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. Pressure washers are rated by three specifications:

• PSI -- pounds per square inch -- measuring the dirt-loosening pressure
• GPM -- gallons per minute -- measuring the water flow that washes the loosened dirt away.
• CU -- cleaning units -- an overall estimate of cleaning power, simply calculated by multiplying PSI x GPM.

Although retailers and manufacturers emphasize PSI, pressure washer reviews by experts, contractors and homeowners agree that GPM is actually more important for fast, efficient pressure washing. 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.

Pressure ratings do still matter. 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 -- Washing a car, bicycle, lawn furniture, grill
• 1400 to 1850 PSI -- Cleaning patio, small deck
• 2000 to 3000 PSI -- Cleaning a large deck, washing siding
• 2800 to 4000 PSI -- Cleaning stained concrete, stripping paint

Experts estimate that a pressure washer with 2000 PSI and 2 GPM can clean about 5 to 7 square feet per minute, while boosting the flow rate to 3 GPM lets it clean about 8 to 10 square feet a minute. A pressure washer with 3000 PSI and 4 GPM can clean about 12 to 18 square feet a minute. We found quite a few reviews from owners happy that they moved up to a more powerful pressure washer, saying they've cut cleaning time in half or more.

The flow rate on pressure washers ranges from about 1.3 to 4 GPM, with mid-range electric models averaging 1.6 GPM and gas pressure washers about 2.5 GPM. The average municipal water system provides about 5 GPM, but 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.) If your water is hard, reviews recommend high-end power washers with ceramic plunge pumps and brass pump heads, since hard water deposits create problems with aluminum parts.

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.

Types of power washers

Electric pressure washers are ideal for small jobs. They're less polluting than gas pressure washers, and they can be used indoors as well as out. They're also lighter and easier to move around. Of course, 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 -- often built into the cord -- since electricity and water don't mix. The most powerful electric pressure washers can be used to wash a patio or deck, but they won't do it as quickly as a gas pressure washer.

If you plan to clean siding or strip paint, reviews agree that you'll need the power of a gas pressure washer. These also make cleaning a deck or patio much faster. Gas pressure washers are heavier, noisier and pollute more, but they can be used far away from electrical outlets. They can't be used indoors, however, since they produce carbon monoxide. It's crucial to monitor the oil level and change it often, and in cold climates gas pressure washers need winterizing.

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 they can be repaired more easily, making them less expensive in the long run.

In January 2007, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) put new emissions requirements into place for gas engines used on pressure washers. These models are sometimes labeled "50 State Certified." Conversely, you'll see other gas pressure washers described as "not available in California," meaning that their engines emit more pollutants.

Quite a few gas pressure washers use Honda engines, whose 2007 models meet these requirements. (Be aware, though, that retailers may have 2006 models still in stock.) Reviews especially recommend Honda GX OHV engines for long life and fuel efficiency. Some (but not all) Briggs & Stratton 2007 engines meet California standards.

Best electric pressure washers

If quality matters to you above cost, electric pressure washers from Annovi Reverberi receive the most praise. In a review of an earlier model, Popular Mechanics 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. This review covers an Annovi model that uses an axial pump, but the best Annovi Reverberi models now use triplex pumps with ceramic plungers.

The 2-hp (19-amp) Annovi Reverberi ProLiner (*est. $540) is only rated at 1450 PSI, but the 2.1 GPM is high for an electric pressure washer, bringing the total cleaning units up to 3,045. This model not only has a triplex brass-headed pump with ceramic plungers, but it also adds other high-end features not usually found on electric pressure washers. The pressure is adjustable, with a pressure gauge and automatic safety valve with low-pressure bypass to protect the motor when the trigger is off. It has a 25-foot swivel hose, and the 35-foot cord includes a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI). Both a hose reel and turbo nozzle are extra-cost options. If you have a 20-amp circuit and can do without the convenience of the ProLiner's built-in detergent tank, large wheels, and long cord, the 2-hp Annovi Reverberi TRXXXX (*est. $300) offers the same top-quality pump and slightly higher cleaning units for a much lower price. (A cart is available as an extra option.)

