There are many different reasons you might consider purchasing a pressure washer. Over the last decade, they’ve become largely affordable, and they have so many different uses.
Three of the main reasons people purchase them are to help with washing their automobiles, to clean their patio/garden furniture and to pressure wash their homes and fences.
In this guide, we compare and review the best electric pressure washers so you can pick the best.
If you are thinking of buying an electric pressure washer online, then check out the best ones below:
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030
According to the Sun Joe company, this model is their number one best-seller of all time. It has it all – speed, power and so much more. It is effective on vehicles of all kinds, the walls of houses and other buildings, driveways, lawn furniture and everything in between.
This particular pressure washer’s motor is an 1800 watt/14.5 amp electric motor. It has a PSI of 2030 and a GPM of 1.76, which is about standard for any personal (also known as a “consumer”) pressure washer. There are semi-pro and professional pressure washers with more power, but if you’re using your pressure washer solely for personal use, this one will handle the job admirably, quickly stripping dirt and grime from surfaces and taking care of stains easily enough.
The great thing about the Sun Joe SPX3000 is that it has two tanks for detergent, meaning you can hold twice the amount and get twice as much done without having to stop to refill. It has five different nozzles for different pressure needs, and the whole thing comes equipped with wheels, making transporting it to different areas of your home a breeze.
The cord is 35 feet long; the hose is 20 feet long, and there is a 34-inch extension rod included. Altogether, that adds up to a lot of cleaning range. The system also has what is known as Total Stop System (TSS). This turns off the pump automatically when the trigger is not in use, allowing you to save energy and keep your washer working longer.
Pros
- Includes a two-year FULL warranty.
- Wheels for ease of use.
- It can clean a multitude of surfaces.
- Safety switch to conserve energy.
Cons
- Less pressure than some more expensive washers.
- It doesn’t include all the accessories you might want.
Greenworks 1500
The GreenWorks 1500 is the best pressure washer available if you need something affordable, light and portable. Because it’s small, it takes up very little space and is easy to store. It is so small, in fact, that it can be cleaned up and set in the back of a closet until you need it once more. However, being small doesn’t impact its power, which is a solid 1500 PSI/1.2 GPM for a total CU score of 1800.
This particular machine can clean cars, walls, garden furniture and more, but a 1500 PSI like this one is perfect for people who want a great pressure washer with which you can also wash windows. A lot of washers are too powerful to blast against glass without fear of damaging it. This one, however, is perfectly suited for it.
Another great thing about the GreenWorks 1500 is that it has a 13 amp, water-resistant motor and can be used either horizontally or vertically. There is also a 35-foot cord and a 20-foot hose included in the kit for added reach. It also has a soap applicator which can be used to soap up surfaces before blasting away the dirt, allowing for a deeper clean.
Pros
- Member of PWMA.
- Lightweight for ease of portability.
- Can be used vertically or horizontally.
Cons
- Doesn’t include an attached soap tank.
- Can take a little longer to clean houses.
Powerhouse International Pressure Washer
This is definitely one of the most powerful machines on the list, with some reviewers using phrases like “top in its class” and “unmatchable power, while still others compare its power to that of a more heavy-duty gas-powered pressure washer. It certainly packs a punch at 3000 PSI and 2.2 GPM.
This pressure washer is also a fan-favorite because it comes with so many accessories and attachments. Some of these include, but are not limited to, a hose, five different spray nozzles, a soap bottle, a soap foam cleaner, a surface cleaner and so much more. The unit itself also has a place to house all of these accessories when not in use. The hose is incredibly flexible – 30% more flexible than the hoses on other models by the same brand.
One of reviewers’ favorite aspects of this washer is the hose reel on the back of the unit. It conveniently allows you to reel up your hose when you aren’t using it, keeping it from getting lost, damaged or twisted. The system also features a super quiet auto-stop pump.
Though the washer is on the heavier side and quite large, it isn’t difficult to move thanks to the four wheels on the bottom. This allows easy movement and good balance to keep the unit from tipping over or becoming unbalanced. The wheels are also removable if you need an even more stable experience.
Pros
- Total CU score of 6600.
- Copious attachments included.
