From removing graffiti to polishing concrete, the best pressure washers are versatile and effective tools that can help you get more done around your house and in your yard. Let’s dig them up with us in this article.
Pressure washers are the ultimate power tool for cleaning concrete, brick, tile, metal, asphalt, and hardwood surfaces. A pressure washer uses high-pressure water to blast dirt and grime off hard surfaces. They’re the go-to cleaning tool for people who live in areas prone to flooding or who need to clean their decks, driveways, and sidewalks after a storm.
Choosing the right pressure washer can be tricky. If you’re looking for the best pressure washers on the market, you need to think about all the factors.
Our Top Picks
For those looking to buy a pressure washer, there are numerous models to choose from. But choosing the right one can be easy with our suggestion below.
- Best Overall: RYOBI 1,800 Pressure Washer
- Best Electric: Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
- Best Performance: Greenworks Pro 2300 Pressure Washer
- Best Gas Powered: Westinghouse WPX3200 Pressure Washer
- Best Durable: SIMPSON Cleaning CM61083 Pressure Washer
Many homeowners are looking for ways to save money on their water bill. So how can they choose the best pressure washer for them?
Best Overall: RYOBI 1,800 Pressure Washer
Are you tired of struggling with cleaning your outdoor surfaces? Well, struggle no more! RYOBI 1,800 electric pressure washer is here to make your life easier. With its powerful 18,000 RPM motor, you’ll be able to blast away dirt and grime from any surface,
View on Amazon View on Home Depot
Pros
- Delivers a powerful spray of up to 1,800 PSI
- Maneuverable and easy to store
- Simple and intuitive control panel with easy-to-use trigger and detergent tank
Cons
- Water pressure cannot be adjusted
Including a handle grip with their compact design (16 lbs) that can be easy to carry and put in your car when you need to move. The trigger handle with M22 connections on this pressure washer is a useful tool for anyone who uses a pressure washer regularly.
It is designed to be comfortable to grip and easy to use, allowing the user to easily control the pressure washer’s spray. The secure connection allows the user to safely and easily control the pressure washer.
The Ryobi is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a powerful, compact, and durable power washer that can do it all and does it with ease. To make things even easier, this unit comes equipped with a built-in pressure gauge, so you don’t have to worry about it.
How It Worked in the Long-Term
You’re going to want to keep it on hand because there’s simply nothing else out there that can handle the job. If you’re looking for a power washer that delivers quality and performance with a reasonable price tag, look no further than the Ryobi.
Editor’s Verdict: Its compact size and lightweight design made it easy to maneuver and store, and the adjustable spray wand was great for getting into tight spaces. I also appreciated the built-in soap dispenser, which made it easy to apply detergent to the surface I was cleaning.
Best Electric: Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
With its powerful 1,800-watt motor, it can deliver a strong blast at 2030 PSI that can easily remove dirt, grime, and even grease from various surfaces.
Pros
- Delivers top-notch power for cleaning a wide variety of surfaces.
- 20-foot maximum hose length that makes it easy to reach hard-to-reach places.
- The 1.8-gallon tank holds just enough water for a quick cleaning job
- The pump is quiet and easy to use
Cons
- SPX3000 doesn’t have a variable-speed motor, so you’ll have to adjust it manually.
And don’t worry, it’s not just for big jobs – our pressure washer is designed to efficiently clean a wide range of surfaces, so you can use it for everything from cleaning your car to power washing your deck.
One of the standout features of the Sun Joe SPX3000 is its turbo nozzle, which provides a powerful and focused stream of water that is perfect for tackling tough jobs. The nozzle is also adjustable, allowing for a wide range of spray patterns to suit different cleaning tasks.
Plus, it comes with two 0.9 L detergent tanks with a 30-gallon tank that can be removed so that you can tackle even the toughest cleaning jobs. The machine’s built-in soap dispenser is a convenient feature that allows for easy application of detergent to the surface being cleaned.
