Pressure Washers

Pressure washer basics

Pressure washers (also called power washers) are basically a pump (to pressurize water) that's powered by an electric motor or gasoline engine. The water flows through a wand with a nozzle at the end that controls how much the water spreads. A trigger turns the flow on and off. Pressure washers are rated by three specifications:

PSI -- pounds per square inch -- measure of the dirt-loosening pressure (important for stain removal).

GPM -- gallons per minute -- measure of the water flow that washes the loosened dirt away (important for speed).

CU -- cleaning units -- an overall estimate of cleaning power, calculated by multiplying PSI x GPM.

Even if your pressure washer has a very high PSI, the job will take a long time if the flow rate is low. For some jobs, too much pressure is even a disadvantage, as it can damage car finishes and roughen wood. For the most flexibility, look for a pressure washer with adjustable pressure and interchangeable nozzles.

Experts suggest erring on the side of buying a bit more power than you need, since running a pressure washer at full power can wear it out too quickly. By comparison, a garden hose delivers about 40 PSI.

1000 to 1500 PSI -- Good choice for washing cars, bicycles, lawn furniture and grills

1400 to 1850 PSI -- Appropriate for cleaning patio or small deck

2000 to 3000 PSI -- More power for cleaning a large deck or washing siding

2800 to 4000 PSI -- Best for cleaning stained concrete, stripping paint

Experts estimate that a pressure washer with 2000 PSI and 2 GPM can clean about five to seven square feet per minute, while boosting the flow rate to 3 GPM lets it clean about eight to ten square feet a minute. We found quite a few reviews from owners happy that they moved up to a more powerful pressure washer with a higher GPM, saying they've cut cleaning time in half.

Homeowner pressure washers use only cold water. Water that's above a certain temperature (usually around 104 degrees) can damage the unit. However, experts say that it takes hot water (plus detergent) to blast away grease and oil. So for this kind of job, you'll probably need to rent a hot-water pressure washer. This report covers only cold-water pressure washers appropriate for residential use.

Gas vs. electric pressure washers

Reviews say electric pressure washers are the best solution for most homeowners. They're quieter, cost less to run and maintain, and are less polluting. This year California ups the ante on gas pressure washer emissions, requiring engines that minimize not only air pollution but also evaporation from the fuel system. (A surprising amount of gasoline evaporates from ordinary fuel tanks and lines, wasting fuel and causing health hazards.) Many of the pressure washers on the market this year are not California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified and fail to meet these higher standards, but we did find some CARB-certified models that are available outside of California. (The EPA is proposing national standards that meet California's, but they won't be in effect before 2012.)

Reviews recommend electric pressure washers over gas pressure washers, unless you plan to clean large or heavily stained surfaces on a regular basis or in locations too far from an electric outlet. Electric pressure washers are quieter, easier to use, and not only pollute less but also cost much less to operate -- especially at current gasoline prices. In the October 2007 issue of Workbench magazine, Bill Link reports that he used one gallon of gas to clean just a 12-foot-square deck.

Gas pressure washers also need oil and maintenance parts such as spark plugs. They can't be used safely indoors because the engines produce carbon monoxide, but gas models are ideal for remote outdoor locations. They're much better than electric models for stripping paint, and experts also recommend them for cleaning siding. It's also easier to find gas pressure washers that are built for durable use for many years, with top-quality pumps. However, unless you'll use one often, experts say it's better to buy an electric pressure washer for routine use and rent a gas pressure washer for occasional big jobs.

Electric pressure washers are ideal for small jobs, and are lighter and easier than gas models to move around. They can only be used within about 100 feet of an outlet, and some require a 20-amp circuit. You need a ground fault interrupter on the circuit for safety -- often built into the cord.

Although some motors and engines are better than others, expert reviews emphasize that the quality of the pump is more important than the quality of the motor or engine that powers it. Experts call cheap pressure washers that use axial pumps "throwaways." A better quality pressure washer may last ten times longer, because the pump can be repaired many times during the lifetime of the motor or engine. Better quality triplex pumps that use brass heads and ceramic plungers not only last longer, but can also be repaired more easily, making them less expensive in the long run.