- Contains auto-stop pump for quieter use and water conservation.
Cons
- No included detergent system.
- Comes only with a one-year limited warranty.
- A little pricey, but most owners say the price was well worth the product.
Invented by Alfred Karcher in 1950, the first pressure washer combined hot water with an internal combustion motor. It contained a high-pressure water pump and hose and a switch that allowed it to work like a high-powered garden hose.
Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer
Since Alfred Karcher invented the first pressure washer, the Karcher brand has been one of the best pressure washer brands on the market. This particular model has 1700 PSI/1.2 GPM specs and is very affordable. The machine is also incredibly durable with its heavy-duty metal frame and metal hose.
There are a lot of accessories and perks included with this machine, as well. It comes with three detachable nozzles, one of which is a turbo nozzle for extra speed and power. There is also a removable detergent tank, as well as a detachable storage bin and an extra high handle for maximum comfort and ease of use.
This pressure washer also has a really excellent feature in the form of a foot petal to turn the machine on and off, allowing you to keep your hands free for other things. There are also onboard places for storing both the wand and the hose, eliminating the need for extra storage.
Finally, one of the biggest draws to this pressure washer – and all the others from the Karcher brand – is that it comes with a three-year limited warranty and is part of something Karcher calls the “Rapid Exchange Program.” This program allows the customer to replace the entire machine if any of the original’s components stops working.
Pros
- Three-year limited warranty.
- Very affordable.
- Foot petal on/off switch.
Cons
- Only three different nozzles.
- Fewer accessories and attachments than some other machines.
- Unit can be loud.
Greenworks GPW2005
Though it hasn’t been around quite as long as Karcher, Greenworks is quickly becoming one of the most popular pressure washer brands around, and this particular model is one of their best. First of all, it is very powerful. With its 13A Universal motor, 1.2 GPM and 2000 PSI, it cleans hard, and it cleans fast.
It also comes with a lot of great features. The power cord on the unit is 35 feet long, and the hose is 25 feet long, meaning you have a lot of maneuverability without having to find new outlets.
The unit has a high-pressure hose reel that is super durable and dependable. The wand included with the washer is also high-quality and specifically designed with 40 and 25-degree nozzles, a high-pressure soap applicator and a special, heavy-duty turbo nozzle.
Furthermore, the machine comes with both telescoping wheels and a telescoping handle, making it top-of-the-line for ease of movement, despite that it is over 30 pounds in weight. Both the website and the included instruction manual also include a handy guide telling the customer exactly which hose and attachment should be used for each specific type of cleaning job.
Pros
- A heavy-duty wand that can tackle a wide variety of jobs.
- PWMA certified.
- On-board, high-pressure hose reel
Cons
- No attached detergent tank.
- Less included nozzles than some other machines.
Homdox 3500 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
This pressure washer features an air-cooled industrial 1800-Watt motor, allowing for a whopping PSI of 3500 and a 2.6 GPM. It has various settings so that you can lower both the PSI and the GPM if you need less power for cleaning more delicate surfaces.
The adjustable settings allow for safe cleaning of delicate patio furniture, including glass-topped tables, vehicles and RVs. When ramped up to full speed and power, the unit will make quick work of cleaning houses, driveways, patios, barns and other outbuildings. The powerful 3500 PSI will ensure even the most caked-on dirt and seeped-in stains will be removed.
It also features the same Total Stop System (TTS) as mentioned above, which again is an automatic safety system that causes the unit to shut off whenever the trigger is not in use. In addition to being a great safety feature, this also helps with power and water conservation.
The unit itself has a very compact, upright design that makes it perfect for being stored in corners out of the way. It features axle-mounted wheels for easy turning and movement and a pistol-like grip in the trigger for ease of use. There are four different angled nozzles included, as well.
Other accessories and attachments include an almost 20-foot pressure hose, a spray gun (with a place to hold each of the nozzles when not in use), a detergent bottle and a few tools you might need, such as a screwdriver and a wrench.
Pros
- Huge amounts of power from such a compact machine.
- Can be adjusted to clean both large and small, tough and delicate surfaces.
- Features Total Stop System for safety and water conservation.
