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A quality pressure washer removes stuck-on dirt and mold from your home’s siding, driveway, and walkway to restore their natural appearance. While all pressure washers are designed to clean your home’s exterior, not all models have the same features.
Finding the best pressure washer for your needs can depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of job, your budget, and if you prefer gas or electric. Overall, our top choice for the best pressure washer on the market is the Westinghouse Gas-Powered Pressure Washer which stood out for its durable design and powerful performance.
You can also find more information to help you make a smart purchase in our buying guide to tools.
Top 9 Pressure Washers
- Best Pressure Washer Overall: Westinghouse Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
- Best Electric Pressure Washer: Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer
- Best Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer: Dewalt Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer
- Best Light-Duty Pressure Washer: WHOLESUN Electric Pressure Washer
- Most Ergonomic: Generac Gas-Powered Residential Pressure Washer
- Best Warranty: Simpson Cleaning PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer
- Most Powerful: BILT HARD Gas Pressure Washer
- Easiest to Transport: Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer
- Bes Spray Wands: Karcher K5 Premium Electric-Power Pressure Washer
Compare Top Pressure Washers
| Pressure Washer | PSI | GPM | Engine Type | Nozzle Tips | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse 3200 PSI Pressure Washer | 3,200 | 2.5 | Gas | Five | 3-year limited |
| Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer | 2,030 | 1.76 | Electric | Five | 2-year limited |
| DEWALT 3300 PSI Pressure Washer | 3,300 | 2.4 | Gas | Five | 2-year limited |
| WHOLESUN 3000 PSI Pressure Washer | 3,000 | 2.4 | Electric | Four | 2-year limited |
| Generac 2700 PSI Pressure Washer | 2,700 | 1.2 | Electric | Four | 2-year limited |
| Simpson 3300 Pressure Washer | 3,300 | 2.5 | Gas | Five | 3-year limited |
| BILT HARD Pressure Washer | 3,500 | 2.5 | Gas | Five | 90 days |
| Pressure Washer | PSI | GPM | Engine Type | Nozzle Tips | Warranty |
Best Pressure Washer Overall
Westinghouse Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
- $329
- $349
- 6% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Built with robust steel framing for protection
✔ Has a foam handle that offers comfortable gripping
✔ Includes color-coded quick-release heads
✘ The hose isn’t long enough to reach the second story of homes or businesses
✘ Has loud operation
What Customers Are Saying
The numerous customer reviews that we found said that the pressure washer was well-built and complimented its ease of use. While most reviews raved about this product, a handful said the pressure washer broke after a few uses. A couple of people also mentioned that they didn’t receive all the necessary parts for operation.
Best Electric Pressure Washer
Sun Joe Electric High-Pressure Washer
- $179
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Outfitted with a total-stop system, which automatically powers off the pump when the trigger isn’t engaged
✔ Allows you to reach hard-to-access spaces with its 34-inch extension spray wand
✔ Lighter and quieter than gas-powered options
✘ Doesn’t offer the same level of pressure as gas models
✘ Some customers felt it was not well-designed
What Customers Are Saying
We saw that reviewers liked this product because it had a lightweight design and a long extension wand. Others were pleased with its variety of quick-connect nozzles and high-pressure level for an electric washer. On the other hand, there were others that claimed this product broke easily and was made with cheap parts, while others felt it was too limiting for large jobs.
Best Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer
Dewalt Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer
- $399.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes a thermal relief valve to prevent overheating
✔ Is available in both gas and electric
✔ Includes a 25-foot pressure hose and rear-load spray gun
✘ Some customers mentioned the engine was difficult to start
✘ Can’t be shipped to California
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were satisfied with their purchase noted that this pressure washer was easy to assemble and had a heavy-duty power level that worked efficiently. Others were pleased with its durable design. However, a few customers had issues getting the engine to start, while others claimed the wand holder was poorly made.
