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Best Pressure Washer Reviews 2020
All those reports about expensive yet defective pressure washer machine are nothing but fearmonger. You might think that the best pressure washer doesn't exist and that pressure washer manufacturers are just after the profit. While this may lead you to avoid buying this useful tool, having this mindset could also be the hindrance to reaping the benefits that the best pressure washer can offer.
Owning a pressure washer has several benefits under its belt. For one, it is versatile and has a lot of uses. What are pressure washer used for, you might ask. Check out the list below for the different uses of this tool.
Quick Comparison Table: 10 Best Pressure Washers
Picture | Model | Type (PSI x GPM) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI | Electric (3,573) | |
 | Simpson Cleaning MSH3125-S 3200 PSI | Gas (8,000) | |
 | GreenWorks 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM | Electric (1,800) | |
 | WEN PW31 3100 PSI | Gas (7,750) | |
 | AR Blue Clean AR390SS 2000 PSI | Electric (2,800) | |
 | Stanley SLP2050 2050 PSI | Electric (2,870) | |
 | Generac 7019 OneWash 3,100 PSI, 2.4 GPM | Gas (7,440) | |
 | Karcher K2000 2000 PSI | Electric (2,600) | |
 | Ryobi RY141900 2,000-PSI 1.2 GPM | Electric (2,400) | |
 | Briggs & Stratton 4000 PSI 4.0 GPM | Gas (16,000) |
How to Choose Pressure Washer by Cleaning Power
If you google which pressure washer is best, you will be swarmed by a lot of options. the most basic thing you need to know about pressure washer is that they come in different power capacity, depending on the demand of the task at hand.
To choose the best pressure washer for your needs, you need to be familiar with its 3 cleaning power category.
Check out our comparison table for a quick run through!
Cleaning Power | PSI Range | Types Available |
|---|---|---|
Light-Duty | 1300 PSI to 1900 PSI | Battery-powered, Electric |
Medium-Duty | 2000 PSI to 3100 PSI | Electric, Gas |
Heavy-Duty | 3200 PSI to 4200 PSI | Electric, Gas |
1. Best Light-Duty
Light-duty spray washers are often battery-powered or electric-powered. However, electric car washers are often preferred by most homeowners because they are more eco-friendly and require less maintenance.
This type of pressure washer is a good pick cleaning grills, cleaning outdoor furniture, cleaning small decks and patios, as well as car washing. In terms of PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), the best light-duty pressure washer should range between 1300 to 1900 PSI.
Some of the best light commercial pressure washers on the market at the moment include Sun Joe, Campbell Hausfeld, Generac, etc.
2. Best Medium-Duty
Medium-duty power washers, on the other hand, often available as electric or gas pressure washers. If you want one with less noise, then electric pressure cleaner with noise reduction technology is the best choice. However, if you want a unit with more PSI and can reach far areas, then a gas-powered pressure washer would do you good.
All pressure washers in this category can be used both for home use and for business use. Medium-duty pressure washers are recommended for decking, for driveways, for vinyl siding, for cleaning brick, for garage floors, for garden, and for other small business purposes.
Pressure washers with medium cleaning power usually come in 2000 PSI to 31000 PSI. The flow rate usually ranges from 2.0 to 2.5 gallons per minute or GPM. A GPM lower than 2.0 usually belongs to the light-duty category.
3. Best Heavy-Duty
Pressure washers with heavy-duty cleaning power are also known as the best professional pressure washer on the market. Being professional-duty, this type of pressure washers are highly recommended for commercial use. Since they mostly handle tough cleaning jobs, heavy-duty pressure washers are mostly available as gas-powered units. Although there are also heavy-duty electric power washer units available, between gas vs electric, gas-powered ones are more powerful and have higher maximum cleaning power.
Heavy-duty pressure washers are used for construction site cleanup, for fleet and factory cleaning maintenance, for graffiti removal, and for paint stripping. Most often than not, a heavy-duty high pressure cleaner has a rotating turbo nozzle that spins a total of 3000 rotations per minute on average. The turbo nozzle's fast-spinning water jets quickly and efficiently break down loose paint and stubborn dirt and grime.
Professional-duty power washers range from 3200 PSI to 4200 PSI with an average flow rate of 2.8 to 4.0 gallon per minute (GPM). Since they have more cleaning power than the other categories, you can expect their prices to be higher and expensive.
