The 6 best pressure washers, according to experts
Pressure washers are power tools designed to clean outdoor surfaces like decks, pavement and patio furniture. Here’s how to buy the right one.
Dewalt 4,000 PSI Gas Pressure Washer
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$999.99
A pressure washer’s specific features can determine its strength and reliability when cleaning different types of outdoor surfaces. Depending on the pressure washer’s adjustability, you can clean several spots: fences, decks, cars, windows, boats, patio furniture and more.
When shopping for a pressure washer, experts recommend considering the following features:
All of the pressure washers below are either direct recommendations from our experts or have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon or at least 100 reviews on their brand sites.
This electric pressure washer from Ryobi, which has a 4.5-star average rating from 6,368 reviews at Home Depot, is a medium-duty machine with a built-in detergent tank for powerful and routine cleaning. It includes a brushless induction motor, which is typically quieter and lasts longer than the universal motors on pressure washers. However, it does weigh 49 pounds, making it heavier than other typical electric pressure washers. If you do hope to move it around, its large wheels and 25-foot high-pressure hose make it easy to transport to different areas of your outdoor space. Ryobi also offers a 3-year limited warranty to repair and replace damaged parts.
GPM: 1.2 | Nozzles: 3 | Detergent tank? yes | Adjustable wands? Yes
This one from Ryobi is a more affordable option — priced at under $100 — and it’s also lightweight, weighing a little over 16 pounds. The handle at the top of the machine makes it a portable option for using inside a car or a boat. With a 4.3-star average rating from 847 reviews at Home Depot, it includes three nozzles: a 15-degree nozzle, a soap nozzle and a one-fourth-inch turbo nozzle that, according to the brand, makes cleaning up to 50 percent faster.
GPM: 1.2 | Nozzles: 3 | Detergent tank? No, detergent injection | Adjustable wands? Yes
With a 4.5-star average rating from more than 29,000 reviews on Amazon, this bestselling machine from Sun Joe is both portable and powerful. It includes two removable on-board detergent tanks that hold 0.9 liters of cleaning solution, a 34-inch wand and a 20-foot-long high-pressure hose. This pressure washer also features a Total Stop System designed by the brand to automatically shut off the pump when the trigger isn’t being held to both save energy and help the pump last longer.
GPM: 1.2 | Nozzles: 4 | Detergent tank? yes | Adjustable wands? Yes
This heavy-duty Simpson power washer, which has a 4.4-star average rating from 438 reviews at Home Depot, is a powerful and durable option for professional use, with a steel frame. It includes a flexible 50-foot-long hose and a 31-inch spray wand for tackling hard-to-reach places, and it comes with five different nozzles, from a zero-degree nozzle to a gentle soap nozzle. Simpson’s manufacturer warranty includes a five-year pump warranty, a three-year Simpson engine warranty and a 90-day accessory warranty.
GPM: 4.0 | Nozzles: 4 | Detergent tank? yes | Adjustable wands? Yes
Designed for professional use, the Dewalt gas-powered pressure washer features 13-inch premium tires that can withstand frequent use on difficult terrain and a tough steel frame that resists corrosion. According to the brand, its flexible 50-foot steel-braided hose resists abrasion three times more than rubber. The Dewalt pressure washer, which has a 4.3-star average rating from 1,043 reviews at Home Depot, also includes an adjustable unloader, which sends pressurized water flow through the bypass and fine-tunes the pressure of the machine to accommodate certain jobs.
GPM: 3.5 | Nozzles: 5 | Detergent tank? No, detergent injection | Adjustable wands? Yes
This pressure washer, which has a 4.6-star average rating from 8,192 reviews on Amazon, is ideal for cleaning multiple areas of your front lawn, including the driveway and walkways. It stands upright and has wheels on the bottom, making it easy to maneuver around your front lawn as you clean. Plus, it has an extendable wand so you can clean areas that are elevated or on the ground, without having to crouch down. It’s also safe to use on your fence, car and patio furniture, according to the brand.
GPM: 1.76 | Nozzles: 5 | Detergent tank? Yes | Adjustable wands? Yes
Pressure washers come in either electric or gas options. Electric pressure washers are best for everyday home cleaning, while gas pressure washers are best for industrial jobs.
There are many factors to prioritize when shopping for a pressure washer. Here are a few things to consider before purchasing and using the appliance:
While pressure washers have several uses, they can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. It’s important to make sure you’re wearing the right accessories when using a pressure washer and reading the user manual carefully. This means, using the machine responsibly and not pointing and using it on the body or skin.
For initial pressure washing, consider hiring a professional pressure washer to learn more about using the appliance properly and to avoid accidentally damaging areas of your home. They can also provide tips for making sure it runs smoothly in the future.
You should also test the pressure washer on a small area outside. This will prevent you from damaging something by accident but also let you test out the pressure of the water before you actually start using it.
UPDATE (April 9, 2021, 12:30 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article included the Greenworks 1500 PSI Electric Pressure Washer. After the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced April 9 that the same pressure washer had been recalled due to safety concerns, mention of it has been removed from the article.
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