Tired of scrubbing mold, mildew, and accumulated dirt by hand? Save your back and your time with an electric pressure washer!
There are a lot of models out there but have no fear. Even if you know next to nothing about this handy tool, our list of the 5 best electric pressure washers is packed full of need-to-know info and thorough reviews. Here are my top 5 picks, based on my conversations with colleagues in the industry, in-depth research of online reviews, and comparison of the various features such as warranty, weight, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Top Electric Pressure Washers – Reviews
1. RYOBI 2,300 PSI 1.2 GPM High Performance Electric Pressure Washer Renewed
Our top pick goes to this induction motor RYOBI, a mid-level price for a high-quality electric pressure washer.
We love the heft and thick wheels that help keep this pressure washer upright – no more tugging, tipping, and wrestling with a heavy machine!
Above all, the Ryobi is simply the most user friendly of all the electric pressure washers we tested. It has handy storage for the removable nozzles, a reliable and quiet motor, and the power cord will fit in any 3-pronged outlet with no hassle.
The soap dispenser could be a bit better designed, but it’s a small tradeoff for such a sturdy and long-lasting machine.
Specifications:
- 2,300 PSI and 2,760 CU
- Induction motor
- Large, 12+ inch wheels
- 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Exceptionally easy to use
- Includes nozzles
- Incredibly stable
- Lengthy warranty
Cons:
- Inconvenient to access soap container
2. Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric High Pressure Washer
Folks seeking a quality pressure washer on a tight budget should check out Sun Joe. It’s under $200 and has considerably more power than comparably priced washers.
It also has some great features like two separate detergent tanks to switch between that are easy to check level and remove to refill. And though the wheels are a bit small, we love how light is for the power.
Unfortunately, the noise level is as you might expect from a pressure washer – loud and a bit grating. It only turns on when spraying though, so you aren’t constantly assailed.
Even with some downsides, this is the best choice for a budget electric pressure washer. In fact, you could use some of the savings to invest in some ear protection!
Specifications:
- 2,030 PSI, 1.75 GPM, 3,572 CU
- Universal motor
- 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Includes nozzles
- Lightweight
Cons:
- More prone to tipping
- Loud, grating
3. RYOBI RY1419MTVNM 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Cold Water Wheeled Electric Pressure Washer
Don’t need anything crazy powerful, just something that will get the job done and not clutter up your garage? This teeny but effective RYOBI will be perfect.
Weighing in at less than 20 pounds, you can easily take it up stairs or stash it away on a shelf.
It’s less powerful which means cleaning takes longer, and we didn’t love the bulky and awkward power cord. But for the price and performance you won’t find an easier to move and store pressure washer.
Specifications:
- 1,900 PSI,
- Universal motor
- 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Extremely portable
- Lengthy warranty
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Less powerful
4. Greenworks 1500 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer GPW1501
Greenworks brings us another good choice for a super portable electric pressure washer. And, as a bonus, you won’t have to raise your voice over this quiet motor.
However, that size comes with some drawbacks. The power and cleaning ability are drastically reduced, as is the hose and power cord length. It’s also mostly made of plastic and significantly less durable than competitors like RYOBI.
Specifications:
- 1,500 PSI, 1.2 GPM, 1,800 CU
- Universal motor
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Highly portable
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Much less powerful
- Shorter hose & cords
- Less durable
5. Ryobi 3000-PSI 2.3-GPM Honda Gas Pressure Washer
One of the most reliable and powerful pressure washers on the market is the RYOBI with a gas Honda motor. It has the reliability, cleaning power, and efficiency to be a contender for even professional cleaning companies.
The downsides are as to be expected for any gas-powered power tool, but they really add up in comparison to the electric models. Winterizing, fuel costs, fuel stabilizers, repair – for the home and occasional use it may not be worth the fuss.
Specifications:
- 3,000 PSI, 2.3 GPM, 6,900 CU
- 100 cc Honda gas engine
- Large, 12+ inch wheels
- 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Super powerful
- Reliable motor
- Lengthy warranty
- Heavy, stable
Cons:
- High maintenance
- Fuel costs add up
- Rather expensive
- Inconvenient to access soap container
Buyers Guide
Power Source: Electric Over Gas
Electric pressure washers are the best combination of price and ease of use for the majority of home projects.