Compare Electric vs. Gas Power
Some of the popular pressure washer brands offer units in both electric and gas. But how will you know which best pressure washer is worth for the money?
To be honest, this question is rather subjective and depends on the needs of the user, as well as the area where the pressure washer will be used. In the previous sections, we’ve shared the tasks that an electric or gas pressure washer is best at. So, based on the information above, you can make a checklist and narrow down your list.
If you’re still having a hard time deciding which is the best pressure washer: electric or gas? Then this section is dedicated to helping you with this problem. We’ve compiled the advantages and disadvantages of the two types to make your decision a lot easier.
Electric Power Washers
Check out our top pick for the best electric pressure washer! >> Sun Joe SPX3000
Advantages
Disadvantages
Gas Power Washers
Our top pick for the best gas pressure washer is here! >> Simpson MSH3125-S
Advantages
Disadvantages
10 Trusted Pressure Cleaner Brands
There are a lot of manufacturers in the market that have been creating the best electric pressure washer and best gas pressure washer with electric start, as well as the needed universal attachments. The best brands (in no particular order) that successfully gained the trust of many are:
AR Blue Clean - What can you expect from a brand with over 60 years of experience in the high-pressure pump industry? Premium quality products, of course! AR Blue Clean is one of the trusted brands when it comes to selling the best pressure washer for cleaning cars. The AR2N1 and AR390SS are two of the most coveted models from this brand.
Sun Joe - Fans of affordable residential electric pressure washers love the medium-duty electric pressure washer units from Sun Joe. Sun Joe has been manufacturing outdoor power tools with competitive rates in mind. Their popular units include the electric pressure washer with rolling wheels and hose reels. Not only is the brand applauded for their affordable products, but Sun Joe is also known to produce one of the best portable electric pressure washers in the market.
Stanley - Stanley started out as a hand tool brand but expanded to manufacturing power washers as well. Electric power washers by Stanley are known to have a tri-axial pump and universal motor. The brand is also known to incorporate water-saving pressure hose and mobile cart in their products. Looking for the best power washer with triplex pump? You got the perfect brand right here!
Karcher - Kärcher has become one of the best jet washer brands because many trust the Dutch-owned company's quality products. Kärcher is initially known for their best pressure washer cleaner for wash water treatment such as for paving stone and cleaning concrete floors, etc. What's the best pressure cleaner with detergent tank, you may ask. Well, Kärcher is a brand worth checking out.
Greenworks - This is the brand for homeowners like you as Greenworks only produce electric pressure cleaner. Greenworks is the perfect choice if you want to stick to eco-friendly tools for home use.
WEN - WEN earned its reputation from powerful gas power washer machines. Founded by Nick Anton, this brand has been distributing affordable power tools since 1951. One of their best-selling products is power jet washer with onboard nozzle storage and soap tank.
Generac - If you want a pressure washer that can double as a home or business pressure washer, then Generac is the brand for you. This American manufacturer has been creating power equipment since 1959. They are known for producing high-power generators, transfer switches, and industrial pressure washers. This brand is mostly known for their electric start gas pressure washer, in particular, that usually range from 3,100 PSI and higher.
Simpson - A leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, Simpson is consumer's choice for commercial and industrial power washers. This brand specializes in pressure cleaner and is known for being a vertically integrated company. Unlike other manufacturers who import parts for their products, Simpson assembles and manufactures the parts and accessories themselves. For their commercial pressure machine series, they have 3,200 PSI up to 4,400 PSI with 2.5 to 4.o GPM flow rate.
Briggs & Stratton - Briggs & Stratton has its main headquarters in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, USA but has branches in other countries. It is a go-to brand if you're looking for a heavy-duty and compact pressure washer. You can find 1700 PSI units for light-duty cleaning and 4000 PSI for aggressive cleaning tasks. Briggs & Stratton is a Pressure Washer Manufacturers' Association (PWMA) Certified. Thus, all products are verified and tested for your safety.
Ryobi - Patrons of Japanese-manufactured power tools vouch that Ryobi is able to uphold the world-wide known Japanese quality in terms of industrial and power equipment. Ryobi pressure washers' notable qualities include portable yet compact design. Buyers who want the best power washer with Honda engine would love Ryobi 3100 PSI 2.5 GPM model.
The 10 Top Pressure Washer Reviews
Why do you think that best-selling authors' books are always sold out? Because they have already built their reputation and authority, so people know their books are worth reading and worth every dollar spent.
