Dirt and grime easily build up outside your home. Whether on brickwork or patios, decking, or sidewalks, dirty surfaces can be unsightly. The outside space of your house is constantly exposed to the harsh elements of all seasons, so dirt buildup is unsurprising. This is where an electric pressure washer comes in!
They’re a great and often relatively inexpensive home improvement tool that can make a world of difference to your outdoor space. There are plenty of makes and models to choose from, so it’s a good idea to do your research before you go spending your money.
In this review, we will take you through ten of the best electric pressure washers available on the market today. First, we explain the top things to consider when purchasing an electric power washer. After reviews of 10 great products, we give you a handy buyers guide, tips for how to use an electric pressure washer, and a list of common questions about them. Read on for a comprehensive guide to electric pressure washers to help you make your choice!
What to Consider When Purchasing an Electric Pressure Washer
Size and Portability
Depending on what type of job you’re doing, you need to consider the size and portability of your electric pressure washer. Electric pressure washers are corded, so the length of the lead determines the size of the area you can wash. Remembering where you have power outlets, and if the lead will reach areas where you don’t have one, is important when making your purchase.
Furthermore, different size pressure washers can be found on the market. The engine size determines the power of the pressure washer. Smaller engines are suited for lighter jobs, whilst heavy-duty and professional pressure washer engines are better for the tough jobs. Work out how large the area that needs cleaning is and what sort of dirt you’re dealing with before you decide which type to get.
Pressure
It may seem obvious, but different pressure levels are appropriate for different types of surfaces and dirt. You don’t want to get one too powerful or too weak for the job at hand. Take a look at our buyers’ guide for advice on what to look for in terms of pressure when choosing the ideal electric pressure washer for you.
Nozzle Attachments
Pressure washer nozzles adhere to a universal color code. Red tips are the narrowest (zero degrees) and create a very pressurized water stream. This can cause a lot of damage, and won’t be needed for most at-home jobs. Yellow comes in at fifteen degrees, ideal for concrete. Green is twenty-five degrees which can be used on cars or for mildew on outdoor furniture or deckings. White nozzles are good for things like windows, producing a forty-degree spray. Finally, black nozzles are the most gentle. This won’t clean anything, but rather just make a surface wet.
Consider what surface you will be using your electric pressure washer on to determine what nozzles will be most useful. You can also buy specialist nozzles for specific situations, so take a look at what’s available for your desired model before you buy!
Safety
As with any home DIY or cleaning project, safety is of top importance. Before starting your cleaning job, see our safety tips in the buyers’ guide, and read the instructions on your pressure washer. You don’t want to damage your surface or hurt yourself when pressure washing!
Budget
Finally, you can get electric pressure washers for most price ranges on the market today. More powerful, heavier duty pressure washers will set you back more money. If you’re needing something a bit lighter, you can spend less. Buying a pressure washer if you’re planning to use it a lot will be cheaper than hiring a commercial model or professional in the long run. However, if it’s a one-off job, consider something a bit more temporary to save cash.
Top 10 Electric Pressure Washers
Best Overall
1. TEANDE 3800PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Top Features
- 3800 PSI
- 2.8 GPM
- 1800 W motor
- 5 nozzles included
- 6m/19.6 ft hose length
- 35 ft power cord length
Our Rating
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Our Take
The TEANDE Electric Pressure Washer is a powerful tool with high ratings. With 3800 PSI and a 2.8 GPM, it is efficient and easy to use. The high PSI for an electric pressure washer combined with the five changeable nozzles makes it good for a wide range of domestic jobs.
This electric pressure washer comes with wheels, so moving it around is easy. The washer is positioned upright, meaning it isn’t too bulky to store. It also boasts built-in compartments for storing all of its included accessories. The power cord can also be hooked onto the top to keep it neat and tangle-free. The cord itself comes in at six meters 35 feet, which is a decent length that should make it comfortable for many jobs around the house.
This model also comes with a built-in soap bottle, meaning you can add your own detergent if you need to. On top of this, the high CU this machine achieves makes it one of the most efficient and powerful models on our list.
