A moldy deck isn’t the kind of green you want in the landscape. Blast the grime, dirt, and mildew off your landscape’s surfaces with the force of a pressure washer. But which pressure washer is the right machine for you?
Our buyers guide and ranking of the top eight pressure washers ought to help narrow your decision.
What factors did we look at to compare the best pressure washers? We ranked each pressure washer in four categories and took a weighted average of their scores:
- Cleaning Power: 65 %
- Pump Type/Amperage: 20%
- Hose Length: 10%
- Cost: 5%
See How We Ranked The Best Pressure Washers.
Our eight Best Pressure Washers list includes the three top gas-powered pressure washers (No. 1-3), the three best electric pressure washers (No. 4-6) and four category champs (best for light-duty and medium-duty work, and best bang for your buck among gas and electric pressure washers).
Top 10 Pressure Washers [Reviews]
1. Simpson Cleaning PS60843
Simpson Cleaning PS60843
This is a powerful option for deep outdoor cleaning, jobsite use, equipment upkeep and facility or fleet maintenance.
The Simpson Cleaning PS60843 pressure washer can remove graffiti, clean decks, and, in fact, there’s almost no grime this machine can’t handle.
Our top pick is perfect for heavy-duty cleaning and commercial work.
Bonus points: This pressure washer boasts 13-inch premium pneumatic wheels that make maneuvering through the job site easy.
The Simpson Cleaning PS60843 also features a corrosion-resistant heavy-duty steel frame, a triplex pump to ensure a longer tool life and efficiency, and a 50-foot steel braided hose designed for abrasion resistance.
Specifications:
- PSI: 4400
- GPM: 4
- Pump Type: Triplex
- Hose Length: 50 ft
- Weight: 138 lbs
Pros:
✓ Cleaning power meets the demands of high-demanding jobs
✓ 13-premium pneumatic wheels for better maneuvering
✓ Four stainless steel nozzle tips: 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees
✓ Nozzle tips designed to resist corrosion
✓ One plastic soap nozzle
✓ Heavy-duty steel frame designed for durability and corrosion resistance
✓ Equipped with a 50-foot long, steel-braided, kink- and abrasion-resistant hose
Cons:
✗ Some operators report the pressure washer is challenging to start
2. Simpson Cleaning ALH4240
SIMPSON Cleaning ALH4240
This pressure washer is great for construction, equipment upkeep, and facility and fleet maintenance cleaning.
The Simpson Cleaning ALH4240 can take care of almost any tough grime. Just don’t point all that pressure too close to the car, or it will need a new paint job!
Some key features of the Simpson Cleaning pressure washer:
- Extended reach: Steel-braided, kink- and abrasion-resistant hose stretches to 50 feet.
- Easy maneuvering: 13-inch pneumatic wheels help navigate over bumpy terrain.
- Adjustable nozzle: Four stainless steel nozzle tips let you change stream angles.
Equipped with a Honda GX390 engine, aircraft-grade aluminum frame, and a triplex plunger pump, this high-powered pressure washer is CETA-certified.
What’s CETA? The Cleaning Equipment Trade Association is an international non-profit trade organization representing the pressure cleaning industry. Members include suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, and distributors.
Specifications:
- PSI: 4200
- GPM: 4
- Pump Type: Triplex
- Hose Length: 50 ft
- Weight: 133 lbs
Pros:
✓ Meets the demands of heavy-duty cleaning jobs
✓ 13-inch pneumatic wheels for better maneuvering
✓ Four stainless steel nozzle tips: 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees
✓ Nozzle tips designed to resist corrosion
✓ One plastic soap nozzle
✓ Equipped with a 50-foot long, steel-braided, kink- and abrasion-resistant hose
✓ Honda engine (GX390)
✓ Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
✓ Triplex plunger pump
✓ CETA-certified
Cons:
✗ Expensive
✗ Some users report the tool became defective after only a few uses
3. Champion Power Equipment 4200-PSI 4.0-GPM
Champion Power Equipment 4200-PSI 4.0-GPM
Clean like a pro with the perfect combination of high-performance components and practical features.
