- Easy to use
- Enough power for most homeowners’ needs
- Reliable
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Updated February 29, 2024
As the thousands of hours of YouTube tributes will attest, pressure washing is an oddly zen activity—there’s just something so satisfying about revealing strip after strip of clean surface under all that grime. Of course, if your pressure washer doesn’t work properly, then you’ll have the exact opposite experience, so take a look at our guide to the best pressure washers out there.
What to consider before buying a pressure washer
PSI rating
“The first thing to consider is the PSI rating, which stands for Pounds per Square Inch, which is essentially how much force is exerted when water is sprayed,” says Matthew Baratta, VP of operations at Daimer Industries. “Generally, pressure washers range from 1,000 to over 4,000, with the higher end of the scale being used for things like outdoor restorations.”
Flow rate
The flow rate of a pressure washer is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and usually ranges from one to three. “The higher the GPM, the more water that is used, so it’s important to pay attention to this for environmental reasons,” says Baratta. He also warns that if the machine is being used indoors for any reason, you’ll want to opt for a lower GPM to avoid immediately soaking the place. “However, a higher GPM means more flushing power, so if you’re removing large amounts of dirt/soil, a higher GPM is generally better and often more important than a high PSI,” he adds.
Cleaning units
Cleaning units are another valuable metric, calculated by multiplying the PSI by the GPM, which tells you the rinsing power of the machine. “Generally, you want to pay attention to cleaning units to know how fast you will be able to clean a surface,” advises Baratta.
Storage
“People should take into account how often they’re going to use it and how and where they’re going to store it,” says Josie Arrowsmith, senior product manager pressure washers at Stanley Black+Decker. “If doing lighter cleaning, a lower PSI will save some money and space. For heavier duty cleaning, like concrete, a higher PSI will be better.”
Hose length
The length of hose you need will largely depend on how big a job it is–if you’re trying to clean a large building or outside area, a longer hose will be more convenient.
Fuel source
As with other large outdoor equipment, like lawnmowers or snow blowers, your options for fuel sources will be diesel, gas, or electric. “Each has its pros and cons,” says Baratta. “Electric models require a power source, while diesel will allow the machine to be portable, and gas and diesel also tend to be more powerful. Gas is more common in commercial and industrial models, whereas electric is more suitable for small-scale pressure-washing projects.”
Our picks for the best pressure washers
Best pressure washer for most people: AR Blue Clean BC142HS
Best pressure washer for most people
AR Blue Clean Blue Clean 1700 PSI 1.7-Gallons Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer | BC142HS
When it comes to an all-rounder that will work for most people’s outdoor spaces, Baratta recommends the AR Blue Clean BC142HS. “I’m a fan of the AR Blue Clean line for their reliability and reasonable prices,” he says. “Their BC142HS is 1,700 PSi at 1.7 GPM, which is plenty for most homeowners' needs, and its price tag is hard to beat.”
Specifications:
- Power Source: Electric
- Cleaning power (PSI): 1,700
- Max flow (GPM): 1.7
- Total cleaning Units: 2,890
- Weight: 18.3 pounds
- Price on publish: $132.19
What we like:
What we don't Like:
- Some customers complain that the hose is too stiff, making its housing reel ineffective
The bottom line:
An inexpensive, simple-to-use power washer that will easily handle most residential issues.
Get it here: AR Blue Clean BC142HS
Best electric pressure washer: AR Blue Clean BC390HSS
Best electric pressure washer
Universal Motor, 2300 PSI, Cold Water, Electric Pressure Washer, with Up to 1.7 GPM, BC390HSS
You’ll find a few AR Blue Clean models on this list, thanks to how reliable and reasonably priced they are. Baratta reiterates their proven track record when choosing the BC390HSS as his pick for the best electric model, citing its 2,300 PSI and 1.7 GPM stats and its relatively low price for the cleaning power you’re getting.
Specifications:
- Power Source: Electric
- Cleaning power (PSI): 2,300
- Max flow (GPM): 1.7
- Total cleaning Units: 3,910
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Price on publish: $288.23
What we like:
- Solid power
- Compact trolley design
- Easy assembly
What we don't Like:
- Some customers complain that there are too many proprietary parts, making replacements/repairs more difficult
The bottom line:
A decently powerful, compact electric pressure washer.