Best electric pressure washers overall

If quality matters to you above cost, Italian-made Annovi Reverberi (AR) pressure washers receive the most praise, though they are very expensive and hard to find in stores. The Popular Mechanics review praises their build quality. Annovi pressure washers use induction motors, which are quieter and more durable than the universal motors used on many cheaper electric pressure washers, and the company uses more efficient and durable triplex pumps with ceramic plungers.

The 2-hp (19-amp) Annovi Reverberi (AR) ProLiner (*est. $700) is a professional-level model with threaded connections, high-end parts and features and an unusually fast flow rate of 2.1 GPM that speeds cleaning. Though the 1450 PSI is low by current electric pressure washer standards, the high flow rate brings the total cleaning units up to 3,045. While the Popular Mechanics review says this company makes the best electric pressure washers, they are very hard to find in the U.S., and are very expensive.

If you have a 20-amp circuit available, the 20-amp Cam Spray 1500A (*est. $675) is another pro-level electric pressure washer that's recommended in the Popular Mechanics review for its triplex pump with ceramic plungers. Pressure Washers Direct also recommends it at the pro level because of its durable build and adjustable pressure. It's a smaller handheld model without wheels, and the 2.0 GPM flow rate brings the total cleaning units below those of the AR ProLiner.

For about half the price of the AR and Cam Spray models, Pressure Washers Direct recommends the 1850 PSI Kärcher K 5.93 M (*est. $280) as the best choice in its price range. Owners reviewing this model at NorthernTool.com and at Lowes.com also give it high ratings. Kärcher includes a second detergent tank, a feature mentioned in the Money magazine review as adding extra convenience, and a turbo nozzle is included in the price. However, it uses a cheaper axial pump instead of a better quality triplex pump.

However, the Kärcher K 5.93 M pressure washer uses an induction motor (instead of a cheaper universal motor) and is powerful enough for most homeowner tasks, such as cleaning decks, sidewalks or washing siding. You can adjust the pressure right on the spray wand. Kärcher includes the K 5.93 M in its rapid-exchange program: During the warranty period, you can get a quick replacement instead of waiting for repairs. The less expensive 1800 PSI Kärcher 3.48 M (*est. $200), also a top recommendation at Pressure Washers Direct, has the same 1.5 GPM flow rate but only a single detergent tank.

Kärcher pressure washers have another advantage noted in the Popular Mechanics review: They're designed so they can draw from standing water as well as from a faucet. With an optional accessory (*est. $64) you can use it as a water pump. Many other accessories are available, such as a rotating wash brush (*est. $43) and – to clean decks and patios without splashback – the T50 wide-area surface cleaner (*est. $65).

The Campbell Hausfeld PW181000AV (*est. $205) is also a good choice; the previous version of this model is highly rated in the Money magazine review. However, we didn't see any testing that compares this model to the similar Kärcher pressure washers. Like the Kärcher K 5.93 M, the Campbell Hausfeld electric pressure washer has dual detergent tanks. It is powered by an induction motor, and the 1800 PSI combines with 1.6 GPM for 2,880 CU. It comes with a turbo nozzle that the manufacturer says boosts the effective PSI to 2050. The main drawback is that the pump is the least efficient wobble type, and owners reviewing it at Amazon.com give it mixed reviews for reliability.

Light-duty portable electric pressure washers

For washing cars, toys, and patio furniture, for example, the smallest electric pressure washers are lightweight and extra portable. Reviews say they're not generally suitable for cleaning a patio or deck, and most use noisy universal motors with relatively short lifetimes.

The 1400 PSI Sistema GT11 (*est. $125) , also called Sistema 10124, uses a brushless induction motor and an aluminum pump with stainless steel pistons. Thermal protection and a bypass valve protect the pump from damage. The 1.4 GPM flow rate brings the cleaning units to 1,960, so it can handle cleaning small decks and patios. The Sistema pressure washer comes with a detergent tank, a 20-foot hose, one adjustable nozzle and a turbo nozzle. Wheels and a handle make its 25-pound weight easier to wheel around. Owners reviewing Sistema pressure washers at Amazon.com give the company high marks for customer service, but they also say it's packaged so poorly that it's apt to arrive damaged. (That's the problem that brought its average rating down at that site.)

