Electric pressure washers offer a powerful, low-maintenance solution for cleaning driveways, decks, siding, vehicles, and other outdoor surfaces. Unlike gas models, electric versions run more quietly, require less maintenance, and perform well for most residential cleaning tasks. With the right pressure washer, you can quickly and efficiently remove built-up dirt, mold, and grime from around your property.
In this guide, we review the top-rated electric pressure washers to help you find a unit that fits your cleaning needs, space, and budget. For more home improvement tips, check out our complete guide to buying tools.
Key Takeaways
- We ranked the Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer as the best overall model because of its powerful 2,500 pounds per square inch (PSI) output, lightweight 19-pound design, and four-wheel mobility system.
- Electric pressure washers vary in power and flow rate, with models ranging from 1,700–3,200 PSI and 1.1–2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), depending on your cleaning needs.
- Pressure level and water flow rate are the two most important factors to consider when shopping for electric pressure washers. Units with higher pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure work best for tough stains, and a higher gallons per minute (GPM) water flow rate allows for faster cleaning of larger areas.
Top 4 Electric Pressure Washers
Our team researched dozens of electric pressure washers available on Amazon. The following four units made our list of the best power washers based on performance, ease of use, and overall value.
- Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer: Best Overall
- Sun Joe 14.9-Amp Electric Pressure Washer: Best for Tough Stains
- LWQ Electric Pressure Washer: Best Value
- CRAFTSMAN Compact Electric Pressure Washer: Best Portability
Compare Top Electric Pressure Washers
The table below highlights our top picks for electric pressure washers based on key factors like overall cost, unit specifications, and more.
| Product | Cost | Pressure Rate | Water Flow Rate | Hose Length | Nozzles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure WasherCheck Price | $169 | 2,500 PSI | 1.76 GPM | 25 feet | Four |
Sun Joe 14.9-Amp Electric Pressure WasherCheck Price | $299.99 | 3,200 PSI | 1.1 GPM | 20 feet | Five |
LWQ Electric Pressure WasherCheck Price | $99.99 | 2,030 PSI | 2.5 GPM | 20 feet | Four |
CRAFTSMAN Compact Electric Pressure WasherCheck Price | $119 | 1,700 PSI | 1.2 GPM | 20 feet | Two |
Our Reviews of the Best Electric Pressure Washers
Best Overall
Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer
Good for: General pressure washing needs
The Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer is compact yet powerful, delivering up to 2,500 PSI at 1.76 GPM. It’s easy to transport, weighing 19 pounds and featuring four wheels. Plus, it has an automatic pump shutoff feature that conserves energy and extends the motor’s life. The unit includes a 25-foot hose and a 20-ounce soap tank, making it suitable for most outdoor cleaning tasks.
Pros and Cons of Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer
- Has a three-year limited warranty
- Includes quick-connect nozzles and an extendable steel wand
- Prevents tipping with four quick-lock wheels and 360-degree steering
- Lacks an on and off valve on the soap tank
- Not compatible with an extension cord
Key Features
- Power: Up to 2,500 PSI pressure with 1.76 GPM water flow
- Specs: 25-foot hose and 20-ounce soap tank
- Attachments: Four nozzles and one spray wand
- Warranty: 3 years 19-pound weight
What People Are Saying About The Westinghouse Outdoor Electric Pressure Washer
This pressure washer is highly rated by Amazon customers for its powerful performance and ease of use, requiring no tools for assembly. We found that users appreciate its compact design and its effectiveness in cleaning a variety of surfaces, including driveways, cars, and outdoor furniture. Many consider it an excellent value for the money. However, some users complain that the unit’s soap dispenser lacks an on and off switch.
Best for Tough Stains
Sun Joe 14.9-Amp Electric Pressure Washer
Good for: Removing tough grime and dirt
The Sun Joe 14.9-Amp Electric Pressure Washer delivers powerful cleaning performance with up to 3,200 PSI of power to blast away dirt, grime, and stubborn stains from driveways, decks, and siding. Its five quick-connect spray tips and onboard detergent tank make it simple to switch between tasks, while its “Total Stop System” automatically shuts off the pump when you’re not spraying to extend the brushless motor’s life.
