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Best Pressure Washers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
Criteria Used in Choosing the Pressure Washers
A pressure washer can be a handy piece of equipment to have around the house. There are plenty of times where you are going to need to wash the siding of your home, the fence, driveway, or even your vehicle. As you may expect, some jobs are just too dirty to use a regular hose and a brush. For those situations, you are better off using a pressure washer because it can usually do a better job with less effort. This will let you work quickly so that you can move onto other jobs.
There is more than enough choice when it comes to finding the right pressure washer. Some of them are inexpensive and are ideal for light or medium duty jobs. Of course, there are also commercial grade washers that are able to handle just about any job that you may encounter as well. You will need to decide on a washer that is best suited for your unique needs and challenges. Generally speaking, you can find a pressure washer that can meet just about anyone’s budget so you will have no trouble with finding one that is best for your unique needs and situation. This makes buying a pressure washer into a painless task.
Gas or Electric
One of the most immediate choices that you will be presented with when you are choosing a pressure washer is if you want to get a gas powered or an electric powered one. The differences are significant so you are going to want to pick one that is best suited to your needs. For this reason, it’s best to understand which uses cases are best suited to an electric power washer and the ones that are better for a gas powered one.
An electric power washer is quiet and clean. They also do not weigh much and cost less than the gas-powered variant. However, they are not as powerful as gas-powered washers. This means that you should purchase an electric washer for situations such as cleaning a vehicle, patio furniture, or even a grill. Some of the more powerful ones can be used for driveways, decks, and siding. Electric power washers are great if you are in a residential area where you have to control noise.
Gas power washers cost more, but they also have more power. They can be used for any washing task that is accomplished by an electric washer but they can also do more powerful jobs such as washing a deck. This is the kind of pressure washer that you should get if you aren’t sure if a light duty one can handle the job. However, it is worth pointing out that gasoline powered pressure washers cost more to make than the electric counterparts so you will need to plan on spending more on a gas powered washer than what you would spend on an electric pressure washer.
PSI and GPM
PSI refers to pounds per square inch and GPM means gallons per minute. These two numbers are used to rate the pressure washer’s power. A pressure washer that has a high PSI and GPM is more powerful than one with low PSI and GPM. Using the PSI and GPM, you can determine if the washer is a light, medium, or a heavy duty washer. The heavier duty the power washer, the more it will cost so you should think about your needs when you are deciding how powerful of a pressure washer you are looking for.
If you are only planning on using the washer for purposes such as cleaning patio furniture or washing a small deck, then you should be fine to get a light duty washer. These washers have a PSI in the range of 1,300 to 2,000 and a GPM around 2. If you are looking for something that will wash the side of your home, then a medium duty washer is sufficient. Medium duty washers work at around 2,000 to 2,800 PSI and have a 2-3 GPM rating. Heavy duty washers operate between 2,900 and 3,000 GPM and have a 3-4 GPM. These are ideal for commercial use and will do jobs such as wash buildings or remove graffiti. They will even strip paint. Anything above 3,300 PSI is considered to be an extra heavy duty. It is important that you pick the right classification for the job that you are doing. Many people will go with a medium or light duty washer unless you plan on using it for commercial purposes, in which case you should get a heavy duty washer.
Nozzles
Pressure washers have different spray nozzles that are used for different purposes. One thing that you are going to want to check is to make sure that the nozzle can be changed easily and then you should make sure that it has a complete set of nozzles. This will make the pressure washer much easier to use and it will also make it more versatile because you can clean different surfaces with it. When it comes to nozzles, you should make sure that it has a 0, 15, 25, 40, and 65-degree spray nozzles.
It’s also important to know when to use each kind of nozzle. The 0 degree is the most powerful nozzle and is actually capable of causing injury to people and animals if they are sprayed directly. It should only be used on metal or concrete and you should not use it on painted surfaces unless your intention is to remove the paint. The 0 degree can even break glass surfaces so you need to use caution with it. The next nozzle is the 15 degree which is suitable for driveways, walls, or gutters. It creates a fan spray so it’s less powerful than the 0 degrees but should still be used with caution.
The 25-degree nozzle is meant for software surfaces such as brick or wood. It’s also great for when you are going to wash a vehicle such as your car or boat. The 25-degree nozzle is also suitable for using soap as well. The 40 and 65-degree nozzles are the most delicate and are meant for washing fragile surfaces such as siding or surfaces that have a finish to them. When you pick out a washer, it’s best that it has all of these nozzles and that it’s easy to change them so that you can work efficiently.
Hot or Cold
Pressure washers can either be the cold water kind of pressure washer and they can also be the hot water kind. It’s important to understand the differences between the two kinds of equipment so that you do not get the wrong kind of pressure washer for the job that you are doing. Both kinds of washers are significantly different and are effective for different kinds of jobs. Furthermore, you may end up spending a lot of money on the wrong kind of pressure washer.
