Best Pressure Washers to Make Light Work of the Toughest Jobs
As the days get warmer and brighter, it’s time to venture outside again after a long winter hibernation. All that rain and cold weather have played havoc with your outdoor space, and it doesn’t look its best. Your yard is going to need some attention, especially as weeds and water stains aren’t going to shift themselves from your paths and driveway.
Pressure washers are effective at shifting ground in dirt and stains that often collect during the rainy season, and you’d be amazed at how refreshed your driveway will look. In this article we review four pressure washers to see if they are as good as the manufacturers claim to help you decide which one is right for you.
- Five QuickConnect spray tips
- 1,800-watt motor
- 2,030 PSI at 1.76 GPM
- Dual detergent tanks
- 2-year warranty
- 1,500 PSI at 1.2 GPM
- Soap applicator
- 35 ft power cord
- 20 ft pressure hose
- 1-year warranty
- Five quick connect nozzle tips
- 10” pneumatic wheels
- Powered by a Honda GC190 engine
- 3,200 PSI at 2.5 GPM
- 1-year pump warranty + 2-year engine warranty
- 2,000 PSI at 1.4 GPM
- 25 ft pressure hose
- Patented water-cooled induction motor
- Detergent tank
- 2-year limited warranty
This pressure washer is by far the biggest seller on Amazon, and for that reason it makes it onto our list and is worthy of our scrutiny. It has an 1800-watt motor that generates 2,030 PSI at a rate of 1.76 gallons per minute, so even the most stubborn surfaces will sparkle. It comes equipped with a Total Stop System (TSS) so that when you release the trigger, the unit shuts down to save you energy.
It also has five QuickConnect spray tips that range from zero degrees to 40 degrees, and it is equipped with two 0.9 liter detergent bottles to ensure that you get the right mix of cleaning solution. The Sun Joe also comes with an array of accessories that include a 34-inch extension wand and a needle for cleaning out the interchangeable spray nozzles.
On the downside, many report that the hose attachment doesn’t fit standard hoses, and when you do find one that fits, it leaks like a sieve. In addition, many question the quality of the materials used in construction.
Pros
- Great purchase price
- 2,030 PSI
- 1.76 GPM
- Dual detergent tanks
Cons
- Hose connector isn’t standard size
- Leaks like sieve
- Build quality issues
While this Greenworks pressure washer lacks the power of the Sun Joe SPX3001 Pressure Washer, it still produces 1,500 PSI at a rate of 1.2 gallons per minute so should always cope with removing the most stubborn of marks quickly. At such a low price point, this Greenworks pressure washer had to be crowned our Budget Pick, especially as it retails for less than half the price of some pressure washers on the list.
It has a 35-foot power cord, that fits all outside power sources, and a 20-foot hose with a twist on universal connector. This unit can be used horizontally or vertically, making it versatile, and because it has an attachable soap applicator, you can be sure that those muddy car wheels will be gleaming in no time.
Overall, this pressure washer is lightweight, weighing in at 17 lbs, which means that it is maneuverable and won’t put undue strain on your back. On the downside, though, because the price is so low, the manufacturer has used the cheapest materials possible. Furthermore, some have complained that it leaks.
Pros
- Very cheap to buy
- 1,500 PSI
- 1.2 GPM
- Lightweight
Cons
- Build quality issues
- Prone to leaking
This Simpson model is the first gasoline pressure washer to make the review. Because you don’t need to plug it in, it is a go-anywhere machine, so using it remotely is an option. This makes it the ideal pressure washer to buy if you have a boat or trailer that you keep away from the house.
This pressure washer is powered by a Honda GC190 engine that comes with a 2-year warranty, and it generates a massive 3,200 PSI at a rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. If you are looking for the ultimate power washer, this could be the one.
This Simpson model sits in a robust steel frame that has two 10’ pneumatic tires to make it maneuverable, and it also has five nozzle attachments ranging from zero to 40 degrees.
The 25-foot MoreFlex hose is kink and abrasion-free and comes with an M22 connector, and should you wish to add detergent; there is a soap nozzle that allows you to dispense cleaning agents.
