Looking for the best electric pressure washer to clean your vehicle, decking, patio and a whole host of other uses? If so, then this article will not only list my top picks, but I will also share my experience on what I believe you should look out for when purchasing your next electric pressure washer.
Guide To Buying An Electric Pressure Washer
An electric pressure washer is an easy and convenient way to tackle outdoor cleaning tasks without the additional pain of messing around with a petrol powered model. However, regardless of how convenient they are, there are a few things you need to know about an electric pressure washer before buying. What’s more, you’ll need to consider the features of the pressure washer before parting with your money to ensure that it is the right model for you.
In this guide to electric pressure washers, I will be talking you through what to look for when shopping and telling you why I think an electric pressure washer is an excellent choice.
Why Choose An Electric Pressure Washer?
In modern times, everyone wants convenience and that is one of the main reasons that an electric pressure washer is such a popular choice. You can simply plug them in and get going with very little, if any, maintenance. If you’re in a hurry to get your patio clean or wash the car, then I would absolutely suggest going for an electric model.
Now, there is no denying that the power behind petrol pressure washers is always going to be greater. This is true of any tool. But with modern innovation and engineering, the level of power you get from an electric jet washer is not all that dissimilar and it is certainly more than enough to tackle some pretty stubborn jobs.
Nobody wants to disturb the peace when they are cleaning outdoors, but some of the petrol powered pressure washers can be terribly noisy. Where electric models are concerned, you’ll find that they are much quieter in comparison. In addition to this, you won’t need to purchase anything else such as petrol, oil or replacement parts for the motor.
Here Are Some Of My Favourite Electric Pressure Washers
Last update on 2022-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are There Any Downsides To Using An Electric Pressure Washer?
While I would advocate the use of an electric pressure washer, there are a few disadvantages that you must keep in mind. For some people, these are minor and nowhere close to being a deal breaker. However, for others, these drawbacks may be the difference between choosing electric over petrol.
- Since the electric pressure washer is powered by the mains, it does have a power cord which poses two minor problems. It can get in the way and serve as a tripping hazard or it will limit you on how far away from the power source you can clean. For this reason, these models may not be ideal if you have a larger garden or are using your pressure washer for commercial purposes.
- Electric pressure washers don’t tend to last as long as their petrol counterparts, so while they are cheaper to purchase, you will need to replace them more often. On average, you can expect around 500 hours, that’s about ten years out of your electric jet washer provided you look after it and is used for domestic purposes.
What To Consider When Buying An Electric Pressure Washer
You only have to type the words electric pressure washer into Google and you’ll be bombarded with a myriad of results. This can leave buyers feeling confused, but don’t worry; with a little bit of knowledge, you will soon be able to pick apart each model and determine whether it would work for you.
Power And Flow Rate
You want to make sure that your pressure washer is going to be up for the most challenging cleaning tasks, so one of the first things you should look at is its power. There are two things that you will need to consider; PSI which stands for pounds per square inch and tells you the intensity of the water jet and flow rate which tells you how much water the jet washer puts out per minute.
Where PSI is concerned, you can expect around a maximum of 2500 in an electric pressure washer, but you don’t want to go for anything any lower than around 1500 PSI. While you might not always need that level of power, it is useful to have it for the more stubborn cleaning jobs.
The flow rate is given in gallons or litres per minute, depending on the model. You will find that if the flow rate is low but the pressure is high, the water jet will be much finer and suited to lighter cleaning tasks. On the other hand, a high pressure and high flow rate will deliver a much more powerful stream.
Pressure Washer Pressure Guide
| Task | Light Duty 40-110 Bar 600-1600 PSI |
Medium Duty 110-130 Bar 1600-1900 PSI |
Heavy Duty 130+ Bar 1900+ PSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patio | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Cars/Vans/Bikes | ✅ | ||
| Block Paving | ✅ | ||
| Decking | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Fences & Garden Furniture | ✅ | ||
| Commercial Vehicles | ✅ | ✅ |
Weight And Size
Electric pressure washers tend to be lighter than petrol models, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some pretty cumbersome models out there. You will normally find that more powerful pressure washers are larger and heavier, but you want to make sure that you don’t go for something too bulky.
You will likely already be limited in manoeuvrability thanks to the power cord, add a heavy pressure washer into the mix and it can make cleaning more exhausting and inconvenient than it needs to be. Storage should also be a consideration.
Motor Power
While looking at the water pressure is an important consideration, you will also need to check the power of the motor. Generally speaking, a powerful electric pressure washer will come with either a 12 amp or 14 amp motor to support the high water pressure. If you go for anything lower than this, you may find that it doesn’t offer enough get up and go and may shorten the life of the motor.
Do You Need Accessories?
Depending on the type of cleaning you intend on doing, you may need a variety of accessories. One of the first things you should look for is the ability to twist the nozzle to adjust the water pressure and this is excellent if you want to clean a variety of surfaces. Some delicate surfaces may be prone to damage if they are cleaned with too high power.
Next, you may wish to look at whether the electric pressure washer comes with other accessories like extension hoses, foam lances and even some detergent. In some cases, the pressure washer will have onboard storage for these accessories, which makes cleaning even more convenient.
