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Pressure washers come in so many shapes and sizes that finding one that does what you need it to do while still being easy to set up and use can be a challenge. While smaller models may offer convenience, they often don’t have the cleaning muscle to clean surfaces like concrete. Larger gas-powered machines have enough flow and power to wash an entire home or blast mildew off a large driveway, but they’re loud, can be hard to start, and require more maintenance. If you’re not careful, they can also damage delicate surfaces, like vinyl siding or a vehicle’s clear coat.
Ryobi’s RY142012 electric pressure washer hits a sweet spot. It’s easy to set up and operate, can handle light to moderate duty, and is compact enough to store on a storage shelf when not in use.
Key Takeaways
- Perfect balance for home use. The Ryobi RY142012 offers easy setup, moderate power, and compact storage, ideal for light to moderate cleaning tasks.
- Effective on various surfaces. Successfully cleans cars, patios, and walkways without damaging delicate surfaces.
- Convenient storage features. Onboard storage for accessories prevents loss and clutter.
- Limitations in power. Not suitable for large-scale jobs; a gas-powered washer is needed for extensive cleaning.
Bottom line: The Ryobi RY142012 electric pressure washer is a versatile, affordable option for moderate cleaning tasks, balancing power and convenience.
Best Overall Ryobi Pressure Washer
Photo: Tony Carrick for BobVila.com
What We Like
- Pressure and water flow allow it to handle a variety of jobs
- Compact and lightweight design
- Comes with foamer
What We Don’t Like
- Not powerful enough to handle large pressure washing jobs
Product Specs
-
Power source:
Corded Electric -
Max pressure:
2,100 PSI -
Max GPM:
1.2 GPM -
Weight:
22 lbs.
Performance on Cars, Concrete, and More
I spent a week testing the RY142012, using it to clean two vehicles, a tile patio, a concrete walk, and cement siding. It excelled at washing my truck. The soap applicator does a wonderful job of creating a thick lather that’s on par with what I can get at my local carwash. Its nozzle, coupled with its max 2,100 PSI pressure, creates enough pressure that I can blast away dirt, eliminating the need to follow up with a brush. And yet, the RY142012 doesn’t produce so much pressure that I had to worry about damaging the clear coat if I got the nozzle tip too close to the surface.
I also found the RY142012 had enough flow and pressure to handle bigger jobs. I used the RY14202 along with a small 12-inch Ryobi surface pressure washer attachment to clean grime off the 200 square feet or so of walkway running from my driveway to my front door and green algae growing on the ceramic tile on my back patio.
There’s also onboard storage that houses all of the accessories, including a front compartment that holds the foam applicator. Given that accessories can easily become separated and lost amongst the various tools and supplies in my garage, it’s a feature I appreciate.
Downsides
While I like the cleaning power this electric pressure washer offers, it does have its limitations. With its 1.2 GPM flow rate, you won’t be cleaning an entire home exterior or a large concrete driveway with this pressure washer. For that, you’ll need the power you can only get with a gas-powered machine.
Storage and Value
The RY142012 is easy to move, thanks to its manageable weight and the large wheels and telescoping handle that allow you to pull it around like a piece of wheeled luggage. The RY142012 is also compact enough that it doesn’t take up a lot of space when storing it, which is key in a multi-use garage that’s very strapped for storage space.
With its $199 price tag, the Ryobi RY142012 is reasonably priced for a pressure washer that’s tough and versatile enough to wash your car, freshen up a concrete walk or tile patio, or even blast algae off small sections of siding.
Where to Buy
Ryobi’s RY142012 Pressure Washer
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
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