If you’ve ever had to clean decks, sidewalks, patios, or driveways, then you know a pressure washer is the best way to go. The popular cleaning tool pumps pressurized water through a fine nozzle to tackle those tough stains on your outdoor surfaces.
Since electric pressure washers are powered by — you guessed it — electricity, they are far more eco-friendly than their gas-powered counterparts and don’t emit fumes or fuel spillages. While they’re slightly more expensive and less powerful than gas-powered models, electric pressure washers are a good long-term investment if you’re looking to make your workshop or toolshed more environmentally friendly.
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When shopping for a new pressure washer, you should pay attention to the PSI rating and the gallons-per-minute flow rate. Pressure and flow rate work together to provide enough power and water to properly clean a surface. Models with lower PSI and GPM ratings are considered light-duty, while those with higher ratings are labeled medium- or heavy-duty.
With so many models to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. So to help you decide which electric power washer is fit for both your workshop and budget, ZDNET has gathered a list of the five best models available to buy right now. Our top pick is for Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI pressure washer due to its 2300 PSI and 2.3 gallons per minute rate when cleaning. Keep reading to learn more about some of our other top picks.
The best electric pressure washers of 2023
- Great power and water flow
- Long hose and power cord
- Excellent warranty
- 5 different spray tips
- Garden hose hookup is awkwardly placed
- Heavy
Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI pressure washer tech specs: PSI: 2300 | GPM: 2.3 | Hose length: 25 feet | Power cord length: 35 feet | Weight: 45 pounds | Dimensions: 38x24x17.75 inches | Power source: Wall outlet
This electric pressure washer from Greenworks is our pick for the best electric pressure washer overall. It offers a rating of up to 2300 PSI and 2.3 gallons per minute to clean everything from your vinyl siding and driveway to your car and patio furniture. The 25-foot hose is kink-resistant to prevent abrasion and ensure constant water flow. And the 35-foot power cord gives you plenty of room to move around.
The body of the pressure washer features 10-inch wheels for easy maneuvering around your yard or workshop, and five included tips provide different modes for cleaning. The on-board detergent tank conveniently mixes soap and water, while the wand snaps onto the hose quickly so you can get to work faster. The Greenworks Pro is covered by a three-year warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and mechanical failures, while the 14-amp motor is covered by a 10-year limited warranty, so you can get replacement parts quickly and easily.
- Under $100
- Compact design
- Integrated storage and cord winder
- Decent pressure and flow rate
- Not meant for heavy-duty cleaning
- No on-board detergent tank
- Flow rate and PSI cannot be adjusted
Craftsman CMEPW1700 tech specs: PSI: 1700 | GPM: 1.2 | Hose length: 20 feet | Power cord length: 35 feet | Weight: 17.6 pounds | Dimensions: 10.4×9.25×17.5 inches | Power source: Wall outlet
The Craftsman CMEPW1700 proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great electric pressure washer. At just under $100, this compact, light-duty pressure washer is one of the most budget-friendly on the market. You’ll get a pressure rating of up to 1700 PSI and a flow rate of up to 1.2 gallons per minute, which is perfect for cleaning off your patio furniture and clearing dirt and debris from your deck. Its compact size makes this electric power washer easy to carry and store when not in use. The integrated handle also acts as a cable winder to protect the 35-foot power cord from damage and tangles. The unit comes with a quick-attach bottle so you can quickly mix soap and water to clean heavily soiled areas, and the onboard storage for the spray wand and nozzles keeps everything together until the next time you need to turn on your pressure washer.
- Meant for heavy-duty cleaning work
- Excellent pressure and flow rate
- Built-in safety switch
- Highly durable
- Expensive
- Heavy
- It may seem bulky in small garages and toolsheds
DeWalt DXP3000E tech specs: PSI: 3000 | GPM: 4.0 | Hose length: 50 feet | Power cord length: 35 feet | Weight: 271 pounds | Dimensions: 27×48.5×29 inches | Power source: Wall outlet
The DeWalt DXPW300E has you covered for tough cleaning jobs with its 3000 PSI rating and flow rate of 4.0 gallons per minute. You’ll be able to blast away stubborn concrete stains and caked grime or even clean windows on the second floor of your house. The 50-foot hose is 3/8 inch in diameter for smooth water flow and abrasion-resistant to protect against everyday wear and tear from heavy use. The welded steel frame features a durable powder-coat paint that protects against rust and corrosion. The 13-inch tires are conveniently maneuverable, so you can quickly move the pressure washer wherever you need to work. It comes with five different quick-connect nozzle tips to tackle various cleaning tasks and a built-in GFCI switch to prevent short-circuiting and electrical shock injuries.
