There are two basic types of pressure washers- gas and electric. We want to focus on the electric ones here, as they are often better suited for wider range of jobs. As many professionals caution, it’s safer to use the electric ones to wash cars and the sides of houses, where paint could be damaged by an overly powerful pressure washer.
We have provided an extensive guide for pressure washers here, particularly what to look for in a pressure washer and which ones are our tops picks on the market today. These are incredible tools that can cut your workload down considerably, but you need to choose the right one and not fall for marketing tricks or cheap, flimsy models.
What to Consider Before You Buy an Electric Pressure Washer
It’s important that you not rush into buying something this expensive. You will probably want to use your pressure washer for all sorts of outside cleaning chores-washing your deck, spraying down your car, clearing the driveway and more, so you want it to be a tool that you can count on and that will work well even after extended use. That’s why you should keep in mind the following factors:
- Extra features- Many electric pressure washers come with some features beyond just the basic kit. A soap tank takes some of the hassle out and lets you do the washing with a single container. If the nozzle is adjustable then you can work faster and more efficiently, compared to when you need to replace the nozzle each time you want to change the flow of water. Check out the features before you buy to ensure you are getting something that is convenient to use and worth the price.
- Cost- For many people, this will be the most important factor. You may have a budget already and be determined to stick to it when buying a pressure washer. Just be warned that the cheaper options will probably not last as long. While cost may be important to you, you need to consider other aspects of the washer you are considering buying.
- Durability- These pressure washing systems can cost well over $100, and that investment will only pay off for you if the product lasts for a while. You should look at details like the warranty, the reviews that people have written about how long theirs lasted and other key components that tell you how durable this product is. You don’t want to end up having to replace your pressure washer in a few months just because you put down money for a flimsy one.
- Professional use- Even if you are using the pressure washer for home use, you still want to make sure you are getting something that will work well for you. Take time to look at the engine specs and any details related to performance. The best kind of pressure washers are labeled as professional duty and are ideal for a variety of jobs that conventional pressure washers can’t handle. You can get away with a cheaper, less efficient pressure washer, but you need to be prepared for it to not perform very well for those tougher jobs.
- Cleaning goals- The product’s description will generally tell you how it is meant to be used. You should know what your cleaning goals are- professional or residential- and then find a washer that fits that need. You have a lot of options, as you will see when you look at our reviews. That means you need to be careful that you choose one that is right for you, and one of the best indicators for that is to look at the usage listed in the user manual.
What to Avoid
Now that you know what to keep in mind as you shop for a pressure washer, it’s time to look at the things you need to avoid when buying one of these. Here is our list of features to avoid when shopping for this item:
- Cheap Construction- Pay attention to the materials that the washer system is made out of. If it is just plastic or other cheap components, then it may not last very long. Remember that these machines house powerful motors that shake them around from the inside as they work to clean your property. If the shell is made of low-quality materials, then it is going to break down quickly and cause you to lose on your investment. Make the most of your money by choosing high quality materials. You will pay more for them, but it will be worth it in the long run.
- Low water dispensing speed- There isn’t necessarily an ideal speed of gallons per minute your pressure washer should be pumping out. Generally, you will need higher dispensing rates if you are doing industrial cleaning. If you are using a pressure washer that is too slow, then you will be wasting water, since it will take far longer to finish the work you want done. You will also have paid for a fairly ineffective machine, and you need to be careful about what kind of power and speed are provided. Look closely at the gallons per minute output before you buy.
- Gas washer- We are only covering electric washers here, since gas-powered ones are noisier and less efficient. Make sure you stick with the electric ones for greater value for your money (you never have to refill the gas tank) and for a quieter, more pleasant experience that is well suited to residential areas.
- No coverage- You are going to pay close to $100 or more for a pressure washer, depending on what kind of features it has. You’ll want to watch for pressure washers with a good warranty included. The standard length of the warranty for this kind of product is about a year, and that’s usually decent for what you end up paying for. Any washer without coverage or even a 30-day guarantee should be avoided. Check the product details for each item you are considering before buying, to find out more about its warranty and coverage.
