Best Pressure Washers (2022)
As a homeowner, you will need a pressure washer at some point. The possibilities are endless. For example, pressure washers are great for cleaning vinyl siding, sidewalks, patio furniture, vehicles, decks, garage doors, and anything that can withstand high pressure.
You could rent one or hire a professional to do your pressure washing. However, a single-use can recoup its cost, and most companies won’t tackle small jobs like deck furniture.
That said, many pressure washers are available, and choosing one can be difficult. So we’ve reviewed a bunch and picked out the best pressure washers.
Best Pressure Washer Overall
SIMPSON MegaShot 3200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer
Pros:
- 3200 PSI to handle most residential cleaning jobs
- 2.5 GPM water flow for quick cleaning
- Reliable Honda engine
- Large rubber pneumatic tires for easy maneuverability
- Heavy Duty Steel Frame
- Very Reasonable Pricing
Cons:
- No soap container
- Weighs approximately 65 pounds making lifting it very difficult
- Some users reported that it leaked oil
Runner-Up
3200 PSI 2.7 GPM Speedwash™ Residential Gas Pressure Washer with Soap Tank
Pros:
- 3200 PSI is enough power to handle most household jobs
- 2.7 GPM flow for rapid cleaning
- The power dial spray wand allows you to adjust the water pressure easily
- Integrated soap tank makes applying soap a breeze
Cons:
- Much more expensive than other similar gas-pressure washers
- The garden hose and pressure hose fittings are too close, making it difficult to connect and remove them
- Cheap plastic wheels
Best Electric Start Pressure Washer
Generac 3,100 PSI 2.5 GPM Electric Start Residential Pressure Washer
Pros and Cons:
This is the electric start version of our “Runner-Up” pick with one notable upgrade – it has an electric start. Most gas-powered pressure washers have “pull starts,” which can be difficult for some people to use. However, this electric start model starts with the push of a button.
Unfortunately, that feature comes at a cost making this pick one of the more expensive on our list.
Best Budget-Friendly Pressure Washer
WEN Gas-Powered 3200 PSI Pressure Washer
Pros:
- 3200 PSI is enough cleaning power for most household jobs
- 2.5 GPM for quicker cleaning
- Cheaper than other models with similar power
- 32-ounce detergent tank
Cons:
- Noticeably louder gas engine than similar models
- Cheap plastic wheels
- Cheaper materials and construction
Best Electric Pressure Washer
Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI (1.1 GPM) TruBrushless Electric Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Highest PSI rating for an electric pressure washer gives you plenty of power for all your household jobs
- Integrated soap tank for ease of use
- Includes 25-foot stainless steel heavy-duty hose
- No gas or maintenance required
- 35-Foot power cord with inline GFCI for enhanced safety
- Durable, never flat tires
Cons:
- The wand holder is weak and doesn’t hold the wand in place
- Low GPM (1.1) means slower cleaning
- Will feel weak if you’re used to gas-pressure washers
- More expensive than comparable gas pressure washers
Runner-Up Electric Pressure Washer
CRAFTSMAN Electric Pressure Washer 2400-PSI, 1.1-GPM
Pros:
- 2400 PSI is around the highest you can find for an electric pressure washer. It will handle most smaller jobs, but not very dirty siding and sidewalks.
- No gas or maintenance is required.
- Very quiet compared to a gas-pressure washer
- Easy to assemble in under 15 minutes.
- Lightweight and easy to move around.
Cons:
- Doesn’t reach a second story effectively, even though it advertises that it does
- The hose it comes with is low quality and breaks easily.
- Low GPM (1.1) means slow cleaning.
- Will overheat and shut off if you use it too long.
PSI VS GPM
PSI stands for pounds per square inch and measures how much power your pressure washer has. Likewise, higher PSI means more cleaning power.
On the other hand, GPM stands for gallons per minute and is your water flow rate. The higher the GPM flow rate, the quicker you can clean.
Unfortunately, many homeowners only consider PSI when purchasing a pressure washer. This leads to dissatisfaction if they choose a pressure washer with a low GPM. As a result, large jobs like decks, driveways, and siding can take significantly longer.
How Much PSI Does Your Pressure Washer Need?
A typical homeowner can handle nearly all jobs with around 3000 PSI. So it’s better to go for a PSI range that can handle any potential future jobs than buying a weaker pressure that you will need to upgrade later.
For example, you may only need 1500-2000 PSI to clean your car, but you’ll need higher pressure (around 3000) to clean your sidewalks and driveway. However, don’t overlook the GPM rating. 3000 PSI is enough to wash stains out of concrete, but a low GPM will make the job take much longer.
How to Adjust the Pressure on a Pressure Washer?
Unfortunately, most pressure washers are not adjustable. This is problematic as too much pressure can damage surfaces or remove paint. However, there are ways to modify the pressure. All of our recommended pressure washers include a few quick-connect nozzles. These spray nozzles have different size openings, affecting water pressure.
In addition, you can purchase a wand attachment that varies the pressure. This allows you to use lower pressure for delicate items such as outdoor furniture and maximum pressure for tougher jobs like cleaning concrete driveways. Notably, our choice for runner-up includes an adjustable spray wand.
Electric Pressure Washers VS Gas Pressure Washers
One major difference is that electric pressure washers generally have less power than gas-powered models. Although some models boast high PSI, they typically have low GPM resulting in slow cleaning. If you want the most power and quick work, stick to gas-powered washers.
Another problem with electric models is they are not repairable. Gas pressure washers have several parts that are easily removed and replaced. For example, you can replace most gas-pressure washer pumps for about $100.
However, there are benefits to consider with electric models. First, electric pressure washers don’t require gas, oil, filters, or general maintenance. Second, electric models are easier to start. Specifically, electric washers start with the push of a button, whereas gas models require pulling a cord (sometimes several times). Finally, electric models are quieter and lightweight, making them less demanding to use.
Some people consider it a drawback that electric models need a power source. However, it’s not much different than requiring a water supply. Regardless of type, you’re restrained by proximity to an outlet, exterior faucet, or both.
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