Customers say that the TEANDE Electric Pressure Washer is lightweight, easy to put together, and makes cleaning tasks very easy. This is an all-around good model which, although a little pricey, will give you bang for your buck!
Runner Up
2. PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI
Our Take
PAXCESS’s Electric Pressure Washer is slightly cheaper than the TEANDE Electric Pressure Washer. It has a lower pressure of 2150 PSI and a GPM of 1.85. This makes it slightly less powerful, and reasonably less efficient. It also comes with a power cord that is two feet shorter. One advantage it has over the TEANDE model, however, is the longer hose length, which comes in at a big 26 feet.
Instead of changeable nozzles, the PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer includes one adjustable pressure washer which you turn to activate the different settings. It also holds a built-in soap tank for adding your own detergent to the water.
A hose reel is also included, and this model has the important safety feature of an automatic total stop system (TSS). This makes the PAXCESS pressure washer a bit safer to use, as it will automatically shut off the pump when the trigger is not being held down. This also helps to save a bit of energy.
Once again, customers rate this product highly and suggest it is lightweight and can tackle large amounts of dirt and grime.
Best Extras
3. Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric High Pressure Washer
Top Features
- 2030 PSI
- 1.76 GPM
- 1800 W motor
- 5 quick-connect spray tips
- 20 ft hose length
- 35 ft power cord length
Our Rating
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Our Take
The Sun Joe Electric High Pressure Washer is another solid choice with a similar price point to the TEANDE. However, it again has a lower CU, meaning it’s not quite as efficient as our top choice.
With a 20 ft hose and 35 ft power cord, this electric pressure washer is a good maneuverable and compact product. It can handle warm water as well as cold and has a built-in total stop system (TSS) making it safer to use and enabling power saving. There are removable tanks that store multiple different types of detergent. This makes the Sun Joe pressure washer great if you want to use different products on different surfaces without the hassle of constantly switching out the detergents.
Sun Joe’s electric pressure washer features five quick-connect spray tips labeled in the universal color code. This makes it easy to control and adjust the pressure you’re using, without much risk of getting it wrong. We prefer the changeable tips over the single adjustable tip of the PAXCESS model in most cases. However, if you’re prone to losing things or think the different colors may cause some confusion, a single adjustable tip could be better for you.
Whilst this is another good electric pressure washer, it might not be the best if you’re looking for great value and efficiency. But if the multiple detergent stores and TSS is appealing to you, then look no further!
4. WHOLESUN 3000PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Top Features
- 3000 PSI
- 2.4 GPM
- 1600 W motor
- 4 nozzles
- 20 ft pressure hose length
- 33 ft power cord length
Our Rating
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Our Take
Ever so slightly less efficient than the TEANDE pressure washer, but with a higher CU than the other two models reviewed so far, this is a highly rated product. The WHOLESUN Electric Pressure Washer includes a high SPI of 3000 with a good GPM of 2.4. The pressure hose is 20 ft long, and the cord is a decent 33 ft. This should make it suitable for most jobs around the home.
The WHOLESUN Electric Pressure Washer boasts a leak-proof metal garden hose connector and 22mm metal water outlet. This means it avoids annoying water leakage, which is a common problem with electric pressure washers. It also includes the total stop system (TSS) and a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) making it more safe and efficient than some models on the market.
Coming with four nozzles and a soap bottle, this pressure washer gives you the basics to get a wide range of jobs done. Whilst most models include more nozzle options and fancier detergent supply systems, the WHOLESUN will be plenty for most people at home.
5. Greenworks GPW1502 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
Top Features
- 1500 PSI
- 1.2 GPM
- 20 ft hose length
- 35 ft power cord length
- Portable and compact
Our Rating
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Our Take
Greenworks have created a small hand-held pressure washer which is great if you need to maneuver around more whilst cleaning. It has a significantly lower price point of under $100 for 1500 PSI and 1.2 GPM. This means the CU is pretty low, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly pressure washer for small domestic jobs, Greenworks has you covered.
The quick-connect wand comes with a variable nozzle with two adjustments (25 degrees and 40 degrees) to tackle different pressure washing tasks. It is a small, compact design that can be picked up and carried around, with a decent cord length of 35 feet. A small detergent bottle is included for adding pre-mixed detergents, but it holds less than other models reviewed here.
