Karcher K 2.93

Experts say a low-powered electric pressure washer like the Karcher K 2.93, rated at 1,400 pounds per square inch (psi), is ideal for washing cars, bikes and patio furniture because it's less apt to damage finishes than more powerful models. In this size and price range, reviews favor the Karcher K 2.93 because it's one of the rare models that employs a quiet, durable induction motor instead of a cheaper universal motor. The kit that includes the rotary surface cleaner, for cleaning patios and garage floors, makes this an especially good deal. The one-year warranty includes a rapid-exchange program so there's no delay waiting for a defective pressure washer to be repaired. If you want to clean a deck, however, you'll need a faster, more powerful pressure washer like the Karcher K 5.93 (*Est. $280).

We found the most current review of the Karcher K 2.93 pressure washer kit at an expert retailer site, PressureWashersDirect.com. Older, more objective comparison tests at ConsumerReports.org and Popular Mechanics cover similar but discontinued models. At the time of our report, only one owner had reviewed this exact model at Amazon.com, and owners reviewing pressure washers at a U.K. review site, DooYou, discuss the Karcher brand but not this specific model.