The 19-amp Cam Spray 1500A (*est. $500) is recommended in the Popular Mechanics review for its triplex pump with ceramic plungers. It has a long 34-foot cord, but the 2.0 GPM maximum flow rate makes the total-cleaning units slightly lower than those of the Annovi Reverberi pressure washers above, which are better values. The size and power of all these models makes them appropriate for cleaning sidewalks, driveways, small decks and siding that isn't too heavily soiled.

Less expensive pressure washers don't offer adjustable pressure or use the absolute best pumps, but can still do a good job for cleaning decks, bikes, cars and garden furniture. For example, the Campbell Hausfeld PW1810 (*est. $210) gets the top recommendation in a recent Money magazine comparison review. While we found some fault with the reviewers’ methodology, they do note that the 1810 cleans quickly and has dual detergent tanks. The Campbell Hausfeld 1810 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 2,050.

If you are on a tighter budget, Money magazine picks the Husky 1800 (*est. $180) as a budget choice. The Husky 1800 (now updated as the 1800S) cleans more slowly than the Campbell Hausfeld PW1810, despite having identical PSI and GPM ratings. In addition, the dual tanks are less convenient because only one of them can be removed for easy filling. We found quite a few owner-written reviews complaining about reliability and repair problems on earlier Husky 1800 pressure washers, but they do carry an unusually long three-year warranty.

Karcher pressure washers have an advantage in that they can draw from standing water; (most pressure washers have to be connected to a faucet or garden hose, using water that's already pressurized). However, we’ve seen some inconsistent recommendations for Karcher pressure washers, and a fair number of owner-written complaints.

Pressure Washers Direct recommends the 1850-PSI Karcher K 5.93 M (*est. $275) as the best electric pressure washer. When we asked why they ranked it higher than the Campbell Hausfeld PW1810, we were told that the Karcher K 5.93 M is stronger and comes with a turbo nozzle. However, the PW1810 does include a turbo nozzle, and its total cleaning units are comparable. The Campbell Hausfeld PW1810 has proven itself in current comparison tests, so overall we think it's a better buy. The Karcher K 5.93 M certainly deserves consideration, however, if you want to use it to draw from standing water.

We found owner feedback on two slightly less powerful Karcher pressure washers, both with flow rates of 1.5 GPM. Overall, owners give better ratings to the 1800-PSI Karcher K 3.68 M (*est. $160), while the more expensive but less powerful 1750-PSI Karcher K 3.92 M (*est. $180) gets a noticeably lower rating for quality. Owners reviewing the same model at Northern Tools rate it the same, praising it for quiet running, but complaining about reliability and awkward onboard storage. One advantage of these last two Karcher models (but not the K 5.93 M) is that they qualify for the company’s Rapid Exchange program.

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 suitable for cleaning a patio or deck, and most use noisy universal motors with relatively short lifetimes. There are exceptions, however.

The 1400-PSI Sistema GT11 (*est. $130) , also called Sistema 10124, uses an induction motor, and the aluminum pump has stainless steel pistons. The 1.4 GPM flow rate brings the cleaning units to 1,960, and it 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 convenient to wheel around. Users 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.

Last year, Pressure Washers Direct recommended the Sistema GT11 as the best light-duty pressure washer. However, this year the 1350-PSI, 1.3 GPM Campbell Hausfeld PW1350099 (*est. $150) is the top pick in this power range. It's hard to see why, however, since it's less powerful, uses a less-desirable universal motor and costs more. On the other hand, while this particular Campbell Hausfeld model lacks wheels, it weighs only 16.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest models.

