The Best Electric Pressure Washers for Driveways, Decks, Cars, and More

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An electric pressure washer is a powerful cleaning tool for blasting away grime, mildew, and stains on outdoor surfaces. While gas models are often used by pros, electric versions are more affordable, quieter, and easier to store for at-home use. 

To find the best options, we researched dozens of popular pressure washers before testing 13 for performance, ease of use, maneuverability, noise, and overall value. After more than 45 hours of cleaning, only eight models made our list, but we found a favorite—the Greenworks GPW3001, which delivers 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), sprays up to 2 gallons of water per minute (GPM), comes with five nozzles, and features an onboard detergent tank. 

Read on for our hands-on reviews of the best electric pressure washers available today plus expert shopping tips to help you choose the right one. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Greenworks GPW3001 Electric Pressure Washer
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Westinghouse ePX3050 Pressure Washer
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3. UPGRADE PICK: Ego Power+ HPW3204-2 Battery-Powered Pressure Washer
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4. BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Craftsman CMEPW2100 Electric Pressure Washer
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5. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Ryobi RY1419MT Corded Pressure Washer
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6. BEST MIDRANGE: Westinghouse ePX3100v Electric Pressure Washer
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7. BEST FOR CARS: Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
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8. BEST COMPACT: Ryobi RY40HPPW12B 40V Cordless Pressure Washer
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Electric Pressure Washers Comparison

Why rent a pressure washer when there are so many excellent and affordable models on the market? With the following reviews, you can find the right one for your needs and budget.

Our Ratings

Tough jobs like cleaning the driveway, deck, or patio call for a heavy-duty tool like the Greenworks Pro. This high-pressure washer delivers 3000 PSI at 2.0 GPM, quickly blasting away dirt and grime in our driveway-cleaning test. Included in the kit are five spray tips, a soap cannon, and a 25-foot high-pressure hose. We liked the simple push-start button on the top of the motor and the convenient tip storage on the handle.

Built on a tubular steel wheelbarrow-style frame, this unit has a low center of gravity and large 10-inch wheels for stability on uneven ground. But while we found it easy to maneuver while pulling, pushing was a different matter—it had a mind of its own when we tried to push and steer simultaneously. However, the highly flexible hose made it a pleasure to work with, and it was the best for washing concrete, cleaning nearly twice as fast as the next closest performer (an efficiency you can boost even more by pairing it with one of the best pressure washer surface cleaners on the market). Another perk is the ability to store this model vertically along a garage wall when storage space is at a premium. 

What our tester says: “I love having the power of a gas pressure washer without having to put up with a loud noise or toxic fumes.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Greenworks electric pressure washer at Amazon, Walmart, or Greenworks. 

Our Ratings

The Westinghouse ePX3050 packs 2100 PSI and has a water flow rate of 1.76 GPM, making it great for simple tasks like spraying off outdoor furniture and heavier-duty tasks like de-sliming sidewalks. The washer has four 3-inch casters that rotate 360 degrees, so it can turn on a dime and is easy to maneuver while working. At just under 17 inches tall, it has a low center of gravity that makes it hard to tip over. The Westinghouse comes with three nozzles, a 25-foot hose, and a pressure washer soap applicator.

Working with the Westinghouse power washer feels somewhat like using a wet/dry vac, in a good way. A feature unique to this four-wheeled pressure washer is that if the casters are unlocked, it can follow the operator with just a slight tug. The pressure hose had a high degree of flexibility for excellent maneuverability. While it may not be the best choice for big projects out in the yard, it’s a highly affordable choice for most other cleanup jobs.

Get the Westinghouse ePX3050 electric pressure washer at Amazon.

Our Ratings

With 3,200 PSI at up to 2.0 GPM, the Ego Power+ HPW3204-2 brings solid heavy-duty pressure washer performance to the cordless electric market. It comes with two 56-volt ARC Lithium batteries that are powerful enough to blast grime off of everything from vinyl siding and composite decking to concrete, and runtime is an impressive 60 minutes per charge. The kit also includes five quick-connect nozzles (15-, 25-, 40-degree, turbo, and rinse) and a useful foam cannon.