- Wrong grade- You need to know what you are using the pressure washer for. You’ll find these products split into three categories. These are Consumer, Semi-Professional and Professional. If you buy the wrong one, you can end up with an almost useless pressure washer or end up paying too much to get a pressure washer that is far more powerful than what you need.
Product Reviews: Top 10 Best Rated Electric Pressure Washers
Now that you know what you should be watching for when you buy a pressure washer, it’s time to look at reviews for the best pressure washing systems out there. We picked these products due to their reasonable price, the value they provide for you and their effectiveness at washing property safely. We have provided a variety of washers here so that you get a good range to pick from.
Best Overall: Sun Joe SPX3000
For about $150, you get a range of replaceable tips (five in total) and a fairly powerful motor. It only puts out a little less than two gallons per minute, though, so it is not as fast as you might want for industrial projects. It will be fine for more residential washing, though. It comes with two tanks, so you can store your detergent with room to spare or have two different cleaning solutions in your machine at once to tackle and switch between different cleaning projects. This machine comes with a water-saving shutoff system that turns off the pump when you are not pressing the hose trigger. While the low speed will waste more water than a more powerful washer, this feature does a good job of conserving water for you.
Pros
- Extra storage tank.
- Plenty of attachments.
- Water-saving system.
Cons
- Only suitable for residential work.
Best For the Money: Greenworks 1700
You will pay just over $90 for this washer by Greenworks. It pumps out just over 1.2 gallons per minute, but it can be used either vertically or horizontally for greater maneuverability and versatility. It pumps out 1700 PSI and is a fairly quiet pressure washer, which makes it ideal for neighborhood use. You don’t want to make the neighbors upset by pumping out too much water onto the road or making a lot of noise, and this machine lets you control both of those to great effect. The hose has an issue sometimes where it arrives stripped, though, and it may not fit into the machine and require repairs before you can start using the Greenworks washer. This won’t happen to everyone who orders it, but it happens enough to be a noticeable problem worth calling out.
Pros
- Inexpensive option.
- Quiet operation.
Cons
- Hose may not arrive usable at your doorstep.
Best electric pressure washer for Home Use: AR Blue Clean AR383
You’ll get about 1.5 gallons per minute from this washer, and it has two removable nozzles with it as well. It comes with a storage reel for easy packing and a 35-foot power cord. It’s covered by a full year warranty, which is far better than a lot of the competition, which provide no coverage at all, in many cases. This washer from AR has been designed to be environmentally friendly. It uses less water than a lot of similar washing systems, and it runs quieter than a gas-powered washer would. It’s also very easy to set up once you have a garden hose all ready to connect it to. It connects very easily and can be assembled with minimal hassle.
Pros
- Lengthy power cord.
- A full year’s coverage.
- Conserves water.
- Easy to put together.
Cons
- Low water dispensing speed.
Best electric pressure washer for cars: Snow Joe Sun Joe SPX3001
You get a fantastic two-year warranty with this washer by Snow Joe, plus five interchangeable nozzles. It pumps out water at just under 2 gallons per minute, which is fine for residential cleaning jobs. This washer comes with an onboard reel that can hold the hose when not in use. There is a water-saving feature in this Snow Joe washer, just like in the other model from the same company. It shuts off the pump when the trigger isn’t being activated, and that is great for conserving water when you are trying to clean outside.
Pros
- Lots of included attachments.
- Auto-shutoff feature.
- Included hose reel.
Cons
- There have been some complaints about the pump being of Low quality.
Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure
This washer system by Karcher pumps out water at a rate of 1.2 gallons per minute. It includes a storage bin for all the accessories and an unprecedented 3-year warranty. You don’t have to worry about replacing this and spending your own money for a long time, making it one of the best value propositions out there. But how well will it work for you while it is under warranty? Well, it is a very durable washer with a sturdy frame and a very efficient spraying system. You should not have any troubles with this one, and at about $130, it offers some of the best value on the market.
Pros
- Durable construction.
- Three-year warranty.
- Simple to set up.
Cons
- Not very powerful, not the best option for heavy-duty jobs.
Briggs & Stratton 20667 Electric Pressure Washer
This is definitely one of the more expensive high-quality pressure washers. It can pump out water at a rate of 3.3 gallons per minute (which can be used in tougher cleaning jobs), but you can adjust it to produce a slower rate of dispersal. The nozzle comes with a variety of options that give you seven different modes to pick from. The detergent tank is integrated into the washer, so all you need to do is add soap to get an effective cleaning solution. The biggest drawback of this washer is that it only comes with a one-year warranty and it is limited in what it will cover. Other than that, though, you get a high quality, very durable washer that works well even on tough jobs.
Pros
- Incredibly strong.
- Powerful pump.
- Lots of options.
Cons
- Kind of expensive.
- Poor warranty, considering the price.
Stanley SLP2050 2050 psi 2-in-1 Electric Pressure Washer
This one is only slightly less expensive, coming in at about $170. It uses less water than a lot of the competition, giving you a cost-saving and water-saving cleaning experience. It includes a mobile cart that makes it easy to move around, even on rough terrain. A two-year limited warranty is included as well, and that includes a lifetime of free customer support for your machine. The connectors on this machine are very strong, reducing leaks and ensuring a secure connection.
Pros
- Durable construction.
- Saves water and money.
- Covered by a two-year warranty.
Cons
- Somewhat expensive for what it offers in terms of features.
PowRyte Elite 2100PSI 1.8GPM Electric Pressure Washer
You’ll get just under 2 gallons per minute from this PowRyte washer and will pay about $170. It features large wheels that make it a breeze to cart around, as well as a detergent bottle onboard that makes for easy cleaning. It comes with a 20-foot hose, and the pump is capable of 2100 PSI of pressure. Like a few of the other washers on this list, it has an auto-shutoff feature when you stop using the trigger. This will save quite a bit of water.
Pros
- Conserves water.
- Easy to move around.
Cons
- Kind of costly.
Power Pressure Washer 2300 PSI Electric
This is one of the more expensive washers you can get that is still worth the money. It retails for about $220, and it comes in a few different colors. It features a quiet motor and is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It is designed to be power efficient, which ensures that it lasts longer and saves you energy. It pumps out about 2 gallons per minute (just short of that, actually), but it has a very reliable pump that should last you for a very long time. This washer comes with four nozzles as well, which give you different types of spray.
Pros
- Lasts for a long time.
- Lots of options available.
- Comes with four nozzles.
Cons
- Very expensive.
Ivation Electric Pressure Washer 2200 PSI
This pressure washer will give you 1.8 gallons per minute, and it costs about $135. It has a lot of features to help justify the price, such as a powerful pump, a few included attachments, easy setup and nozzle changeout, auto-shutoff and an included soap container. However, it is hampered by less than stellar build quality and some of the connectors can wear out or become disconnected over time and after extended use. It’s a decent quality machine, but not for the price you pay, which is why we think most people will do better with something a bit more affordable but every bit as durable.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Shuts off automatically.
- Powerful pump.
Cons
- Quite costly.
- Some cheap components.
Conclusion
You have a wide range of electric pressure washers to choose from here, and there are others out there as well, if you don’t find something on our list that fits your needs or your budget. Once you find one that suits you, then enjoy your new electric pressure washer, because extensive cleaning jobs can become a lot easier. We think you will love that it runs quietly, that it can be used almost anywhere and that it requires little maintenance over its lifetime. A high-quality electric pressure washer can benefit you tremendously, saving you time, money and effort as you clean your property.