The best pressure washer for one person may not be right for another. Which is why we’ve reviewed both gas and electric power washers for this list, as well as indicated the use of which they are best suited – such as light duty, heavy duty residential, or commercial use. The power washers below are an excellent combination of pressure and flow rate for their intended use, without being too hard on your wallet.
1. Simpson (Honda) Pressure Washer
At 3100 PSI and 2.5 gallons per minute, the Simpson pressure washer comes in at the top of the list. With a dependable Honda engine and welded steel frame, this is a near bulletproof model, and backed by a 2 year warranty. Others on the list come with pressure washer nozzles, but the Simpson comes with five different nozzle tips (0°, 15°, 25°, and 40°), so you can change the angle with ease to match the job at hand.
If pressure washing concrete stains or heavy grime is something you face multiple times a year, use a pressure washer that will complete the job quickly and efficiently, so you can spend your time doing something more…exciting. While this may not be a cheap power washer, the price is a bargain for what you’re getting – a commercial-grade gas powerwasher in a compact, maneuverable package.
Type: Gas
Pressure Level: 3100 PSI
Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
Weight: 65 lbs.
Price: $390-400
• Steel welded frame
• Heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant hose
• Multi-year warranty
• Medium/heavy-duty residential use
• Light/medium professional use
2. Karcher K5 Electric Pressure Washer
For a quieter, electric solution to your dirty problems, check out the Karcher pressure washer. While it has respectable power and flow rate (we should note, that they are both slightly less than the Sun Joe below), its’ also packed with accessories and engineering quality. We love the hose reel for organization purposes, and the Vario Wand lets you adjust the spray angle instantly without having to change out nozzle tips or separate wands, and even includes a separate DirtBlaster Wand for the toughest jobs.
It features an on-board detergent tank to beef up your cleaning power, and its motor and pump are water cooled, meaning the life of the pressure washer should extend significantly. It far lighter than any gas-powered power washer, and is perfectly suited for any around-the-house chore you can throw at it.
Type: Electric
Pressure Level: 2000 PSI
Flow Rate: 1.4GPM
Weight: 32 lbs.
Price: $200 – 210
• Various accessories
• Water-cooled motor
• 2-year warranty
• Light/Medium-duty residential use
3. Generac 7019 OneWash 3
Now, back to the gas. This Generac power washer is built for tougher, longer jobs, and can even function as a commercial pressure washer if needed. Just like the Simspon at the top of the list, its in the heavier-duty 3000 PSI pressure washer category, with a high flow rate to really get dirt, graffiti, and grime out of sight.
Unlike the Simpson, this does include an on-board detergent tank, which is appreciated, and all of the controls (choke, on/off switch, etc) are higher off the ground, saving you from crouching. 4 nozzle attachments are included to easily change the power and angle of the spray, and the heavy duty pressure washer hose will hold up to any abuse you throw at it (however, some have mentioned that it’s thickness may make it hard to maneuver in tight spaces).
Type: Gas
Pressure Level: 3100 PSI
Flow Rate: 2.4 GPM
Weight: 57 lbs
Price: $390 – 400
• Good ergonomics
• Accessible controls
• On board detergent tank
• Medium/heavy-duty residential use
• Light/medium professional use
• Maneuverability
4. Briggs & Stratton Pressure Washer
Another gas power washer makes the list with the Briggs and Stratton pressure washer, which means reliability (but also increased size and noise). While it may not be the most powerful gas washer on the list at just 2200 PSI, the maintenance-free pump and Easy-Start 4-stroke engine make this a great choice if you have consistent medium-duty cleaning needs like wood siding, decks, or light concrete work.
It has three spray tips (0º, 25º and Soap) and features a detergent injection system that mixes detergent directly into the pressurizes water stream, helping to preserve your high pressure hose. On the topic of the power washer hose, we like the small detail that the hose storage is beneath the handle of the washer, as opposed to the side (like the Simpson) – it makes for tidier storage. Overall, Briggs/Stratton makes rock-solid engines, and the one on this pressure washer is no exception.
Type: Gas
Pressure Level: 2200 PSI
Flow Rate: 1.9 GMP
Weight: 50 lbs.
Price: $260 – $270
• Dependable 4-stroke engine
• Detergent injection system
• Consistent medium-duty jobs
5. Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
Simply put, the Sun Joe SPX3000 is a powerful electric pressure washer in a lightweight, inexpensive package. Don’t be fooled by its bright, almost toy-like appearance. This thing packs a punch with a variety of features included, like an extension wand for reaching high/hard-to-reach places and a pressure washer garden hose adapter. It also accepts various other accessories available for purchase like a deck cleaning attachment.
Like the Simpson above, this also includes pressure washer nozzles (0º, 15º, 25º, 40º and soap), and it also features not one, but two detergent tanks, allowing you to switch between different cleaning solutions. A really clever feature of the Sun Joe is it’s Total Stop System, which activates the high-pressure pump only when the handle trigger is depressed. This saves and extends the total life of the pump, which means this lightweight, electric pressure washer should last longer than most.
Type: Electric
Pressure Level: 2030 PSI
Flow Rate: 1.76GPM
Weight: 30 lbs.
Price: $140 – 150
• Includes multiple accessories
• Dual detergent tanks
• TSS (Total Stop System) extends pump life
• Light/Medium-duty residential use
• Carrying up/down stairs
• Small storage spaces
6. Yamaha 3000 Pressure Washer
This Yamaha power washer has a slightly higher GPM at 2.8, meaning it moves water faster than others on the list. This is going to cut the time it takes to remove moss, scum, and dirt significantly. Unlike others on the list, this gas-powered pressure washer has an all-in-one, multi-level spray nozzle, meaning you won’t have to worry about losing separate tips and can change your rate and angle of spray in seconds.
The Yamaha engine (backed by a great warranty and customer service) starts with ease every time, and runs considerably quiet, which is a major plus for a residential neighborhood. The layout/design is what we like the most, with big ol tires to roll over rough terrain, and an easily accessible hookup point and detergent tank.
Type: Gas
Pressure Level: 3000 PSI
Flow Rate: 2.8GPM
Weight: 96lbs
Price: $770 – 780
• All-in-one nozzle
• Goood GPM
• Reliable and convenient design
• Medium/Heavy-duty residential use
7. AR Blue Clean Pressure Washer
This may be a cheap pressure washer, but there’s a reason this little guy is among the top-rated on Amazon. Pressure washer newbies will be pleased with the ease of use and simplicity of the AR Blue, and it still packs a 1900 PSI punch for light-duty cleaning applications like washing cars and boats, cleaning outdoor furniture, and removing layers of light grime. If you’re looking for an entry level pressure washer, this one is a great way to jump in without spending a fortune.
The twist-to-change nozzle end makes changing the focus of the stream super easy, and if that’s not enough, it includes 2 different power washer wands. Its small, light, and far quieter than other gas models. Our favorite feature, albeit a simple one, is the hose spool, which keeps the whole package super tidy and organized in its storage area, and is quick to setup/breakdown.
To be honest, even if you already own a heavier gas version, the price and convenience of this Blue Clean pressure washer is impressive enough that it may be worth picking one up for small, quick jobs around the house.
Type: Electric
Pressure Level: 1900 PSI
Weight: 27 lbs
Price: $115 – 130
• Hose spool
• Adjustable nozzle end
• Ease of use
• Light/medium-duty residential use
What to look for in a Pressure Washer
Familiarize yourself with the important features of a quality pressure washer…