Pros and Cons of Sun Joe 14.9-Amp Electric Pressure Washer
- Features a heavy-duty motor with an output of up to 3,200 PSI
- Has five quick-disconnect nozzles
- Includes a two-year product warranty
- Is heavier than some other electric pressure washers we reviewed
- Some Amazon customers report the unit doesn’t last long
Key Features
- Power: Up to 3,200 PSI pressure with 1.1 GPM water flow
- Specs: 20-foot hose and 1-gallon soap tank
- Attachments: Five nozzles and one spray wand
- Warranty: 2 years
What People Are Saying About The Sun Joe 14.9-Amp Electric Pressure Washer
Amazon customers like the pressure washer’s sturdy construction, with some saying it’s “built to last.” Users also appreciate its functionality and power, noting that the included nozzles enable the pressure washer to perform well and highlighting its effectiveness for car washing. That said, some reviewers question the unit’s reliability, reporting that the washer didn’t last more than a few months.
Best Value
LWQ Electric Pressure Washer
Good for: Budget-conscious shoppers
The LWQ Electric Pressure Washer is a lightweight powerhouse that delivers 2,030 PSI of pressure to quickly remove dirt and grime from driveways, decks, and siding. With four Quick-Connect nozzles, a removable foam cannon detergent bottle, and a 20-foot hose, it offers the versatility and reach to handle a wide range of outdoor cleaning tasks. Weighing under 17 pounds, this pressure washer is also easy to store and maneuver around the house.
Pros and Cons of LWQ Electric Pressure Washer
- Costs less than most other electric pressure washers we found
- Delivers up to 2.5 GPM of water flow
- Has a lightweight design, weighing only 16.6 pounds
- Has a lower total PSI than other electric pressure washers in our review
- Features a small detergent bottle
Key Features
- Power: Up to 2,030 PSI pressure with 2.5 GPM water flow
- Specs: 20-foot hose and removable foam cannon soap bottle
- Attachments: Four nozzles and one spray wand
- Warranty: Not stated
What People Are Saying About The LWQ Electric Pressure Washer
Amazon customers highly recommend this pressure washer, especially for car washing, praising its effectiveness when used with the foam cannon attachment. Most customers report that the unit delivers ample power for a range of cleaning tasks and consider it a worthwhile investment. Users find the device lightweight, easy to assemble, and simple to operate. However, some customers report disappointment with the unit’s build quality, noting that most components are plastic.
Best Portability
CRAFTSMAN Compact Electric Pressure Washer
Good for: On-the-go pressure washing jobs
The CRAFTSMAN Compact Electric Pressure Washer delivers up to 1,700 PSI of cleaning power to refresh decks, patios, siding, and vehicles with ease. The pressure washer has a robust handle at the top of the unit, making it easy to move around the house. It comes with a 20-foot hose, a soap bottle attachment, and two quick-connect nozzles, allowing you to tackle a variety of outdoor cleaning tasks without the hassle of gas or oil.
Pros and Cons of CRAFTSMAN Compact Electric Pressure Washer
- Features a compact design that’s easy to pick up and store
- Has a kink-resistant hose
- Includes a three-year limited warranty
- Only includes three additional attachments
- Lacks the power of some other lightweight pressure washers
Key Features
- Power: Up to 1,700 PSI pressure with 1.2 GPM water flow
- Specs: 20-foot hose and removable soap bottle
- Attachments: Two nozzles and one spray wand
- Warranty: 3 years
What People Are Saying About The CRAFTSMAN Compact Electric Pressure Washer
Amazon customers generally like this pressure washer for its performance on basic household and car cleaning, with many reporting that its output exceeds that of larger units. However, some users expressed concerns about the washer’s longevity and reliability. Several customers reported functional issues, such as the motor failing within eight months of purchase.
Electric Pressure Washer Buying Guide
A pressure washer is a tool you can use to more efficiently cleans walls, decks, cars, and other outdoor surfaces. This buying guide can help you pick an electric pressure washer to replace your bucket, scrub brush, and elbow grease. Below is a list of what to look for when shopping for a pressure washer.
Pressure
The first feature to consider when shopping for an electric pressure washer is its total water pressure. Generally, manufacturers measure water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). The required pressure depends on the material and grime you’re cleaning. For example, a washer with lower pounds per square inch output can handle dust, dirt, and salt. Other materials, like oil and paint, require higher-pressure units.
