Best Pressure Washers

Is it worth getting a pressure washer?

Pressure cleaning may be worth it if you need an appliance to help you with heavy-duty cleaning of outdoor areas.

When it comes to getting rid of hard-caked grime, getting physical with a bucket of soapy water will likely be laborious and ineffective. A pressure washer can blast out the debris effectively and in a fraction of the time.

To demonstrate, a lower amount of power (or PSI) a pressure washer uses is around 1500 PSI. A garden hose uses around 35PSI, and an automatic car wash uses around 700PSI.

Here is a list of surfaces that a pressure washer can tackle:

• Windows
• Brick exterior of a house
• Driveways (including concrete)
• Paths
• Outdoor stairs
• Decks and patios
• Fencing
• Outdoor furniture
• Your car (on a low PSI)
• Boats and caravans
• Outdoor equipment, like lawn mowers
• Roofing and gutters

Types of Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers · See All

These connect externally to two places: a garden hose or water tank, and into a grounded outlet using a waterproof cord. The electric motor inside the unit uses water from the hose.

The initial pressure is low, but it will be gradually amplified using the pump in the pressure washer. This pressurised water is released in a powerful jet via a nozzle when you pull the trigger.

Petrol pressure washers · See All

These use a petrol-powered engine to work the pump inside a pressure washer.

If you’re mainly using your high pressure washer for concrete and tough stains, or you're cleaning large areas outdoors, a petrol pressure washer is a reliable option. Their typical PSI is around 2500-3500 - at the higher end of the scale.

Cordless pressure washers

These are the least commonly available type of pressure washer. They use rechargeable batteries, meaning you don’t need a power outlet or a supply of fuel.

If you’re only after a pressure cleaner for lightweight jobs, and want something that’s easy to use and carry, a cordless model may be up your alley. However, they have less horsepower than both electric and petrol pressure washers.

Should I use hot or cold water?

Water pressure cleaning jobs use either hot or cold water to clean. You can only use the water temperature that your power washer is specifically designed for.

Cold water is the more common, default option, but you can also buy a power washer.

Also known as hot water pressure washers, they heat the water to a high temperature. They’re great for removing salt, mildew, mould, heavy grease, and even chewing gum.

The hot water, however, makes them more dangerous to use and requires more caution.

What else to look for when buying a pressure washer

What is a good PSI for a pressure cleaner?

This depends on the task at hand. Electric pressure cleaners vary in how much power they can deliver (measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch).

• 1000-2000PSI: These pressure washers are good for light stains on outdoor furniture, patios, lawn mowers, pavements and driveways. Can clean timber decks and cars - but use caution - a lower PSI is better.
• 2000-3000PSI: Suitable for medium stains on concrete, house siding, bricks and walls, pools and some oil stains.
• 3000 PSI and over: This level of power is suitable for industrial settings, and can cause damage to surfaces if used incorrectly (for example, it can strip paint).

Flow Rate

This measures the amount of water that leaves the nozzle, in litres per minute. A higher flow rate means more water is released from the nozzle every minute. This can make a pressure washer more efficient.

However, the PSI also needs to be accounted for. To get an accurate measure of power (PSI) combined with speed (flow rate), you can multiply the two figures together. A higher total means a more efficient pressure washer.

Here’s an example of two electric pressure washers where the cheaper model is actually more efficient.

Weight

Consider the weight of a prospective model. If you’re going to spend a long time out in the garden using it, making sure the weight is sustainable to carry for this period.

Hose length

Consider the location of the surfaces you’d like to clean in your garden. Measure the distance from the nearest power outlet, to ensure you can reach these places comfortably with the hose length.

Extra Features

• Variable jet nozzle: lets you adjust the pressure depending on the surface you’re cleaning.
• Cleaning attachments: If you’re purchasing mainly for one specific job, these could cut down labour time. Attachments include car washing brushes, patio cleaning attachments and drain cleaners.
• In-built soap tank: includes detergent, which can help when trying to remove stubborn stains.
• Durable wheels makes a heavier washer easy to manoeuvre, causing less strain on your arms or back.

How much does a pressure washer cost?

Pressure washers vary in price greatly, by the power source, capabilities and features. They will cost roughly between $50-$1, 000 for an electric corded model, $500-$2, 500 for a petrol pressure cleaner, and $100-400 for a cordless model.