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The 6 Best Electric Pressure Washers We Tested and Recommend

Got grime to get rid of? These powerful machines have you covered.

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While gas-powered pressure washers are invaluable for intense, heavy-duty cleaning jobs, electric versions are much more convenient for light-duty tasks that require a gentler touch. Whether you’re washing your car, spraying down exterior siding, or blasting mud off your mountain bike, electric pressure washers get the job done quickly—and without damaging the item you’re spraying. They have all the bells and whistles of their gas-powered siblings, too, including soap reservoirs, a variety of spray tips, and portable frames for easy transport. They’re also easier to maintain and aren’t as loud as gas-powered electric pressure washers.

We rigorously tested a variety of models from trusted brands to find the best electric pressure washers for home use. Scroll down for expert advice on essentials to consider before shopping, along with reviews of our top recommendations followed by tips on best practices if you’re new to power washing.

The Best Electric Pressure Washers

What to Consider

Uses

Electric pressure washers are best for light work and small jobs—figure projects that take 30 minutes max—like washing down driveways and sidewalks or gently cleaning decks, patio furniture, or aluminum siding. These handy tools can also remove debris from cars and gravel bikes as you use a light touch and a white nozzle, which has the widest spray and thus is least likely to damage delicate surfaces. (If cleaning a car is your main objective, you’re best served by a cordless pressure washer.)

Electric vs. Gas

Electric pressure washers have quieter motors and are easier to maintain than their gas counterparts, which need oil changes, filter replacements, and yearly spark plug checks. With no fuel on board, electric pressure washers can sit indoors in winter, are easier to start, and don’t produce the harmful fumes of a combustion engine. Electric models are also lighter, smaller, and easier to store when not in use (particularly cordless battery-powered versions).

The heftier, bulkier gas-powered machines offer significantly more power though, and their durability is well-suited to extended use, especially in hot weather that can overheat electrical components. As a rule, electric pressure washers tap out at about 2,700 pounds per square inch (psi), with a max flow rate from 1.2 to 2.3 gallons per minute (gpm).

Safety

Because they have less power, electric pressure washers are generally safer than gas pressure washers. That said, they can still do damage if you use them incorrectly. For personal safety and to protect your stuff, always start with a green or white nozzle, which has wide spray angles to decrease the intensity of the water stream. If one of those doesn’t do the job, use careful judgment before moving to a yellow or red nozzle, which produce narrower streams with cutting edges that may gouge more delicate surfaces.

Another no-no: Never use a pressure washer on anything electrical because it’s sure to damage components. Regardless of the type of pressure washer you use, make sure to always wear closed-toe shoes and proper eye protection like safety glasses.

How We Selected

The electric pressure washers we looked at are all from reliable brands that we’ve come to trust over the years, such as DeWalt, Greenworks, Craftsman, Sun Joe, and others. To inform our selections, we relied on the expertise of PopMech’s Senior Home Editor Roy Berendsohn, as he put every electric pressure washer here through his rigorous testing. That included comparing how each model washed cement and brick paving, vinyl fencing, and outdoor furniture, among other messy cleaning jobs.

He also carefully washed a few cars using the safest nozzle, and considered things such as ease of use and performance in real-world scenarios to glean potential flaws and deal-breakers. Our final lineup represents the best models across categories that address different needs and budgets.

1
Best Overall

Greenworks 2,700-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

2,700-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Powerful continuous-run motor
  • Pressure flow sensor automatically adjusts output for nozzle
  • Horizontal operation means no tipping
  • Includes five spray nozzles
  • 10-year warranty on motor
Cons
  • Hose outlets are too close, which limits access

This model from Greenworks easily came out on top during past testing as the best overall electric model for performance and price.

Berendsohn found that it delivers high pressure and volume output, which makes for fast and effective cleaning power. No doubt that’s thanks to its always-running motor, so you don’t have to constantly be pulling the spray wand trigger to work, as with most electric models. We also appreciated the pressure sensor, which automatically adjusts output for whichever nozzle you’re using.

Other highlights include fat 10-inch wheels with deep treads, an on-board soap tank, accessory storage, and five spray nozzles. This model also stores upright to save floor space, though it operates horizontally so you won’t have to worry about it tipping over.

Another bonus is that it comes with a 10-year warranty on the motor and a three-year warranty on tools. This model also includes a foam cannon—a reservoir that connects to the spray hose and generates a thick layer of cleaning suds for added power.

The only drawback of note is that the hose outlets for the spray wand and garden hose hookup are fairly close together, which isn’t ideal in terms of easy access.

Key Specs

ModelGPW2700FCA
Motor14 amps
Weight47 lb
Cleaning Power2,700 psi
Max Flow2.3 gpm
2
Best Value

Sun Joe 2,030-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

2,030-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Thoughtful ergonomic design
  • Five nozzles included
  • Two detergent tanks
Cons
  • May tip over on uneven surfaces

We recommend this Sun Joe pressure washer for light-duty washing and easy portability on a budget. This machine punches well above its price tag for extras and includes two removable detergent tanks plus five spray tips.

Thoughtful ergonomic design was another notable attribute discovered during testing, with every outlet, switch, and handle well-located and comfortable to use.

You can expect solid cleaning power for an electric pressure washer in this price range, with 2,030 psi and a max flow rate of 1.2 gpm. We found that it’s best on pavement, since it tends to tip over on uneven surfaces.

