Best Pressure Washers of 2022

Electric pressure washers are usually perfect for residential and light commercial use. They don’t produce as much power as a gas one, but that’s exactly what makes them special. Due to the less powerful jet, they are a safer choice for cleaning delicate surfaces. You can use an electric power washer to clean your car, a painted fence, or softwood deck without worrying about damages. Here are a few things to check before buying.

• Plugging requirements: One of the most important things to check before buying an electric pressure washer is whether you can use it with an extension cord. Some manufacturers specifically require users to plug the system directly into a wall outlet, and this could limit your range. Also, check out what kind of extension cord is safe to use with your machine.
• Voltage requirements: Most pressure washers run on normal 110 or 120-volt circuits, but don’t take it for granted. Some units may require 240 volts, so you should check before buying to prevent plugging your appliance into the wrong outlet.
• Max PSI: Even if you only need a power washer for home use, chances are you’ll want to clean stains from your driveway or engage in some heavier-duty tasks too. Electric pressure washers are weaker than all other kinds, with PSI ranging between 1,200-1,800. If you want to finish your cleaning tasks faster and more efficiently, opt for a unit at the higher end of the spectrum.
• Accessory compatibility: Your pressure washer will come with either fixed or interchangeable nozzles. If you want to use it with other types of attachments, such as brushes, you should go for the latter type.

If you need more power or more mobility, a gas pressure washer is the way to go. The PSI range on this model goes up to 2,000, making the machine more suitable for heavier duty cleaning. It is a perfect choice for driveways, sideways, and hardwood decks, but it’s louder and heavier than an electric power washer. To make sure it’s worth your money, check out the things below before buying.

• Automatic start: No matter what motor your gas pressure washer comes with, make sure it features electric ignition. A choke engine could be hard to start, especially at a lower temperature.
• CARB certification: We all know gas engines release carbon monoxide and other noxious fumes, that’s why some jurisdictions have strict laws on what kind of gas-powered tools you can or cannot use. To be able to use the power washer you have in all states – and to play it safer – get a CARB-compliant pressure washer, if possible.
• Noise level: Gas engines have more parts than electric motors and are louder. However, if you don’t want your neighbors to put you on a blacklist, check the noise level of your machine and try to get the quietest one.
• Weight: Gas power washers are heavier than electric ones, but you should still make sure their heft is manageable before buying. Most models come with wheels, but if the one you want to buy only has a carrying handle, make sure you can lift and carry it.

Commercial power washers are nothing but the heavy-duty counterpart of the residential gas or electric systems. They are more powerful and can run on either electricity or gasoline – you may even find some battery-powered models in this category. As you can imagine, they are bigger and heavier than a residential unit but can help get your job done really fast.

• PSI range: Commercial pressure washers can serve a variety of purposes, from heavy-duty cleaning of a driveway to cleaning windows or expensive hard floors. Since each task requires a different kind of power, get a pressure washer with a wide PSI range.
• Interchangeable nozzles: Besides proper pressure, each cleaning task may require a different type of jet. All-in-one nozzles could be easier to use but are not as effective as interchangeable nozzles, each of which is designed specifically for a particular jet type.
• On-board detergent tank: Heavy-duty cleaning may require soap at some point, and having a soap tank on-board will make it easier to use the machine.
• Wand type: If you want your commercial pressure washer to be as versatile as possible, make sure the wand is made from heavy-duty aluminum rather than plastic and that it is telescopic.

Whether it’s commercial or residential, a power washer may either use cold water or hot water to get the job done. Hot water pressure washers are a suitable choice for garages and industrial warehouses, as they are very effective in cleaning oil and grease off the surfaces. For home use, this type is useful if you want to remove mold or mildew.

• Temperature range: Hot water pressure washers can heat water up to 300°F, sometimes higher. However, most manufacturers allow you to adjust the temperature, so you can use it for both cold washing and hot washing. Some of the best hot water pressure washers around can operate in the 50°F – 310°F range.
• Price: If you thought commercial pressure washers are expensive, know that a hot water system can cost an average of three times as much as a cold water power washer.
• Thermal relief: This safety feature helps release heat build-up that could damage your unit’s motor.
• Detergent injection: Makes cleaning easier by dispensing detergent or sanitizing products automatically.

Environmentally-conscious individuals who crave the mobility of a gas pressure washer might find a cordless system an adequate substitute. They don’t have quite the power of a gas pressure washer but can be more practical than an electric model in many situations. The main downside is the runtime, which could be disappointingly short on lower-end models.

• Battery type: Like most cordless tools, including lawn mowers and string trimmers, power washers can have either nickel-cadmium or lithium-ion batteries. While most manufacturers nowadays use the latter, just check before buying to prevent disappointment.
• Runtime: Depending on the voltage and quality of the battery, you could get anything between half an hour and over three hours of juice. If you want to finish all cleaning tasks in one go, invest more money and get one of the top-range pressure washers.
• Charge time: Lithium-ion batteries may require a couple of hours to recharge, while NiCad models up to 8 hours or more.
• Interchangeable battery: Some pressure washers come with removable batteries you can pair with other power tools, such as hedge trimmers, weed eaters, or even cordless drills and screwdrivers.