Pressure Washer

Best Pressure Washer Featured in This Roundup:

List of the Best Pressure Washer

1. Goplus 3000PSI Electric High Pressure Washer

Pros
  • Delivers powerful pressure to clean around your home
  • Comes with a built-in detergent tank
  • Large wheels to improve portability
Cons
  • May have over promised but under delivers
  • May break after only a few uses
Bottom Line

The Goplus 3000PSI Electric High-Pressure Washer does its best to provide us with a high-quality and powerful pressure cleaner that was meant to answer all our cleaning problems. However, this isn't always the case, as it can bring more harm than good at times. But it does do one thing well though — it can provide a thorough clean if you get a unit that doesn't suffer from any defects. 

 

In the end, the Goplus 3000PSI Electric High-Pressure Washer will work fine while it cleans the areas around your home, the car or the boat, but it isn't the best pressure washer that money can afford. However, should you be lucky enough to get a unit that doesn't die after just a few uses, then you have a product that can serve you well for a long time. It also has excellent features to make cleaning a lot easier for you, so there's no need to worry about anything while you clean with the Goplus 3000PSI Electric High-Pressure Washer.

Read our in-depth Goplus 3000PSI Electric High Pressure Washer Review here.

2. Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer

Pros
  • Has six built-in stitches for beginners 
  • Portable and light enough to be carried around
  • Comes with a selection of essential features
Cons
  • May constantly unthread itself
  • May get jammed after only a few stitches
Bottom Line

The Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer almost perfects its system and design but is let down by overheating problems that were supposed to be addressed but were overlooked by the company. Instead of getting praised for its powerful motor and versatility, customers have to worry about its small flaws. However, its affordable price tag does sway us to forget about its potential problems and focus more on the things it gets right. 

 

Overall, we are still crazy about the Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer because of its portable detergent tanks that let you clean two different things at the same time. Plus, it comes with plenty of accessories, so we get more than we asked for, and its price also makes it an excellent option for those on a budget. So for all your pressure cleaning needs, get a Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer to help you work faster and harder without making a hole in the pocket.

Read our in-depth Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer Review here.

3. Greenworks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer

Pros
  • Powerful 1600 PSI water pressure
  • Comes with a soap applicator 
  • Equipped with a 20-foot long hose for a higher reach
Cons
  • May break prematurely
  • Pressure may get weaker over time
Bottom Line

Wanting to make itself more affordable to the public, the Greenworks 1600 Pressure Washer has the lowest price compared to its competitors, which is part of why it is quite popular. However, its problems make it less desirable and lose its appeal from many potential customers. 

 

All in all, though, it is still a powerful pressure washer that can get the job done, should you get a unit that works perfectly. And who knows, if the company manages to correct their mistakes with this product, then perhaps their next iteration will be the real deal.

Read our in-depth Greenworks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer Review here.

4. Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer

Pros
  • Uses a powerful Honda motor 
  • Comes with different nozzles  
  • Compact and lightweight
Cons
  • Does not keep its 100% functionality promise 
  • The package may be sent with missing items
Bottom Line

In the end, the Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer could've been an excellent product, if the company behind it cared more about the quality of their pressure washers rather than the profit they'll be making out of it. While it has the makings to give a brilliant performance, its problems make it too difficult to be put in higher standards, and the company's customer service doesn't help at all. 

 

There's not much of a saving grace for this product. While we are all excited to hear that it carries a powerful Honda motor, that's all out the window because both the product and the company is lacking. Instead of spending $352 on this pressure washer, it's probably better to look for a cheaper alternative that gets the job done. 

Read our in-depth Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer Review here.

5. Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer

Pros
  • Delivers a powerful 2000 PSI performance 
  • Comes with many accessories 
  • The pump is durable, and non-corrosive for lifetime use 
Cons
  • May have been cheaply built
  • Assembly is a nightmare
Bottom Line

In the end, the Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer isn't good enough to be crowned the year's best pressure washer. In fact, it's not even good enough to be in our homes, unless you'd like to conduct a series of troubleshooting and make a few calls to the Karcher customer service. Yes, it can perform its primary job well, but it fails to deliver in every other aspect, in terms of quality, design, and build, which are things we also look for when choosing the right pressure washer for our home. 

 

If you're in the market for a new pressure washer, then I suggest you take a pass with the Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer and save yourself the disappointment of spending a lot on a product that will only cost you more money. It doesn't matter that this model has fancy patented technology, or that it has "maintenance-free" parts, since these promises may not deliver how they say it will. All in all, we couldn't recommend this product to our family and friends so that we wouldn't recommend it to you. 

Read our in-depth Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer Review here.

Pressure Washer Buyers Guide

A pressure washer is the ultimate outdoor cleaning tool. It can be used to wash and clean windows, cars, outdoor furniture, and remove stains caused by mold, mildew, and algae. You can either buy or rent a pressure washer. Renting lets you skip the hassle of finding storage space and maintaining your machine. If you wish to buy your own, it is a worthy investment.

Pressure washers have come a long way. They are now more affordable and many high-quality products are gracing the market. But if you buy the wrong machine, you will be wasting a lot of money and will even have to deal with years of frustration and regret. This guide will help you understand what the machine does, why you need one, and what are the things to consider when shopping for the right pressure washer.

Why buy a Pressure Washer?

A pressure washer can either make your life easier or be a constant source of despair. For one, premium heavy-duty models are not cheap, so choosing the right one for your needs can be daunting. If you are unfortunate enough to end up with the wrong machine or something that just doesn’t work as expected, you will never touch it again. So you now have a dirty patio and loads of money down the drain.