Key Specs

ModelSPX3000
Motor14.5 amps
Weight24.3 lb
Cleaning Power2,030 psi
Max Flow1.2 gpm
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3
Most Heavy-Duty

DeWalt DWPW3000 3,000-PSI Compact Pressure Washer

DWPW3000 3,000-PSI Compact Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Rugged construction for durability
  • Multiple grab handles
  • On-board accessory storage
Cons
  • Relatively low maximum flow rate

The stronger, more powerful sibling to the DeWalt 2100, this updated model packs another 900 psi and slightly beefier wheels into its sturdy frame. It still uses the same suitcase-style design that’s so convenient to carry–including a telescoping handle for wheeling around–and user-friendly onboard accessory storage.

The wand, nozzle, hose, and power cord all fit neatly into their own designated areas, including a molded storage space for the foam cannon–a feature not found on the previous version. We used this model mostly on concrete, cleaning, degreasing, and blasting loose moss and dirt. If it can handle that, it can certainly handle the more typical surfaces such as vinyl siding and a pressure-treated deck.

It’s worth noting that although its 3,000 psi provides a ton of stripping power, the 1.1 gpm flow rate is relatively low, making it less effective when it comes to rinsing away that grime when you’re finishing up.

Key Specs

ModelDWPW3000
Motor15 amps
Weight41.6 lb
Cleaning Power3,000 psi
Max Flow1.1 gpm
4
Best for Home Exteriors

Hart 2,500-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

2,500-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Large 1-gallon soap tank
  • Efficient and durable brushless motor
  • Includes turbo nozzle for tough stains
Cons
  • Soap dispenser takes some trial and error

Combining an impressive psi and flow rate (just slightly less than our top overall pick), this Hart pressure washer provides an impressive amount of functionality for the price.

We tested this unit on every available surface we had access to—including vinyl fencing and lattice, concrete pavers, a stainless-steel barbecue, patio furniture, vinyl siding, painted wood, pressure-treated wood, and two types of trim (vinyl and aluminum)—all of which it handled with ease.

Although we didn’t find the soap-dispensing mode very effective when washing our pickup truck, that could be due to the type of car wash detergent we used.

Key Specs

ModelHW142511VNM
MotorNot listed
Weight53 lb
Cleaning Power2,500 psi
Max Flow1.1 gpm
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5
Easiest to Handle

Craftsman 2,100-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

2,100-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Lightweight and powerful for its compact size
  • Spray gun stays locked into place
  • Large, easy-to-access detergent tank
  • Turbo nozzle for medium-duty jobs like cleaning concrete
Cons
  • Not powerful enough to clean second-story cleaning

Craftsman’s 2,100-psi electric pressure washer handles like a dream thanks to its compact, lightweight design and large wheels. It also cleans relatively quietly and with impressive power for its size; it’s capable of tackling medium-duty jobs like blasting dirt off concrete with its turbo nozzle.

We particularly appreciated its extra-long 35-foot power cord and large, easy-to-access top-and-center detergent tank, plus its slide-on spray wand mount that makes it pretty tough to knock off.

Overall, it’s another great choice for the price, much like our value pick Sun Joe. That said, if you need enough power and reach to clean second-story siding, there are better choices.

Key Specs

ModelCMEPW2100
Motor13 amps
Weight32 lb
Cleaning Power2,100 psi
Max Flow1.2 gpm
6
Best for Small Jobs

Craftsman 1,500-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

On Sale
1,500-PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Solid light-duty cleaning power
  • Includes two batteries
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Compatible with a garden hose or any fresh water source
Cons
  • Limited runtime is not ideal for larger jobs
  • Relatively low PSI compared to corded models

This compact Craftsman model is a great investment should you need a power cleaner and electric pressure washer in one. This machine runs on two 20-volt batteries and offers three power settings, with a max flow rate of 1.2 gpm. In addition to a regular garden hose, this model can also draw from any fresh water source, thanks to its 10-foot suction hose. Like DeWalt’s portable electric pressure washer, it also has a convenient telescoping handle.

We found its 800-psi low setting to be the most useful for light-duty work and appreciated its lightweight build, easy maneuverability, and relatively quiet operation. Use it for cleaning things like gunked-up mountain bikes and dirty car floor mats.

Key Specs

ModelCMCPW1500N2
Motor20 volts
Weight32.47 lb
Cleaning Power1,500 psi
Max Flow1.2 gpm
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Best Practices for Power Washing

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If you’re new to pressure washing, and want to ensure you don’t damage the surface you’re cleaning, take the time to better understand the machine’s capabilities before diving right in.

Choose the Right Tip

Start about 10 feet away with the widest tip available, and as you get a feel for how the spray affects the surface you’re cleaning, gradually increase pressure by switching to a more focused tip, or simply walking closer to the surface. Keep in mind that different types of surfaces react differently, and the same pressure that works on blasting grime off of a trash can could potentially strip or damage something more delicate like painted wood.

Keep Moving

The movement of an electric pressure washer’s stream also affects its cleaning effectiveness—the longer the stream is focused on the same place, the more debris it removes. In order to prevent unsightly streaks and potential damage to your surface, it’s important that you keep the nozzle moving as you go, maintaining even, consistent coverage.

When to Go Gas

For heavy-duty cleaning projects, like removing decades of grime and mold on a concrete patio or cleaning graffiti, consider a gas-powered version instead. Even if you can technically get the job done by using the most focused nozzle and bringing it right up against the surface, a gas-powered washer is much more efficient, allowing you to remove wide, even swathes of grime with each pass.

    Headshot of Alex Rennie

    Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

    Headshot of Rachel Klein
    Rachel Klein
    Deputy Editor

    Rachel Klein is the Deputy Editor of Popular Mechanics.

    Headshot of Roy Berendsohn
    Tested byRoy Berendsohn
    Senior Home Editor

    Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.

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