Best Pressure Washers for Hosing Away the Dirt and Grime

As the thousands of hours of YouTube tributes will attest, pressure washing is an oddly zen activity—there’s just something so satisfying about revealing strip after strip of clean surface under all that grime. Of course, if your pressure washer doesn’t work properly, then you’ll have the exact opposite experience, so take a look at our guide to the best pressure washers out there.

Our picks for the best pressure washers

What to consider before buying a pressure washer

PSI rating

“The first thing to consider is the PSI rating, which stands for Pounds per Square Inch, which is essentially how much force is exerted when water is sprayed,” says Matthew Baratta, VP of operations at Daimer Industries. “Generally, pressure washers range from 1,000 to over 4,000, with the higher end of the scale being used for things like outdoor restorations.”

Flow rate

The flow rate of a pressure washer is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and usually ranges from one to three. “The higher the GPM, the more water that is used, so it’s important to pay attention to this for environmental reasons,” says Baratta. He also warns that if the machine is being used indoors for any reason, you’ll want to opt for a lower GPM to avoid immediately soaking the place. “However, a higher GPM means more flushing power, so if you’re removing large amounts of dirt/soil, a higher GPM is generally better and often more important than a high PSI,” he adds.

Cleaning units

Cleaning units are another valuable metric, calculated by multiplying the PSI by the GPM, which tells you the rinsing power of the machine. “Generally, you want to pay attention to cleaning units to know how fast you will be able to clean a surface,” advises Baratta.

Storage

“People should take into account how often they’re going to use it and how and where they’re going to store it,” says Josie Arrowsmith, senior product manager pressure washers at Stanley Black+Decker. “If doing lighter cleaning, a lower PSI will save some money and space. For heavier duty cleaning, like concrete, a higher PSI will be better.”

Hose length

The length of hose you need will largely depend on how big a job it is–if you’re trying to clean a large building or outside area, a longer hose will be more convenient.

Fuel source

As with other large outdoor equipment, like lawnmowers or snow blowers, your options for fuel sources will be diesel, gas, or electric. “Each has its pros and cons,” says Baratta. “Electric models require a power source, while diesel will allow the machine to be portable, and gas and diesel also tend to be more powerful. Gas is more common in commercial and industrial models, whereas electric is more suitable for small-scale pressure-washing projects.”

Maintenance tips for pressure washers

Next time you get the pressure washer out for another spray session, “Be sure to use fresh gas or diesel if your model requires it and adequate water before turning it on,” advises Baratta. “Once the equipment is on, make sure the nozzle stays open to avoid pressure build in the hose that could cause combustion.”

“After each use, ensure the unit is dried off, clean the nozzle with a cloth or towel, and drain the water,” says Baratta. “Inspect the hose and store it away so that there are no kinks.”

Finally, for good upkeep, Baratta suggests running a chemical detergent through the machine every few uses to ensure residue doesn’t build up, rinsing the machine with water until it comes out clear again. He also says to make sure water never freezes inside the unit, which means storing it somewhere the temperature won’t drop below freezing. “If that’s not possible, draw antifreeze into the pump to protect it,” he says.

How we selected the best pressure washers

Our selections were made through a mix of consultation with experts and thorough research, particularly focusing on the various features of the units, and their customer reviews. We only included washers that we were confident had given people a straightforward, useful, and satisfying experience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much does a pressure washer cost?

Baratta shares that pressure washers generally cost from $300-$25,000 depending on whether they’re for residential, commercial, or industrial use.

How many gallons per minute does a pressure washer use?

The average pressure washer for home use will likely use between one and three gallons of water per minute, with most being on the lower side of that.

What pressure washer should I buy for home use?

“For home use, like car maintenance, you don’t need a commercial or industrial-grade pressure washer,” says Baratta. “An electric model is likely suitable for residential needs and more economical to run. Buy a model with good reviews that is serviceable in the event of a problem.”

What is a good pressure washer PSI?

“It depends on the job you’re doing,” says Arrowsmith. “If you’re using a pressure washer mostly for lighter tasks, such as cleaning cars or patio furniture, something around 1,800 PSI would be good. For general cleaning, consider something in the 2,000 PSI range, and if you have a lot of work to do and heavier staining, go up to a 2,800 or 3,000 PSI unit.”

Do pressure washers come with a warranty?

They should! “When investing in a pressure washer, ensure the manufacturer you are purchasing from offers a limited warranty,” says Baratta. “If they do not, I would recommend shopping around.”