Quite a few light-duty Campbell Hausfeld pressure washers with universal motors and turbo nozzles get reasonably favorable reviews from owners. However, some complain that the cord storage is awkward on the 1300-PSI Campbell Hausfeld PW1310AV (*est. $95). In addition, reviews at Amazon.com report that reliability could be an issue -- a common occurrence among low-priced pressure washers, it seems. The Campbell Hausfeld PW1315 (*est. $105) is similar, but it comes with more accessories for washing a car.

The wheeled 1500-PSI Karcher K 2.26 M (*est. $100) gets fairly good ratings from owners at Lowes.com, but they rate it lower on quality than on features and design. The hose is only 15 feet long, usable for small jobs but frustratingly short for others.

Best gas pressure washers

If you need a pressure washer for more challenging jobs like cleaning siding, large decks, stained driveways or stripping paint, you need a gas power washer. As with electric pressure washers, it's the quality of the pump that distinguishes the best gas pressure washers from the competition. CAT pumps have a 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.

Pressure washers with PSI ratings of 3,600 or more can zip through jobs much more quickly, but the tradeoff is that they are much more expensive than lower-powered pressure washers that are more than adequate for occasional use by homeowners.

The NorthStar 4000 PSI pressure washer (*est. $1,050) uses a 13-hp Honda GX 390 engine and CAT 66DX triplex pump. Owners give the NorthStar very high ratings, and professional reviews at NorthernTool.com praise this model (though a hose reel and better tires would be welcome).

We also found some owner-written reviews praising DeWalt pressure washers that use Honda GX engines and commercial-quality pumps. The 3750-PSI DeWalt DP3750 (*est. $1,000) uses either an Annovi Reverberi or General pump, powered by a 13-hp Honda GX engine. The latter automatically shuts off if oil pressure gets too low, protecting the engine from a disaster about which several owners can testify. This model gets a very high rating from owners reviewing it at Home Depot. Its low-maintenance design and better parts availability make it a good alternative to NorthStar for most homeowners.

Less expensive pressure washers will generally take longer to clean surfaces than the NorthStar and DeWalt models above, but they still provide sufficient power and flow rate to do everything except strip paint. Motors and pumps might be a step down (for example an axial pump instead of a ceramic plunger pump), but the prices are lower.

Karcher, Craftsman and Troy-Bilt pressure washers get the most professional and user recommendations in reviews of mid-range homeowner models. As with the more expensive gas pressure washers, your best choice may well depend on where you can get parts and repairs.

We saw some positive comments for the Karcher G 2500 OH (*est. $420), which has a pump with a brass head and pneumatic tires. It's powered by a 5-hp Honda GC 160 engine, but it doesn't meet California emissions standards. This model provides a PSI of 2500 and 2.5 GPM for total CU of 6250. Owners review it favorably at Amazon.com, though one notes that it vibrates so much that it's hard to keep it in one place. This model has been updated as the Karcher G 2600 VH (*est. $400), with 2600 PSI but a lower flow rate of 2.3 GPM. It's powered by a 161cc HP Honda GCV 160 engine, but we found no reviews for this updated model.

The Karcher G 3025 BH (*est. $500 at Sam’s Club) is powered by a 187cc (6-hp) Honda GC 190 engine, and the commercial-grade axial pump has a brass head and brass piston guide. Karcher considers it a "prosumer" model, better than most of its residential pressure washers. The 3000 PSI of pressure and 2.5 GPM flow rate provide 7,500 CU. Features include quick-connect fittings and a wrist stabilizer on the wand. The upright design and 12-inch pneumatic tires make the 80-pound Karcher relatively easy to move, and the detergent tank is removable for easy filling. Karcher, TerraPass and Sam's Club have partnered to bundle the Karcher G 3025 BH with two years of carbon offsets, making it the first "carbon neutral" pressure washer on the market. However, we have found no user or professional reviews. The Karcher G 3025 OH (*est. $550) and G 3050 OH (*est. $420) appear very similar, with the same motor and specifications, but without the carbon offsets. Again, we found no reviews or comments for these models.