The same logic applies when you buy a best-selling pressure washer. You can guarantee that users are mostly satisfied with the product and that it gives the best value to your money. Some pressure washer units are more popular than the others simply because they offer great value. When we say best-selling, we didn't look into the brand name alone. We take into consideration the satisfaction rate of the pressure washer unit itself.
Below is a list of our top 10 picks for the best pressure washer!
#1 Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM
This is an electric-powered water jet washer with 2,030 PSI and 1.76 GPM flow rate. It also comes with 5 replacement nozzles stored at the back of the unit. The nozzles come in different degrees, namely: zero-degree nozzle (orange), 15-degree nozzle (yellow), 25-degree nozzle (green), 45-degree nozzle (grey), and the soap nozzle (black).
This is best used for light to medium-duty cleaning tasks. The product claim to handle heavy-duty cleaning jobs as well, but let's leave the tough jobs to units with a higher cleaning power. Users of Sun Joe SPX3000 love the unit for its versatile spray tips and it being the best lightweight pressure washer from Sun Joe.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#2 Simpson Cleaning MSH3125-S 3200 PSI
Simpson MSH3125-S is a gas-powered power washer with a maximum 3200 PSI and 2.5 GPM flow rate. It also has 5 quick nozzle tips: orange, yellow, green, gray, and black. It includes a detergent siphon tube with a filter.
This unit is suitable for heavy-duty residential cleaning jobs. It is also a common choice as a pressure washer for industrial use. Users love its powerful engine and the ergonomic spray gun. Some users claim this is the best pressure washer with a Honda engine. Let's find out below!
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#3 GreenWorks 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM
Greenworks GPW1501 is a corded-electric pressure washing machine that is popular for its affordability. The unit has 1500 PSI and a flow rate of 1.2 GPM. Its hose length is around 20 feet and is light enough to be transported with its 17 pounds weight.
This is popular among homeowners who are after eco-friendly pressure washer that is budget-friendly. This usually comes with only two nozzle tips: the 25-degree and 40-degree nozzle tips. But for this package, a 5201802 brass turbo universal pressure washer nozzle is included.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#4 WEN PW31 3100 PSI Gas
This gas power washer by WEN has been receiving a lot of praise from both homeowners and commercial users. With 3,100 maximum PSI and 2.5 GPM, this unit has an impressive cleaning power of 7,750. It has a 4-stroke OHV engine and a 30-feet hose attachment.
It also has 5 spray nozzles: zero-degree, 150-degree, 25-degree, 40-degree, and the separator tip for soap cleaning. The soap tank is located at the bottom while the onboard nozzle support is at the top of the unit.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#5 AR Blue Clean AR390SS 2000 PSI
If you're a fan of AR Blue Clean brands, this 2,000 PSI unit from the S-line is a great choice. The AR390SS model is an upgraded version of the 390 model. It has a low flow rate of 1.4 GPM. It has 4 different quick nozzle tips. It has the red nozzle (zero-degree), the green nozzle (25-degree), the rotary nozzle, and the low-pressure spray soap nozzle (black).
Its detergent tank located at the back of the unit and can hold a total of 48 oz of liquid. Since it has a rather low flow rate, this can help conserve water by using up to 80% less water.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#6 Stanley SLP2050 2050 PSI 2-in-1
This is an electric power washer that has a built-in mobile cart for easy transport. It has a total PSI of 2,050 and a low flow GPM of 1.4. Aside from its cart, Stanley SLP2050 also comes with a detergent tank.
What impresses us the most about this unit is that it has a two-in-one design. You can either use the unit with the cart or use it as a stand-alone water pressure washing machine.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#7 Generac 7019 OneWash 3.100 PSI, 2.4 GPM
Generac 7019 is a 3,100 PSI gas powered high-pressure washer with a high-pressure flow rate of 2.4 GPM. This model has a 196cc OHV engine that delivers maximum cleaning performance.
It comes complete with a 25-feet hose attachment and an ergonomic spray gun. It also features 4 quick-change nozzles: 0°, 25°, 40°, and soap nozzle tips. A 1/2 gallon detergent tank is found at the bottom.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#8 Karcher K2000 Electric 2000 PSI
Users of Karcher K2000 love the unparalleled ease of use of this pressure cleaner. It delivers 2000 PSI of pressure with 1.3 GPM flow rate. This electric machine has 3 nozzles: 15-degree nozzle, a detergent nozzle, and the turbo nozzle.