These types are powerful enough to handle small to medium scale cleaning projects with ease. They require little maintenance and have no special off-season precautions that must be taken.
They’re also just plain easier to use with their lighter overall weight and ability to start and stop at the flip of a switch.
Gas powered pressure washers, however, do not have the constrains of outlets and cords. They are also more powerful and faster.
But you trade those benefits for the expense of constantly fueling, oiling, repairing, and changing of spark plugs and air filters.
If you have a mid-large scale handyman business that requires daily use of a pressure washer a gas may be the way to go though.
Cleaning Power: PSI and GPM
There are a few notations you’ll see a lot of when shopping for electric pressure washers. PSI (pounds per square inch), GPM (gallons per minute), and CU (cleaning units).
- PSI references the ability to push debris from the surface you are cleaning
- GPM tells you how good it is at washing that debris away
- CU is what you get when you multiply the PSI and GPM. It’s a more accurate way to compare the applied cleaning power of two pressure washers.
For an electric pressure washer, most experts agree that you should look for between 1,800 to 2,000 PSI. Most of these models have a GPM around 1.3 to 1.6. So, their CU is generally around 2,300 to 3,000.
This power and cleaning ability is great for home use and occasional professional use.
Gas powered pressure washers have significantly higher PSI, usually clocking in at 2,800 to 3,200. But for anything less than large scale professional work over 3,000 PSI tends to be overkill.
Motors: Induction Over Universal
You’ll see two types of motors on electric pressure washers: induction motors and universal motors.
An induction motor does cost an average of $50-$75 more than a universal one, but there are some serious benefits to take into account.
Induction motors are more rugged, which means they require less maintenance and repair. This also contributes to a longer lifespan for the pressure washer.
And, perhaps our favorite part, induction motors are significantly quieter to run. No more headache inducing motor whine to withstand – these motors have more of a robust hum that isn’t nearly as grating on the ears.
Sure, you might save a little cash on a universal motor electric pressure washer in the short term. But who wants to consign themselves to pricey repairs and downright painful usage?
Spray Wands: Metal Over Plastic
Another important piece of any electrical pressure washer purchase is the spray wand.
We highly recommend choosing a washer with a metal nozzle rather than plastic. Metal is more durable, so it will not only last longer but allows for additional accessory purchase.
On a metal sprayer, the spray pattern is changed by a removable tip. They can be easily misplaced, so consider attaching a small carrying case directly to the pressure washer if you’re forgetful.
Generally, you will only need a few nozzles: rotary or turbo (the intense, cut through dirt or flesh kind known as “zero degree”) and a 15- or 25-degree spray.
Plastic spray wands may seem easier to use at first with their twist pattern change options. But Factoring in the brittleness, breakability, and likelihood of molding means that a plastic nozzle will loose ability to function well over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I troubleshoot and repair my own electric pressure washer?
Absolutely! In fact, we recommend it. The more you learn about how it works, the easier it will be to diagnose problems and keep your electric pressure washer running smoothly.
We’re huge fans of RepairClinic on YouTube. They have a ton repair tips, tricks, and in-depth breakdowns. Here’s a link to their pressure washer repair videos.
What are some of the best beginner pressure washing videos?
If you’re new to using an electric pressure washer and need some basic How To videos so you don’t blast your toes off, you’re in luck.
PressureWashr has a great YouTube channel for everything pressure washer related. They even curate playlists, like this one that’s chock full of instructional videos from the basics to the advanced.
How much should an electric pressure washer cost?
A decent quality electric pressure washer will usually cost between $150-250.
Few features and universal motors will lower the cost, with heavy-duty induction motors and features galore will raise the price bracket. But less than $150 can mean that you are compromising on quality.
Conversely, expect to pay around $300 to $500 for a gas powered one. Pro-level pressure washers can even run as much as $2,000!
Conclusion
Hands down, the best electric pressure washer of 2021 is the RYOBI High Performance Electric Pressure Washer. It has the functionality, stability, and reliability to make it well worth the mid-range price.
But for a great budget buy, the Sun Joe SPX3000 can do most home projects for under $200.
We hope these well researched tips and reviews will help you find the best electric pressure washer for all your cleaning jobs!
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