Greenworks’ 2700-PSI washer easily came out on top in our past pressure washer tests. We found that it delivers high pressure and volume output which makes for fast and effective cleaning power. An always-running motor allows for quick action– you don’t have to hold down the spray wand trigger to keep the water going. The wand features a pressure sensor that automatically adjusts output to match your nozzle, too, for fast adjustments.

This washer is also compact and mobile. The base station sits on fat 10-inch wheels with deep treads for easy maneuvering. It lies flat during operation for better stability, but stands upright on its wheels between uses for easy rolling and storage. In addition to a useful selection of cleaning features like an onboard soap tank, accessory storage, and five spray nozzles, this machine also boasts a steel-braided hose for added durability. Plus, it comes with a very solid warranty: 10 years for the motor and three for the tools. The only drawback of note was that the spray wand and garden hose hookups sit fairly close together, which doesn’t allow for easy access.

Considering the impressive PSI and GPM output, user-friendly portable design, and reasonable price, this model is a great option for those looking for an easy-to-use machine that can handle a wide range of tasks.

Key Specs

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is a solid, portable light-duty washer for homeowners who are on a budget. It punches well above its $170 price tag, offering special features like an automatic pump shutoff when not in use (conserving energy and extending pump lifespan), solid brass fittings, steel-reinforced hose, and two removable soap tanks. Its pressure and flow rate–2,030 PSI and 1.2 GPM, respectively–are respectable for a washer at this price, too. We found it works best on pavement, as the upright base has a tendency to tip over on uneven ground.

During testing, we further found that this washer had a convenient and ergonomic design, with outlets and switches that were well-placed for comfortable use. For example, we loved the oversized dial right on the front of the unit. Both the steel lance and the oversized top-mounted handle offered sturdy, convenient grips, too, whether you’re wheeling it around or lifting and repositioning during storage.

If you don’t have the need or budget for a higher-powered option, but still want a machine that delivers a ton of functionality and helpful features, this affordable Sun Joe model is a fantastic choice.

This rugged DeWalt washer packs 3000 PSI of cleaning power into a sturdy wheeled frame, providing the power you need to handle stubborn grime removal on concrete, or reach elevated areas on your home siding. We used this model mostly on concrete, cleaning, degreasing, and blasting loose moss and dirt. If it can handle that, it can certainly handle typical pressure-washer-friendly surfaces like vinyl siding or pressure-treated decks.

Its max flow rate is just 1.1 GPM, which is pretty low, though, so it may take some time to rinse the grime away when you’re finishing up. That being said, if you want to get as close as possible to the cleaning power of a gas-powered machine—without the noise, fumes, and high price tag—a little extra cleaning time could definitely be worth the compromise.

The 3000 Max features a suitcase-style design for convenient carrying, with a telescoping handle for wheeling around plus there's plenty of onboard storage. The wand, nozzle, hose, and power cord all fit neatly into their own designated areas, including a molded storage space for a foam cannon–a feature not found on smaller DeWalt pressure washers.

If you’re more interested in durability and portability than raw power, but still want the quality construction of a DeWalt tool, consider the cheaper, more compact DeWalt DWPW2100.

Read our review of the 2600 PSI version here >>

The Craftsman V20 Brushless RP, a compact cordless electric pressure washer, is ideal for handling smaller, lighter-duty cleaning jobs. This washer’s best qualities are its lightweight build, maneuverability, and relatively quiet operation.

Running on two 20-volt batteries, its 1500 PSI and 1.2 GPM max flow are relatively low-powered, but offer enough oomph to handle thin layers of dirt and mud while at close range. We found its low setting (800 PSI) the most useful for small jobs like cleaning gunked-up mountain bikes and dirty car floor mats.

Optimized for portability, its light build and telescoping handle make this washer easy to roll around. Plus, it features a 10-foot suction hose so you can draw water from any fresh source. (Like our other picks, it also connects to a garden hose.)

Key Specs

Despite a reasonably low price, this Craftsman model still stacks up as a suitable choice if you don't want a higher-end machine with a bigger price tag.

While we didn't have a hands-on experience with this particular 1900 model, we did test the 2,100 PSI version—which is widely unavailable right now and the reason we swapped in this stocked one—and found it boasts enough power to handle mid-duty jobs, and a light, easy-to-handle design.

The 1900 comes with three nozzles including a turbo one. Of all the nozzles we tried out on the 2100 model, we had the best results with the turbo (rotating blast), which proved decently adept at cleaning concrete (we also used it to remove the grime from an outdoor concrete patio table).

Much appreciated (on both models) is a whopper of a power cord measuring 35 feet long—10 feet longer than the average. Also, the large, easy-access detergent tank on top of the machine is removable for easy cleaning when you’re finished.

Our favorite cordless power washer, the Worx WG644 Hydroshot, delivers impressive run time and a comfortable, balanced feel in your hand.

Even more so than the compact Craftsman V20, this handheld power washer feels incredibly mobile, since you don’t need to wheel around a base station. It makes the body a bit heavier than the standard pressure washer wand, though. That's part of the reason why we like the WG644: Its rear-mounted battery pack shifts most of that weight alongside the hand-grip, which made it far more comfortable than many of the other options we tested. Plus, unlike every other cordless model we tested, the WG644 includes an onboard battery indicator to track your remaining runtime.

The obvious compromise to this cordless portability is a decline in flow rate and a limited runtime compared to corded options, but it could be exactly what you’re looking for as long as you're realistic about its capabilities and stick to small, light-duty tasks.