This Champion Power Equipment pressure washer delivers professional cleaning power to remove the muck covering your deck, driveway, or sides of your house.
This pressure washer adds extra cleaning power with the 2-foot detergent hose and the built-in 1-gallon detergent tank. Just don’t use your pressure washer to clean the laundry.
And while the Champion Power Equipment 4200-PSI 4.0-GPM pressure washer’s price tag may exceed some budgets, shop around as you often can find this tool at a more affordable price.
Specifications:
- PSI: 4200
- GPM: 4
- Pump Type: Triplex
- Hose Length: 50 ft
- Weight: 124.6 lbs
Pros:
✓ Cleaning power meets the demands of high-demanding jobs
✓ 13-inch premium pneumatic wheels
✓ Quick-connect nozzles: 0-, 15-, 25-, and 40-degree angles
✓ Trigger gun
✓ 50-foot high-pressure rubber hose
✓ AR Triplex Brass Head pump
✓ Champion 389 cc engine
✓ 2-foot detergent hose
✓ 1-gallon detergent tank
Cons:
✗ Expensive
4. WestForce 3000PSI
WestForce 3000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
This pressure washer gives your yard cleaning power, safety, and environmental friendliness.
The WestForce 3000PSI corded-electric pressure washer brings cleaning power, safety, and eco-friendliness to your yard. No more harmful exhaust fumes, smelly gas, or messy oil typically associated with gas-powered models.
The WestForce 3000PSI has a 35-foot power cord and 20-foot hose for enhanced mobility. With a 3000 PSI and 1.85 GPM, this pressure washer packs an impressive punch.
Bonus safety features: This machine has a safety lock switch to prevent any accidental startups. The built-in Safety Automatic Total Stop System also shuts off the pump when the spray gun’s trigger is not engaged, saving energy and lengthening the pump’s lifespan. And overheating protections are fitted to ensure even further safety and tool durability.
Need even more cleaning power? The built-in 200 ml detergent tank and soap nozzle enable foam spray washing to make your surfaces squeaky clean.
Specifications:
- PSI: 3000
- GPM: 1.85
- Amperage: 14.5 amps
- Hose Length: 20 ft
- Weight: 21.8 lbs
Pros:
✓ Handles medium-duty tasks
✓ 20-foot long hose
✓ Lightweight design
✓ Affordable
✓ Quick-connect nozzles offer 0-, 15-, 25-, and 40-degree spray angles
✓ Soap nozzle
✓ Overheating protection
✓ 35-foot power cord
✓ The pump shuts off when the trigger is not engaged
✓ Spray gun
✓ Extension wand
✓ 200 ml removable detergent tank
✓ Safety lock switch to help prevent accidental startups
✓ Users report easy assembly
Cons:
✗ A 200 ml detergent tank may be too small for some users
5. Suyncll Pressure Washer
Suyncll Pressure Washer
This electric pressure washer cleans homes, buildings, RV’s, cars, and more.
This electric Suyncll Pressure Washer can handle heavy-duty jobs, removing tar, grease, oil, rust, and other stubborn grime. Your neighbors will be shocked to find an electric pressure washer in your yard that can remove nearly the same gunk as their gas models.
The 1-liter soap tank is designed to release just the right amount of suds, so no detergent is wasted or left bubbling up on the pavement. And when the trigger isn’t engaged, the pump automatically shuts off to conserve energy and pump life.
Specifications:
- PSI: 3800
- GPM: 2.8
- Amperage: 15 amps
- Hose Length: 16.5 ft
- Weight: 22.5 lbs
Pros:
✓ Handles heavy-duty tasks
✓ Affordable
✓ Lightweight
✓ The pump shuts off when the trigger is not engaged
✓ 35-foot power cord
✓ 1-liter soap tank
✓ Soap tank designed to release the right amount of suds
✓ Five quick-connect high-pressure nozzles
Cons:
✗ 16.5-foot hose may be too short for some users
✗ Misspellings in the promotional materials may raise a yellow flag for some would-be buyers.