In 2006 Pressure Washers Direct recommended the Sistema GT11 as the best light-duty pressure washer. However, this year the handheld 1400 PSI Kärcher K 2.93 (*est. $100) is their top pick in this power and price range, especially when bundled with the Kärcher T50 horizontal surface cleaner (*est. $130 when sold together). The surface cleaner makes it easier and faster to clean decks and patios without getting water splashed back on you. Like the Sistema GT11, the Kärcher K 2.93 uses an induction motor, but the Kärcher pump doesn't have the stainless-steel pistons.

The Kärcher K 2.93 is being replaced by the Kärcher K 2.16 (*est. $100) , which uses a noisier and much less durable universal motor. The newer pressure washer weighs just nine pounds. Both models have a flow rate of 1.3 GPM, for a total of 1,820 cleaning units. Owners reviewing this pressure washer at NorthernTool.com give it mostly high marks, though some complain that parts broke and had to be replaced. Like the other electric Kärcher pressure washers discussed here, the one-year warranty includes the Rapid Exchange program for quick replacements and good parts availability.

For the same price you can get the wheeled Kärcher K 2.26 M 1500 PSI (*est. $100), with a retracting handle. This model more or less replaces the Kärcher K 2.97 M that got top ratings in some older comparison tests, but the K 2.26 M pressure washer uses a cheaper, much less durable universal motor and lacks an onboard detergent tank (it has a detergent siphon instead). The Kärcher K 2.26 M has a 1.3 GPM flow rate and includes a spray wand with adjustable pressure plus a turbo nozzle. It's gotten fairly good ratings from owners at Lowes.com. The hose is only 15 feet long, usable for small jobs but frustratingly short for others.

Light-duty Campbell Hausfeld pressure washers also use universal motors instead of quieter, more durable induction motors. They also don't fare as well in comparison tests of cleaning power, though they get generally good reviews from owners. The 1550 PSI Campbell Hausfeld PW155000AV (*est. $130) lacks wheels but has a tall handle for easier carrying. The 1.5 GPM flow rate is higher than that of the Kärcher models, and this model has a longer 25-foot hose as well. It doesn't include a turbo nozzle, however, which is an option (called the "dirt blaster") on the Kärcher pressure washers.

Gas pressure washers

If you need a pressure washer for cleaning large decks, stained driveways or stripping paint, you need a gas pressure washer. Although we did find warnings that it's easy to damage siding -- especially soft wood like cedar or where the siding is caulked -- with too high a pressure, most experts say that a gas pressure washer is also better for cleaning siding.

Pressure washers that meet California's CARB emissions requirements are less polluting and emit fewer gas fumes, but can be hard to find outside of California. We note when CARB-compliant models are available nationwide.

Quite a few gas pressure washers use Honda engines, whose models meet the stricter requirements. Reviews especially recommend Honda GX OHV engines for long life and fuel efficiency; less expensive Honda GC engines get more mixed reviews. Some (but not all) Briggs & Stratton engines meet California standards.

As with electric pressure washers, the quality of the pump is just as important as the engine. Reviews say that triplex pumps with ceramic or ceramic-coated plungers are best. CAT pumps have a very good reputation, but other commercial or industrial-level plunger pumps can also be fine. Buying guides say that belt-drive designs make the engine last longer than direct-drive models, since the latter run at higher RPM.

Owners rating pressure washers at Lowes.com give their highest marks to two John Deere gas pressure washers, both of which meet California's tougher emissions limits. Both use commercial-level triplex plunger pumps and are powered by engines in the Honda GX series. Other features include never-flat tires, pro-level quick-connect nozzles and adjustable pressure, along with two-year warranties.