It has a good warranty 3-year service and is compatible with most wash power accessories. It makes use of the standard M22 hose connection, as well as the A3/4-inch garden hose adapter.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#9 Ryobi RY141900 2,000-PSI 1.2 GPM
This is a 13-amp light-duty portable washer. It delivers a total of 2,000 PSI with a low flow rate of 1.2 GPM. Some of the notable features of this model include 3 quick nozzles, onboard soap tank, and lightweight design. This machine is backed with a 3-year limited warranty exclusive from Ryobi.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
#10 Briggs & Stratton 4.000 PSI, 4.0 GPM
Those who want a heavy-duty power washer would love the 4000 PSI capacity of this machine. Briggs & Stratton ELITE4000 is gas-powered with a 2100 series OHV engine and has an engine power of 420cc.
It has 5 quick-connect nozzle spray tips: zero-degree, 15-degree, 25-degree, 40-degree, and one solution spray nozzle. If you want the best gas power washer/ surface cleaner, then it's a good option.
Via: Amazon.com
Pros
Cons
4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Pressure Washer
Often times, people find themselves hesitant to buy a new pressure washer. It’s not because they regret purchasing the power tool itself, but it’s because they chose the wrong unit with the wrong features for a specific cleaning task.
In this section, we’re going to share to you some buying tips to help you choose the pressure washer for your needs. Let’s check out the 4 important pressure washer tips below!
1. Determine the Purpose
Before anything else, you need to make sure that the power water cleaner, you’ll purchase can handle the cleaning task you have in mind. You cannot expect a residential pressure washer to function like a commercial one. Of course, if you want a power washer for industrial use, like for car washing business or for construction cleanup, you need a gas pressure washer with a higher cleaning power.
Determine the purpose and where you need the cleaner for. Gas cleaner have at least 3,000 PSI power, which is good enough for tough cleaning tasks like garage floor and construction site cleanup. Electrical units with 1,300 PSI to 2,000 PSI are good for household cleaning chores.
2. Choose the Right Nozzle Tips
The nozzle tip that you attach to your unit also matters and can affect the strength and angle of the water coming from the wand. The nozzle tips are usually available in different variations. The five common types include the zero-degree, fifteen-degree, twenty-five degree, forty-degree, and a soap nozzle tip.
Zero degree nozzle tips have the narrowest angle while the forty degrees have the widest spray angle. If you intend to clean stubborn stains and grease, a narrow spray with fifteen-degree angle is the best to use. If you want to use soap in your cleaning task, it’s best to use the black nozzle tip, which is the soap or detergent nozzle.
3. Get One with Safety Features
It’s a bit alarming to know that people consider the price tag so much that they forget about the safety of electric high-pressure washer and consider safety features as a second priority. When it comes to buying power tools, get one with safety features like a GFCI plug, auto-shut off, and thermal pump protector.
4. Buy a Power Washer from a Reputable Brand
We highly recommend that you buy high pressure cleaner from reputable brands for safety purposes. Most popular brands have safety certifications and are regularly checked by governing bodies. This adds another layer of protection since you can guarantee that the machine is safe to use.
The Best Pressure Washer Buying Guide
Pressure Washer Buying Guide Under Pressure by Consumer Reports
Helpful Terms to Remember
Buying a car power washer for the first time? Here are some terms that you ought to know before making a purchase!
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
This is a measurement used for the amount of pressure that the machine can produce or the pushing force inside the machine. The outside pressure of the pressure cleaner depends on the nozzle tip used and the distance from where you hold the wand.
GPM (Gallon per Minute)
Pressure washer GPM refers to the flow rate or the rate of the fluid per minute. The higher the flow rate, the less time is spent on cleaning. Most professionals prefer a higher flow rate because they can complete more jobs in less time. A lower flow rate of less than 2.0, however, allows you to conserve more water, thus letting you save on water bills.
CP (Cleaning Power)
This is sometimes called cleaning units. This is computed by multiplying the GPM and the PSI (GPM x PSI). This is used to describe the overall cleaning power of the machine. The higher the cleaning power, the more work it can do.