How It Worked in the Long-Term
In my experience using the Sun Joe SPX3000, I found it to be very effective at cleaning various surfaces. It easily removed dirt and grime from my deck and patio, and even managed to remove some stubborn stains from my car’s exterior. The machine was also easy to maneuver and had a comfortable grip, making it easy to use for extended periods of time.
Editor’s Verdict: My only complaint is that the hose is a bit short, but that’s a minor issue. Overall, I highly recommend the Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient pressure washer.
Best Performance: Greenworks Pro 2300 Pressure Washer
The Greenworks Pro 2300 Max PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool designed for a variety of cleaning tasks. With its 2300 PSI maximum pressure and 2.3 GPM flow rate, this pressure washer is capable of handling heavy-duty cleaning jobs such as cleaning decks, patios, and driveways. Additionally, it comes with a surface cleaner with a cleaning path of up to 11 inches works great on concrete and driveway surfaces.
View on Amazon View on Lowe’s View on Walmart
Pros
- GreenWorks is known for quality products
- It’s easy to maintain, requires no oil or filters
Cons
- The machine’s size and weight mean that you’re less likely to tip over,
In my experience, the Greenworks Pro 2300 Max has been very effective at cleaning a variety of surfaces. I used it to clean my deck, which had accumulated dirt and grime over the winter, and it quickly and easily removed all the dirt and left the deck looking like new.
I also used it to clean my car, and it effectively removed all the dirt and grime from the exterior without damaging the paint. This standard pressure (2300 PSI) that strong enough to allow you to clean all of your tasks, and even cleaning car surfaces will avoid damage to car paint.
The best feature of the Greenworks Pro 2300 Max is its brushless motor. This feature provides several benefits, including longer life, quieter operation, and less maintenance. The motor is designed to last longer than traditional motors and requires less maintenance, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Additionally, the brushless motor operates quieter than traditional motors, which is a great feature for those who want to avoid disturbing their neighbors while cleaning.
How It Worked in the Long-Term
It passed perfectly on our noisy testing processes, and we have to give them special compliments about it. Using battery-powered products is the trend of the future, they are more user-friendly and economical than gasoline engines.
Editor’s Verdict:The brushless motor is incredibly powerful and efficient, making quick work of even the toughest cleaning jobs. I was surprised by how quiet it is too – I’ve used other pressure washers in the past that were much louder and disruptive.
Best Gas: Westinghouse WPX3200 Pressure Washer
I’ve been using the WPX3200 gas pressure washer for all my cleaning needs and it’s been a lifesaver. It’s perfect for cleaning cars, patios, decks, fences, siding and more. Even used it to wash windows, including those in buildings that are too tall or too narrow for a regular hose.
Pros
- With a pump speed of 6500 rpm, the Westinghouse WPX3200 is the fastest and most powerful 3200 PSI model available.
- The pump is quiet, and the trigger is smooth and easy to operate.
- One of the few gas models that exceeds the 2.5 gpm standard
Cons
- We were also disappointed with the unit’s spray performance, and we didn’t like how much noise the pump made during operation.
The Westinghouse WPX3200 is a versatile gas-pressure washer suitable for cleaning a variety of surfaces both large and small. Powered by a high-performance 212cc 4-Stroke Westinghouse OHV Horizontal Shaft Engine, it delivers gas pressure up to 3200 PSI along with a maximum water supply of 2.5 GPM. This strong combination of PSI and water flow allows the washer to cut through dirt and grime quickly.
Additional features include a half-gallon onboard detergent tank for easily applying soap during cleaning sessions. Weighing 70 lbs, the WPX3200 maintains excellent portability and maneuverability when moving between jobs. Combined with the high PSI, this ensures surfaces are saturated with cleaning solution for maximum dirt-cutting power. Another bonus is the machine’s lightweight and compact design.
The pressure washer also beautifully restored the appearance of my wooden fence that had fallen into disrepair over the past few years. Perhaps most impressively, it allowed me to easily wash the exterior of my two-story house—a job that would have been impossible without climbing ladders and scaffolding with a regular garden hose. From sidings and patio furniture to playground equipment and garage floors, the WPX3200 tackled every surface with ease.