The 3800 PSI John Deere 20297 (*est. $1,000) is powered by a Honda GX390 OHV engine. With a fast flow rate of 4.0 GPM, it's probably overkill for most homeowners in terms of power and speed – unless you want to strip a lot of paint or clean huge surfaces. The John Deere 20298 (*est. $700) has a less powerful Honda GX200 OHV engine and a flow rate of 2.8 GPM, which experts say is plenty for most homeowner uses. Two similar Kärcher models, the Prosumer 4000 (*est. $1,200) and the Prosumer HD2700 (*est. $700) are also recommended, but each comes with a one-year warranty compared to two years for John Deere pressure washers. If you want a top-quality gas pressure washer, DeWalt and NorthStar also make models in this price range.

Unless you have a lot of paint to strip or huge surfaces to clean, you can find good buys priced around $400. In fact, the two models recommended in more than one review hit this price point – though you get a Honda GC OHV engine rather than a Honda GX.

Staff at Pressure Washers Direct recommend the Kärcher G 2600 (*est. $400) , which uses a commercial-grade spray gun and wand with interchangeable quick-connect nozzles. Replacing the Kärcher G 2500 that earned good ratings from owners reviewing it at Amazon.com, the G 2600 uses a non-kinking hose. The pump is commercial-grade with a brass head, and the Honda GCV 160 engine carries a two-year warranty. Cleaning units total 5,980, with a flow rate of 2.3 GPM. The cart has metal wheels and pneumatic tires, and a one-gallon detergent tank is built in. (A similar model sold at Sam's Club doesn't include the tank.)

The NorthStar 3000 PSI / 2.5 GPM (*est. $400) , sold at Northern Tools, gets extremely high marks from owners (though we didn't see it reviewed elsewhere). The NorthStar has both higher PSI and a faster flow rate, for a total of 7,500 cleaning units compared to the Kärcher G 2600's 5,980. The NorthStar's Honda GC190 OHC engine is slightly more powerful, and the pump has ceramic plungers. The whole pressure washer, not just the engine, carries a two-year warranty (versus Kärcher's one-year warranty). This pressure washer meets CARB requirements.

Owners reviewing pressure washers at Sears.com give reasonably good marks to the Craftsman 75205 (*est. $370). Owners say the Briggs & Stratton engine is easy to start, but some wish this model had more power. It's not as powerful as either of the two pressure washers discussed above, however, with just 2550 PSI and 2.3 GPM for 5,865 cleaning units. It carries a one-year warranty. The similar Craftsman 75226 (*est. $380) is CARB certified.

Four less expensive and less powerful Troy-Bilt pressure washers still get fairly good owner-written ratings at Lowes.com (though owners don't praise them as much as they do the better built, professional-level John Deere models). The Troy-Bilt pressure washers carry two-year warranties and use "never-flat" tires. The 2500 PSI Troy-Bilt 20344 (*est. $320) uses a Honda engine and is available in all 50 states, so it's CARB-certified. The flow rate is 2.4 GPM for a total of 5,750 cleaning units – still plenty for most cleaning tasks. Staff at Lowe's says it can clean up to 35 square feet about in five minutes.

Important Features: Pressure washers

Reviews recommend considering the following factors when choosing a pressure washer:

• Pressure washer power is expressed as Cleaning Units (CU), calculated by multiplying the pressure per square inch (PSI) by the water flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). More power usually adds cost and weight, so there's no point in buying more than you need. On the other hand, if you try to use a smaller pressure washer for a task that takes too much power, it will take a long time and may wear out the pressure washer altogether.

• Ceramic triplex plunger pumps are better than axial pumps. They last longer and are also economical to repair. Axial pumps are usually just replaced when they wear out or break. Ceramic or ceramic-coated plungers are also superior to aluminum, especially if you have hard water (mineral buildup on aluminum can be a problem). A brass manifold is better than aluminum, and stainless steel moving parts are also a plus.

• Consider renting. Experts say that most homeowners only use a pressure washer about 20 hours a year, often even less. If you do plan to use it for an occasional big job, such as cleaning a big deck, consider renting instead.

• Threaded brass connections with O-rings are better than bayonet connections. We found quite a few complaints about connections leaking, so this can make a difference in your satisfaction.