In our tests, this was one of our favorite models for several reasons, chief among them the quick connection points on the hose and wand, as well as the display on the handle that shows remaining battery life and allows you to switch between Eco, High, and Turbo modes. Range was excellent with the flexible 25-foot high-pressure hose, and Ego also gives you a siphon hose so you can pull water straight from a bucket if there’s no spigot nearby. At almost 66 pounds, it was the heaviest model we tested—which isn’t fun if you have to lift it—but moving it otherwise was surprisingly easy with the large wheels and pull-out telescopic handle. While it would be nice if it had onboard storage for the foam cannon and siphon hose, the Ego’s impressive cleaning power and overall excellent design make that trade-off totally worth it. 

What our tester says: “Everything about the Ego feels premium, but my absolute favorite feature is that the hose and wand are quick-connect just like the nozzles. After literally losing skin in multiple places from manually twisting hoses and wands on and off on other models, it’s small upgrades like this that show just how well-made the Ego really is.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Ego electric pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Walmart, or Northern Tool + Equipment. 

Our Ratings

While working with a pressure washer isn’t exactly hard, some models are simply easier to use than others, which is why this Craftsman model earned our best for beginners award. The entire thing couldn’t be easier to set up, with oversized 10-inch wheels, a tip-resistant frame, and onboard storage for the wand, 35-foot power cord, 25-foot kink-resistant hose, and all five quick-connect nozzles (15-, 25-, 40-degree, soap, and turbo). At 2,100 PSI with a 1.2 GPM flow rate, it’s perfect for tasks like washing cars, decking, and fencing without causing damage. 

One thing that surprised us about this unit was its noise. Though most of the electric pressure washers we tested produced around 70 decibels of sound, the fact that this Craftsman hit that same level without the same high-pitched whining as many others made it obvious it comes from a brand that knows motors. The built-in soap tank was another nice feature, as it drew detergent automatically whenever we snapped the soap nozzle into place. In terms of downsides, the high-pressure hose isn’t quite as kink-resistant as Craftsman claims (especially during the first few uses), and it’s likely not powerful enough to remove especially stubborn concrete stains—but for a reliable and relatively quiet residential washer that’s easy to use and store, it’s an excellent value.

Get the Craftsman electric pressure washer at Amazon or Ace Hardware. 

Our Ratings

There’s no need to spend a lot of money to get great washing power. Ryobi’s compact 1900 PSI pressure washer delivers enough power to blast dirt and mud from concrete using the included turbo nozzle. It also comes with a soap nozzle that evenly distributes bubbly detergent to cars and other items to soften dirt before rinsing away with the included 15-degree pressure nozzle. 

We liked the ergonomic design of this pressure washer—it has an extendable handle and large wheels that made it easy to tip and pull as we tested. It also has a handy grab bar along the top, and at just 21 pounds, it’s easy to lift to the back of a pickup bed or put on a shelf for storage. 

This small pressure washer wasn’t the most powerful pressure washer we tested, but with the turbo nozzle attached, it cleaned away all but the toughest oily messes. It’s a good option for light-to-medium-duty cleaning, and the 25-foot hose is flexible enough to maneuver without kinking. It was also one of the quietest models we tested. 

Get the Ryobi electric pressure washer at The Home Depot. 

Our Ratings

Those after an electric high-pressure washer that’s easy to grab and go but still delivers plenty of power will want to consider the Westinghouse ePX3100v. Weighing just under 18 pounds and shaped like a compact tool box with a sturdy top handle, it has no need for a bulky frame or heavy wheels. Even with such a diminutive size, this handheld pressure washer​ has an impressive 2,100 PSI rating and 1.76 GPM flow rate. 

The ePX3100v is just as straightforward and functional as our best bang for the buck pick, the Westinghouse ePX3050, but it adds a detachable foam cannon, an upgraded steel wand, and a heavy-duty turbo nozzle to the 15- and 25-degree tips. However, there are no wheels, so its 18-pound body is hand-carry only, and there’s no onboard storage for the 25-foot hose or 35-foot power cord. Still, it’s powerful enough for most tasks and small enough that setting aside a bit of space for those things likely won’t be an issue. 