The 3100-PSI Craftsman 20315 (*est. $530) has a good 2.8 GPM flow rate. The pump head is aluminum (not recommended for use with hard water), and the hose is 5/16-inch diameter and only 30 feet long, not as useful for cleaning siding or big decks. At the time of this report, however, owners give this pressure washer a higher rating than any other Craftsman power washer. Although it lacks a detergent reservoir, owners say its power is ample, and they like the heat shielding (which prevents burns and keeps the muffler from burning holes in the hose). There are minor complaints -- a few flimsy parts, and no dipstick for the oil. The Craftsman 20314 (*est. $500) is very similar -- differences are slightly less power and the presence of a detergent tank. User reviews are generally positive, but some complain that its stiff hoses tend to tangle and kink. Craftsman pressure washers carry only a one-year warranty, and both of these models are powered by Briggs & Stratton engines that do not meet the new California emissions requirements.

With a two-year warranty and lower price, the Troy-Bilt 20295 (*est. $390), which is sold exclusively at Lowe's, uses a similar engine that meets California emission requirements. This pressure washer provides the same 3,000 PSI and 2.7 GPM as the Craftsman 20314. It has two half-gallon tanks instead of one, a feature the Money magazine review says adds a lot of convenience. But the 30-foot hose is just a quarter-inch in diameter. Owner ratings at Lowe's are generally positive.

At about the same price and also with just a 30-foot hose -- but with less cleaning power --Pressure Washers Direct recommends the Briggs & Stratton 20273 (*est. $400), with 2,550 PSI but only 2.3 GPM. Although the 30-foot hose is only a quarter-inch in diameter, the brief review notes that it's an "easy coil" hose. Given owners' complaints about stiff, kinking hoses on many Craftsman pressure washers, this could be more important than it sounds. The warranty is for two years.

Budget gas pressure washers

Once the price drops much below $350, you can pretty much count on a less durable aluminum pump, hard wheels without pneumatic tires and a shorter hose. However, you can still clean a patio or deck, though it will take longer than with a more powerful pressure washer. Even these budget gas pressure washers beat electric pressure washers when it comes to cleaning ability for the price.

The 2500-PSI Craftsman 20278 (*est. $300) is powered by a Honda 160 GCV engine. It can draw from a bucket or a rain barrel. Owners give it high ratings at Sears.com, saying that it can clean concrete as long as you use the optional turbo nozzle. There are some minor complaints, including a cheap-feeling 35-foot hose that twists and tangles, as well as nozzles that are hard to keep in place. By contrast, the Craftsman 20311 (*est. $320) costs more but has less power (2200 PSI, 2.2 GPM). It's powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine that doesn't meet CARB requirements, and owners complain of repair problems and a lack of power.

The 2500-PSI Troy-Bilt 20296 (*est. $300) uses the same Honda GV160 160cc engine as the Craftsman 20278, and it has the same flow rate. It gets fairly good ratings from owners reviewing it at Lowes.com, but the 2550-PSI Troy-Bilt 20293 (*est. $280) gets even higher average ratings. That model is powered by a 190cc Briggs & Stratton 675 series engine. It seems to be the higher PSI that gives it an edge. Owners rate it especially well both for value and for ease of use. Each of these Troy-Bilt pressure washers carries a two-year warranty.

Earlier tests showed good performance from the 2300-PSI Campbell Hausfeld PW2200 (*est. $300) with a 2.0 GPM flow rate, but this year it's easier to find the more powerful Campbell Hausfeld PW2502 (*est. $340) with 2500 PSI and 2.1 GPM. Both have 6-hp Tecumseh engines, thermal relief valves, detergent tanks and onboard storage for the 25-foot hose. The pump is cast aluminum, but it has a brass manifold. The tires are "semi-pneumatic," so it has better specifications than most in this price range. However, it does not meet California emissions standards, and we’ve yet to see user or professional reviews for this specific model.