Get it here: AR Blue Clean BC390HSS
Best gas pressure washer: Easy Kleen AS440GHGP/ALU
Best gas pressure washer
Easy Kleen Commercial Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer Aluminum Cart - 4 GPM, 4000PSI,
While most electric models will suffice for home use, those seeking both more power and greater mobility will want to look into a gas model. Baratta recommends this Easy Kleen model, saying, “Easy Kleen makes excellent gas-powered pressure washers using reliable components, such as General Pump pumps and Honda or Kohler engines.”
Specifications:
- Power Source: Gas
- Cleaning power (PSI): 4,000
- Max flow (GPM): 4
- Total cleaning Units: 16,000
- Weight: 138 pounds
- Price on publish: $1,295
What we like:
- Powerful
- Reliable
What we don't Like:
- Heavy
The bottom line:
A serious pressure washer for those with some serious cleaning to do.
Get it here: Easy Kleen AS440GHGP/ALU
Most powerful pressure washer: Generac Commercial 4200PSI
Most powerful pressure washer
Generac Commercial 4200PSI Power Washer Triplex Pump 49-State/CSA
While you can certainly find pressure washers that reach up to 6,500 PSI (like the higher end of Daimer’s Super Max range), that’s probably going to be excessive for cleaning up your driveway. For power without the overkill, try Generac’s 4,200 PSI, 4 GPM model, featuring a 50-foot, steel reinforced hose, oversized pneumatic tires, a 420CC OHV engine, and a commercial grade pump (okay, maybe it’s a little bit of an overkill).
Specifications:
- Power Source: Gas
- Cleaning power (PSI): 4,200
- Max flow (GPM): 4
- Total cleaning Units: 16,800
- Weight: 146.5 pounds
- Price on publish: $1,149
What we like:
- Super rugged and reliable
- Powerful
- Up to commercial-grade tasks
What we don't Like:
- Heavy
The bottom line:
A heavy-duty, powerful pressure washer best suited to more commercial cleaning jobs.
Get it here: Generac Commercial 4200PSI
Best budget pressure washer: AR Blue Clean BC111HS
Best budget pressure washer
AR Blue Clean 1600 PSI 1.7-Gallons Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer | BC111HS
For reliability at a low price, Baratta again turns to the AR Blue Clean line, saying,, “It’s very budget-friendly, with plenty of reasonably priced models that are effective for a variety of jobs.” Offering 1,600 PSI and 1.7 GPM while still coming in at just $124, their BC111HS is ideal for anyone with more casual pressure washer needs.
Specifications:
- Power Source: Electric
- Cleaning power (PSI): 1,600
- Max flow (GPM): 1.7
- Total cleaning Units: 2,720
- Weight: 16.3 pounds
- Price on publish: $124
What we like:
- Inexpensive
- Powerful enough for most casual homeowner needs
What we don't Like:
- Not as powerful as many others on this list
The bottom line:
A solidly reliable pressure washer at a budget price.
Get it here: AR Blue Clean BC111HS
Best portable pressure washer: Eveage Q7
Best portable pressure washer
EVEAGE Q7 Cordless Power Pressure Washer, MAX 1000PSI, 2.5GPM Adjustment Portable Power Cleaner, Rechargeable Battery Powered Handheld High-Pressure Washer Gun for Car, Home/Floor Cleaning
It’s no good being highly portable if the water comes out as a dribble, but fortunately, this Eveage model can get the job done. Lightweight, small, and powered by a rechargeable battery, it nevertheless boasts 1,000 PSI and 2.6 GPM, making it ideal for tackling smaller jobs at multiple different locations.
Specifications:
- Power Source: Battery
- Cleaning power (PSI): 1,000
- Max flow (GPM): 2.6
- Total cleaning Units: 2,600
- Weight: 7.6 pounds
- Price on publish: $122.26
What we like:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
What we don't Like:
- Not as powerful as less portable models
The bottom line:
A pressure washer that trades some power for portability but will still be more than capable of tackling small to medium jobs.
Get it here: Eveage Q7
Easiest pressure washer to use: AR Blue Clean BC142HS
Easiest pressure washer to use
AR Blue Clean Blue Clean 1700 PSI 1.7-Gallons Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer | BC142HS
This is the BC142HS’ second appearance on this list, but since it took the top spot for “best model for most people” in large part due to its ease of use, it only made sense to include it again here. Reasonably priced, sufficiently powerful, and super simple to assemble and use, it really is the perfect model for people looking for a pressure washer without complications.
