Quizience is supported by you the audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Outdoor cleaning isn’t the most popular way to spend a weekend afternoon, but powering through them with a pressure washer makes the ordeal a little bit more satisfying. These mighty machines transform your home’s water supply into a highly pressurized stream that can blast away years of grime, mildew, and dirt from outdoor surfaces.
By adjusting the pressure and attaching different spray nozzles, pressure washers can handle a wide variety of tasks, from heavy-duty deck and patio cleaning, to delicate applications like washing your car. They’re not exactly cheap, but if you’d prefer to spend more of your Saturday at the beach, working on a DIY project, or literally anything but cleaning, their versatility and efficiency are definitely worth the investment.
Best Overall – Simpson Cleaning PS3228 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer
In advance of our next major round of testing, we recommend this updated version of the Simpson MegaShot MSH3125, which former Test Editor Roy Berendsohn praised for its power and build quality. (We have not tested it yet, but we plan to in the very near future.)
A Honda engine is generally indicative of quality in a gas washer, and this model’s GX200 engine has enough power to generate 3,300 psi and 2.5 gpm. It also automatically shuts down if the oil level gets too low, preventing serious damage. A 3-year warranty doesn’t hurt, either.
The non-marring hose is abrasion-resistant, which helps extend its lifespan, but we have found that Simpson hoses can be especially stiff and take some time to break in.
Key Specs
| Engine | 196cc |
|---|---|
| Weight | 77 lb |
| Cleaning Power | 3,300 psi |
| Max Flow | 2.5 gpm |
Best Budget – Craftsman 2,100-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Despite its low price, this Craftsman model stacks up well against high-end machines, boasting enough power to handle mid-duty jobs, and a light, easy-to-handle design.
We specifically appreciated its whopper of a power cord, which measures 35 feet long. (That’s about 10 feet longer than average.) Combined with the large 10-inch wheels and wide top-mounted handle, these features make the Craftsman especially mobile. The large, easy-access detergent tank on top of the machine is removable for easy cleaning when you’re finished.
Of all the nozzles we tried on this model, we had the best results with the turbo (rotating blast), which proved especially adept at cleaning concrete. We also liked its slide-on spray wand mount, which prevented the gun from getting knocked off during transport–an annoying issue that’s common among budget-tier machines.
Key Specs
| Motor | 13 amp |
|---|---|
| Weight | 32 lb |
| Cleaning Power | 2,100 psi |
| Max Flow | 1.2 gpm |
Most Powerful Electric – DeWalt 3000-PSI Brushless Jobsite Electric Pressure Washer
This DeWalt pressure washer provides nearly as much pressure as our top gas-powered pick, but without the noise and maintenance requirements of its combustion engine.
Its high max psi makes it adept at blasting stubborn grit and grime. Unfortunately its relatively low water output isn’t a great match, as it may not wash away heavy duty debris on its own.
In testing, Berendsohn appreciated how easy the hose was to store on the unit itself. Its suitcase-style design features two wheels, a telescoping handle, and multiple grab handles for convenient transport. There are also helpful storage areas for the spray gun, nozzle tips, and a molded compartment for the included foam cannon.
If electric power is what you’re after, and a little extra cleaning time isn’t a dealbreaker, this is a fantastic option.
Key Specs
| Motor | 15 amp |
|---|---|
| Weight | 41.9 lb |
| Cleaning Power | 3,000 psi |
| Max Flow | 1.1 gpm |
Best for Light Duty – Sun Joe SPX 3000-XT1 Xtream Clean Electric Pressure Washer
The Sun Joe SPX 3000-XT1 is an affordable electric washer that makes light-duty tasks a breeze. For your money, you get a foaming soap dispenser and two cleaning brushes–one for general use and the other designed to clean automotive wheels. Plus, you get a full set of four nozzles, with user-friendly, quick-connect capability.
The machine’s ergonomics are solid; the hose outlets, power switch, and carrying handle are located to make it a bit easier to operate. At the same time, it tips over easily on grass or other uneven surfaces due to its small wheels and vertical configuration, so it’s best confined to working on pavement.
After working the SPX 3000-XT1 hard—harder than a homeowner probably would—we found its cord and GFCI were quite warm. There’s only so much a small machine can handle when you run it relentlessly on an 80-degree summer day, so keep that in mind.
Key Specs
| Motor | 13 amp |
|---|---|
| Weight | 28.4 lb |
| Cleaning Power | 1700 psi |
| Max Flow | 1.65 gpm |
Best Portable – DeWalt 2,100-PSI Jobsite Electric Pressure Washer
If you want a pressure washer, but aren’t thrilled about lugging around a heavy, bulky machine, this less-powerful version of our heavy duty electric pick could be the answer. At 25 pounds, it’s the lightest option included in our picks, but it still delivers enough cleaning power to handle a range of residential cleaning projects.
Its rectangular frame provides multiple grab points for unloading and carrying over uneven terrain, and a retractable handle allows you to easily maneuver its compact size around your work area. I found that mobility especially convenient while using it to clean the sides of a backyard tool shed in a densely overgrown Florida backyard.
Even if you can’t get it in the perfect spot, though, its 35-foot power cord and 25-foot hose mean you shouldn’t have to worry about repositioning it much as you get things done.
Key Specs
| Motor | 13 amp |
|---|---|
| Weight | 24 lb |
| Cleaning Power | 2100 PSI |
| Max Flow | 1.2 GPM |
Most Versatile Pressure Washer – Greenworks Pro GPW2700 Pressure Washer
Capable of generating 2700 PSI and a 2.3 GPM flow rate (both impressively high for an electric model), this versatile Greenworks machine can handle a wide variety of heavy and light-duty applications.
In addition to its high pressure and volume output, Berendsohn also praised the convenience of its always-running motor and the wand’s pressure sensor that automatically adjusts the output to match the current nozzle.
The included foam cannon and its attached 1L soap container make it especially useful for vehicle cleaning, launching a steady stream of suds onto your car, truck, or RV.
The unit itself sits on fat 10-inch wheels—convenient for maneuverability and traversing uneven ground—and lays down flat for extra stability during operation. Also appreciated by Berendsohn is the steel-braided hose for added durability, and an impressive 10-year motor warranty (3 years for the tools).
If you want to beef up its patio and driveway cleaning abilities, Greenworks also offers a compatible 15-inch surface cleaner attachment.
Key Specs
| Motor | 14 amp |
|---|---|
| Weight | 47 lb |
| Max Cleaning Power | 2700 PSI |
| Max Flow | 2.3 gpm |