- Cordless
- Water tank and hose connection
- Onboard storage
- Decent pressure and flow rate
- Expensive
- Battery-limited run time
Ryobi 40V Whisper Series tech specs: PSI: 1500 | GPM: 1.2 | Hose length: 25 feet | Power cord length: N/A | Weight: 33 pounds | Dimensions: 17.24×16.4×14.6 inches | Power source: 40V battery
The Ryobi 40V Whisper Series cordless electric pressure washer untethers you from a wall outlet, giving you true freedom to tackle cleaning projects. With two Ryobi’s 40V batteries for power, it provides up to 80 minutes of runtime before requiring recharge. And since it uses the same batteries as Ryobi’s other cordless power tools, you can easily swap them if you own other Ryobi devices. It also features a five-gallon water tank as well as a garden hose plug, so it’s convenient for quick jobs like spraying mud off an ATV or rinsing patio furniture, as well as big projects like power washing your driveway or masonry. The unit itself features onboard storage for the hose, spray trigger, spray wand, and nozzle tips to keep everything organized until you need it next. With a rating of up to 1500 PSI and 1.2 GPM flow rate, you can breeze through just about any cleaning job.
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Compact design
- Direct connection to garden hose
DeWalt 20V MAX tech specs: PSI: 550 | GPM: 1.0 | Hose length: Variable | Power cord length: N/A | Weight: 4.85 pounds | Dimensions: 6×11.3×22.75 inches | Power source: 20V battery
If you need a pressure washer that can go wherever you do, the DeWalt 20V MAX cordless power cleaner is the best choice. The machine’s body is roughly the same size as a DeWalt cordless drill, making it easy to toss in a work bag or hang on the wall of your workshop. It uses the same 20V MAX batteries as other DeWalt cordless power tools, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining special batteries for the pressure washer. You’ll get about 30 minutes of work on a full charge, which should be plenty of time to tackle most light-duty cleaning jobs. You can also connect the DeWalt 20V MAX directly to a garden hose if you need a constant water supply on a particular job.
The 550 PSI and 1.0 GPM rating make it perfect for light-duty tasks like washing your car, clearing dirt and debris from your sidewalk, or rinsing outdoor furniture. The tool weighs under two pounds, so it’s lightweight enough for all-day jobs, and the ergonomic handle and trigger configuration also help reduce strain on your hands, wrists, and forearms while operating.
The Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI cold water pressure washer is my pick for the best electric pressure washer overall. It offers an outstanding balance between water pressure and flow rate to give you a seamless cleaning experience across concrete, vinyl siding, wood decks, cars, ATVs, and boats. The 25-foot hose and 35-foot power cord provide freedom of movement to maneuver around your yard, driveway, or workshop. It also comes with five different spray tips to tackle cleaning jobs, like blasting away oil stains in your garage or washing away dirt and grime from your back patio. It also features a reasonably compact design, so it’s easy to store.
|
Electric pressure washer |
Price |
PSI |
Gallons per minute |
|
Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI |
$360 |
2300 |
2.3 |
|
Craftsman CMEPW1700 |
$109 |
1700 |
1.2 |
|
DeWalt DXPW3000E |
$3,000 |
3000 |
4.0 |
|
Ryobi 40V cordless pressure washer |
$599 |
1500 |
1.2 |
|
DeWalt 20V MAX cordless electric power cleaner |
$150 |
550 |
1.0 |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Before you buy any pressure washer, you need to identify the types of cleaning jobs you need it for. If you want something to make it easier to wash your car, ATV, or boat, you’ll want a light- to medium-duty model with a flow rate of at least 1 gallon per minute and a PSI rating of about 1000 to ensure that you can adequately clean any dirt or grime. For heavy-duty tasks like cleaning vinyl siding or removing stains from concrete, you’ll want a much higher PSI rating and flow rate to ensure you have enough power and water to do the job.