Although we wouldn’t recommend the Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer if you’re planning for heavy use and big surface areas, it will handle smaller jobs well. If you have some garden furniture to clean or a few paving slabs to make sparkle a few times a year, you can’t go wrong for the money. Just be aware that this is a much smaller, less powerful product.
6. Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer
Our Take
The Karcher K1700 is a hefty electric power washer which boasts an easy five-minute setup with no tools required. With a PSI of 1700 and a GPM of 1.2, the CU of this pressure washer isn’t the best on the market, but it will do the job most of the time.
Karcher’s K1700 comes with three nozzles. These are a ‘turbo nozzle’ for maximum cleaning power on hard dirt and grime, a 15-degree all-purpose nozzle, and a specific detergent nozzle. There is a 0.5-gallon detergent tank, plastic wand, and an on-off switch operated by foot for ease when getting your hands dirty. It also includes a large removable bin for storage of accessories and detergents.
This pressure washer is quite heavy, and the reviews from customers aren’t as good as others on the list. It is big, so storage may be more difficult if you are limited on space. The nozzle specifically for detergent and foot pedal operation are nice features, but this pressure washer still doesn’t make the top of our review list.
7. Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer with Spray Gun
Top Features
- 2150 PSI
- 1.4 GPM
- 4 quick connect nozzles
- 25 ft hose length
- 35 ft power cord length
Our Rating
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Our Take
Stanley’s SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer is another top-rated product. It is a little more expensive than other models on our list, but you do get some neat extras for the price. With a PDI of 2150 and a GPM of 1.4, it’s still not as efficient as the TEANDE model, but we like it nonetheless.
This electric pressure washer includes a 25 ft soft flexible high-pressure hose, and a 35 ft power cord. In terms of these measurements, it is comparable to most others in this review. However, if you’re looking to use detergent, you might want to consider getting the Stanley SHP2150. The included detergent bottle doubles up as a high-pressure foamer. This means it will be even better at getting rid of tough dirt and grime and removing deep-set stains on surfaces.
With the Stanley, you get four quick connect nozzles in red (zero degrees), yellow (fifteen degrees), green (25 degrees), and white (40 degrees). These will cover most domestic jobs and beyond. It also boasts a leakproof professional grade brass garden hose connector and 22mm connections, similar to those included in the WHOLESUN model. Additionally, you get the bonus of an o-ring replacement kit.
Because of the reasonably good CU and the handy additional accessories, the Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer comes high up in our review.
8. Sun Joe SPX3500 Electric Pressure Washer
Top Features
- 2300 PSI
- 1.48 GPM
- 2000 W motor
- 5 quick-connect spray nozzles
- 20 ft pressure hose length
- 35 ft power cord length
Our Rating
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Our Take
Another Sun Joe product has made it into our review, but this time, it’s the more powerful Sun Joe SPX3500 Electric Pressure Washer. This product has a PSI of 2300 with a 1.48 GPM, meaning the CU isn’t especially high. However, it has a decent hose length of 20 feet and a substantial 35-foot power cord.
This electric pressure washer is quite a lot more expensive than others in our review for a few reasons. The detergent tank on this product is a massive 1.2 liters. It includes an adjustable detergent dial, meaning you can control the flow of detergent into the water. This is something no other pressure washers on our list feature. It also comes with a brushless motor, which is a lot longer lasting than traditional universal pressure washer motors. The brushless motor also makes it quieter, which is great if you need to minimize the noise you’re making whilst cleaning.
With the Sun Joe SPX3500 Electric Pressure Washer, you get the five quick-connect spray nozzles, ranging from 0 degrees to 40 degrees, including one for use with soap. Reviewers rate this electric pressure washer highly, although some have found it doesn’t quite reach its maximum pressure. This is a solid choice for a higher budget with a few unique, fancy features!
9. Briggs & Stratton 020681 2000Psi Washer
Top Features
- 2000 PSI
- 1.2 GPM
- 3 quick connect nozzles
- 25 ft hose length
- 35 ft cord length
Our Rating
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Our Take
The Briggs & Stratton 020681 El Washer is a big piece of kit at 40 pounds, with quite a high price point. It has a PSI of 2000 and a GPM of 1.2, giving it a pretty average CU.
