Best pressure washer: 5 top buys for deep cleaning outdoors

The best pressure washers include small models for speedy cleans and bigger machines to blast through grime. Whether cleaning cars, patios, or decking we've got the scoop on the best pressure washers for your cleaning needs.

Best pressure washer: Kärcher K2
(Image credit: Amazon)

Make the hardest outdoor jobs easier with the best pressure washer on hand. The right power washer can be invaluable, providing cleaner results when your old patio furniture needs reviving or your outdoor deck is covered in dirt and grime. With multiple modes and features, pressure washers are easy to use, allowing for less strain on those difficult outdoor cleaning jobs that a garden hose just can't handle. 

Before picking the first pressure washer you spot at your local store, read this useful guide to compare the features on offer, as well as their different price points to see what you can get for your money. After you've made your outdoor space sparkling clean, take a look at our latest garden ideas for inspiration throughout the year.

THE BEST PRESSURE WASHERS OF 2020

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Best pressure washer you can buy: Kärcher K2 Premium Full Control Car and Home Pressure Washer

1. Kärcher K2 Premium Full Control Car and Home Pressure Washer

Best all-around and patio pressure washer: lightweight but powerful, this one’s the best all-round washer you can buy, perfect for patios, decking, paving, cars, and bikes

Specifications

Best for: Everything you need to blast-clean outside the house
Max. pressure: 1600 psi
Hose length: 20 ft
Weight: 16.9 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Delivers detergent straight from the washer
+
Comes with accessories
+
Easy to use and control

Reasons to avoid

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Possibility of water leaks
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Wheels not great quality

One of the leading names in the industry, this Kärcher pressure washer has a full control system, which is simple to use. Follow along as the pressure washer guides you on which pressure to use for different tasks. 

How to use

This one is extremely easy to use and an ideal buy for those who’ve never used a pressure washer before.  With a full control system, it tells you which pressure to use. A simple twist of the Vario Power spray lance changes the pressure, while the quick-connect hose and detergent tank are a piece of cake to put together. No need to lift weights to move this baby around. It's lightweight with wheels putting less physical strain on your body.  

Power output

There are four settings to choose from. Mix is the lowest, used for the application of detergents; soft is a wider, less powerful spray for more delicate materials such as wood; medium is the most commonly used while hard is a narrow, targeted spray for built-up dirt on patios and driveways.

Additional features

It comes with four settings, from a detergent option to a flat spray jet, as well as a dirt blaster lance that's perfect for tackling stubborn stains on concrete, patios, and decking. Add detergent to the tank to make your surfaces sparkling clean. It’s great for all of your outdoor cleaning needs including cars, and is easy to store after use as the telescopic handle collapses down and the attachments can be stored on the device itself.

  • Buy the Kärcher K2 Premium Full Control Car and Home Pressure Washer

Westinghouse WPX2700 Gas Powered Pressure Washer

(Image credit: Amazon)

2. Westinghouse WPX2700 Gas Powered Pressure Washer

Best pressure washer for sturdy design: a great high-pressure washer with a hardwearing design

Specifications

Best for: All kinds of cleaning tasks thanks to three pressure nozzles and a heavy duty engine
Max. pressure: 2700 psi
Hose length: 25 ft
Weight: 63 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Heavy-duty pressure capability 
+
Highly durable design
+
Half gallon soap dispenser

Reasons to avoid

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Heavier than other models
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Requires gas

We’ve picked this pressure washer because the steel frame construction was built to last. Though it's pretty heavy, the never-flat wheels make moving it over any outdoor area convenient and easy to use. 

How to use

Recommended for larger cleaning tasks, as this model can deliver a powerful pressure washing. You'll have to switch between three pressure nozzles and one soap nozzle to utilize different pressures for different tasks.

Power output

The 2700 psi pressure capability combined with the half-gallon soap tank makes it the perfect power washer when dealing with ground-in dirt on brick, stone, concrete, wood, or iron. Just switch to the low nozzle to use the reduced power for more delicate surfaces such as car bodywork and decorative paving.

Added features

The maintenance-free axial cam pump is a nice feature, as is the lightweight EndraGrasp spray gun with a locking feature. With a Quick Start Guide, engine oil, and tools included, you can get to power washing sooner than later. 

  • Buy the Westinghouse WPX2700 Gas Powered Pressure Washer

Sun Joe SPX3000

(Image credit: Amazon)

3. Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer

Best pressure washer for the price: the Sun Joe offers great pressure and quality features at an affordable price.

Specifications

Best for: using two different types of detergents simultaneously
Max. pressure: 2030 psi
Hose length: 20 ft
Weight: 31 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Two removable detergent tanks
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Total Stop System saves energy
+
Affordable price
+
Electric powered

Reasons to avoid

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The working pressure is actually 1450 psi 
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Have to connect different spray tips for different pressures

This pressure washer can handle a wide range of cleaning projects. With a decent price and practical features, it's a good choice for your pressure washing jobs.  

How to use

You’ll be able to blast clean everything from cars to decks in no time with this Sun Joe model. The two .9 liter removable detergent tanks allow users to add different soaps if necessary to cut through the tough grease of a grill or the grime on an RV. It has a wand with five easy-to-connect spray tips and a TSS -- Total Stop System trigger -- which helps you save energy by turning off the pump immediately when the trigger is not engaged.  