Cons
- Power cord is only 16-feet long.
- Some reviewers claim the unit isn’t capable of reaching the advertised 3500 PSI.
- Unit can be loud.
PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer
With 1800 watts and 120 volts, this powerful little pressure washer can reach a PSI of up to 2150 almost immediately upon starting it up. 2150 PSI is pretty impressive considering the entire unit is relatively small, weighing only 23 pounds. The small size and slim, upright design also mean it’s easy and convenient to store almost anywhere.
The unit includes a 33-foot power cord and a 26-foot high-pressure hose, which add up to a lot of leeway on moving around and cleaning. There is also a built-in hose reel with a handle; you simply crank the handle when you’re finished, and the hose will wind itself neatly around the wheel, preventing tangles or kinks in the hose.
Like a few other washers on the list, this one too comes with the Total Stop System where the pump shuts off the moment you let off the trigger, saving power, detergent and water and keeping you from losing control of a whipping hose. The handle on the unit makes moving the unit simple, but it can also be used to pick up and carry the unit when you get ready to store it.
The nozzle on the hose is totally adjustable, allowing you to strengthen or weaken the power and speed of the water coming from the hose as needed to allow for cleaning of a wide variety of different things and surfaces. The adjustable nozzle also removes the need to waste time keeping up with and changing over to different nozzles.
Pros
- Built-in hose reel that’s easy to use.
- Built-in foam cannon.
- Metal wand and metal connectors are more durable and keep it from leaking.
Cons
- Only one nozzle.
- Hose must be removed before the hose reel will work.
Stanley SHP2150 2150 Electric Pressure Washer
Stanley knows how to build tools, and this pressure washer is no exception. With its 35-foot power cord, 25-foot high-pressure hose and extension wand, this machine is quite convenient for cleaning larger surfaces that may not have a lot of different outlet points. The powerful motor provides up to 2150 PSI and 1.4 GPM.
This pressure washer is capable of cleaning a wide variety of different surfaces and items, and it comes with four different nozzles to enhance the cleaning process, tailoring the unit to exactly the type of cleaning job you need. Like all Stanley products, this washer is built for heavy-duty durability; however, the wheels offset the 25-pound weight of the unit and make it easy to move around as needed.
One of the most innovative, unique features of this particular pressure washer is that it is designed so that it can double as a high-pressure foamer. This is because the washer includes a built-in foam cannon. This allows for a deeper, more comprehensive clean than some of the other machines on the market.
All the connectors are professional-grade brass connectors, making the unit practically leak-proof. Best of all, your new Stanley pressure washer comes with a two-year limited warranty from the manufacturer, so if you aren’t happy with your purchase, you can return it for a replacement or full refund.
Pros
- Doubles as a foam cannon for extra-deep cleaning.
- Incredibly durable and backed by a warranty.
- Brass fittings for leak-proof experience.
Cons
- User must “prime” the unit if it is left sitting for a while unused.
- Trigger requires strong grip to operate.
Karcher K5 Premium Electric Pressure Washer
The second Karcher pressure washer on the list, this one is a little stronger and faster than the other. It is also a little more pricey. It averages 2000 PSI and 1.4 GPM, for a total CU of 2800. It has a 35-foot power cord and a 25-foot hose for maximum cleaning reach. There is also a mounted hose reel and detergent tank.
Covered by Karcher’s standard two-year warranty and Rapid Exchange Program, customers can buy this product with the confidence that they can return it if it isn’t what they hoped, but the reviews for this particular model are overwhelmingly positive. The unit comes with two separate extension wands: the Dirt Blaster Spray Wand and the Vario Power Spray Wand.
The Dirt Blaster does exactly what it says, which is blast away years of built-up dirt and grime from a wide variety of surfaces. The Vario wand makes adjusting the level of power and speed of the unit as easy as pie. Together, these wands ensure you can clean everything from the toughest, biggest jobs to the smallest, most delicate jobs.
Though the unit weighs more than 30 pounds, the large wheels and convenient handle make movement easy.
Pros
- Design makes the unit very steady and sturdy, unlikely to tip over.
- Two-year rapid replace warranty.
Cons
- Cannot be used with an extension cord.
AR ANNOVI REVERBERI
Referred to on the manufacturer’s website as “the most durable and reliable electric pressure washer Annovi Reverberi makes,” the AR390SS is specifically designed to clean the hardest to clean surfaces of not just dirt and grime, but also mildew and even mold.
The washer’s motor boasts 1400 amps and 120 volts, and the pump on the machine is a tri-axial pressure pump capable of generating up to 2000 PSI and 1.4 GPM. It is built to be very durable and to deliver professional-level cleaning results. The power cord is 35 feet long and features an auto-reset feature in case of trouble. The high-pressure hose is almost as long, coming in at 30 feet. There is also a built-in hose reel.
Other extras include a garden hose adapter, the standard pressure washer gun, an additional extension wand with a quick-connect nozzle feature, built-in Total Stop System (TSS) for water and power conservation, an attached detergent tank and four different nozzles for a wide variety of cleaning needs. There are also included spots all over the unit itself for storing these various components, eliminating the need to store them separately from the pressure washer and risk losing them.
The unit weighs 31 pounds. It does, of course, have wheels and a conveniently located handle for ease of movement though. It also has an internal heating component that will allow the water in the pump to reach temperatures of up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Water at this high temperature will not only clean your surfaces but help sanitize them as well.
Pros
- Water can reach temperatures up to 122 degrees.
- Comes with a wide variety of accessories and attachments.
- Able to deliver professional-level cleaning results.
Cons
- A bit larger and bulkier than other washers, taking up more storage space.
- Does not include a foam sprayer.
Best Uses of Pressure Washers
Washing Automobiles
Because a pressure washer has so much more water pressure than a regular garden hose, many people use them to clean their vehicles. In addition to allowing the car to be cleaned faster, a pressure washer is also better for water conservation. It can also clear away some of the tougher stains that a garden hose can’t.
Garden/Patio & Accompanying Furniture
If you have a concrete or wooden patio, chances are, it isn’t as clean as you’d like it to be. Buying and using a pressure washer can remedy that situation. Outdoor furniture, too, is particularly prone to getting dirty, grimy and even covered with mildew. A pressure washer can also handle these issues. Whether your furniture is wooden, vinyl, plastic or something else, a pressure washer can be used to take years off the appearance of it. Most washers are not recommended for use with glass, however.
Outside of the House and Fences
It doesn’t matter if you live in a relatively small house; if you start trying to wash the exterior of your home with a garden hose, it’s going to feel like you live in a McMansion. However, with a pressure washer, you’ll be able to cut the time in half, and the power behind it is strong enough to remove the most caked-on dirt and seeped-in stains.
Whether your house is made of brick, cinderblocks, wood or something else, an electric pressure washer can clean it right up.
How to Choose the Right Pressure Washer
The first thing you need to familiarize yourself with when looking to purchase a new pressure washer is the lingo. What do all those acronyms in the specs actually mean? There are three main ones to consider:
GPM: Gallons Per Minute
Put simply, GPM is just how much water is being sprayed from the pressure washer’s hose each minute. The higher the GPM, the faster the water sprays the surface of whatever you’re cleaning, and the faster you’re able to get your project completed. Remember: GPM = Speed.
PSI: Pounds per Square Inch
PSI is a measure of how much water pressure your pressure washer is capable of exerting. When a stain sets on your house, car, etc., a chemical bond is formed between the surface of your item and that stain. The longer the stain sets, the stronger the bond becomes.
For a pressure washer to break that bond and remove the stain, the PSI will have to be pretty powerful. In laymen’s terms, the higher the PSI on a pressure washer, the more powerful the blast of water is going to be. Remember: PSI = Power.
CU: Cleaning Units
CU is the actual amount of surface area your pressure washer can clean in a given amount of time. CU is calculated my multiplying your GPM (speed) by your PSI (power). The higher the total CU, the better your pressure washer is going to work.
With those things in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 best (in no particular order) pressure washer finds on Amazon to help you narrow down your search.
Conclusion
With this buyer’s guide, you can now be assured that you have gained a lot of important information about these high-pressure washers. The toughest part of your entire search will be to narrow down your options.