6. WORX WG604
WORX WG604
This pressure washer from WORX generates maximum cleaning power for dirt and grime removal.
Not only will the WORX WG604 blast away gunk and dirt, but it has plenty of bells and whistles to ring.
Some of the special features:
- Added mobility: Rolling cart design makes it easy to move the power washer.
- Easy access: The cart holds the hose, nozzles, soap tank, and power cord in one place, so you can have everything at your fingertips.
- No hose mess: The cart’s rolling reel that keeps the hose neat and tangle-free.
- No cord chaos: Use the power cord hanger to keep it out of your work path.
Add as much soap as you need to get the job done. Fill up the 42-oz soap tank and use the adjustable soap flow knob to determine the precise amount of soap needed.
Specifications:
- PSI: 2240
- GPM: 1.93
- Amperage: 13 amps
- Hose Length: 25 ft
- Weight: 29.1 lbs
Pros:
✓ Adjustable soap flow knob
✓ Handles medium-duty tasks
✓ 42 oz soap tank
✓ 40-degree, 25-degree, and turbo nozzle
✓ Soap nozzle
✓ The durable metal frame holds all features in one place
✓ Cart design makes pulling or pushing the machine hassle-free
✓ The cart design has a soft-grip handle
✓ The cart has a power cord hanger
✓ Rolling reel winds and unwinds the hose to keep it tangle-free
✓ 25-foot hose
✓ Affordable
Cons:
✗ Not suitable for heavy-duty work
7. Best for light-duty work: Greenworks GPW1702
Greenworks GPW1702
This pressure washer offers loads of features — you can use it vertically or horizontally — all for an affordable price.
Cleaning the car, washing the windows, restoring the grill –– if all you’re doing is a bit of light-duty work, why lay down the money for extra power you’re never going to use? The Greenworks GPW1702 is an excellent and affordable pressure washer for simple projects around the house.
The portable pressure washer is lightweight and easy to transport. You can stand it up vertically or horizontally as you work, whichever is the most convenient position for the task at hand.
The compact pressure washer has a soap applicator, 25- and 40-degree nozzles, and a 35-foot power cord. Its rotating hose reel helps keep the 20-foot long hose knot-free so you can do more cleaning and less tangle patrol.
Specifications:
- PSI: 1700
- GPM: 1.2
- Amperage: 13 amps
- Hose Length: 20 ft
- Weight: 22.75 lbs
Pros:
✓ Great for light-duty projects around the home
✓ Rotating hose reel helps keep the hose tangle-free
✓ 25- and 40-degree nozzles
✓ Soap applicator
✓ 35-foot power cord
✓ The pressure washer can operate horizontally or vertically for greater stability
✓ Affordable
Cons:
✗ Not suitable for heavy-duty work
✗ Some users report the pressure washer has a short lifespan and is low quality
8. Best for medium-duty work: A-iPower APW2700C
A-iPower APW2700C
This pressure washer is easy to use and ideal for cleaning your home’s driveway, sidewalks, and more.
The affordable A-iPower APW2700C pressure washer gives you all the cleaning power you need to scrub off stubborn grime from your driveway, sidewalk or siding.
This gas-powered pressure washer features a compact frame, ergonomic grip handle, and 8-inch wheels for easy mobility.
Specifications:
- PSI: 2700
- GPM: 2.3
- Pump Type: Axial
- Hose Length: 25 ft
- Weight: 61 lbs
Pros:
✓ Three quick-connect nozzles: 0-degrees, 25-degrees, and soap
✓ Compact frame with an ergonomic grip handle
✓ 25-foot long hose for an extended reach
✓ Considerably lightweight for a gas-powered pressure washer
✓ Suitable for medium-duty work
Cons:
✗ Not suitable for heavy-duty work
✗ It does not have a 40-degree nozzle tip
9. Best bang for your buck – gas: A-iPower APW2700C
A-iPower APW2700C
This affordable pressure washer makes it easy to clean your car, decking, driveway, grill, patio furniture, siding, and windows.
