The 5 Best Pressure Washers (2023) for your needs

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When spring comes, outdoor chores and yard work become more appealing, but dirt, mildew, and mold start to grow on different surfaces again. This dirt seems to get on everything, from the side of your house to the outdoor furniture to the sidewalks and roads. Consider the power of a pressure washer to make sure you can fully enjoy the season and get those dirty surfaces cleaned up quickly.

I can say that power washers are great tools because I’ve used them. They clean not only by using the force of high-pressure water, but also by using cleaning agents stored in the machine’s tanks (or, in some cases, by siphoning cleaner from a nearby bucket) to make the cleaning even better. One more benefit is that pressure washers use much less water than a yard hose would for the same cleaning jobs.

During the testing part, we were able to look at more than a dozen pressure washers, both gas-powered and electric ones. Our goal was clear: to find out which ones are the best when it comes to keeping things clean. After a lot of tests, we’ve narrowed down the list to only include the best ones.

In the parts that follow, you’ll learn about the history of pressure washers and the most important things to keep in mind. We’ve also written in-depth reviews of the types that did the best in our tests. Also, keep an eye out for some newly released machines that we haven’t had a chance to test yet but plan to put through their paces in the coming weeks.

Best Pressure Washers Comparison Table

Utilize a surface cleaning attachment, add an appropriate detergent, and work in even, overlapping passes to clean concrete driveways properly. Doing so will prevent streaks or damage to the driveway’s surface.

Feature	Simpson MegaShot	Ryobi 2,300 PSI Electric	MegaShot MSH3125	Pro GPW2700	Sun Joe SPX3000-XT1
PSI (Pressure Rating)	3,200 PSI	2,300 PSI	3,200 PSI	2,700 PSI	2,300 PSI
GPM (Water Flow Rate)	2.5 GPM	1.2 GPM	2.5 GPM	2.3 GPM	1.2 GPM
Power Source	Gasoline	Electric (Corded)	Gasoline	Gasoline	Electric (Corded)
Engine Type	Honda GX200	N/A	Honda GC190	Generic OHV	N/A
Hose Length	25 feet	25 feet	25 feet	25 feet	20 feet
Wheels for Portability	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Latest Deal	Check Deal	Check Deal	Check Deal	–	Check Deal

List of the Best Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are able to accommodate a wide variety of attachments, including as surface cleaners, extension wands, and various nozzles that are designed for the cleaning of particular surfaces. As part of routine maintenance, the machine must be cleaned, the hoses and connections must be inspected, and, if applicable, it must be winterized. Keep your pressure washer in a cool, dry place out of the way of any damage.

Simpson MegaShot

Feature	Description
Maximum PSI	3200 PSI
Engine Type	Gas-powered
Hose Length	25 feet
Nozzles Included	Five quick-connect nozzle tips
Weight	65 pounds
Warranty	2-year limited warranty on engine
	Check Price

We believe that the Simpson MegaShot is worth the additional money despite the fact that it is the most costly of the pressure washers on our list due to its excellent power. This type, which has a maximum PSI of 3,200, five quick-connect spray tips, and a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, is more closely linked with a piece of equipment that would be used in a professional setting.

It is more than what the typical homeowner will require, but it is an excellent choice for any do-it-yourselfer who places a high priority on performance and durability. Be mindful, though, that its weight of 65 pounds makes it more difficult to transport than some other versions.

Ryobi 2,300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Feature	Description
Maximum PSI	2300 PSI
Engine Type	Electric
Hose Length	25 feet
Nozzles Included	Three quick-connect nozzle tips
Weight	32 pounds
Warranty	3-year limited warranty
	Check Price

This top pick gets high marks from our experts and from most people who try it. The best-selling machine has an impressive 2,300 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure for an electric machine. This makes it a great choice for home users who want to be able to do a wide range of jobs. Dan says, “It’s a big machine, but the big wheels and padded grip make it easy to use.” “It’s also one of the quieter pressure washers we tested, even though it was one of the most powerful ones we looked at.”

The Ryobi is strong for its size because it can pump out a good 1.2 gallons per minute (GPM) at a great 2,300 PSI. When power-washing big areas, the large detergent tank on board is helpful. We also like the bonus turbo nozzle, which is supposed to give up to 5% more cleaning power for harder jobs like driveways with oil stains or fences with a lot of mildew. “It made short work of the moss-covered bricks in my back garden,” says Edmund.

MegaShot MSH3125 Pressure Washer

Feature	Description
Maximum PSI	3200 PSI
Engine Type	Gas-powered
Hose Length	25 feet
Nozzles Included	Five quick-connect nozzle tips
Weight	65 pounds
Warranty	2-year limited warranty on engine
	Check Price

The MegaShot is a piece of outdoor power tools that lives up to its name. For the price, you get a big Honda engine with big air cooling fins on its head (it’s one of the best engines in the business, by the way) and a big pump with anodized tube fittings. And when that engine and pump work together, they can blast a lot of dirt away. No, this is not a professional power washer.