Pressure Washer’s Important Categories, Parts, and Accessories
Engine
Only gas-powered pressure washers have an engine. The units used to measure the engine capacity is a compression chamber in cubic centimeters or cc. The higher the engine capacity, the more powerful the engine is. The standard cc for an average washing cleaner is 190cc or higher.
Motors
Electric power washers use a motor to power the pump. The motor’s capacity is measured through watts or amps. For light-duty tasks, a 13-amp motor is good enough. The most popular type of motor used nowadays is the Induction type. The Induction motor costs a bit higher but performs better than the Universal type. If you have more budget for a water-cool motor, then this is a much better choice. It has, more or less, the same power of the Induction type but has an added feature that allows the water to cool the motor, thus increasing its life.
Pumps
The axial cam pump is used for the residential type washers. It is a mid-range but good quality pump. However, for heavy-duty cleaning, it is recommended to use the Triplex Plunger pump. The wobble pump, on the other hand, is just a small and often entry-level pump best for short-time use.
Nozzles
There are different types of power washer nozzles. The narrowest nozzle is the zero-degree nozzle which has pointed jet spray of water. Meanwhile, the 40-degree nozzle has the widest spray coverage; thus, the pressure is decreased. If you need to remove stubborn stains, the rotary turbo nozzle is the best pick. This nozzle features a rotating turbine which cuts the cleaning time in half. Most rotating nozzles have a maximum pressure of 6,000 PSI and can deliver up to 5.5 GPM of flow rate.
Hoses
These come in different lengths and diameter. The standard length of most pressure washer hoses ranges from 20 to 50 feet. Other special types of hoses are also available if you want a longer version. In terms of diameter, the ¼ inch is the most common type used.
Pressure washer hoses also come in various materials. Plastic hose is a cheap and common material choice, but if you want a hose with more durability and better flexibility without the added weight, then spending an additional $200 or so in a polyurethane hose is a pretty good investment.
Hot or Cold Water
Can pressure washer use hot water? Absolutely! Why do you think a dishwasher uses hot water? It’s because hot water cleans better than cold water. A hot water pressure washer can heat up room temperature water up to 60 degree Celsius using an onboard coil heater or burner. Getting a hot water pressure washer means adding more cash to your budget, as this costs $1,500 more than the cold water pressure washer.
3 Reasons to Buy a Pressure Cleaner
Save Money on Water Bills
Some people shy away from buying a pressure washer thinking that acquiring one will only add up to their water bills. But did you know that pressure washing actually uses less water since it completes the task faster? As long as you turn off the machine when not in use, you can keep your water bills lower as compared to using an average garden hose.
Save Time
As mentioned, using a pressure washer lets you finish your job faster. There are also a lot of attachments available that can help cut your cleaning tasks in half. For instance, you can use a surface cleaner to clean large areas in less time. Same effort. More tasks. Less time!
Thorough Cleaning
While you can choose to clean by hand, this method is a lot more tasking and the result is less impressive. Instead of using soap and brush to remove dirt and grime, why not use a hot water pressure washer with the best pressure washer soap or detergent. A lot of professional pressure washer services offer hot water pressure washing service but with a higher fee.
8 FAQ About Power Washer
We know it is a bit intimidating to use a tool which you know little about. Hence, we’ve listed some of the frequently asked questions about pressure washer to help you out!
1. What are power washers used for?
2. Where to buy pressure washer for car?
3. Can power washer damage car paint?
4. Can pressure washer remove paint from concrete?
5. Which power washer is best to clean patio?
6. Why pressure washer loses pressure?
7. Why pressure washer won’t start?
8. How to winterize a pressure washer?
Here are 10 Top Rated Power Washer Models Reviewed:
Picture | Model | Type (PSI x GPM) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (3,573) | ||
| Gas (8,000) | ||
| Electric (1,800) | ||
| Gas (7,750) | ||
| Electric (2,800) | ||
| Electric (2,870) | ||
| Gas (7,440) | ||
| Electric (2,600) | ||
| Electric (2,400) | ||
| Gas (16,000) |
Conclusion
Owning a pressure washer can be a good investment if you know how to take care of the machine and take advantage of its many uses. Don’t let inappropriate information and baseless assumptions stop you from reaping the benefits that the speed clean pressure washer for car can offer.
Thanks a lot for dropping by, and we hope we’ve helped you find the best pressure washer of your dreams.
Now we want to here from you:
Which pressure washer from our list do you like best?
Or, do you have any questions on pressure washer?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment.