The A-iPower APW2700C wins a second blue ribbon. Not only can it handle those tough jobs around the home, but it also gives you the most cleaning power for the money. If you’re shopping on a budget and want to make every dollar count, you may want this pressure washer in your shopping cart.
How we measured: We calculated how much cleaning power a single dollar could buy. We rounded up our gas-powered machines and divided their cleaning powers (PSI x GPM) by their costs.
Specifications:
- PSI: 2700
- GPM: 2.3
- Pump Type: Axial
- Hose Length: 25 ft
- Weight: 61 lbs
Pros:
✓ Three quick-connect nozzles: 0 and 25 degrees, and soap
✓ Compact frame with an ergonomic grip handle
✓ 25-foot long hose for an extended reach
✓ Lightweight for a gas-powered pressure washer
✓ Suitable for medium-duty work
Cons:
✗ Not suitable for heavy-duty work
✗ It does not have a 40-degree nozzle tip
10. Best bang for your buck – electric: Suyncll Pressure Washer
Suyncll Pressure Washer
This electric Suyncll pressure washer packs a lot of power at a low price to make cleaning it easy to keep your surfaces clean.
The Suyncll Pressure Washer, runner-up as our best electric pressure washer, gives you the best bang for your buck out of all our electric pressure washers. With a 3800 PSI and 2.8 GPM, this tool can handle the toughest jobs for under $200.
Specifications:
- PSI: 3800
- GPM: 2.8
- Amperage: 15 Amps
- Hose Length: 16.5 ft
- Weight: 22.5 lbs
Pros:
✓ Handles heavy-duty tasks
✓ Affordable
✓ Lightweight
✓ 15 amps
✓ The pump shuts off when the trigger is not engaged
✓ 35-foot power cord
✓ 1-liter soap tank
✓ Soap tank designed to release the right amount of suds
✓ Five quick-connect high-pressure nozzles
Cons:
✗ 16.5-foot hose may be too short for some users
✗ Misspellings in the promotional materials may raise a yellow flag for some would-be buyers.
How We Ranked the Best Pressure Washers
How we ranked the best light-duty pressure washers
According to the Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association (PWMA), the best pressure washers for light-duty work have up to 1900 PSI and between 1.1 GPM and 1.4 GPM. We ranked all our pressure washers that fell under these guidelines in three categories. We then took a weighted average of their category rankings, which looked something like this:
- Cleaning power: 75%
- Hose length: 15%
- Cost: 10%
How we ranked the best medium-duty pressure washers
According to PWMA, the best pressure washers for medium-duty work are between 1900 PSI and 2800 PSI with a water flow between 1.8 GPM and 2.5 GPM. We then rounded up all our pressure washers that fell under PWMA’s medium-duty criteria and ranked them in three categories. We then took a weighted average of their category rankings, which looked like this:
- Cleaning power: 75%
- Hose length: 15%
- Cost: 10%
How we calculated the best gas pressure washer for your buck
We calculated how much cleaning power a single dollar could buy. We rounded up our gas-powered machines and divided their cleaning powers (PSI x GPM) by their costs.
How we calculated the best electric pressure washer for your buck
We calculated how much cleaning power a single dollar could buy. We rounded up our corded electric pressure washers and divided their cleaning powers (PSI x GPM) by their costs.
Buyers Guide
Clean your deck, car, or siding with the wrong pressure intensity and you might strip off the paint –– or worse –– physically damage the surface. Many factors, not just the pressure washer’s cleaning power, should play into your decision when buying the perfect pressure washer for you and your home.