Get the Westinghouse ePX3100v electric pressure washer at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Our Ratings

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is easy to set up, simple to use, and has enough power for most routine household cleaning jobs, which is why it earned such high scores for performance and value. Its 2,030 PSI rating and 1.2 GPM flow make it great for washing cars, lawn equipment, and patio furniture, and its five quick-connect spray tips (0-, 15-, 25-, and 40-degree plus soap) and dual 0.9-liter detergent tanks also give it a level of versatility that even many higher-end models don’t have. 

During testing, the things we liked most about the Sun Joe were how easy it was to use and how well it handled a variety of cleaning tasks. The 34-inch extension wand and 35-foot power cord helped make up for the fact that its high-pressure hose is shorter than all the others (20 feet rather than 25), and the onboard storage for the accessories and cords made it easy to move and store. While the Sun Joe isn’t the most premium-feeling machine we tested, it still offers excellent overall value.

Get the Sun Joe electric pressure washer at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Sun Joe.

Our Ratings

This compact Ryobi cordless pressure washer is designed for lighter-duty tasks, delivering a maximum pressure of 1,200 PSI and a 1.0 GPM flow rate using the included 15-degree nozzle, Turbo nozzle, and soap applicator. In addition to connecting directly to a standard garden hose, the included siphon hose also allows it to draw water straight from an open source like a bucket. For cleaning solutions, the machine bypasses a built-in soap tank in favor of a suction tube that inserts directly into any external detergent bottle.

During our tests, this compact electric pressure washer proved ideal for washing a small SUV. However, because of its lower pressure output, stubborn grime required some extra scrubbing. The soap attachment also produced a thinner lather compared to the thick foam generated by corded models. Still, since the base is only about as big as a large lunchbox, this 40-volt cordless model is an exceptionally portable electric pressure washer that’s very easy to store. 

Get the Ryobi cordless electric pressure washer at The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Electric Pressure Washers

To find the best electric pressure washers, we used 13 models to clean various surfaces, including a lawn mower, a car, vinyl siding, a concrete driveway, and composite decking. During testing, we evaluated each home pressure washer using a rubric with five core categories: ease of use, performance, maneuverability, noise, and overall value. 

We scored each model by rating how easy it was to set up and use overall, as well as how easily we could change and store the spray heads. We assessed performance by how well each machine cleaned the different surfaces, and our maneuverability scores considered both the machine itself and its hose. Finally, we evaluated the effectiveness of any extra features or accessories, weighing all of these factors against the price to determine overall value.

Our Testing Scores

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Pressure Washer

Whether you go with electric or gas, keep the following factors in mind while shopping for a good pressure washer so you can find the one you’ll use for years to come.

Power

The amount of power a pressure washer has is measured in a combination of pounds per square inch, and flow, measured in gallons per minute. 

• Pounds per square inch (PSI) indicates the water pressure delivered by the machine. The higher the PSI, the more powerful the pressure washer and the more effective it will be at cleaning deep stains. Electric pressure washers typically range between 1500 and 2500 PSI. A machine with a lower PSI can do almost all the jobs a high water pressure machine can, but a machine with higher PSI can do it faster.
• Gallons per minute (GPM) measures the volume of water delivered by the pressure washer. In tandem with PSI, it measures how fast the electric pressure washer will clean. Higher GPM electric pressure washers are more powerful and clean faster than models with lower GPM. 
• Cleaning units assign a relative value to the pressure washer’s total cleaning ability. It’s a helpful measurement for comparing different models with varying PSI and GPM values. Calculate cleaning units by multiplying the PSI by GPM.

Hose Length

Determining the proper hose length has a lot to do with the task at hand. Washing a full-size pickup truck might require a 25-foot hose so the user can walk around the truck without dragging the pressure washer or pulling it over. On the other hand, pressure-washing a deck might not require all that length and could actually be a hassle to drag as well as a tripping hazard. 