Electric pressure washers are best for light work and small jobs like washing down driveways and sidewalks or gently cleaning decks, patio furniture, or aluminum siding—figure projects that take 30 minutes max.

They can also remove debris from cars and gravel bikes if you have a light touch and use a white nozzle, which has the widest spray and thus is least likely to damage delicate surfaces. (If cleaning a car is your main objective, though, you may be better served investing in a cordless pressure washer.)

Understanding PSI & GPM

When comparing electric pressure washers, two numbers matter most: PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). PSI measures pressure, while GPM measures water flow. Together, they determine how quickly and effectively a machine can clean.

For most household jobs—washing cars, windows, grills, outdoor furniture, or light duty siding—look for a unit in the 1,500 to 2,000 PSI range with at least 1.2to 1.4 GPM. That’s more than enough for routine maintenance and general cleanup. If you’re regularly tackling concrete, brick, or heavily weathered decking, stepping up to a 2,000+ PSI model with higher flow will make the work noticeably faster.

Higher PSI isn’t always better, though. Too much pressure can damage paint and erode wood grain if you’re not careful. In practice, the right nozzle and steady movement matter every bit as much as raw power.

Nozzles and Attachments Matter

Most electric pressure washers include a set of quick-connect spray tips designed for different surfaces. A narrow, high-pressure tip helps blast away stubborn dirt and grime, while wide-angle tips are better for siding, vehicles, and general cleaning as they “fan” the water rather than direct it like a jet. Some models now include adjustable spray wands or turbo nozzles that rotate the stream for faster coverage on hard surfaces like concrete and stone.

Detergent tanks and foam cannons are increasingly common as well—and very useful. Being able to lay a coating of soap evenly over the surface before pressure rinsing makes a huge difference when washing vehicles, siding, and outdoor furniture. For larger flatwork areas like patios and driveways, surface cleaner attachments can really speed things up while delivering better results than a standard wand.

Mobility, Storage, and Everyday Use

Beyond raw cleaning power, usability is what separates an OK pressure washer from one you’ll actually reach for time and again. I prefer long hoses, wheels that are solid and stable, and smart onboard storage. These factors make a huge difference in my overall work time, especially where keeping track of the various components is concerned. And longer cords and hoses simply means I’m moving the unit less.

Compact vertical units store easily on a garage shelf or in the corner, while larger cart-style models tend to be more stable and easier to roll across uneven ground. If you’ll be working around a driveway, yard, or job site, it’s smart to choose a washer with an appropriate wheel size and construction to meet your anticipated needs.

Electric vs. Gas: What Most People Actually Need

Gas pressure washers make sense if heavy-duty work—stripping paint, cleaning large concrete areas, or prepping exterior surfaces for finishing—is in your anticipated scope of work. But for the majority of homeowners, electric models are the more practical choice. They start instantly, require minimal upkeep, and are easier to live with on a day to day basis.

If your typical jobs involve vehicles, siding, decks, fencing, tools and the occasional driveway or gutter cleanup, a good electric pressure washer will handle it without much fuss. And with the performance gap between electric and gas continuing to shrink, there’s less reason than ever to deal with the noise and maintenance of a gas engine unless you feel you truly need that extra power. For most homes and garages, an electric pressure washer has become one of the most useful and versatile outdoor tools you can own.

Safety

Because they generally aren’t as powerful, electric pressure washers are generally safer to use than gas pressure washers on a wide variety of surfaces. That said, they can still damage sensitive surfaces if you use them incorrectly.

You could also injure yourself or someone you’re working with if you aren’t careful. Even a relatively low-pressure stream can result in lacerations or bruising to your skin. As a safety precaution, you should always wear closed-toe shoes and proper eye protection.

To protect yourself and your stuff, always start with one of the less powerful nozzles–green or white–which have wide spray angles that decrease the intensity of the water stream. If they can’t get the job done, you can either try moving the wand closer to the cleaning surface (your manual will give you the best idea of the specific distance) or move up to a yellow or red nozzle. These produce narrower streams that can gouge more delicate surfaces, so give yourself enough space (about three feet) to evaluate its effect on the cleaning surface before slowly moving forward.

Another no-no: Never use a pressure washer on anything electrical, which will likely damage its components. Just because your outdoor speakers are weatherproof doesn’t mean they can withstand a high-impact blast from a pressure washer.

If you’re new to pressure washing, and want to ensure you don’t damage the surface you’re cleaning, take the time to better understand the machine’s capabilities before diving right in.

Choose the Right Nozzle

Start about 10 feet away with the widest nozzle available, and as you get a feel for how the spray affects the surface you’re cleaning, gradually increase pressure by switching to a more focused tip, or by simply walking closer to the surface. Keep in mind that different types of surfaces may require their own approach: The pressure you need to blast grime off of a trash can could potentially strip or damage a more delicate material like painted wood.

Keep Moving

The movement of an electric pressure washer’s stream also affects its cleaning effectiveness—the longer the stream is focused on the same place, the more debris it removes. In order to prevent unsightly streaks and potential damage to your surface, it’s important to keep the nozzle moving as you go, maintaining even, consistent coverage.

Adjust Your Stance Instead of Overreaching

In order to work as comfortably, effectively, and safely as possible, adopt a stance that allows you to handle the kickback of your pressure washer, especially at its highest settings. When using your washer, keep your feet shoulder width apart and at a slight angle to the surface being cleaned. A slight bend at the knees also helps to minimize lower back fatigue during longer jobs. As you move around, always reposition yourself – and the machine if needed – instead of overreaching which can lead to loss of balance or control.