Here are some key pressure washer terms and their definitions:
PSI and GPM
When shopping around for your pressure washer, PSI and GPM are two factors you’re sure to see the most. Here is what they mean:
What is PSI?
PSI is short for pounds per square inch. PSI measures the water pressure. The PSI helps you determine how powerful the stream of water will be.
If a pressure washer has a 4000 PSI, that means the water stream is hitting the dirty surface with 4000 pounds of pressure per square inch.
What is GPM?
GPM is short for gallons per minute. It measures how much water is moving through the pressure washer. If a pressure washer has 2 GPM, that means it has a water flow of 2 gallons per minute.
The GPM helps you determine how fast the pressure washer will clean the surface and wash away debris. If two pressure washers have the same PSI, the one with the higher GPM will clean the debris faster. A lower GPM means it will take longer to clean the surface.
How to calculate cleaning power:
To calculate a pressure washer’s total cleaning power, multiply the tool’s PSI by its GPM (PSI x GPM). Calculating the cleaning power will help you compare the performance of different pressure washers.
PSI levels
A big mistake you can make when operating your new pressure washer is using it on a surface that can’t handle the cleaning power. A high PSI pressure washer may significantly damage the surface you are trying to clean.
Always review the owner’s manual or item specification to see what tasks the pressure washer is designed to perform.
Switching out the nozzles for the appropriate spray pattern and angle can help reduce the intensity of your pressure washer, making it safer to use for lighter jobs and sensitive surfaces, like cars or outdoor furniture.
The Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association breaks down appropriate PSI levels into three categories:
Best for light-duty work
Definition of light-duty work:
- Up to 1900 PSI
- Between 1.1 GPM and 1.4 GPM
Examples of light-duty work:
- Patio furniture
- Grills
- Cars
- Walkways
- Boats
- Windows
- Dirt bikes
Best for medium-duty work
Definition of medium-duty work:
- Between 1900 PSI and 2800 PSI
- Between 1.8 GPM and 2.5 GPM
Examples of medium-duty work:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Siding
- Paint prep
Best for heavy-duty work
Definition of heavy-duty work:
- 2800 PSI or more
- 2.5 GPM or more
Examples of heavy-duty work:
- Decks
- Patios
- Oil stains
- To remove rust, paint, or graffiti.
Consider what your cleaning needs are. If you only need to wash your cars, windows, or boats, you may want to stick with a pressure washer designed for small jobs. Otherwise, you’ll pay more for higher pressure you really don’t need.
Power source
A pressure washer can have one of three power sources: gas, electric, or battery. Users will find that each power source will meet their needs in different ways.
Gas-powered:
Pros:
✓ Most gas-powered pressure washers have significantly better cleaning power than corded electric and battery-powered pressure washers.
✓ Ideal for commercial work or heavy-duty applications.
✓ Gas-powered pressure washers ensure mobility, as the machine doesn’t need to be plugged into an outlet and isn’t restricted by a power cord.
Cons:
✗ Gas pressure washers are often more expensive, noisier, and heavier than corded electric or battery models.
✗ Because they run on gasoline, these machines emit exhaust fumes harmful to you, the user, and the environment.
Corded electric:
Pros:
✓ Corded electric pressure washers are a great choice for light-duty or medium-duty home projects.
✓ They are much better for the environment than gas-powered pressure washers, quieter, lighter, and far less expensive.
Cons:
✗ Corded electric pressure washers tend to have lower cleaning power than gas-powered pressure washers.
✗ Power cord restricts the user’s mobility.
Battery:
Pros:
✓ Battery-powered pressure washers allow the user to work anywhere –– no outdoor outlets needed.
✓ Better for the environment than gas-powered pressure washers.
Cons:
✗ Battery-powered pressure washers aren’t as powerful as gas pressure washers.
✗ Cordless tools have a limited run time. Once the battery runs out of juice, it will need recharging.
