The Best Pressure Washers To Tackle Any Outdoor Cleaning Project

Forbes

2 days ago

For restoring the look of decks, driveways and exterior siding, a standard hose often falls short. A high-quality pressure washer offers the power and precision required to remove built-up dirt, mold and grime from a range of outdoor surfaces. The best pressure washers go one step further, combining robust performance with thoughtful design to deliver the versatility to handle both heavy-duty cleaning and more delicate tasks like car washing. After extensive research and expert input, our top recommendations include the Sun Joe Xtream Electric Pressure Washer and the Simpson Cleaning PS3228 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer, both of which impressed us with thoughtful design features and consistent performance.
The best pressure washers offer adequate power and versatility to tackle any outdoor job. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
As with any power tool, choosing the right pressure washer depends on how and where you plan to use it. Factors like water pressure (PSI), flow rate (GPM), nozzle attachments and power source all affect how well a machine performs for specific tasks. 'Selecting an appropriate pressure washer requires careful consideration, as various factors influence its effectiveness for specific tasks,' explains Lawrence Bradley of Bradley's Cleaning. 'Understanding these nuances is crucial for both optimal performance and equipment longevity.' Read on for our expert-backed picks on the best pressure washers to consider in 2025.
Power Source: Electric | PSI: 2,200 | GPM: 1.65 | Total Cleaning Units: 3,630 | Cord Length: 35 feet
Pros: Lightweight
Excellent power-to-weight ratio
Four different nozzles included
Cons: May not be suited to heavy-duty jobs
This electric pressure washer is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced pressure cleaners alike, thanks to its straightforward assembly, lightweight build and intuitive design. It comes with four different nozzles that are appropriately labeled and easy to swap out for different projects, whether you're breaking down gunk between pavers or rinsing off patio furniture.
This pressure washer comes with a PSI of 2,200, which is on the lower end of the spectrum, but experts like Elliott Hood of FlowMows Lawn & Pressure Washing say that's more than enough. For most homeowners that are looking to use their pressure washer for everyday tasks like cleaning patios and siding, this washer offers plenty of power to get the job done.
Plus, this unit offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio, which means it delivers a strong output without being too heavy to carry around. It also comes with two included cleaning brushes, and it features a 34-inch extension cord for convenient maneuverability.
Power Source: Gas | PSI: 3,300 | GPM: 2.5 | Total Cleaning Units: 8,250 | Cord Length: N/A
Pros: High PSI for extra power
Comes with five nozzles and a spray gun
Sturdy tires for portability
Cons: Lacking onboard detergent tank
If you're in the market for a gas pressure washer that can deliver extra power for industrial, heavy-duty cleaning jobs, the Simpson Cleaning PowerShot is a top pick. It comes with five stainless steel nozzle tips and an ergonomic spray gun to tackle a variety of tasks, and it boasts a high PSI for an ultra powerful output. This unit also features a Honda engine, which Bradley recommends for optimal durability and reliability over time.
Gas pressure washers have the benefit of not being restricted by the length of an electric cord, plus they typically boast extra power. However, they come with the downside of being louder, heavier and requiring more upkeep via fuel and oil changes. Luckily, this unit comes with a supply of engine oil and siphon tube for easy installation.
One major downside with this unit is that it doesn't include an onboard detergent tank. This means you'd have to use an unattached bottle for soap, which could yield messy results.
Power Source: Electric | PSI: 1,900 | GPM: 1.2 | Total Cleaning Units: 2,280 | Cord Length: 25 feet
Pros: Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Three nozzle attachments included
Affordable
Cons: Not suited to heavy-duty tasks
For anyone in the market for a reliable pressure washer that won't break the bank, this Craftsman unit delivers a lot of features at a great value. It includes an integrated soap tank for convenient cleaning, three nozzle attachments and on-board storage to keep everything organized.
Despite its low price and lightweight build, this unit still offers 1,900 PSI. Although this is on the lower end of the recommended range, it's still powerful enough to handle everyday outdoor cleaning tasks. It may not be equipped to handle heavy-duty cleaning tasks like blasting moldy bricks or concrete, but it's a great pick for most homes looking for regular outdoor maintenance.
Power Source: Electric | PSI: 3,000 | GPM: 2.0 | Total Cleaning Units: 6,000 | Cord Length: 35 feet
Pros: Strong power for electric unit
Five nozzle attachments
On-board soap tank
Cons:
This powerful pressure washer boasts 3,000 PSI and 2.0 GPM, which grants it the highest cleaning power of any electric unit on this list. It also makes it well suited to tackling virtually any outdoor cleaning task, from transforming dirty patios and brick steps to gently cleaning patio furniture and vehicles. Its included five nozzles expand its versatility, with 15°, 25° and 40° tips, plus soap and turbo nozzles to handle any outdoor project.
This pressure washer offers other convenient features, like an on-board soap tank, 35-foot power cord and 10-inch wheels that will never go flat. It also comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind with the investment.
The only downside with this powerful unit is its accompanying weight and noise, which some owners have reported are higher than average.
Power Source: Electric | PSI: 3,000 | GPM: 1.1 | Total Cleaning Units: 3,300 | Cord Length: 35 feet
Pros: Compact, portable design
High PSI
Four nozzles and foam cannon included
Cons: Lower GPM
Potential issues with longevity
Although most pressure washers are designed to be portable, this model features a compact build and easily movable design that makes it particularly transportable. Resembling a rollaway suitcase, it features a rectangular build and retractable handle that makes it easy to lug around—and to find space for in your garage or shed. It's also notably lightweight for further portable convenience.