This model includes a brushless motor, like the Sun Joe SPX3500 Electric Pressure Washer, meaning it’s durable and will last a long time. With this pressure washer, you get four quick-connect tips. These are 15 degrees, 25 degrees, turbo, and soap. This gives you a good range for a variety of different surfaces and types of dirt.
The Briggs & Stratton 020681 El Washer features an integrated detergent tank to add your own detergent. The design, although heavy, is also quite nifty. The handle folds down so it can be stored away, making it compact and easy to tidy up. It’s not as small as the Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer, but it is slightly more powerful and efficient.
Although this is a good product, it is relatively standard and doesn’t feature anything which particularly stands out. If you like a compact design, then you might be swayed by the Briggs & Stratton 020681 El Washer, but you can get more for your money elsewhere.
10. Karcher 13246440 Premium Electric Pressure Washer
Our Take
Finally, we come to the Karcher 132246440 K 5 Premium Full Control Plus Electric Pressure Washer. This model has a PSI of 2000, and a GPM of 1.4, making it only marginally more efficient than the Briggs & Stratton product in our review.
With the Karcher pressure washer, you get a pressure control button for maximum control over your cleaning. There are also buttons to control the detergent release, all integrated into a remote control panel on the spray gun. It includes a 3-in-1 multi-jet nozzle which you rotate to adjust. It also has an integrated hose reel for easy storage. You can easily switch between flat spray, rotary, and detergent nozzles using this.
The motor on this Karcher product is unique in our review. It is a water-cooled induction motor, which claims to make the pressure washer last up to five times longer than one with a traditional motor. Additionally, the handle is retractable for optimal storage.
Although the Kracher is undoubtedly a great product, the price point is pretty high compared to the others in our review, coming in at nearly $400. If you want to splash the cash on a highly rated but very pricey product, this price tag might not put you off. However, you can get perhaps even better results with the TEANDE Electric Pressure Washer, which is a lot less expensive.
Electric Pressure Washer Buyers’ Guide
Power and Water Pressure
Water pressure on pressure washers is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Electric pressure washers have an average of 1300 to 1400 PSI, making them best for small to medium jobs with less grime. However, many these days have higher PSI than this. Gas pressure washers achieve a much higher PSI for jobs including paint and mildew removal. These can be hired out or professional services paid for. For most at-home jobs, an electric pressure washer’s power will be good enough. If you need higher pressures, think about investing in a commercial pressure washer.
The GPM (gallons per minute) is also important. This determines how efficient the machine is. Higher GPM means the machine gets through more gallons per minute, making it less efficient, and therefore more expensive to run. To work out how powerful and efficient the pressure washer is overall, times the PSI by the GPM to get the CU (cleaning units). The higher this number is, the more powerful and quicker the machine will be for your job.
Using Detergent in a Pressure Washer
Different types of detergent can be added to the water in pressure washers to enhance their cleaning abilities and tackle tougher dirt and grime. You have to be careful to use the right type of cleaning solution so as not to destroy the surface you’re cleaning.
You can buy cleaners, which remove dirt, and sanitizers, which kill bacteria. Disinfectants kill all organisms on the surface. As a home DIYer, you want to stick to pre-mixed cleaners designed for specific surfaces. You can buy products at your local DIY store made for driveways, concrete, woods, or brick. A cleaner might not be needed if the dirt on your surface isn’t severe, but a good cleaner can give a better finish and prevent the need to pressure wash again too soon.
Accessories
You can get all sorts of different accessories to modify your pressure washer to suit your specific needs. Most pressure washers come with a wand and trigger with a nozzle that can be turned to create different spraying patterns at different pressures. On top of this, you can buy different nozzles to attach to the end, like dirt blasters and gutter cleaners. Some come with additional attachments, but you can purchase extra ones online at a relatively low cost if needed.