Pump Type

There are two main types of pumps used in pressure washers: axial and triplex. Most electric pressure washers have an axial pump. Axial pumps are maintenance-free, meaning the oil doesn’t have to be changed. However, an axial pump can’t be rebuilt, and its seals or valves can’t be changed as in commercial pressure washing. Once an axial pump fails, a new pump will need to be purchased, or the entire pressure washer will need to be replaced. 

Nozzle

Most pressure washers come with replaceable nozzles that fit onto the tip of the pressure-washer wand so users can customize the water stream’s angle or intensity. Nozzles are measured in angles ranging from 0 to 40 degrees. The higher the angle, the lower the water pressure. 

A 40-degree nozzle might be used to wash a car or the siding on a house; a 25-degree nozzle might be used for general tasks; and a 0-degree nozzle may be used for tough jobs like pressure washing a driveway to remove an oil stain. 

Ease of Use

Electric pressure washers are often easier to use than gasoline models. They don’t need oil changes, spark plugs, or throttle adjustments. They don’t require a tricky pull-start, either. The user just hooks up the hose and throws a switch to turn the machine on. Electric pressure washers are also a lot quieter than even the best gas pressure washers.

Another ease-of-use feature to look for is quick-connect fittings for nozzles and hoses. These spring-loaded fittings snap on and off quickly and easily—no wrench is needed.

Portability

Electric pressure washers are smaller and lighter than gasoline-powered models. Some aren’t much larger than a cooler and are easier to store than gas models.

It’s a good idea to pick an electric power washer that balances power with portability. Generally, the more powerful the pressure washer, the heavier it is. The ideal model is light enough to move around the yard or house without straining the user, yet it still contains the power needed to get the job done.

FAQs

Deciding on an electric pressure washer can take measured research and assessment of needs. If you still have questions about the dos and don’ts of pressure washing or which types of pressure washing equipment you need, read on. 

Q. How do you use an electric pressure washer?

Even electric models are powerful enough to seriously hurt someone, so it’s important to know how to pressure wash safely. Wear safety glasses and solid closed-toe shoes during use, keep hands away from the end of the wand, and don’t point the nozzle at anyone, even for fun.
Using an electric pressure washer is straightforward:
1. Choose the least aggressive nozzle that will get the job done and install it in the wand.
2. Attach a garden hose to the outside faucet and the inlet on the pressure washer.
3. Plug the pressure washer into an outlet (skip this step for cordless models).
4. Turn the pressure washing machine on.
5. Squeeze the trigger to spray the surface.

Q. How do you winterize an electric pressure washer?

Many electric pressure washers can be stored indoors and don’t need full winterizing. If storing one outdoors or in a place that can freeze, disconnect the hoses, relieve the pressure, drain all water from the pump and accessories, and run a pump saver or pressure-washer antifreeze through the system to protect the seals and internal parts.

Q. Why does my electric pressure washer keep shutting off?

When turning on a pressure washer for the first time, it will run to prime the pump and pressurize the system. It will stop running when it’s pressurized. It will begin running again when you pull the trigger. If the pressure washer won’t start in the first place, there may be a different issue.

Q. Is it worth buying an electric pressure washer?

Yes, for those looking for an affordable yet powerful outdoor cleaning solution (most electric pressure washers are under $500), the right model can save hours of hard scrubbing without costing a lot. 

Q. Do electric pressure washers use a lot of electricity?

Most use about 1.5 to 2 kilowatts per hour, making them relatively energy efficient.

Q. What are the cons of electric pressure washers?

Even heavy-duty electric pressure washers often have lower pressure than gas models, although they’re getting more powerful all the time.

Q. Do electric pressure washers need maintenance?

No, most electric pressure washers don’t need the same amount of maintenance as gas models. Necessary steps include flushing the system after using soap, storing it out of harsh weather, and checking hoses for wear.

Q. What is the life of an electric pressure washer?

With proper care, a good electric pressure washer can last 5 to 10 years, depending on usage.

Meet the Testers

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and testing for finding quality items that are meant to last. 

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances.

Mark Wolfe is a product tester and writer with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. He reviews the latest hand tools, lawn-care products, outdoor power equipment, and other outdoor living goods.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.

The post The Best Electric Pressure Washers for Driveways, Decks, Cars, and More appeared first on Bob Vila.

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