This model features a notably powerful motor, with 3,000 PSI to tackle gentle and heavy-duty projects alike. It also comes equipped with four nozzles—including a turbo nozzle—and a foam cannon, all of which can be nestled on-board when not in use.
Although this unit has a lower GPM (water flow rate), owners have reported it successfully tackles a variety of cleaning tasks with impressive power. However, there have been reports of longevity issues. Luckily, the washer comes with a 3-year warranty for maintenance.
The home team at Forbes Vetted is committed to helping you find the best products to make the most out of your outdoor space, from robotic pool cleaners to electric lawn mowers. Monica Petrucci is the author of this article and a commerce writer that covers home topics at Forbes Vetted. She has been testing and researching home products for several years, including everything from grill covers to fake plants.
For this article, we interviewed pressure washing professionals who work in the field to inform our top picks for this list. Elliott Hood, owner and operator at FlowMows Lawn & Pressure Washing, as well as Larry Bradley, co-founder of Bradley's Cleaning, provided insight about the most important features to look for in the best pressure washers.
We prioritize keeping all of our content relevant and up to date in order to provide the most helpful information for our readers. This article was last updated in July 2025.
We combined in-depth research with expert insight in order to pull together a comprehensive list of the best pressure washers. We collected information from Hood and Bradley regarding the most important features in high-quality pressure washers. This included PSI and GPM range, power-to-weight ratio, nozzle systems and more. These insights were implemented into our top pick selections.
Although most units on this list are electric pressure washers—which reflects the majority of the options on the market—we made sure to include a gas model for anyone shopping for a heavy-duty machine.
We scoured through consumer reviews to gauge whether our selections have proven real-world performance, especially when it comes to longevity. Any common complaints or praises from owners were reflected in our reviews.
We made sure to only include products with a 4-star rating or higher, prioritizing picks that have been widely well received by consumers.
'When shopping for a pressure washer, it's easy to get overwhelmed with numbers, specs and sheer options,' Hood says. That's why we broke down the most important specs and features to look out for to ensure you're making the best purchase for your individual needs. Gas Vs. Electric Pressure Washers
This may be one of the first considerations you have to make when deciding on the best pressure washer for you. As Hood puts it, 'both gas and electric pressure washers have their place. It really depends on your needs.'
Electric pressure washers are great for most light-to-medium jobs around the house. 'They're lower maintenance, quieter, have no emissions and are easy to store and tote around,' Hood says. 'The downside is that electric washers are typically limited in PSI output, and you have to be near an electrical outlet to use them.'
Gas pressure washers are better suited to heavy-duty cleaning, making them the best match for industrial usage—especially since they aren't limited to power cord ranges. However, they also have significant downsides. They're often louder and heavier than their electric counterparts. They also require more maintenance than electric washers, including regular fueling and oil changes.
'If you're the average homeowner, an electric model is likely the way to go,' Hood says. PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)
A pressure washer's PSI number reflects its pressure strength. As Hood puts it, 'it's how hard the water hits the surface.' It's one of the most important metrics to consider when shopping for a pressure washer, as it—along with the GPM (more on that below)—reflects the unit's performance foundation.
Higher isn't necessarily always better in this case. The ideal PSI range depends on the intended use of the pressure washer. 'For most jobs around the house, like washing patios, outdoor furniture, cars and siding, a PSI range of 1,800-2,800 is more than enough,' Hood says. 'That's the sweet spot for versatility, giving you the cleaning power you need without risking damage to any delicate spots or surfaces.'
Heavy-duty tasks like tough stains, grease removal and paint prep require more power, with a machine that has a PSI of 3,000 or higher. But Hood says for average homeowners, this PSI level is often overkill. 'Focus on matching the PSI to the surface you're cleaning instead of just looking for the washer with the highest number,' he says. GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
In addition to the PSI, the GPM (gallons per minute) is the other most important metric when considering pressure washing performance. 'GPM is about flow rate, or how much water is moving through' in a certain amount of time, Hood explains.
Multiplying PSI by GPM gives you a pressure washer's Cleaning Units, a measure of overall cleaning power. 'These give you a more complete picture of overall cleaning power of a pressure washer.' Spray Nozzles
Most high-quality pressure washers come with a variety of spray nozzle options, which are great for expanding the versatility of the unit. 'This is great for moving from blasting mildew off your concrete wall and then rinsing your car,' Hood says. He recommends looking for a quick-connect nozzle system, which is 'a bonus for ease and efficiency.'
Bradley emphasizes the importance of selecting nozzles to match the unit's GPM output. 'Each nozzle is designed to handle a specific flow rate. For instance, pairing an 8 GPM pressure washer with nozzles rated for 4 GPM will invariably overload the pump, leading to premature damage and costly repairs,' he explains.
Luckily, most modern pressure washer units on the market today are bundled with a set of appropriately matched nozzles. But if you're shopping for additional nozzles, keep this in mind.
What's The Best PSI For Pressure Washer?
For most household uses, experts recommend a PSI that ranges between 1,800-2,800. For more heavy duty projects, 3,000+ PSI is encouraged.
What Is The Best Pressure Washer For The Money?
Our pick for the best value pressure washer is the Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer . It features strong performance and excellent versatility with an affordable price tag.