How It Worked in the Long-Term
I’ve had the opportunity to use the WPX3200 on several projects around my home over the past few months. It made light work of cleaning my SUV, utterly blasting away stubborn mud deposits left after long camping trips.
Editor’s Verdict: I also love how stable the washer is. It’s got a stable base that keeps it from moving around while you’re using it. Another great thing about this pressure washer is the low maintenance cost.
Best Durable: SIMPSON CM61083 Pressure Washer
The Simpson Clean Machine CM61083 is a versatile gas-powered pressure washer ideal for both homeowners and professional cleaning services. It generates 3400 PSI of pressure powered by an efficient 208 cc CRX residential engine, providing the muscle needed to cut through tough dirt and stains.
Pros
- Don’t require special expertise or technical know-how to use and maintain,
- Compact, easy to use, and stable
- The CM61083 is rated for a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute, which means it can produce a total of 4 gallons of water in 20 minutes.
Cons
- The nozzle worked great on the pressure washer, but the hose failed when we tried to use it on our regular garden sprayer.
In my experience, the Simpson Clean Machine CM61083 has been very effective at cleaning a variety of surfaces, especially hard surfaces such as concrete, hard wooden decks, etc… I used it to clean my deck, which had accumulated dirt and grime over the winter, and it quickly and easily removed all the dirt and left the deck looking like new.
This pressure washer also includes four quick-connect spray tips – a 0-degree for deep cleaning to a 40-degree wide spray nozzle for larger surface coverage.
I also used it to clean my car, and it effectively removed all the dirt and grime from the exterior without damaging the paint. The variable pressure setting was helpful in adjusting the pressure to suit the surface being cleaned.
What makes Simpson successful in great strength and endurance lies in the CRX engine. This engine provides reliable power and performance and is designed to last longer than traditional engines. It also requires less maintenance, making it a great choice for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
How It Worked in the Long-Term
I also used it to clean my car, and it effectively removed all the dirt and grime from the exterior without damaging the paint. The variable pressure setting was helpful in adjusting the pressure to suit the surface being cleaned.
Editor’s Verdict: One of the things that really impressed me about the SIMPSON Cleaning CM61083 Pressure Washer is its strength. The machine is capable of producing a maximum pressure of 3200 PSI, which is more than enough to blast away even the toughest dirt and grime.
How We Tested the Pressure Washers?
We tested and chose five popular models through extensive fields to understand each machine’s performance. We dedicated an entire Saturday to operating each washer consecutively. This allowed back-to-back assessments of cleaning ability, ease of use, and any issues. Tasks included power washing my deck and toolshed to precision cleaning window frames and gutters.
By challenging the pressure washers with various jobs, we could judge how the different pressures, flow rates, and nozzle types handled varied surfaces and messes. We took thorough notes on motor power over extended run times, ergonomic qualities, and any assembly or maintenance quirks during tests.
After each session, we performed self-cleaning cycles to evaluate how quickly residue rinsed away. We gathered an objective overview of durability, versatility, and value through these meticulous testing methods.
We judged their performance based on five key criteria: cleaning power, ease of use, versatility, durability, and value. A score of 10 represented exemplary function in each category, while lower scores were given based on shortcomings. Through this process, we aimed to provide detailed yet objective assessments rather than subjective opinions alone.
Why Trust The New York Garden?
At The New York Garden, our assessment team is led by home renovation experts
Tonny Robbins and Gaston Emard. Between them, they have decades of hands-on experience with various power tools.
As a contractor for over 15 years, Damien Volkman has relied on pressure washers extensively for exterior cleaning jobs, big and small. He understands the importance of reliability, versatility, and value when it’s your livelihood on the line. Craig Cole has owned her landscaping business for five years, giving her practical insights into what attributes both professional and casual users need from these machines.