Pro Tip
- Professional restorer Dick Darlington, profiled in This Old House Magazine, recommends that homeowners look for a machine delivering between 1,500 to 2,000 psi for typical home use. He also advises against using a machine that circulates chemicals through the pump, since bleach and detergent shorten piston and valve life—washers with downstream injectors are a better choice.
Water Flow
Another key feature to consider is the total water flow of an electric pressure washer. Similar to pounds per square inch, manufacturers measure water flow in gallons per minute (GPM). A higher flow rate allows the pressure washer to clean larger areas faster. However, low flow is generally more energy-efficient.
Nozzles
Many electric pressure washers have replaceable or adjustable nozzles to produce a variety of spray patterns. 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 plan to use your electric pressure washer to clean multiple items and surfaces, we recommend choosing a model with multiple nozzles.
Portability
Some electric pressure washers have features that enhance portability or moving the washer around. These include wheels and handles for pushing and pulling, and storage racks to keep the hose, nozzles, and other accessories secure during transport. Consider the portability of a washer if you have a large property or experience difficulty handling large equipment.
Accessories
In addition to replaceable nozzles, some electric pressure washers come with other accessories, such as:
- Soap and foam sprayers
- Scrub brushes
- Extension wands
Pro Tip
- Don’t be dazzled by PSI alone when comparing pressure washers. As This Old House Magazine recommends, calculate “cleaning units” (CU) by multiplying PSI by GPM. This gives you a more accurate picture of a washer’s true cleaning power, since a unit with plenty of pressure but not enough flow won’t clean efficiently.
Electric Pressure Washer Safety Tips
Pressure washers deliver powerful cleaning performance, quickly removing dirt and grime from the side of your house, your vehicle, and your grill. Like with any tool, it’s important to know how to use pressure washers safely. Here’s a list of tips on how to stay safe when using a pressure washer:
- Before starting a job, plan and develop a strategy. Identify any potential hazards and keep pets, children, and any easily damaged items clear of the area.
- Wear protective gear to keep yourself safe from direct spray, debris, and cleaning chemicals. This includes goggles, closed-toe shoes, and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Ensure the pressure washer is on a flat, stable surface before turning it on. This will prevent it from tipping over during use.
- Make sure to aim the nozzle at the surface you want to clean from a safe distance away from people. Avoid using the pressure washer on delicate materials like wood or glass.
Pro Tip
- Always plug electric pressure washers into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. And remember—a pressure washer is not a garden hose. Never direct the spray toward any living thing, as it can cause serious injury. Always wear boots, long pants, gloves, and eye protection when operating any pressure washer.
FAQs About Electric Pressure Washers
What safety precautions should I take when using an electric pressure washer?
Here’s a quick list of safety tips to keep in mind while using your electric pressure washer:
- Avoid using a pressure washer while standing on an unstable surface, like an extension ladder.
- Don’t get closer than 6 inches to the object or surface you’re spraying.
- Don’t point the pressure washer’s nozzle at people or animals.
- Turn the pressure washer off if you need to step away.
- Wear eye protection and sturdy shoes.
How do I clean and maintain my electric pressure washer?
Before using your pressure washer, check the nozzle and water intake for cracks, the hose for leaks or bulges, and the detergent filter and siphoning tube for clogs. After every use, clean the nozzle and spray wand to prevent grime buildup.
When is a gas model better than an electric pressure washer?
Electric pressure washers are lighter and more portable than gas-powered pressure washers. They also make less noise when they’re running. However, electric washers aren’t helpful for all settings. Because they have less power, they only work on household projects. Opt for a gas model if you need more power for industrial or commercial applications.
What PSI output should I get when shopping for an electric pressure washer?
For most household tasks, an electric pressure washer with 1,500–2,500 PSI provides sufficient pressure to clean decks, patios, vinyl siding, and vehicles. Light-duty jobs like washing outdoor furniture require lower outputs, while tougher tasks may need closer to 2,500 PSI. Always match the pounds per square inch measurement to the surfaces you plan to clean to avoid damage.
How We Selected the Best Electric Pressure Washers
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of pressure washers with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.