Buying a pressure washer is recommended if you want to increase your ability to maintain and clean your property, giving it greater value in return. Busy homeowners will benefit from an easy, economical, and quick way of cleaning their exteriors through pressure washing. If your time is valuable and you need a powerful cleaner that can clean your property and outdoor furniture from top to bottom, consider buying your own pressure washer.

How does a Pressure Washer Work?

A pressure washer works through a simple mechanism. A standard machine has a water pump powered by either a gas-fueled engine or electric motor. To deliver a strong and concentrated jet of water, the pump accelerates the water supplied from a garden hose.

At the end of the high-pressure rated hose is a water gun; when the trigger is pulled, a mixture of water and air comes out of a concentrating nozzle. The strong pressure can remove dirt more effectively than a brush. The primary components of a typical pressure washer include:

Important Considerations

If properly maintained, your machine could last for years. Because they are built to provide years of reliable use, it will pay for itself in a few years. Now let’s talk about the types of machines available in the market and the things you should consider before purchasing one.

Types of Pressure Washers

The first thing to consider when buying a pressure washer is the kind of work you are going to do and then look for the type of machine that fits your application. Pressure washers are categorized based on their power supply sources. Where you plan to employ your machine should influence your choice.

Gas-powered

Gas engines produce more power but they are usually loud, heavy, and require more maintenance. They are perfect for medium and heavy-duty jobs like cleaning patios, sidings, and sidewalks. Gas-powered washers cost between $250 to $1000.

Electric-powered

Machines with electric motors are typically lightweight, less noisy, and require little upkeep. They can be used in and around the home for smaller projects that require less pressure. You need to connect the machine to a power source or a generator to work. You can find models in a $100 to $250 price range.

Pressure

The amount of pressure is also an essential consideration. The pressure of each unit is measured in bars–the energy with which the water will hit what you are cleaning. The higher the pressure, the easier it is to remove dirt as there is more power. Lower pressure is ideal for delicate cleaning. Machines with a maximum of 120 bars are recommended for fences and patios. Those with a max bar of over 120 is ideal for heavy-duty cleaning.

Power

Most consumers are so focused on the PSI rating of a machine that they fail to consider the other important indicators of a machine’s power. The cleaning force of a pressure washer is dictated by various factors such as the GPM, PSI, and CU rating. Let’s briefly discuss what these acronyms are and why they are important.

PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) the pressure of water that comes out of the spray wand.
GPM (Gallons per Minute) the water flow or volume of water delivered by the machine
CU Cleaning Units) a true indicator of a pressure washer’s cleaning ability

If you can find the CU in the unit’s specifications, you can calculate it by multiplying the PSI and GPM of the unit (PSI x GPM = CU). The greater the CU the greater the power of the machine for cleaning deeply and effectively.

To illustrate the importance of CU rating, lets compare two gas engine machines: machine A has a PSI rating of 3100 and GPM of 2. Machine B has a PSI rating of 2,100 and a GPM of 3. While machine A has a higher PSI rating, it has a lower CU of 6,200 compared to machine B’s 6,300. Yes, machine B has a slightly higher cleaning ability than machine A.
Nozzle Types

Different pressure washer brands may have different types of nozzle–the spout at the tip of the wand that controls the intensity of water being sprayed. Pressure washers are sold with either an adjustable nozzle or interchangeable color-coded ones. The adjustable nozzle has 5 nozzles in one which can be adjusted in real-time. This type is more convenient than replaceable ones.

The red (0 degrees) nozzle provides a small, concentrated and very powerful jet of water for the toughest cleaning jobs. However, consumers are advised to only use this nozzle when needed (or not use it at all), as it can cause serious injuries and damage to properties. The black-tip nozzle has the lowest pressure and can be used to clean fragile surfaces like glass windows.

Some pressure washers come with a turbo or rotary nozzle, but they are usually sold as a separate accessory. It combines the pressure of the red nozzle and spinning at 5,000 – 9,000 RPM to cut your cleaning time in half.

Portability

For practical purposes, the portability of a machine should also be under consideration. A machine should be easy for the user to wheel around and store. Some models can be heavy and even with built-in wheels can be a pain to lug around. A solution for cumbersome machines is to get a longer hose. This would be helpful if you have a lot of steps in your deck or garden.

Pressure Washer Shopping Tips

Pressure Washer FAQs

Q: Is it better to rent or buy a pressure washer?
A: Renting may be more economical if you only need a pressure washer occasionally. The cost of gas engine machines ranges between $250 to $700 for consumers and semi-professional users. Renting a machine will set you back $40 to $100 per day. Buying a mid-range machine would pay for itself within a few renting sessions.

Q: What is a good PSI for a pressure washer?

A: It depends on your project. You should the required pressure for completing different tasks. For example, a PSI of 1500 is sufficient to clean barbecue grills, bikes, and other vehicles. Cleaning dirty concrete requires a PSI between 2000 to 3000. About 2,500 is required for decks and fences.

Q: How long does a pressure washer last?

A: Gas-powered machines can last between 300 to 3000 hours. Some units can last for 5 years and others up to 10 years or more. Electric motor machines are less durable, but can still provide years of reliable service with proper maintenance.

Q: Is it safe to use a pressure washer on a car?

A: You can safely wash bikes, scooters, and cars using a pressure washer. Choose a pressure washer with a setting of 1200 – 1900 PSI.

Q: What kind of detergent can I use in a pressure washer?

A: You can use a variety of commercial products meant for pressure washers or make your own homemade detergent. Bleach, laundry detergent, vinegar, all-purpose cleaners, and a combination of other chemicals can be used in a pressure washer.

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