Through years of extensively testing numerous electric models for cleaning tasks from decks to siding, they have practical insights into factors like user-friendliness and durability casual homeowners need.
Buying Guide – Pressure Washer Intructionz
With so many pressure washers on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this buying guide, we will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a pressure washer and provide reviews of some of the best pressure washers available.
Pressure: The pressure rating of a pressure washer is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) and is an important factor to consider. A higher PSI means the pressure washer can remove tougher dirt and grime.
However, it’s important to note that higher PSI pressure washers can also be more dangerous, so make sure you’re comfortable with the power and have proper safety gear. Simpson Clean Machine CM61083 is a bit heavier and noisier than the electric pressure washers, but it’s also more powerful and can handle tougher cleaning jobs. The CM61083 also has an adjustable pressure setting and a durable frame.
Flow rate: The flow rate of a pressure washer is measured in GPM (gallons per minute) and refers to the amount of water that flows through the pressure washer. A higher flow rate means the pressure washer can clean larger areas faster. With the cleaning experts, the GPM at 2.5 is strongly powered for removing all dust and garbage on the floor and one of the few gas models that exceeds the 2.5 gpm standard is Westinghouse WPX3200.
Ease of use: Look for a pressure washer that is easy to maneuver and has a comfortable grip. A pressure washer with a long handle can be easier to use and reduce strain on your back.
Choosing Sun Joe pressure washer brand for ease of use in our experience. It’s lightweight and easy to use, making it a great option for small to medium-sized cleaning jobs. The Sun Joe SPX3000 also has an adjustable pressure setting and a detergent tank for added convenience. Additionally, you can refer to some upgrade models such as Sun Joe SPX3000-XT1 which is more powerful.
Adjustable pressure: An adjustable pressure setting allows you to customize the cleaning power for different surfaces. This feature is particularly useful if you plan to use the pressure washer on a variety of surfaces, such as windows, cars, and decks.
Return and Price Match Policies
Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s offer 90-day return policies on most items, including pressure washers, while Amazon offers a 30-day return policy. All four retailers also offer price match guarantees, so if you find a lower price on an identical item at a competitor’s store, they’ll match it.
However, some items may have shorter return windows or different return requirements, so it’s always best to check the return policy on your receipt or with a store associate before making a purchase.
FAQs
Your pressure washers are an investment—they’re a big expense for most small businesses. You need to know these questions to pick a model that’s going to last.
1. Should I purchase a pressure washer or rent one?
We advise purchasing as opposed to renting. All of your large and little cleaning tasks around the home, farm, company, or job site are quickly completed using a pressure washer.
They clean with less water than a garden hose and provide at least 1,500 PSI of pressure to blast away mildew, filth, dirt, grease, and whatever else you point them at (it works great cleaning the underside of a lawn mower).
2. How noisy are the various pressure washer types?
A gas pressure washer is comparable in size to a lawn mower and is louder than an electric model.
Electric pressure washers powered by an induction motor or a universal motor come in two different loudness varieties. The noise level of the universal motors is higher and resembles a blender. The induction motors are somewhat louder and quieter than a vacuum.
3. Exist and are helpful battery-powered cordless pressure washers?
There are a few battery-powered variants available, but they are not yet useful. They are not practical since the pump’s motor consumes too much energy. The Ryobi cordless tool that we examined has a capacity for two 5Ah, 36V batteries. Pressure washing might be done for 12 minutes on each battery. And that was 1.3 GPM and 1,400 PSI of light-duty cleaning power. Although it was really smooth and quiet to operate, it was a pleasure.
Final Thought
Choosing the best pressure washer for your needs requires careful consideration of several key factors, including pressure, flow rate, power source, ease of use, durability, noise level, and additional features.
Based on our research and analysis, we recommend the Simpson Clean Machine CM61083 gas pressure washer for its powerful performance, durable construction, and versatility, and the Greenworks GPW2700 electric pressure washer for its ease of use, lightweight design, and affordability. Both of these pressure washers are high-quality options that can help you tackle a variety of cleaning jobs with ease.
