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A pressure washer cleans large outdoor surfaces quickly and efficiently. The This Old House Reviews Team has picked the best electric pressure washers to keep your walls, decks, driveways, and cars clean. Keep reading to learn more about them. You can also check out the This Old House Reviews Team’s guide to buying tools for more resources.
Top 4 Electric Power Washers
- Most Portable: Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer
- Best Detergent Tanks: Sun Joe Electric High Pressure Washer
- Best Safety Features: WHOLESUN Electric Pressure Washer
- Best Spray Wands: Karcher K5 Premium Electric-Power Pressure Washer
Compare Top Electric Power Washers
| Product | PSI | GPM | Hose Length | Wheels | Nozzles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer | 2,050 | 1.76 | 25 feet | Four | Four |
| Sun Joe Electric High Pressure Washer | 2,030 | 1.76 | 20 feet | Two | Five |
| WHOLESUN Electric Pressure Washer | 3,000 | 2.4 | 20 feet | Two | Four |
| Karcher K5 Premium Electric-Power Pressure Washer | 2,000 | 1.4 | 25 feet | Four | Two |
| Product | PSI | GPM | Hose Length | Wheels | Nozzles |
Most Portable
Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer
- $149
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes quick-connect nozzles and an extendable steel wand
✔ Prevents tipping with four quick-lock wheels and 360-degree steering
✔ Has an onboard soap tank
✘ The soap dispenser doesn’t have an on/off valve
✘ Not compatible with an extension cord
Key Features
- 2,050 PSI
- 1.76 GPM
- 19-pound weight
- Three-year warranty
- Four wheels
- One spray wand
- Four nozzles
- 25-foot hose
- 20-ounce soap tank
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were happy with their purchase noted easy assembly, maneuverability, watertight connections, and affordability. The majority of the low-rated reviews said that the device stopped working shortly after it arrived.
Best Detergent Tanks
Sun Joe Electric High Pressure Washer
- $149
- $169
- 12% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Runs at 1.76 gallons per minute for medium-sized tasks
✔ Includes five quick-connect spray tips for multiple spray pattern options
✔ Has a total stop system that shuts off the pump when the trigger isn’t engaged to save energy and extend the engine’s life
✘ Doesn’t include the wand extension set
✘ Can only be used with cold water
Key Features
- 2,030 PSI
- 1.76 GPM
- 31-pound weight
- Two-year warranty
- Two wheels
- One spray wand
- Five nozzles
- 20-foot hose
- Two 0.9-liter soap tanks
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers liked this pressure washer’s easy assembly, long cord, and value. Others liked it because of its low noise level. Unsatisfied customers had issues with getting the pump and other accessories to work.
Best Safety Features
WHOLESUN Electric Pressure Washer
- $149.99
- $189.99
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Built with a high-pressure foam cannon to loosen tough grime
✔ Equipped with metal connectors that won’t leak
✔ Available in multiple colors
✘ Doesn’t include in-unit storage for the nozzle tips
✘ Can’t accommodate a pressure adjuster
Key Features
- 3,000 PSI
- 2.4 GPM
- 19-pound weight
- Two-year warranty
- Two wheels
- One spray wand
- Four nozzles
- 20-foot hose
- One foam cannon
- One brush
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers recommended this product for its ease of use and assembly, lightweight, and simple maintenance requirements. Dissatisfied customers said that the machine’s pressure was lower than advertised, which limited its capabilities.
Best Spray Wands
Karcher K5 Premium Electric-Power Pressure Washer
- $299.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Built with a water-cooled motor to prolong its life
✔ Has an integrated pressurized reel for easy hose storage
✔ Outfitted with a durable, non-corrosive pump that doesn’t require maintenance
✘ Heaviest option in this guide
✘ Doesn’t work on second-story residences
Key Features
- 2,000 PSI
- 1.4 GPM
- 32-pound weight
- Two-year warranty
- Four wheels
- Two spray wands
- 25-foot hose
- One soap tank
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that the machine was easy to assemble and that the wand tips were easy to switch out. Others wrote that the washer’s quiet motor and leakproof construction made it enjoyable to use. Unhappy customers cited issues with assembly and stability.
Buyer’s Guide
A pressure washer efficiently cleans walls, decks, cars, and other outdoor surfaces. This buying guide will help you pick an electric pressure washer to retire your bucket, scrub brush, and elbow grease.
Pressure
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The amount of pressure needed depends on the material and grime you’re cleaning. For example, dust, dirt, and salt can be cleaned with low pressure, but other materials, such as oil and paint, require higher pressure.
Water Flow
Water flow is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A higher flow rate allows the pressure washer to clean larger areas faster. However, low flow is more energy-efficient.
Nozzles
Many electric pressure washers have either replaceable or adjustable nozzles to produce a variety of streams. These spray patterns range from tight, narrow streams that apply focused pressure to a single stain to wider streams that cover a large area at once. If you will be using your electric pressure washer to clean several items and surfaces, choose a model with multiple nozzles.
Portability
Some electric pressure washers have features that make them more portable. These include wheels and handles to aid in pushing and pulling and storage racks to keep the hose, nozzles, and other accessories secure during movement.
Accessories
In addition to replaceable nozzles, some electric pressure washers come with other accessories, such as:
- Soap and foam sprayers
- Scrub brushes
- Extension wands
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety precautions should I take when using my electric pressure washer?
Here are some safety tips:
- Wear eye protection and sturdy shoes.
- Don’t get closer than six inches to the object or surface you’re spraying.
- Don’t point the pressure washer’s nozzle at people or animals.
- Avoid using a pressure washer while standing on an unstable surface, such as an extension ladder.
- Turn the pressure washer off if you need to walk away from it.
How do I clean and maintain my pressure washer?
Before using your pressure washer each time, check the nozzle and water intake for cracks, the hose for leaks and bulges, and the detergent filter and siphoning tube for clogs. After every use, clean the nozzle and spray wand to prevent grime buildup.
Why should I choose an electric pressure washer over a gas pressure washer?
Electric pressure washers are more lightweight and portable than gas pressure washers. They also make less noise when they’re running. However, electric washers aren’t useful for all settings. Because they have less power, they only work for household projects. If you need more power for industrial or commercial applications, opt for a gas model instead.
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