Power output

Whether it’s giving flowerpots a quick scrub or blasting a driveway that has seen better days, this pressure washer can deal with most jobs. Some users get confused when they see the marketing materials highlighting an internal 2030 psi because in reality, the Sun Joe has a 1450 psi working pressure (it doesn't lessen the quality of the model, just means it can't do super heavy-duty washing). Add in the fact that this is an electrical piece of equipment (no need to buy gas!), and the Sun Joe is a good choice for anyone. 

Added features

It’s easy to store after use and the two rear wheels make it easy to maneuver. Another benefit is that Sun Joe offers a two-year warranty from the date of purchase: no questions asked. 

  • Buy the Sun Joe SPX3000

RYOBI 3600 psi Gas Pressure Washer

(Image credit: Home Depot)

4. RYOBI 3600 psi Gas Pressure Washer

Best premium power washer: you'll get a lot for your money, like incredibly strong pressure

Specifications

Best for: Professionals and those who need to use a washer often for the toughest jobs
Max. pressure: 3600 psi
Hose length: 35 ft
Weight: 80 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra-powerful for ground-on dirt
+
Honda GX200 commercial duty engine
+
Faster, more thorough cleaning

Reasons to avoid

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Hefty price tag
-
Quite heavy to lift
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Gas required

When you want the job done quickly and efficiently, this washer won't mess around as it features a heavy-duty engine and pressure capability that will make all your neighbors jealous.

How to use

Though it may be large, this Ryobi is easy to handle with flat-free wheels. You'll be in full control with the adjustable throttle and five connectors designed to help clean everything from brick and concrete to gutters, siding, RVs, boats, and patios. 

Power output

A super-powerful washer, the 3600 psi pressure design has a professional brass head triplex pump to deliver 2.5 GPM. And it's all powered by a Honda GX200 engine. Talk about hard-hitting power. 

Added features

This piece of equipment is all about high-pressure strength, and yet, the folks at Ryobi managed to design it with a reversible handle for compact storage. Though it's known for being dependable and holding up to time, keep in mind it has a five-year warranty for the unit and a three-year warranty on the engine. 

GreenWorks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer GPW1602

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. GreenWorks Pressure Washer GPW1602

Best portable pressure washer: perfect for smaller tasks around the garden

Specifications

Best for: Cleaning awkward nooks and crannies
Max. pressure: 1600 psi
Hose length: 20 ft
Weight: 17.5 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Compact and portable
+
Great price

Reasons to avoid

-
Some reports of the washer stopping during use
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Reserve for lighter jobs

If you don’t need the full-on power of the aforementioned Ryobi, this pressure washer is ideal for smaller tasks.

How to use

You shouldn't have any trouble taking this baby for a spin. It’s quick and easy to get started as it comes with two nozzle tips and an attachable soap bottle for deeper cleaning. Compact and versatile, this handy pressure washer is well-built to handle all sorts of outdoor cleaning chores, from bikes to bins.

Power output

A 1600 psi isn't too shabby for this GreenWorks model -- it will get many jobs done, though mostly those that focus on the lighter side of cleaning like car washes, dirty windows, and simple spills. 

Added features

The 35-foot power cord combined with the 20-foot hose makes it easy to use this machine in those far-to-reach places of your lot. It's so compact, that it won't take up much space at all. 

  • Buy the GreenWorks Pressure Washer GPW1602

Which is the best pressure washer?

We’ve picked the   Kärcher K2 Premium Full Control Car and Home Pressure Washer, as it comes with a selection of handy attachments, is easy to use, super light, and has a good price to boot. Read on for our full review along with details of our other favorite buys this year and how to choose the best model for your cleaning needs.

How to choose the best pressure washer

When it comes to picking the most suitable product for your needs, there is a lot more to consider than price. While we all love a bargain, you often get what you pay for, and by spending a little extra, you can get a washer that will last longer and work wonders. After all, it isn't just your porch and paving you'll be using this tool on, a pressure washer can also be super useful for cleaning off outdoor furniture, hosing down the driveway or power washing kids outdoor play equipment and leisure kit.

Pressure

Pay close attention to the pressure capability to see if the pressure washer will tackle the tasks you need it to with ease. Models with 1300-1800 psi should be fine for cleaning mud off bikes and lawn furniture, light mildew removal, and spot cleaning. For patios, deck, siding, and other heavy-duty jobs, you'll want a better model with 2,000-4000 psi pressure capability. 

Cable size

Check how long the lead is, as well as the length of any hose or attachments in order to make sure it will do the tasks you want it to. Does it need to reach high up to tackle the roof of the car for instance? Is it easier to have something that can reach around the side of the house to clean the front path or driveway without having to unplug and re-start? Know what you need your pressure washer to do, to determine the right length of cable and hose. 

Design

A good design can go a long way. You'll want something that's simple to put together, easy to use, and lasts against wear and tear and all weather conditions.
Don't forget to ask yourself questions like: Does it look or feel cheap or is it more robust? Do the attachments look durable enough? If it comes with a range of add-ons, do you really need them or are you paying for things you won’t use on a regular basis? 

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Alex Temblador

Alex Temblador is a Mixed Latinx award-winning author and freelance writer based in Dallas, Texas. Her work in the home space has appeared in outlets like Homes & Gardens, Dwell, Architectural Digest, Culture Trip, Neighborhoods.com, among many others. You can learn more about Alex at AlexTemblador.com.