This model is far heavier than other pressure washers featured, weighing in at 55 lbs, but its large wheels make it easier to maneuver. It isn’t going to be the quietest pressure washer you’ve ever used, though, and there is the added cost of gasoline to factor into your budget. In addition, the washer vibrates so much when operated that it bounces along the driveway, leaving rubber marks in its wake.
Pros
- Go-anywhere pressure washer
- Powerful PSI
- 2.5 gallons per minute
- Feels substantial and robust
- Kink-free hose
Cons
- Noisy
- Needs gasoline
- Vibrates violently
Karcher is a leading name in the pressure washer industry and produces some of the most universally loved products like this K5 model. It produces 2,000 PSI at a rate of 1.4 gallons per minute, and because the motor gets cooled by Karcher’s patented water cooled system, they claim that the lifespan will increase fivefold. Because it is a water cooled system, it reduces the noise levels of the motor and increases its energy efficiency.
It also benefits from a Vario Spray adjustable wand that allows you to get the desired jet of water without having to fiddle about with interchangeable nozzles. Plus, this Karcher model has an onboard detergent tank and an integrated hose reel for convenience and ease of storage. The model featured comes with two wands: the previously mentioned Vario Spray and the Dirtblaster wand, which tackles the most stubborn dirt in half the time of other similar washers in its class.
This pressure washer isn’t the cheapest option, retailing at over four times the costs of the Greenworks GPW1501 Pressure Washer, but with the added expense comes added quality. Karcher is confident that this pressure washer will last the distance, but should something go wrong, they have introduced the Rapid Exchange Program that bypasses the traditional warranty repair route and automatically ensures that you are sent a new model as long as the malfunction is within the 2-year warranty.
As a negative, Karcher has created connectors that only work with their accessories, and so you are entirely at the mercy of the company and their prices. Plus, the customer support is just not there, with many experiencing little or no after service when there was a malfunction.
Pros
- Water cooled motor
- Vario spray wand
- 2,000 PSI
- 1.4 GPM
- Quieter than other pressure washers
Cons
- Build quality issues
- Karcher specific connectors
- Poor customer support
Comparison Chart
| Sun Joe SPX3001 Pressure Washer | Greenworks GPW1501 Pressure Washer | Simpson MSH3125 Gas Pressure Washer | Karcher K5 Pressure Washer | |
| PSI | 2,030 | 1,500 | 3,200 | 2,000 |
| GPM | 1.76 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 1.4 |
| Weight (lbs) | 31 | 16.55 | 55 | 32 |
| Dimensions | 15.6 x 13.5 x 33.9 | 11.4 x 17.1 x 9.4 | 34.8 x 21 x 23.3 | 34.3 x 13.1 x 16.8 |
| Hose length | 20 ft | 20 ft | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| Nozzle attachments | 5 | 2 | 5 | Vario Spray wand |
| Watts | 1,800 | 1,560 | N/A | 1,560 |
| Price | $$ | $ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Warranty | 2-year | 1-year | 1-year pump + 2-year engine | 2-year limited |
Buyer’s Guide:
Pressure Washers
Final Thoughts
Outdoor cleaning tasks are not for the faint-hearted, especially when you are dealing with grime and mildew from a season of bad weather. Plus, keeping your car clean can be an expensive exercise, so investing in a pressure washer could be the most cost-effective way.
And think of the satisfaction it gives; nothing quite compares to seeing dirt lift off in front of your eyes as you make a visible improvement. If money were no object, the Karcher K5 Pressure Washer would be high on our shopping list, but our HowToHome Pick has to be the Sun Joe SPX3001 Pressure Washer. It offers a powerful 2,000 PSI, delivers 1.76 gallons per minute, and all at a great price.
For those with a keen eye on the purse strings, then look no further than the Greenworks GPW1501 Pressure Washer for the best value for money. It has a lower PSI than the others, but it costs far less and will still get the job done. Whichever pressure washer you choose, remember that getting those spring chores done sooner rather than later means that you can relax and enjoy that refreshed patio for an entire season without having to fret.