Best Light-Duty Pressure Washer
WHOLESUN Electric Pressure Washer
- $159.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a lower price point than other, similar models
✔ Most lightweight model in this review
✔ Is not battery-powered and also doesn’t require oil
✘ May strip water-based paint
✘ Some customers said that this product doesn’t deliver as much pressure as advertised
What Customers Are Saying
Many of the reviewers we looked at said that this pressure washer worked better than their former gas-powered unit. They also liked how affordable the machine was. However, some customers said it didn’t deliver the advertised amount of pressure, and some said it leaked.
Most Ergonomic
Generac Gas-Powered Residential Pressure Washer
- $447.58
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes an automatic-stop switch feature
✔ Comes with a one-gallon on board detergent tank
✔ Is lightweight at under 50 pounds
✘ Has fewer nozzles than some other, similar units
✘ Not meant for large, commercial-grade jobs
What Customers Are Saying
Our research showed that customers who left positive reviews for this pressure washer liked that it was easy to use and set up and featured a long hose. Others called out how it had large wheels that made it easily maneuverable. However, there were some less positive reviews that said this model lacked power, that it was not well designed, and the hose often dragged on the ground.
Best Warranty
Simpson Cleaning PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer
- $610.67
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes in other styles with less pressure
✔ Has a 3-year warranty on service, labor, and parts
✔ Comes with never-flat wheels
✘ Some customers said it had flimsy parts
✘ May arrive with a fuel smell or residual oil on its body from factory testing
What Are People Saying About the Simpson Cleaning PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer?
Pleased customers experienced excellent customer service from the manufacturer. Others pointed out that this gas pressure washer was easy to use and highly maneuverable. However, some unhappy customers said that this washer leaked oil and was poorly packaged, which sometimes led to damage.
Most Powerful
BILT HARD Gas Pressure Washer
- $329.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a powerful operation and gas engine
✔ Comes with 10-inch never-flat wheels that make it easy to transport
✔ Comes with a built-in one-gallon soap tank
✘ Some customers found it difficult to start
✘ Can run out of gas quickly G
What Are People Saying About the BILT HARD Gas Pressure Washer?
Our team noticed that several customers who gave this product a positive review appreciated its interchangeable quick-connect nozzles and its high power level, especially for its size and price point. Several others also commented on how easy it was to set up and start. On the other hand, some customers had issues with the hose breaking after minimal use, and others said the soap was cheaply made.
Easies to Transport
Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer
- $139
- $149
- 7% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes quick-connect nozzles and an extendable steel wand
✔ Prevents tipping with four quick-lock wheels and 360-degree steering
✔ Has an onboard soap tank
✘ The soap dispenser doesn’t have an on/off valve
✘ Not compatible with an extension cord
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were happy with their purchase noted easy assembly, maneuverability, watertight connections, and affordability. Most of the low-rated reviews said the device stopped working shortly after it arrived.
Best Spray Wands
Karcher K5 Premium Electric-Power Pressure Washer
- $227.69
- $369.99
- 38% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Built with a water-cooled motor to prolong its life
✔ Has an integrated pressurized reel for easy hose storage
✔ Outfitted with a durable, non-corrosive pump that doesn’t require maintenance
✘ Heaviest option in this guide
✘ Doesn’t work on second-story residences
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said the machine was easy to assemble and the wand tips were easy to switch out. Others wrote that the washer’s quiet motor and leakproof construction made it enjoyable to use. Unhappy customers cited issues with assembly and stability.
Pressure Washer Buying Guide
Before buying a pressure washer, it’s important to consider how each model’s accessories and specifications affect its user experience. Our team determined four factors to consider to help you find the best pressure washer for you.
Power Source
Pressure washers are gas- or electric-powered. Gasoline-powered pressure washers deliver more power than their electric counterparts, though they require more maintenance because of their motor’s oil use. Electric-powered pressure washers use power cords instead of gas, making them lighter and easier to move around your yard.
PSI
Pounds per square inch (PSI) refers to how much pressure the washer’s stream of water creates. The higher the PSI, the higher pressure the machine can generate. Most gas-powered pressure washers we researched deliver around 3,000 PSI, while most electric models generate around 2,000 PSI.
Weight/Portability
The weight of a pressure washer directly affects its portability. Most gas-powered models are over 50 pounds, which is why they’re usually equipped with heavy-duty wheels to make transportation easier. We noted that electric pressure washers are lighter, so they come with small wheels or handles for transportation.
