Best Pressure Washer Buying Guide

A pressure washer (also called a power washer) is the perfect tool to work magic on concrete, decking, walkways, patios, steps, and more. The best models can erase months or even years of stains with a brief blast.

And by enabling you to completely refresh your wood deck instead of replacing it, pressure washers can also help you spend less. That can mean thousands of dollars in savings, considering the current state of inflation and high lumber prices.

But not all pressure washers are alike. While all will clean more effectively than a garden hose, some are more efficient at removing grime—and are safer to use—than others. In this buying guide, we’ll explain what to look for in a pressure washer and how to use one effectively and safely.

How Pressure Washers WorkPressure washers use a gas engine or an electric motor to power a pump, which forces water at high pressure through a concentrating nozzle. The resulting blast washes away accumulated grime on surfaces such as decks, driveways, and patios. It also cleans other items, like outdoor chairs and some types of siding, all in a fraction of the time it would take with a scrub brush and hose.

Suitable Surfaces for Pressure WashersBefore you decide on which pressure washer to buy, you should figure out if you need one to begin with. Driveways and walkways can all be safely cleaned with a pressure washer, but that’s not necessarily the case with roofing, siding, and cars. See our article "Can This Surface Be Pressure Washed?" to learn whether a pressure washer is right for your situation.

Pressure Washer PartsWhether you’re shopping for a gas or electric pressure washer, pay attention to the nozzle (or nozzles), hose, and (in the case of an electric model) power cord. We discuss nozzles below. As for hoses and power cords, the longer they are, the more mobility you have. Ideally, each should measure at least 30 feet.

Extra FeaturesIf you often need soap, solvents, or other additives, consider a pressure washer that has a built-in soap tank. Tool and cord storage is a plus, as are wheels for heavier models.

Safety RisksPressure washers aren’t merely garden hoses on steroids. The nozzles shoot water at 30 to 80 times more pressure and have surprisingly strong cutting capabilities, no matter which spray setting you use. In fact, a misplaced jet of water could land you or a bystander in an emergency room. Use all pressure washers with caution. For more details, see the pressure washer nozzle chart and tips below.

Hearing ProtectionIf a model does well in our noise tests (typically electric models), you can safely work without hearing protection—but only if the hose is at least 25 feet away from the washing unit. If a model is noisy in our tests (typically gas models), wear earplugs or earmuff-style headsets when using it.

Renting vs. BuyingRenting rather than buying a pressure washer allows you to skip the hassle of upkeep and storage. It’s also an option if you need a hot water pressure washer, which is intended for professional use. We only test cold water pressure washers, which should take care of a vast majority of household cleanup. Buying a unit will pay for itself in a few years as long as you take care of it. Our experts say that if you use a pressure washer three or more times per year, you’ll save money by buying your own.

Gas models are certainly known for their power, but that’s not the only feature to look for when considering which pressure washer to buy. Electric pressure washers—which include battery-operated models—have their advantages, too. As a rule, the best midpriced gas pressure washers will clean about 50 percent faster than their electric counterparts. But the best electrics can perform nearly as well. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Pros: Delivers higher-pressure water. Quickly cleans large areas, such as decks, siding, and driveways, without the need for harsh chemicals. Deftly dispatches tough gunk, such as chewing gum and tree sap. More pressure means a nozzle set on a wider angle will clean just as well as an electric model run at a narrower setting.

Cons: Relatively noisy and heavy. They require tune-ups. Idling for long periods can overheat the pump, possibly ruining the machine if the safety valve fails. Pumps must be winterized with antifreeze in colder climates because gas machines shouldn’t be stored inside a home. More power also means an increased risk of injury. There’s also a greater chance of gouging, splintering, or etching wooden surfaces, or inadvertently chipping paint.

Price: $250 to $550.

Pros: Best for small decks and patios, outdoor furniture, and other small jobs that require mainly cleaning instead of stain removal. The models are relatively light and quiet, require little upkeep, and create no exhaust emissions. They start and stop conveniently. They don’t need winterizing, but battery models should be brought indoors during cold weather. Their small size makes them easy to store.

Cons: Lower water pressure makes for longer cleaning time. Wands and nozzles are made of less sturdy plastic material rather than the metal fittings found on gas-powered models. Your cleaning area is limited to the length of your unit’s cord and hose. Hoses are typically about 25 to 30 feet; the power cords are around 35 feet.

Price: $85 to $420.

Pros: These tools use a lithium-ion battery for power and offer a slightly amped-up alternative to cleaning with a regular garden hose. Most don’t produce a ton of pressure, which makes them a better choice for lighter-duty cleaning tasks, such as washing a car. The batteries used in these tools can sometimes also be used to power other tools, like cordless drills, from the same manufacturer.

Cons: Battery-powered pressure washers are no substitute for a gas or corded electric model if you need to do a deep cleaning. Pressure typically maxes out around 500 pounds per square inch compared with the 1,000 to 2,300 psi produced by corded electrics. Gas models can produce up to 3,000 psi.

Price: $170 to $490.

Pressure washers are sold with either a set of color-coded interchangeable nozzles or an all-in-one adjustable nozzle. Both types (illustrated below) allow you to change the angle (or spray vertex) of water depending on the task.

Adjustable nozzles are more convenient than replaceable ones; a twist is all it takes to change the spray width or pattern. But replaceable nozzles let you know the exact spray angle you’re using and help avoid creating too fine a water steam, which can be every bit as dangerous as using a zero-degree nozzle.

Consumer Reports doesn’t give any pressure washer with a zero-degree nozzle or setting its CR Recommended designation no matter how well it cleans. We also advise that you get rid of the red zero-degree nozzle if you decide to purchase a model that comes with one, and we strongly suggest avoiding using pinpoint settings. This will reduce the chance of damaging property or causing injury. The main danger with pressure washers involves the angle and focused intensity of the water being sprayed. The velocity of the water can tear through skin and the tissue beneath, which can also potentially result in a bacterial infection. Higher-degree nozzles or settings can get the job done without unnecessary risk; it will just take a bit longer. For more information, read Pressure Washer Safety Alert.

Chris Philpot Chris Philpot

Briggs & Stratton, a large manufacturer of gas pressure washers, also makes the gas engines used in models from other brands.

Champion makes gas pressure washers sold online and at smaller dealers as well as on Amazon.

Formerly the house brand of Sears, Craftsman now sells gas and electric pressure washers at Lowe’s as well as at a small number of Ace Hardware stores.

A large manufacturer of gas-powered pressure washers, with models sold online and at smaller dealers.

A large tool company that sells gas-powered pressure washers online as well as at Home Depot.

Generac makes gas pressure washers and sells them at hardware stores and home centers, including Home Depot.

Greenworks only makes electric pressure washers, but it’s one of the largest players, with models available at Tractor Supply and Lowe’s stores.

Kärcher was one of the earlier manufacturers of electric pressure washers and sells models on Amazon as well as at Home Depot.

NorthStar is one of the only manufacturers of 240-volt electric pressure washers, which produce power on a par with gas models. Look for NorthStar models at private dealers.

Predator, the house brand of Harbor Freight tool stores, offers competitively priced gas pressure washers.

Ryobi is a Home Depot exclusive brand that makes aggressively priced gas and electric pressure washers.

Simpson makes gas and electric-powered pressure washers. Its models are sold online as well as at Tractor Supply and Home Depot.

Sun Joe makes electric pressure washers that are sold online as well as at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores.

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