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Power washers are surface cleaners that use pressurized water to clean off the grime and mildew that has built up on your driveway, deck, patio furniture, car, siding, and more. Power washers are either powered by electricity or gas, with gas models working better for heavy-duty cleaning projects and electric washers being more effective on light-duty cleaning tasks. To find the best power washer for your home, read our review below on our top Amazon picks.
Top 4 Power Washers
- Best Gas Power Washer: Westinghouse WPX3200 Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
- Best Soap Tanks: Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric High-Pressure Washer
- Best Protection: Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
- Most Powerful: ROOJER Electric Pressure Washer
Compare Top Power Washers
| Product | PSI Level | GPM | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WPX3200 Gas-Powered Pressure Washer | 3,200 | 2.5 | 63 pounds | 3 years for service, labor, and parts |
| Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric High-Pressure Washer | 2,030 | 1.76 | 31 pounds | 2 years |
| Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer | 3,200 | 2.5 | 65 pounds | Frame: 5 years, Engine: 2 years, Pump: 1 year, Accessories: 90 days |
| ROOJER Electric Pressure Washer | 3,500 | 2.6 | 18 pounds | Not listed |
| Product | PSI Level | GPM | Weight | Warranty |
Best Gas Power Washer
Westinghouse Gas Pressure Washer
- $293.75
- $349
- 16% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a 25-foot, abrasion-resistant hose
✔ Features a built-in half-gallon soap tank
✔ Has a sturdy steel frame for durability
✘ Has a small gas tank
✘ Some customers felt the outlet was poorly placed
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews highlighted how easy this pressure washer was to assemble and use. Many also noted that the wheels worked well, making the power washer maneuverable. Negative reviews criticized this model for its small gas tank and poor outlet placement.
Best Soap Tanks
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric High-Pressure Washer
- $169.99
- $199.99
- 15% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Is lightweight at only 31 pounds
✔ Has a total stop system that automatically shuts off the pump when it’s not in use
✔ Comes with an adapter to use it with a garden hose
✘ Has a shorter hose than other power washers on the market
✘ Is less powerful than many other models at 2,030 pounds per square inch
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews said that this power washer was easy to assemble, with some customers saying that it only took 10 minutes to build. Other buyers noted that this power washer was a good value for the money and was suitable for cleaning outdoor furniture. Critics of this model said that the pressure didn’t reach the advertised PSI and that the spray wand was too weak.
Best Protection
Simpson Cleaning Gas Pressure Washer
- $405.22
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Offers a low-oil shutoff feature
✔ Features five quick-connect nozzle spray tips
✔ Is available in other models that come with additional accessories
✘ Is heavy at 72 pounds
✘ Has a higher price point than other similar models
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers complimented this gas pressure washer’s ease of use and maneuverability. Other reviews indicated that it was reliable and durable. Customers had mixed feelings on customer service, with some mentioning their positive experiences and some complaining about negative ones.
Most Powerful
ROOJER Electric Pressure Washer
- $109.99
- $152.99
- 28% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes five pressure nozzles
✔ Comes with a hose reel for easy storage
✔ Is available in multiple colors
✘ Has a mostly plastic body, which is less durable than metal
✘ Some customers felt the motor broke down quickly
What Customers Are Saying
Customers were pleasantly surprised by this pressure washer’s capabilities, especially considering its affordable price and lightweight build. Critics of this product had issues with the electric motor breaking down quickly.
Buyer’s Guide
The type of fuel source your power washer uses will determine its pressure, volume, and weight. Keep reading to learn more about these factors.
Fuel Source
Power washers are either powered by electricity or gas.
- Electric: Electric power washers are plugged into a wall outlet. They tend to be more lightweight and affordable than gas power washers, but they have less pressure, which limits what they can clean.
- Gas: Gas-powered washers can tackle more heavy-duty jobs than their electric counterparts, but they are heavier and more expensive and require more maintenance.
Pressure
Pounds per square inch (PSI) is a unit that measures pressure. A power washer with a high PSI rating is generally more powerful than a power washer with a low PSI. Take a look at the PSI ratings for different washers and determine if they have enough power for the cleaning jobs you need.
Power Washer Pressure
| Type | PSI | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 1,000-2,000 | Washing decks, driveways, patio furniture, and play sets |
| Residential gas | 2,000-3,200 | Washing tougher grime found on fences and house siding |
| Commercial gas | 3,200-4,500 | Removing graffiti and stripping paint |
| Type | PSI | Job |
Cleaning Units
While PSI is a good indicator of power, cleaning units (CU) take into account the volume of water the machine is using as well as the water’s pressure. A machine that uses a lot of water will clean an area faster than a machine with the same PSI rating that uses less water. Similar to PSI, CU change based on the type of fuel source the washer uses:
Power Washer Cleaning Units
| Type | CU |
|---|---|
| Electric | 2,000-8,000 |
| Residential gas | 8,000-16,000 |
| Commercial gas | Up to 30,000 |
| Type | CU |
Weight
If you plan on using your power washer around your house, look for a model with low weight or a model with wheels or backpack straps for easy mobility. Electric models will be lightweight, while gas models will typically have wheels or straps.
Spray
All power washers will allow you to adjust the strength of their spray. A smaller, more concentrated spray has more pressure, making it best for tough jobs, while a wider spray has a lower pressure, making it best for delicate jobs.
Safety Tips for Using a Power Washer
Power washers are highly useful and efficient power equipment for cleaning jobs on anything from rinsing your car to cleaning your grill, but they do carry some risks if you aren’t careful. Here are some of the top safety tips to keep in mind when operating a power washer.
- Take time beforehand to make sure the area is clear of hazards such as bikes, toys, lawn equipment and trees
- Don’t use a power washer in the rain or other hazardous weather as it can become a safety hazard
- Wear proper safety equipment such as safety goggles, work gloves, closed-toe shoes or boots, and ear protection to reduce the risk of injury
- Avoid pointing a power washer at yourself or others in any circumstances
- When using a gasoline-powered power washer, make sure you are not operating it in an enclosed space
- If using an extension power cord, make sure it is clear of any standing water and keep it as far away from possible from the item being washed
- Keep children and pets away from the area at all times
- To avoid damaging the surface, operate a power washer on the widest spray nozzle first and make adjustments later if needed
- Make sure you’re operating the power washer on an even surface and avoid using one on a ladder or rooftop
Frequently Asked Questions
Are power washers and pressure washers the same?
Both power washers and pressure washers use pressurized water to remove dirt and other grime from hard surfaces. However, power washers have a heating element that heats the water, which helps it remove tougher grime. Since power washing and pressure washing are used interchangeably in most cases and both have the power needed for residential use, we treated them as synonymous in this review.
Can you use a power washer to wash your car?
Yes. However, you don’t want the pressure to be too high or you might strip your car’s paint. For the best results, use an electric power washer with a wider spray.
What is a power washer’s GPM rating?
GPM stands for gallons per minute, and it measures flow rate or volume. When calculating CU, GPM and PSI are used.
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