Isn’t it nice to have your home and vehicles looking sparkling clean? With an electric pressure washer, you can get that green stuff off of your house’s siding, clean the outside of your windows, save a couple bucks by washing your car in your own driveway, and so much more.
The great thing about electric pressure washers is that they’re easy to use, clean running, and they start every time, unlike some gas-powered pressure washers, which are known for the tempermentalness of their engines. With an electric pressure washer, you just roll the unit out, hook it up to your water supply, plug it in, and you’re good to go! It’s a fulfilling experience, for sure. Check out our guide below with more info about buying the best power washer for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PSI with regard to a pressure washer?
Pressure washers are commonly categorized by their PSI, which stands for pounds per square inch. This is the force with which the water comes out of the pressure washer. Some people might think that the higher PSI, the better, but this is not necessarily true. You need to find the sweet spot with sufficient pressure to take off grime and stuck-on dirt, but not so much pressure that the water causes damage to the surfaces you’re trying to clean. For example, a very high pressure can splinter wood decking, take off car paint, and more. Many pressure washers, however, give you the ability to modify the PSI with an adjustment. For pressure washers without the ability to adjust the force of the water, you can simply step back and use the wand from a further distance.
What does GPM mean with pressure washers?
The letters “GPM” stand for gallons per minute. This number describes how much water comes out of the pressure washer, which is different than PSI, which describes its force. The benefit of a higher GPM is that dirt and debris clear away faster because there is more water coming from the pressure washer’s spray wand. This can be helpful when washing windows, for example.
What can I clean with an electric pressure washer?
There are many things you can wash with an electric pressure washer. You can wash your car, the exterior siding of your home, your deck, patio, driveway or sidewalk, and even the outside of your windows. Pressure washers are also great for cleaning RVs and ATVs, outdoor furniture, swimming pools, and garage floors, too.
Buying Guide
Before you make your final selection of an electric pressure washer, here are a few important features to keep in mind:
- PSI & GPM: If you need to tackle very tough stuck on dirt, then a higher PSI in an electric pressure washer would serve you well. However, if you want to do medium to light cleaning of objects with a thin layer of grime, then a higher GPM might be more beneficial to you than a higher PSI, because you’re spraying a higher volume of water. Also, keep in mind that a manufacturer’s stated PSI could be pressure that’s measured as the water comes out of the unit at its source near the motor. After the water goes through a hose and a wand, some of its pressure naturally is lost. The truth is that in most cases, a moderate PSI is sufficient for most household cleaning jobs.
- Portability: How far you’ll be moving your electric pressure washer is a factor in how valuable its portability is to you. Generally, pressure washers have wheels and can be rolled around. However, if you store the pressure washer in your basement or you want to bring it upstairs to wash a second floor outdoor deck, then its size and weight are relevant. Check the manufacturer’s product description for details about a pressure washer’s weight and size. This can be important, because if you’re shopping online, it’s hard to tell the size of a pressure washer from pictures.
- Hoses & Accessories: Different manufacturers and sellers offer a variety of accessories with their electric power washers. For example, some have different nozzles, and some washers have longer hoses than others. A pressure washer with a longer hose and wand apparatus will allow you to get further away from the washer itself. In this case, a longer wand hose would make it easier to walk around your vehicle to reach all sides of it with only minimal moving of the heavy pressure washer unit.
We know you’re anxious to get out there and catch a little spray while you get your stuff impressively spic and span! Check out our top picks for the best electric pressure washers:
Sun Joe Electric High-Pressure Washer
Most Powerful
No cleaning project is too tough for this pressure washer
This electric pressure washer with its 14.5-amp and 1800-watt motor generates up to 2030 PSI/1.76 GPM to make cleaning even the toughest spots a breeze. It comes with a 20-feet high-pressure hose for easy access.
Pros:
- Features an auto-off function to preserve electricity
- Includes five quick-connect spray nozzles
Cons:
- May leak water at the inlet pipe
Westinghouse Electric Pressure Washer
Best Reach
Comes with a long easy-coil hose
This powerful pressure washer can be used to clean a variety of items or areas. With an onboard detergent storage tank, you can easily mix in the detergent of your choice to clean your car or garden equipment.
Pros:
- Features anti-tipping technology for safe handling
- Compact and lightweight for easy maneuverability
Cons:
- May be too small for some users
WHOLESUN Electric Pressure Washer
Most Innovative Design
Features a high-pressure foam cannon for soap application
With its polymer corrosion-resistant detergent bottle, this pressure washer produces rich bubbles that loosens tough dirt. It comes with a 20-foot high-pressure hose and strong metal garden hose connectors to avoid leaks.
Pros:
- Includes a 33-foot power cord
- System switches off when the trigger is released to preserve motor life
Cons:
- Pressure may not be ideal for cleaning large areas
Karcher Pressure Washer
Most Compact
Ideal for cleaning small areas
This washer is only 12 inches tall and weighs less than 20 pounds. It comes with a turbo nozzle for maximum cleaning power on rough and stubborn areas. It also features an onboard detergent tank for adding soap.
Pros:
- Designed with a highly durable frame
- Hose easily coils into the onboard storage space
Cons:
- May not be powerful enough for heavy-duty cleaning
Bosch EasyAquatak Electric Pressure Washer
Most Portable
Features a handy carry handle and compact size
The Triplex pump of this machine ensures high-quality operation and durability. The washer has an extra broad base for stability while in use. It also comes with a high-pressure detergent nozzle that reduces cleaning time by applying soap fast and effectively.
Pros:
- Features a Fan-Jet nozzle for improved pressure
- Comes with integrated compartments for easy access and tidy storage of accessories
Cons:
- Hose does not coil easily, so storage may take some effort