• Pneumatic tires absorb some of the vibration. They can reduce noise, ease mobility and keep the pressure washer from dancing around during use. Reviews also like "never-flat" tires.

• Not all pressure washers let you adjust the pressure. This may seem surprising, but it's an extra feature.

• Separate spray tips give you more options. It sounds convenient to have one adjustable tip, but some owners say they wish they had more choice.

• Electric induction motors are better than universal motors. They're quieter, more durable and run cooler so the pump lasts about three times longer.

• Turbo nozzles do add stain-removal power, but can leave streaks. Experts don't recommend using a turbo nozzle to wash cars, noting that too much pressure can also damage the paint. Turbo nozzles do speed cleaning for decks or grills, and experts say a turbo nozzle can clean concrete about three times faster than a regular nozzle.

• Some electric models require a 20-amp circuit. Keep in mind that pressure washers that need a higher amperage outlet also need a special extension cord.

• On most electric models, releasing the trigger cuts the motor, saving electricity and eliminating unnecessary noise, but also protecting the power washer from damage. Some manufacturers call this a "total stop trigger gun." On some electric and most gasoline models, however, you'll need to manually turn off the engine if you take a break longer than a specified number of minutes. This "breaktime" varies from less than two minutes to five minutes. The longer time is clearly more convenient.

• Check return policies as well as service and parts availability before buying. Gasoline pressure washers are especially hard to ship for service, so it's better to buy a brand that can be repaired locally. Consider the cost of accessories if you want them.

The average municipal water system provides about five gallons per minute of water, so getting enough water flow won't be a problem. If your household water draws from a well, you'll need to be sure you select a pressure washer for which the GPM is within what your well can provide. (You can check your water system's GPM by running water for one minute into a 5-gallon bucket.)

For gas pressure washers, find out how long you can take a break from spraying. When you release the trigger, pressure and heat build up that can start damaging the pump within minutes. Sometimes the time limit is hidden deep in the instruction manual. "Unloaders" are designed to minimize pressure buildup, while "bypass valves" or "thermal relief valves" are designed to cool the water (which the engine keeps heating up). Experts say some of these devices work better than others, but it's still safest to just be sure to pull the trigger briefly at least once a minute to send some cool water through the pump.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Gas Pressure Washers	Details from Amazon.com
3	Kärcher G 2600 (*est. $400)	details
2	NorthStar 3000 PSI (*est. $400)	details
1 each	Briggs & Stratton 20275, Craftsman 75205, DeWalt DP3100 , DeWalt 3700, John Deere 20297, John Deere 20298, Kärcher G4001RH Prosumer , NorthStar High-Performance 1578112 , NorthStar Pro 3300, Troy-Bilt 20293 (now 020337), Troy-Bilt 42133 (now Troy-Bilt 020344)
# of Picks	Electric Pressure Washers	Details from Amazon.com
2	Kärcher 5.93M (*est. $280)	details
2	Kärcher K 2.26 M (*est. $100)	-
1 each	AR Extreme 120 (now AR TEAM), Campbell Hausfeld PW155000AV, Campbell Hausfeld PW1810 (now PW181000AV), Husky 1800 PSI Smart Powerwasher (now Husky 2000S PSI Residential), Kärcher K 1400, Kärcher K 2.16 , Kärcher K 2.93 M , Kärcher 3.48 M , Kärcher K 3.68 M , McCulloch FH180A

Among electric pressure washers, we found the best reviews overall for Kärcher models, particularly the Kärcher 5.93 M with two detergent tanks and the Kärcher K 2.26 M. Unfortunately, the Kärcher K 2.26 M is being replaced by a new model that uses a cheaper universal motor instead of an induction motor, so we did not include this model in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. Rather, we included The Sistema G11, a favorite in reviews last year which still uses a better induction motor.

Among residential gas pressure washers, the Kärcher G 2600 and NorthStar 3000 both get some good ratings, but the NorthStar is mainly recommended by owners posting to the manufacturer's website. We found good reviews for more expensive models from John Deere and Annovi Reverberi, but these models cost more than $700.

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