Spray Nozzles
The spray nozzles used by a pressure washer are typically color-coded to correspond with a specific angle degree and water pressure. For example, most pressure washers use red to signify the zero-degree nozzle, which sprays a high-pressured, direct stream fit for cleaning stains off hard surfaces, such as concrete.
Volume
Gallons per minute (GPM) describes how much water a machine supplies. Look for a machine with both high pressure and volume for it to clean large areas with tough grime.
Brand
While there are dozens of brands that make pressure washers, we’ve found that the most trusted are:
- DeWalt
- Generac
- Greenworks
- Karcher
- Predator
- Ryobi
- Simpson
- Stihl
- Sun Joe
- WEN
- Westinghouse
- WHOLESUN
Pressure Washer Safety Tips
Pressure washers have intense cleaning power that can quickly clean anything from the side of your house to a vehicle to your grill. But it’s important always to use pressure washers safely. Here are some tips on how to stay safe when using a pressure washer:
- Before starting the job, take 5 minutes to think through and develop a game plan for the cleaning task ahead. Be sure to identify any potential hazards and ensure all pets, children, or items that could be damaged are clear from the area.
- Wear appropriate protective gear, such as protective goggles, closed-toe shoes, and clothing that covers your arms and legs. This will help keep you protected from direct spray, debris, and chemicals.
- Make sure the pressure washer is on a flat surface and stable before turning it on. This will prevent it from tipping over during use.
- Avoid spraying the pressure washer at any people or delicate surfaces such as wood or glass, as this can cause injury or damage. Instead, aim the nozzle at the surface you want to clean from a safe distance.
How to Clean Wood Safely
If you plan to use your pressure washer on a wood deck or siding, there are a few important tips to remember to ensure you’re completing the job safely and efficiently. Here are our top tips for cleaning wood.
Cleaning Siding
Fit the wand with the soap-dispensing tip and spray the siding with a cleaner, then switch to the 25-degree tip to rinse. Move side to side, keeping the tip 12 to 18 inches off the siding and the spray fan perpendicular to the grain. Angle the wand slightly downward to prevent water from being forced behind the siding. Move in closer if you have a less powerful unit.
Cleaning Decking
Start by spraying on a cleaner made for decks; use the soap-dispensing tip and follow the cleaner’s directions. With a 25-degree tip held 9 to 12 inches off the deck, hold the spray fan perpendicular to the grain but move the wand with the grain. Don’t linger—you may gouge the wood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Washers
Can you pressure wash your car?
Yes. However, we’ve found that it’s important that you use the right pressure washer and correct setting so that you don’t strip or damage your car’s paint. Usually, a 2,000-PSI washer with a 40-degree nozzle is suitable for cleaning your car’s exterior.
What type of fuel can I use in my gas pressure washer?
We recommend using fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane of 87 to fuel your pressure washer. The gas should not contain more than 10% ethanol.
What is a good PSI for a pressure washer?
It depends on the job you want to tackle. If you’re cleaning vinyl siding or driveway, a high-powered gasoline pressure washer with around 3,000 PSI is your most robust option. However, if you want to complete small jobs around the house, such as cleaning patio stairs or your car, we advise using a lower-powered model that delivers approximately 2,000 PSI.
How can you lower the PSI of a pressure washer?
To reduce a pressure washer’s PSI, increase your distance from the material you’re cleaning or switch nozzles. Nozzles with a greater angle degree have a lower PSI because the water is less concentrated.
Why does my gas pressure washer need oil?
Oil keeps the engine lubricated, preventing it from wearing out. Two-stroke models mix the oil with the gas, but four-stroke models have a compartment just for gas.
What types of jobs can I use my gas pressure washer for?
Gas pressure washers have so much power that they’re really only safe for use on hard surfaces, such as concrete driveways and brick walls. If you use them on delicate surfaces, such as cars, you could cause irreversible damage.
How We Selected Top-Rated Pressure Washers
To provide our readers with the best pressure washer recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of pressure washers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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