Most pressure washers are the cold water variety. This is because they have a simple construction and most cleaning jobs do not require hot water. Instead, the sheer force of the water is enough to break down the dirt and blast it away. Cold water washers have a high PSI and GSM and can be used to clean any surface that isn’t oily or greasy. In some cases, using detergent can even remove light oil and grease stains. However, if you can’t remove the grease and oil with a cold washer and detergent, then you are going to need a hot pressure washer.
Hot pressure washers are more complex machines that heat water as they spray it. They can also produce steam as well. This type of washer is meant for when you have to clean grease and oil stains which makes them ideal for farming purposes. However, they are expensive and more complicated to make than the cold pressure washers. Furthermore, they have a lower pressure and flow rate than cold pressure washers so a hot pressure washer can’t be used for all of the same jobs as a cold one.
Portability
You are going to need the pressure to reach the areas that you are working in which is why you need to think about portability. For one thing, the washer needs to be easy for you to move it around so that you can get into position and start washing. It also needs hoses that are long enough so that you can reach the areas that you need to clean. You should always think about the portability of the washer and how easy it will be to move it around to different areas. This will make it much easier for you to work while you are using the washer.
If you are looking for something that is small and lightweight, then electric power washers will be your friend. This is because electric motors only weigh a fraction of what gasoline motors weigh. Also, since electric washers operate at a lower GPM and PSI, they do not require frames that are as strong as heavier duty washers which means that they will weigh less. The one thing that you have to think about is to make sure that you have a long enough cord so that you can plug the washer into an electrical outlet.
However, there are times where you need a heavy duty washer. If this is the case, then you will want to make sure that it has large wheels and a comfortable handle so that you can move the washer as needed. It also needs to be sturdy so that it doesn’t tip over when you put it into position. Sometimes high-end pressure washers have aluminum rather than steel frames which can also help to make them more portable.
Top 10 Picks
1. Flagup
The Flagup is an ideal solution for when you need to wash something such as your vehicle or your home. It creates up to 3000 PSI of force which will help you blast dirt and debris away from the item that you are cleaning. Furthermore, it comes with a variety of different spray nozzles so that you can clean more efficiently and on different surfaces.
Different Nozzles
The tool is sold with five different spray nozzles. Each nozzle allows you to adjust the way the washer sprays so that you can handle jobs that only require light cleaning all of the ways up to the heavy-duty jobs.
Automatic Stop
It has a special "Safety Automatic Total Stop System" (TSS) that will turn the pump off in the event that the trigger is not pressed down. This will save energy and make the tool safer to use.
Cost and Value
You can purchase this washer at a price that is lower than the average price. The lower price is because it uses an electric motor rather than gas which costs less to make.
2. Sun Joe SPX3000
The SPX3000 is one of the best tools to use for cleaning your home, driveway, deck, vehicle, or just about anything else. It's a great open and offers you plenty of high-end features such as detergent tanks and different spray nozzles. It has been designed with safety in mind which will help prevent injury while you are using it.
Dual Detergent Tanks
It features two detergent tanks on it. Each tank is about 1L in volume and it makes it easy for you to switch detergents so that you can clean different surfaces.
Accessories
The product is sold with a spray wand, but there are a variety of different accessories that you can purchase for it separately that will make the tool more usable.
Cost and Value
You can purchase the SPX3000 at a price that is lower than the average price. This makes it into a great choice for when you need a quality washer at an affordable price.
3. Rendio 3000
For our third position, we have the Rendio 3000 this pressure washer was created for those that are seeking an easy to use a powerful product that will always get the job done. Featuring a 20ft high-pressure hose this pressure washer is able to reach even the highest areas of your home. Not only that, but you have enough power to clean as many areas and elements at any given time. This product is capable of getting the job done in one charge, a win-win for those that need horsepower for even the toughest spots.
Powerful Motor
When you are seeking a pressure washer you want power! This particular one features an 1800-Watt motor that emits powerful cool air for a maximum of 3000PSI cleaning power. The powerful motor has been paired with a safety automatic total stop system. Having this feature allows the pressure washer to have the ability to completely shut off the pump when the trigger is not being engaged, having this allows your washer to save energy and extend the life of the pump.
5 Quick-Connect Spray Tips
Whether the job is big or small, this washer has the ability to wash it all. Featuring spray tips in sizes 0º, 15º, 25º, 40º and a soap tip to tackle light, medium and heavy-duty cleaning tasks. The options are endless when you have this much variety to choose from.
Cost and Value
This pressure washer is a bit on the expensive side, but keep in mind when you’re getting a quality product with all the necessary bells and whistles you will most likely pay a little bit more which is the case here. In the end, you will be getting a bang for your buck.
4. WEN PW31
The WEN PW31 is a heavy duty gas powered washer that you can use for the hardest jobs. It has a high flow rate and is powered by a 208cc engine that will give you more than enough horsepower. There are plenty of other professional grade features that are found in this washer that you will fall in love with.