Specifications:
- Power Source: Electric
- Cleaning power (PSI): 1,700
- Max flow (GPM): 1.7
- Total cleaning Units: 2,890
- Weight: 18.3 pounds
- Price on publish: $132.19
What we like:
- Easy to use
- Enough power for most homeowners’ needs
- Reliable
What we don't Like:
- Some customers complain that the hose is too stiff, making its housing reel ineffective
The bottom line:
An inexpensive, manageable power washer that will easily handle most residential issues.
Get it here: AR Blue Clean BC142HS
Easiest pressure washer for storage: DeWalt 2100 PSI
Easiest pressure washer for storage
2100 PSI 1.2 GPM 13 Amp Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer with Internal Equipment Storage
Designed for easy stacking and storage, the DeWalt 2100 PSI will easily fit in most storage spaces, taking up little space on shelves, in trucks, or wherever else you put it. Its stackable metal roll cage features a telescoping handle and integrated wheels, making it a breeze to move around, and all of its components will fit neatly inside.
Specifications:
- Power Source: Electric
- Cleaning power (PSI): 2,100
- Max flow (GPM): 1.2
- Total cleaning Units: 2,520
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Price on publish: $299
What we like:
- Compact
- Stackable
- Solidly powerful
What we don't Like:
- Wand and hose have to be fully taken apart to store inside the roll cage
The bottom line:
An exceptionally compact pressure washer for easier storage and transport.
Get it here: DeWalt 2100 PSI
Best value pressure washer: Craftsman CMEPW1800
Best value pressure washer
CRAFTSMAN 1800 PSI 1.2-Gallons Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer in Black | CMEPW1800
For just $139, this pressure washer gives you 1,800 PSI and 1.2 GPM. It’s also pretty compact and lightweight, although the feature that might make it most attractive for homeowners is its included high-pressure foam cannon, ideal for cleaning your car. Overall, when it comes to bang for your buck, this is the model for you.
Specifications:
- Power Source: Electric
- Cleaning power (PSI): 1,800
- Max flow (GPM): 1.2
- Total cleaning Units: 2,160
- Weight: 17.9 pounds
- Price on publish: $139
What we like:
- Included foam cannon
- Reasonably priced
What we don't Like:
- Some customer reviews complain of poor-quality hose connections
The bottom line:
A great value pressure washer with good power and portability.
Get it here: Craftsman CMEPW1800
Maintenance tips for pressure washers
Next time you get the pressure washer out for another spray session, “Be sure to use fresh gas or diesel if your model requires it and adequate water before turning it on,” advises Baratta. “Once the equipment is on, make sure the nozzle stays open to avoid pressure build in the hose that could cause combustion.”
“After each use, ensure the unit is dried off, clean the nozzle with a cloth or towel, and drain the water,” says Baratta. “Inspect the hose and store it away so that there are no kinks.”
Finally, for good upkeep, Baratta suggests running a chemical detergent through the machine every few uses to ensure residue doesn’t build up, rinsing the machine with water until it comes out clear again. He also says to make sure water never freezes inside the unit, which means storing it somewhere the temperature won’t drop below freezing. “If that’s not possible, draw antifreeze into the pump to protect it,” he says.
How we selected the best pressure washers
Our selections were made through a mix of consultation with experts and thorough research, particularly focusing on the various features of the units, and their customer reviews. We only included washers that we were confident had given people a straightforward, useful, and satisfying experience.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much does a pressure washer cost?
Baratta shares that pressure washers generally cost from $300-$25,000 depending on whether they’re for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
How many gallons per minute does a pressure washer use?
The average pressure washer for home use will likely use between one and three gallons of water per minute, with most being on the lower side of that.
What pressure washer should I buy for home use?
“For home use, like car maintenance, you don’t need a commercial or industrial-grade pressure washer,” says Baratta. “An electric model is likely suitable for residential needs and more economical to run. Buy a model with good reviews that is serviceable in the event of a problem.”
What is a good pressure washer PSI?
“It depends on the job you’re doing,” says Arrowsmith. “If you’re using a pressure washer mostly for lighter tasks, such as cleaning cars or patio furniture, something around 1,800 PSI would be good. For general cleaning, consider something in the 2,000 PSI range, and if you have a lot of work to do and heavier staining, go up to a 2,800 or 3,000 PSI unit.”
Do pressure washers come with a warranty?
They should! “When investing in a pressure washer, ensure the manufacturer you are purchasing from offers a limited warranty,” says Baratta. “If they do not, I would recommend shopping around.”
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