Pump
Your gas-powered pressure washer will have either an axial or triplex pump. Let’s look at the difference between the two:
Axial
Axial pumps are best for homeowners taking care of small jobs. Your pressure washer’s axial pump will require little maintenance from you while still getting the job done.
Triplex
Triplex pumps are best for frequent commercial or heavy-duty use. Despite the added maintenance and higher price tag, a triplex pump ensures the pressure washer has a longer lifespan and greater efficiency.
Amperage
Amperage is the strength of an electric current in amperes, written amps for short. Amps help measure the maximum time a motor can run continuously without exceeding its temperature limits. If your corded-electric pressure washer begins to overheat, this isn’t so great for the machine.
Hose length
Hose length will vary depending on the pressure washer you buy.
A long hose adds mobility. When operating a heavy gas pressure washer, a long hose helps you avoid lugging a 130-pound machine as you work. When using a corded-electric model, you’ll likely find a long hose gives you an extended reach.
Wheel size
The bigger a pressure washer’s wheels, the easier it is to maneuver the machine over bumpy terrain.
Water source
Plan where you’ll get all the needed water from. If your pressure washer operates at 4 GPM, that means you’ll need a water source that can consistently provide four gallons of water per minute. And remember: You’ll need a garden hose that connects to the water source.
A water well is typically not a good source, as it may not provide enough water. A city water supply may be more reliable.
Don’t have a water source? Don’t sweat. Buy a water tank to hook up to your pressure washer. Some pressure washers even come with a built-in water reservoir you can refill in the bathroom sink.
Detergent
Some pressure washers are compatible with detergents or other cleaning chemicals. Always check the instruction manual before using your power washer with a cleaning aid.
Nozzles
A pressure washer’s various nozzles control the angle and focused intensity of the water stream. Depending on the task, you may want to change the nozzle to either lower or increase the stream’s intensity. If you don’t use the correct nozzle for the job, the severe pressure may be too much for the surface to handle.
Your pressure washer’s wand ought to come with color-coded interchangeable nozzles or an all-in-one adjustable nozzle.
Noise
Your pressure washer is going to emit a lot of noise. Before swiping the credit card, ensure your pressure washer’s decibel rating (dBA) is appropriate for local laws. Many counties and cities have ordinances in place to limit noise pollution.
Remember, gas-powered pressure washers are often noisier than corded electric and battery models.
Potential risks
A pressure washer is not a toy. It can cause serious injury if not operated with care. A pressure washer with a high enough PSI can slice through the skin or send a person to the emergency room.
Never point a pressure washer at another person.
FAQs About Pressure Washers
Power washers and pressure washers have one key difference. Both use pressurized water to remove grime from surfaces. But only a power washer heats the water.
Heated water can damage the surface you are cleaning. Never assume that you can use a power washer on the same surface you used a pressure washer.
It’s essential to operate a pressure washer safely and correctly. Otherwise, you risk causing serious injury to yourself, others, or the surface you are cleaning.
Here is a checklist to safely use a pressure washer:
- Avoid setting the water angle to 0 degrees. This angle channels the stream’s entire intensity into one single point, making it more dangerous to use.
- Use the appropriate nozzle for the surface you are cleaning.
- Read and follow the instruction manual.
- Always wear safety goggles, boots, gloves, long pants, and hearing protection.
- Be aware of your surroundings as you use your pressure washer.
- Check electrical cords before use to avoid shock.
- Check the user manual before plugging an electric pressure washer into an extension cord.
- Never aim the pressure washer wand at another person.
- Never clean a surface with a PSI that is too high.
- Never operate a gas-powered pressure washer in an enclosed space.
- Never operate a pressure washer while on a ladder.
When to Call a Professional
Worried about damaging your driveway, siding, or walkway? Concerned about pressure washer safety? You may feel more at ease with a professional on the job. Call a pressure washing professional near you to take the worry off your hands.
After all, there’s no need to work under pressure. Leave that to the professionals.
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