Soap Tank
There is a tank for soap that is located on board so that you only pour soap into it and start cleaning. This makes it easy to work quickly and efficiently.
4-Stroke Engine
The washer is powered by a 208cc engine. It's capable of blasting up to 2.5 gallons of water every single minute so that you can get your job done quickly.
Cost and Value
You should plan on spending an amount that is higher than the average price. The higher price is due to this being a premium product with a powerful motor that increases the cost.
5. Stanley SHP2150
Stanley is a brand that is well known for its high-end tools and power tools. This power washer maintains the high standards that you have come to expect from the Stanely brand. It is well made and has been designed to last. You can use it for just about any project that you can imagine which gives it lots of value.
Foam Cannon
You can use the included foam cannon to spray a think layer of foaming soap onto the item that you are cleaning. This will help you work faster and do a better job.
Brass Connectors
The product is sold with a high-end brass connector that you attach to your garden hose. This will make it easy to connect the hose to the power washer.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase the SHP2150 for an average price. This makes it into the ideal tool to have around the home since you get a high-quality washer without paying a high-end price.
6. Greenworks GPW1602
The Greenworks GPW1602 is another great option for when you are looking for something to have around the home. It's small, portable, and lightweight which makes it easy for you to carry up the stairs to wash a deck or to pull out of your garage and wash your vehicle. You can use it for a variety of different outdoor cleaning projects.
Upright or Horizontal
Most washers need to stand up to operate properly. The GPW1602 can operate in an upright or a flat position. This will help give you additional stability while you are using it.
1600 PSI
The GPW1602 generates a maximum of 1600 PSI and pumps 1.2 gallons per minute. This makes it an ideal choice to use for light or medium duty projects such as washing a driveway.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase the GPW1602 at a price that is well below the average price. This makes it an ideal solution for when you need something that is handy and inexpensive.
7. Generac 7019
The Generac 7019 gives you commercial grade power at the residential price. This is a powerful unit that offers you plenty of high-end features such as the ability to control the amount of pressure that comes from the want. You can take it anywhere since it runs on a gas powered motor which means you don't need to be near an electrical hookup.
Pressure Dial
The wand has a dial on it that lets you quickly and easily adjust the pressure. This makes it easy to switch between washing wood and concrete without the hassle of changing nozzles.
Gas Powered
It runs on a gas powered motor rather than electric. This means that you won't have to be near a power outlet and it also means that it pumps more water.
Cost and Value
You have to plan on spending an amount that is higher than the average price for the Generac 7019. This is because it's a high-end power washer that runs on gas.
8. Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton created an electric pressure washer that can be used for all kinds of different cleaning projects. Offering a nice compact design weighing just 25 pounds this pressure washer was designed for easy maneuvering around your property while providing the power you need. Additionally, it comes with sturdy carrying handles and easy gliding wheels.
Faster Cleaning
Whether you’re seeking to pressure wash your car or your house, you will want to do it at a rapid speed. This pressure washer allows you to do just that. Featuring a turbo nozzle as one of the many attachments, this washer can clean your direst areas 40% faster than leading brands on the market. Having this feature allows you to get the job done efficiently and effortlessly.
Quiet Motor
One of the faults many pressure washers tend to have is- a noisy motor, Briggs & Stratton thought of this and created one of the quietest motors on the market. This has been done by having an Instant Start/Stop System that runs the universal motor when the spray gun is triggered for a quieter clean.
Cost and Value
The cost of this pressure washer will depend on how much power you would like the more power you want the more expensive it will be. However, this is one of the most cost-effective pressure washers on our guide, and it gives you the option of deciding how much pressure, and power you need from your machine.
9. Simpson Cleaning 60689
The 60689 is a high-end product that is suitable for commercial grade jobs. It's an ideal choice for people who are looking for a high-end washer and it's perfect for contractors who specialize in pressure washing homes, decks, or other jobs. The unit is powered by a high-quality gasoline motor that is made by Honda so that you can trust it's quality.
Aluminum Frame
The chassis is made of aluminum, which weighs less than steel and makes it easier for you to move the unit around as you are working or to load it into your vehicle when you have finished.
Honda Motor
The gasoline motor is made by Honda which is well known for its excellent quality and reliability.
Cost and Value
You should plan on paying a price that is well above the average price because this is a commercial grade washer that can be used by contractors or other professionals.
10. Yard Force
The Yard Force Pressure Washer is a great option for those people who are looking for something that is useful around the house. This unit is extra small and lightweight so that it won't take up a lot of room when you put it away. You can easily carry it around your yard to wash your fence, driveway, or your vehicle.
Built-in Storage
The Yard Force is a unit that is completely self-contained. All of the hoses and power cords can be stored into the unit itself which makes it easy to put away.
Soap Tank
It has a soap tank that has a 32-ounce capacity. This will let you easily use soap when you need it so that you can clean quicker and easier.
Cost and Value
You will be able to purchase this item at a price that is lower than the average price. The lower price is another reason why it's great to have around the house.