These pressure washers are so similar in price and features that the best service center (for parts and repairs) may be your deciding factor. If value matters most, the Troy-Bilt 20293 (*est. $280) offers the most cleaning power and longest warranty for the price. The (*est. $300) has a longer hose and can draw from standing water, but you may have to put up with a hose that kinks. For a little more money you can get the Campbell Hausfeld PW2502 (*est. $340) , with a brass manifold (a good idea if you'll be pumping hard water). Of the three, only the Craftsman 20293 can be sold in California.

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. Comparison reviews also show that specifications don't tell the whole story; pressure washers with the same specifications can vary in performance.

• Ceramic plunger pumps are better than axial pumps. Experts say triplex plunger pumps are a better long-term investment because they not only last longer than axial pumps, but are also economical to repair. Axial pumps are usually just replaced when they wear out or break. Ceramic plunger pumps are also recommended if you must use hard water, since deposit buildup will cause problems inside aluminum pumps. A brass manifold is also better than case aluminum, and stainless steel moving parts are also a plus.

• Basic homeowner models should be used no more than about 2 hours a week or 100 hours a year. 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. Experts say a more expensive commercial-level model may easily last ten times longer than a cheap pressure washer.

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

• Two removable tanks are more convenient than one. For car washing, for example, this lets you put a detergent solution in one tank, wax in the other.

• Turbo nozzles do add cleaning 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.

• Check the flow rate of your water supply. Municipal water systems -- which usually provide water at about 5 GPM -- will have no trouble supplying water to a pressure washer. But if you rely on a well for your water, be sure to check its flow rate before you choose a pressure washer that can run on it. You can do this by running water for one minute into a 5-gallon bucket and measuring how much water accumulates.

• A safety lock on the trigger protects against accidental turn-ons. This can be especially important if children are in the area.

• 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 2 minutes to 5 minutes. The longer time is more convenient.

• For washing high surfaces, use an extension wand rather than a ladder. Experts say that pressure washer wands kick a little when the trigger is pulled, making them dangerous to use from a ladder. It's much safer to get a longer wand.

• 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.

• You may need some safety accessories. Most manufacturers recommend wearing safety goggles. For some models, you'll need ear protection as well. When you use detergents or other chemicals, you'll probably want to wear waterproof gloves.

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

# of Picks	Model (Gas Pressure Washers)	Details from Amazon.com
1 each	Briggs & Stratton 20258, Briggs & Stratton 20273 , Briggs & Stratton 20228, Craftsman 20314, Craftsman 20315, Craftsman 20278, DeWalt DP3750 , DeWalt DP2800, Karcher G 2650 OH , NorthStar 2700 PSI , NorthStar 4000 PSI , Troy-Bilt 20295, Troy-Bilt 20293
# of Picks	Model (Electric Pressure Washers)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Campbell Hausfeld PW1810 (*est. $210)	details
2	Husky 1800S (*est. $180)	-
1 each	Annovi Reverberi ProLiner, Annovi Reverberi TRXXXX, Black & Decker PW1600 , Cam Spray 1500A , Campbell Hausfeld PW135099 , Karcher K 2.99 M, Karcher K 5.93 M , Sistema GT11

There are so many pressure washer models that there's little consensus among reviews, though experts are clear on what makes for quality, and reviews do identify top brands. For electric pressure washers, Husky, Karcher, Annovi Reverberi and Campbell Hausfeld are top contenders, with the Campbell Hausfeld PW1810 getting the most recognition as the best performer. The Husky 1800S also gets some consideration as a budget choice, but it’s not much less expensive than the PW1810. For gas pressure washers, the decision between highly regarded brands often comes down to the convenience of a local service center. For California residents, the choice might well be guided by which pressure washer meets that state’s new emissions standards for small gas engines.

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