Safety Tips
As we’ve already mentioned, electric pressure washers can be dangerous tools. Most importantly, avoid using extension leads and keep the water flow away from electrical outlets. If you’re cleaning near an outlet, cover it securely before you start. Also, avoid spraying yourself or other people. The powerful stream of water can bruise or cut skin, and if you’re using detergent, the chemicals may be an irritant.
Additionally, use safety goggles or glasses or even a full face shield. Ear protection is also a good idea as pressure washers are loud. Don’t wear flip flops: wear some strong shoes which fully cover your feet that you don’t mind getting dirty. Keep a few feet away from the surface you’re cleaning when you can, although working at close range might be needed sometimes.
Most importantly, read the instructions your pressure washer comes with. If you’re unsure about how to use a pressure washer or think it might be unsafe, speak to or hire an expert to help you out.
How to Use a Pressure Washer
Once you’ve made your choice of the ideal pressure washer, it’s time to think about how to use it. Electric pressure washers are quick and easy tools to use if you follow the right instructions. Knowing how to operate a pressure washer properly is essential for doing a good job.
Electric pressure washers use a pump to pressurize water from a garden faucet to very high pressures. The pressurized water is forced by the pump through a nozzle to clean the desired surface. Higher pressures clean tougher grime.
To use this powerful tool safely, make sure you read the specific manual for your equipment before you start. Pick the right nozzle for the job, and wear the protective gear we mentioned earlier. Keep your hands far away from the stream of pressured water, and don’t spray it at anyone else. Keep children away. The powerful water can seriously hurt you or others if it comes into contact with skin. Avoid plugging the pressure washer into an extension cord as this risks electrocution. Remember, water and electricity shouldn’t mix!
Finally, know the properties of the surface you are washing to avoid damage. Is it hard or soft? Is it painted or varnished? How old is the surface? These things will all impact the nozzle and pressure setting you should use, or whether you should even pressure wash the surface at all. Check your user manual before you start!
FAQs
Can pressure washing cause damage?
Not every surface is suitable for pressure washing. There are comprehensive lists online of what not to pressure wash, but as a general rule, anything soft, too old, or painted or stained should be avoided. This might include things like sandstone, asphalt, old furniture or decking, or stained wood (unless you re-stain it after). Do your research before jumping into using a pressure washer to avoid any unnecessary damage!
Is pressure washing safe to do yourself?
Pressure washing can be dangerous. Domestic pressure washers aren’t as powerful as commercial ones, but can still cause damage to you or the surface you’re cleaning without the right precautions. Make sure to read over your pressure washer’s use and safety instructions before you start cleaning, and refer to our website for extra tips and tricks.
Is an electric pressure washer a good investment?
If you’ve got a big one-off project to do with a pressure washer, you can simply rent a commercial pressure washer or hire a professional to do it for you. Buying a smaller home pressure washer probably isn’t a great idea if it’s not going to be put to regular use. However, if you’ve got a lot of smaller surfaces that need pressure washing more regularly, having your own equipment at home can be much easier and cheaper in the long run!
Are gas pressure washers any better than electric pressure washers?
Electric pressure washers are way more common these days than gas pressure washers and for good reasons. Although gas pressure washers are cordless and can be more powerful than electric models, the gas engines require constant maintenance and produce harmful emissions. They can’t be used indoors or in areas with a cover. Electric pressure washers tend to be cheaper to buy and maintain, and although they’re less portable, they’re also less harmful. There’s a bit of a trade-off in power if you go electric, but generally, this is recommended as gas pressure washers have significant cons. However, for a seriously heavy-duty job, gas is the way to go.
What’s the difference between an electric pressure washer and an electric power washer?
Pressure washing and power washing are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing? Power washing is when the water used is heated, whereas pressure washing uses cold water or water straight out of the garden tap. Heated water tends to clean better, but can’t be used on all surfaces. It’s not great for brick, concrete, or masonry as it’s too harsh. Power washing should also only be used for large areas that are particularly dirty or covered in mold or moss. Stick to pressure washing for smaller areas with softer surfaces.
1 comment
Several of these, including the TEANDE at the top of the list are not going to have replacement parts available, and use sizes that are uncommon or unavailable in the US. This means the cost to fix a hose is the cost to replace the whole unit.