Best Pressure washer of 2024
1. BEST OVERALL PRESSURE WASHER
Ryobi 2,300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
PROS
- Impressive versatility
- Turbo nozzle for tough tasks
CONS
- Fairly heavy for an electric model
This top-selling Ryobi earned praise from all of our testers, including Lab experts and consumers in the field. For an electric pressure washer, it delivers an impressive 2,300 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who plan to tackle a wide range of projects. Weighing close to 50 pounds, it’s a lot of machine, but the large wheels and cushioned grip make it fairly easy to handle. It’s also relatively quiet, despite being one of the most powerful pressure washers from our latest round of testing.
The Ryobi punches above its weight by pumping out a respectable 1.2 gallons per minute (GPM), complementing its superb water pressure. The large onboard detergent tank is helpful when power-washing expansive areas. We also like the bonus turbo nozzle that claims to deliver up to 5% more cleaning power for tougher jobs, like oil-stained driveways or severely mildewed fencing.
2. MOST VERSATILE PRESSURE WASHER
Stihl RE 110 PLUS Electric Pressure Washer
PROS
- Versatile design, including an extra-long hose
- Powerful cleaning power
- Durable design
CONS
- Heavier than most models
This 2,000-PSI electric pressure washer from Stihl was a 2023 Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award winner, on the strength of its versatile design and superb performance. Besides packing plenty of power for any exterior surface, it has the features our expert judges look for, including a large onboard detergent tank and an ample 23-foot-long hose to extend the reach of your washing around the house.
In testing, the Stihl proved extremely easy to assemble, with its sensible design and clear manual. “The hose on the unit stores easily on the wheel, unlike other models I’ve used that are prone to tangling and kinking,” one tester observed. Weighing nearly 50 pounds, the unit is on the hefty side, but wheels and a handle make it easy to maneuver. The brushless motor should ensure years of service by putting less wear and tear on the mechanics.
3. BEST VALUE PRESSURE WASHER
Sun Joe 2,030 Max
PROS
- Well priced
- Lightweight and portable
CONS
- 20-foot hose is on the shorter side
Looking for an affordable pressure washer that’s up for most exterior cleaning tasks? Our experts tapped this Sun Joe as our best value option. In addition to the excellent price, it’s one of the lightest models we tested, weighing in at 27.6 pounds. So it was quite easy to move around in our tests. As for performance, it delivers 2,030 PSI, with a maximum flow rate of 1.76 GPM.
During our testing, we liked that the dual detergent tanks could house separate cleaning solvents. It’s helpful to be able to switch easily between the two, since you might not want to use the same cleaner on your car as you use for the deck. Meanwhile, the five quick-connect spray tips allow for versatility so you can complete an array of cleaning tasks, from decking and siding to cars and boats. One quibble from our testers was the relatively short 20-foot hose, which limits the reach on large properties.
4. BEST PRESSURE WASHER FOR CARS
Sun Joe SPX3000-XT1 XTREAM
PROS
- Loaded with accessories
- Versatile cleaning power
- Easy handling
CONS
- Plastic housing not quite as durable as metal
The Sun Joe XTREAM impressed our testers across all surfaces it was used on, from brick to concrete to PVC. But we especially like this model for people who plan to pressure-wash their car because of the bevy of attachments that facilitate the task. There’s the detergent foam cannon that our tests confirm can shoot soapy water up to 15 feet. We also tested the soft-bristled brush and rim brush, which combine to handle every surface of the car’s exterior. Rinsing is a snap, thanks to the quick-connect nozzles with their onboard storage.
“I used the 40-degree nozzle for the body of the car and the 25-degree one for the tires and wheels,” one tester reported. “This is a very versatile machine with plenty of power for dirtier jobs on hard surfaces.” The Sun Joe is on the larger size of tested pressure washers, so it will take up more room in the basement or garage. But the smart design, including integrated cord and hose holders, will help keep accessories in place. One drawback is that the plastic housing is not as durable as metal.
5
Generac 2900 PSI Speedwash Pressure Washer
PROS
- Serious cleaning power
- Solid ergonomic design
- Extra-long hose
CONS
- Fairly heavy
- No detergent tank
Most professionals still stand by gas pressure washers because of their grime-fighting abilities. Exhibit A: This 2,900-PSI Speedwash from Generac. If you’re looking to blast oil stains from the driveway or remove stubborn tree sap from the patio, it won’t let you down. It offers 2,900 PSI and 2.4 GPM, placing it among the most powerful machines we tested, though it’s also on the higher end, price-wise.
Weighing 57 pounds, the Generac takes some muscle to move around, but we found that the heaviness of the machine is balanced out by some nice ergonomics, including a cushioned grip and an easy-to-pull trigger, which should cut down on hand cramps. The extra-long, 25-foot hose extends the reach of the machine. However, it does not contain an onboard detergent tank.
6. BEST HEAVY-DUTY ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER
Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
PROS
- Extremely effective cleaning power
- Convenient onboard tool storage
- Versatile accessories
CONS
- Pricey
- Heavy, bulky design
At 3,000 PSI, this is the most powerful electric pressure washer we have ever tested (some gas-powered models get up above 4,000 PSI). “It’s a serious piece of power equipment,” one tester noted. “Extremely durable, and enough power to blast through our toughest tests, including cleaning a brick patio covered in several years of mildew and muck.”
Though the Greenworks unit is up for any task, our experts caution that it’s more of a commitment than most pressure washers. For starters, it’s on the expensive side. It also took a full hour to assemble, compared with the five minutes or less of simpler models. And even with the wheeled design, transporting the 52-pound machine takes brawn, and finding room to store it could be even trickier. If none of those issues are dealbreakers for you, the Greenworks will not disappoint when it comes to cleaning power and easy, intuitive operation. Our testers were also impressed by the relatively quiet operation of the brushless motor, especially since the pressure washer packs so much oomph. There’s plenty of accessories and even onboard tool storage.