|
Choose this electric pressure washer… |
If you need… |
|
Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI pressure washer |
A well-rounded electric pressure washer that can handle a wide variety of cleaning jobs. |
|
Craftsman CMEPW1700 |
A very affordable and compact electric pressure washer. |
|
DeWalt DXP3000E |
A powerful electric pressure washer for heavy-duty tasks. |
|
Ryobi 40V cordless pressure washer |
A battery-powered pressure washer for cleaning jobs where a power cord can get in the way. |
|
DeWalt 20V MAX cordless pressure washer |
A light-duty pressure washer that can go almost anywhere. |
We analyzed and ranked electric pressure washers to suit different cleaning jobs. I distinguished between light-, medium-, and heavy-duty models that can take on just about any task, from washing your car to power-cleaning your sidewalks and garage floor.
Ultimately we weighed the following aspects when curating this list:
- Design: We opted for different pressure washer sizes and designs that fit all types of use cases. Before you select an electric pressure washer, you should consider what you will use it for and where you will store it.
- Performance: When selecting pressure washers for this list, we evaluated the PSI rating and the gallons-per-minute flow rate since these work together to provide enough power and water to properly clean a surface. Light-duty models have lower PSI and PM ratings, while medium- or heavy-duty models have higher ratings.
- Price: Electric pressure washers can range in price considerably, so we looked for options that meet a variety of budgets, while still offering the basic essentials of an electric pressure washer.
- Value: Depending on the pressure washing equipment you purchase and how well you maintain it throughout the years, your machine can last 10+ years. When curating this list, we selected top-performing electric pressure washers that provide value for your money.
For concrete, whether you’re washing away dirt and built-up grime or blasting away stains, you’ll want a fairly heavy-duty pressure washer like the DeWalt DXPW3000E. This model has a rating of 3,000 PSI and a flow rate of four gallons per minute, which means you’ll be able to tackle tough jobs like oil stains or the second-floor siding of your home.
Both are equally important when deciding which pressure washer to buy. PSI stands for pound-force per square inch and measures how hard water sprays from the wand. Gallons per minute refers to water flow rate; the higher the GPM, the more water flows out. Light-duty pressure washers have low PSI and GPM capabilities, making them best suited for tasks such as washing your car or clearing away loose dirt and debris from your sidewalk, driveway, deck, and patio. Medium- and heavy-duty pressure washers have higher PSI and GPM ratings, enabling you to blast lasting buildup on your vinyl siding and stuck-on dirt from concrete driveways.
They can be. While electric pressure washers will always be a bit less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts, you can still find excellent models from brands like DeWalt, Craftsman, and Greenworks to handle a variety of cleaning tasks. Electric pressure washers are more eco-friendly, using either a battery or a wall outlet for power rather than fuel, meaning no fumes or exhaust to worry about. Electric models also need less maintenance, like oil changes and careful fuel handling. You won’t have to worry about mixing or storing fuel for a piece of equipment you may not use very often.
As electric lawn and garden equipment becomes more popular, it’s easier to find a wall outlet or battery-powered pressure washer to handle all of your chores. Here’s a short list of other options we thought were great:
This electric pressure washer has a 2400 PSI and a 1.1 GPM, making it a great pick to wash your car or clean your sidewalk. It has an integrated soap tank for deeper cleaning and provides up to second-floor reach.
The Sun Joe SPX3000 electric pressure washer has a 14.5-AMP motor with a 2030 PSI and a 1.76 GPM to remove the dirtiest stains and grime. It also has five spray tips to tackle everything from light- to heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
At just 24 lbs., the DeWalt 2100 PSI is a portable and powerful electric pressure washer, with 2100 Max PSI and a 1.2 GPM you can use to clean tools, cars, decks, sidewalks, and more.