For that, you’d have to spend an extra $1,000. But for this price, it’s about as close as you can get. We used it to clean concrete (including removing masonry stain), dirty vinyl siding and trim, mildewed wood, outdoor furniture that could only be described as grotesque, and vinyl fence that was just as dirty. While we were at it, we blasted anything else that looked even a little bit dirty in the area.

Pro GPW2700 Pressure Washer

Feature	Description
Maximum PSI	2700 PSI
Engine Type	Gas-powered
Hose Length	25 feet
Nozzles Included	Four quick-connect nozzle tips
Weight	60 pounds
Warranty	2-year limited warranty on engine

The GPW2700 easily won the electric pressure washer category, which isn’t strange since it’s an expensive and well-made piece of equipment. Its high pressure and volume mean that it can clean faster and better. And those are because the motor is always running, not just when you pull the button on the spray wand. This makes the trigger respond faster and lowers priming because the pressure on the pump stays the same.

Even though the pressure washer stands up when you want to store it or move it with wheels, it works horizontally. That means it can’t fall over. And a hook that can turn makes it easier to wrap the 35-foot cord. We don’t like that the hose outlets for both the spray wand and the yard hose hookup are close to each other, making it hard to use either one.

Sun Joe SPX3000-XT1 XTREAM

Feature	Description
Maximum PSI	2030 PSI
Engine Type	Electric
Hose Length	20 feet
Nozzles Included	Five quick-connect nozzle tips
Weight	32 pounds
Warranty	2-year limited warranty
	Check Price

Our testers liked how well the Sun Joe XTREAM worked on all surfaces, from brick to concrete to PVC. But we like this model especially for people who want to pressure-wash their car because it comes with a lot of tools that make the job easier. The tests we did show that the detergent foam gun can shoot soapy water up to 15 feet. We also tried out the soft-bristled brush and the rim brush, which can be used together to clean every part of the outside of the car. The quick-connect tubes that can be stored onboard make it easy to rinse.

Edmund says, “We used the 40-degree nozzle to paint the car’s body, and the 25-degree nozzle to paint the tires and wheels.” “This is a very versatile machine with a lot of power for dirty jobs on hard surfaces.” The Sun Joe is one of the bigger pressure washers we tried, so it will take up more space in your basement or garage. But the smart design, which includes built-in holders for cords and hoses, will help keep things in place.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Pressure Washer

When getting a pressure washer, you should think about a few key things to make sure you get the right model for your needs. Here are the most important things to remember:

• PSI stands for “pounds per square inch.” PSI is a way to measure how much force or water pressure the pressure washer puts out. Higher PSI (like 2,000–4,000 PSI) is good for heavy-duty tasks like stripping paint or cleaning big areas. Lower PSI (like 1,200–1,800 PSI) is best for light-duty tasks like washing a car.
• Rate of Flow (GPM, or Gallons per Minute): GPM is a measure of how much water is put out per minute. When the GPM is higher, more water is sent, which can speed up the cleaning process. Finding the right balance between PSI and GPM is key to cleaning well.
• Source of power: There are both electric and gas-powered types of pressure washers. Electric models are quieter, don’t need as much upkeep, and can be used at home. Gas-powered ones are faster and have more power, but they are louder and need more upkeep.
• How easy it is to carry and move: Think about how big the power washer is and how much it weighs. If you need to move it often, choose a model with wheels or a small size to make it easy to move.

Pressure Washer Safety: Guidelines for Injury-Free Operation

Pressure washers are powerful tools that can make cleaning chores easier and faster. But there are also some safety risks with them. When using a power washer, it’s important to follow safety rules to avoid getting hurt. Here are some important tips for safety:

• Read the instructions: Before you use a pressure washer, you should read the user instructions carefully. Learn about the machine’s features, how to use it, and any safety tips that are special to your model.
• Keep the right distance: Keep the pressure washer tip at a safe distance from the surface you are cleaning. Start far away and move closer step by step as needed while keeping control.
• Put the hose away: Make sure the pressure washer hose is firmly attached to both the machine and the spray wand. A loose hose can hurt you if it whips around.
• When not in use, turn off the machine: When taking a break or switching out parts, you should always turn off the pressure washer. If it’s electric, turn off the power source. If it’s gas-powered, turn off the engine.
• Having enough air flow: If you use a gas-powered pressure washer, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area so that carbon monoxide fumes don’t build up. Don’t use it inside.

Questions and Answers