Hard surfaces, heavy mildew stains, rust, oil stains, paint removal
Green
25°
Medium pressure, medium flow
Cleaning siding, brick, wood, driveways, etc.
Gray
40°
Lower pressure, high flow
Gentle cleaning of cars, boats, patio furniture, etc.
Black
Soap
Soap nozzle
For applying soap & detergent
Pressure Washer Roundup
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare