Isn’t it nice to have your home and vehicles looking sparkling clean? With an electric pressure washer, you can get that green stuff off of your house’s siding, clean the outside of your windows, save a couple bucks by washing your car in your own driveway, and so much more.
The great thing about electric pressure washers is that they’re easy to use, clean running, and they start every time, unlike some gas-powered pressure washers, which are known for the tempermentalness of their engines. With an electric pressure washer, you just roll the unit out, hook it up to your water supply, plug it in, and you’re good to go! It’s a fulfilling experience, for sure. Check out our guide below with more info about buying the best power washer for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PSI with regard to a pressure washer?
Pressure washers are commonly categorized by their PSI, which stands for pounds per square inch. This is the force with which the water comes out of the pressure washer. Some people might think that the higher PSI, the better, but this is not necessarily true. You need to find the sweet spot with sufficient pressure to take off grime and stuck-on dirt, but not so much pressure that the water causes damage to the surfaces you’re trying to clean. For example, a very high pressure can splinter wood decking, take off car paint, and more. Many pressure washers, however, give you the ability to modify the PSI with an adjustment. For pressure washers without the ability to adjust the force of the water, you can simply step back and use the wand from a further distance.
What does GPM mean with pressure washers?
The letters “GPM” stand for gallons per minute. This number describes how much water comes out of the pressure washer, which is different than PSI, which describes its force. The benefit of a higher GPM is that dirt and debris clear away faster because there is more water coming from the pressure washer’s spray wand. This can be helpful when washing windows, for example.
What can I clean with an electric pressure washer?
There are many things you can wash with an electric pressure washer. You can wash your car, the exterior siding of your home, your deck, patio, driveway or sidewalk, and even the outside of your windows. Pressure washers are also great for cleaning RVs and ATVs, outdoor furniture, swimming pools, and garage floors, too.
Buying Guide
Before you make your final selection of an electric pressure washer, here are a few important features to keep in mind:
- PSI & GPM: If you need to tackle very tough stuck on dirt, then a higher PSI in an electric pressure washer would serve you well. However, if you want to do medium to light cleaning of objects with a thin layer of grime, then a higher GPM might be more beneficial to you than a higher PSI, because you’re spraying a higher volume of water. Also, keep in mind that a manufacturer’s stated PSI could be pressure that’s measured as the water comes out of the unit at its source near the motor. After the water goes through a hose and a wand, some of its pressure naturally is lost. The truth is that in most cases, a moderate PSI is sufficient for most household cleaning jobs.
- Portability: How far you’ll be moving your electric pressure washer is a factor in how valuable its portability is to you. Generally, pressure washers have wheels and can be rolled around. However, if you store the pressure washer in your basement or you want to bring it upstairs to wash a second floor outdoor deck, then its size and weight are relevant. Check the manufacturer’s product description for details about a pressure washer’s weight and size. This can be important, because if you’re shopping online, it’s hard to tell the size of a pressure washer from pictures.
- Hoses & Accessories: Different manufacturers and sellers offer a variety of accessories with their electric power washers. For example, some have different nozzles, and some washers have longer hoses than others. A pressure washer with a longer hose and wand apparatus will allow you to get further away from the washer itself. In this case, a longer wand hose would make it easier to walk around your vehicle to reach all sides of it with only minimal moving of the heavy pressure washer unit.
We know you’re anxious to get out there and catch a little spray while you get your stuff impressively spic and span! Check out our top picks for the best electric pressure washers:
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Electric High Pressure Washer
Best Overall
Two Detergent Tanks
For an all-around go-to pressure washer with practical features, look no further than this electric washer from Sun Joe.
This electric pressure washer from Sun Joe has a powerful 1800-watt motor that delivers up to 1.76 gallons per minute at a pressure of up to 2030 PSI. You can tackle different projects without having to empty out the detergent tank, because this pressure washer has two separate tanks that can hold different cleaners.
Pros:
- Powerful 1800-watt motor – 2030 PSI
- Two detergent tanks for different types of cleaning
- Pump auto shut-off
- Text customer support
Cons:
- Unit may develop operational problems
- Customer support may be insufficient
WHOLESUN 3000PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Highest Pressure
Strong Flow Up to 3000 PSI
With a powerful 3000PSI, this electric pressure washer quickly cleans cars, trucks, siding, patios, outdoor furniture, and more.
This electric pressure washer from WHOLESUN delivers an impressive 3000 PSI and 2.4 GPM with a 1600-watt engine. Its leak proof connection to your water supply and its handle and wheels make this unit easy to use on everything you’d like to clean around the exterior of your home.
Pros:
- Powerful water stream of 3000 PSI
- Leakproof 20-foot hose
- Motor is trigger activated
- Attentive customer support
Cons:
- Actual PSI may vary
- Top heavy unit is difficult to maneuver
Stanley SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer
Best Extras
Foamer and Variety of Nozzles
You’ll get everything you need to get your home, patio, or car clean with the foamer and extra nozzles included with this pressure washer.
This pressure washer is made by Stanley, a name well-established in professional cleaning equipment. This unit comes with a 25-foot hose and 4 nozzles with leak proof connections, and its detergent bottle can also be used as a high pressure foamer to tackle difficult spots.
Pros:
- Includes high pressure foamer
- 2150 PSI max pressure
- Includes 25-foot hose and 4 nozzles
- Also available in other models
Cons:
- Soap comes out with lower pressure
- Wand is too short
Briggs & Stratton 20680 Electric Pressure Washer
Most Dependable
Mady By the Engine Experts
This pressure washer delivers 1800 PSI and sprays water at a rate of 1.2 gallons per minute, and has a reliable engine.
The people at Briggs & Stratton are known for making high quality engines that last for years, so you can bet that they know how to make a reliable pressure washer that you can depend on. This 1800 PSI washer has wheels and weighs a manageable 26.5 pounds, making it simple to move to wherever you need it.
Pros:
- Universal motor made to last
- 1800 PSI of cleaning power
- 20-foot flexible hose
- Lightweight at 26 ½ pounds
Cons:
- Assembly requires special grease
- 2-step operation: press button and pull trigger
Greenworks 2000 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer
Highest Standards
Designed to Meet Industry Specs
This is a dependable pressure washer that will get the exterior of your home, your vehicles and outdoor furniture beautifully clean.
This electric pressure washer from Greenworks comes with a 25-foot high pressure hose and a 35-foot power cord, so you can get to nearly anywhere you need to with the powerful 2000 PSI flow. This washer has been designed to comply with industry standards, and is a great fit for home projects.
Pros:
- Tested and rated to PWMA standards
- 14 amp motor delivers 2000 PSI
- Auto stop when trigger is not engaged
- Sprays at 1.2 gallons per minute
Cons:
- Spray range is 5-7 foot max
- No wand extension available