Foam dispensers and brushes are ideal for cleaning cars, bikes and vans, where a rotating patio cleaner will make cleaning a patio or decking with your pressure washer a breeze. What’s more it will result in a much cleaner job with less mess on the surrounding area.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an easy, quick and convenient way of tackling outdoor cleaning jobs then an electric pressure washer is, without doubt, one of the best options. However, you will need to familiarise yourself with these tools and get to know the types of features and accessories that you need to get the best results.
Below is a table whereby you can select the features you require and the ideal electric pressure washer will be shortlisted for you.
10 Best Electric Pressure Washer Reviews
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable checkboxes below; so I can help you pick the perfect electric pressure washer for your requirements.
Choose The Right Electric Pressure Washer Here
Features:
Features:
✅ Lance
✅ Turbo Lance
Summary
The Ryobi RPW110B is a compact and portable Pressure Washer that has a variable pressure from 80 to 100 bar and is supplied with an adjustable nozzle spray lance. It has a central handle for easy transportation and storage, complete with a jet foam bottle. The Ryobi RPW110B has a 1500W motor, and is supplied with a 5 metre pressure hose.
Ryobi’s RPW110B is a small pressure washer, perfect for cleaning your car or scrubbing the decking in your garden. The machine is compact, assuming little storage space. And you know that Ryobi makes reliable and robust machines.
- Pressure (bar): 80 – 110
- Flow Rate (l/h): 360
- Noise at Operator: 75.9 dB
- Power Rating (watts): 1500, 6.5 Amps
- Area Performance (m²/h): 20
- Weight (kg): 5.3 Net / 6.9 Gross
- Dimensions - L x W x H (mm): 300 × 260 × 430
Conclusion
The Ryobi RPW110B is great for those that want to save money on going to a car wash, or do not trust others to spend the same attention to detail on the job. Ryobi has not been generous with the accessories, but there is a limit to the applications a 110-bar pressure washer can perform.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Lance
✅ Patio Cleaner
✅ Rotary Brush
✅ Turbo Lance
✅ Wheeled
Summary
Where stubborn dirt and stains are concerned, you need a pressure washer that wields ultimate power. But not all of them quite live up to this expectation as well as the Ryobi RPW150XRB, which is one of four electric pressure washers from the brand, and by far the most powerful on offer from Ryobi.
The Ryobi RPW150XRB comes with a generous number of accessories, which is something that instantly jumped out at me, because I do love value for money. If you’re looking for something that is as versatile as it is powerful, then I’d strongly suggest continuing reading this Ryobi RPW150XRB review to find out just how much this tool could benefit you.
But aside from power and versatility, the Ryobi RPW150XRB also boasts incredible convenience. It is practically designed for storage and ease of movement making it the ideal solution for domestic cleaning.
Main Features
- 420 litres per hour flow rate
- 2200 watts
- 1 litre detergent tank included
- Turbo and Vario lances included
- Come with 30cm surface cleaner and rotary brush
- Hose reel and on board storage
- 8m hose
Conclusion
Ryobi is an excellent brand and this is demonstrated with the Ryobi RPW150XRB pressure washer that has a lot going for it. Not only is it versatile and incredibly practical, but it boasts an amount of power that its younger brothers could only dream of. There isn’t a lot that you can say negatively about this machine, it really does have it all and if you’re looking to make light work of domestic cleaning jobs, there isn’t much else I’d suggest so readily.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Patio Cleaner
✅ Rotary Brush
✅ Turbo Lance
✅ Wheeled
Summary
The Wilks RX510 Pressure Washer has an adjustable pressure between 90 to 135 bar and is supplied with a wide variety of lances, connectors and brushes. It has a trolley design with wheels and a handle for easy transportation and storage. The Wilks RX510 has a powerful air-cooled 1800 watt motor, and is supplied with a 5 metre pressure hose.
The Wilks RX510 is a medium-level pressure washer, perfect for washing large areas and getting dirt and grease out from tight corners. The unit comes with a range of accessories, it is compact, and it is easy to wheel about.
Main Features
- Pressure (bar): 90 – 135
- Flow rate (l/h): 450
- Noise at Operator: 79 dB
- Power Rating (watts): 1800, 8.2 Amps
- Area Performance (m²/h): 30
- Weight (kg): 8.2 Gross
- Dimensions - L x W x H (mm): 260 × 250 × 650
Conclusion
This machine is well-built, with a robust brushless motor and a well-thought-out design to make it compact and practical. Some extensions, such as the patio brush, makes little difference over using a regular lance. But there is a lot of flexibility in a machine that can run from a static water supply as well as from the mains. The Kärcher to Wilks adaptor is a great feature if you are switching brands as it allows you to use the lances and attachments from your old pressure washer, if required.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Rotary Brush
✅ Static Brush
✅ Turbo Lance
Summary
The Norse SK90 is a budget friendly pressure washer which has compact dimensions of 430 x 290 x 320 mm. This pressure washer has an adjustable bar pressure between 90 – 131 bar and has a 435 l/h flow rate, which is very impressive for such a small and compact pressure washer. The Norse SK90 includes numerous accessories as standard which include but are not limited to a lance, rotary brush, triangle brush, spray gun and detergent bottle, providing excellent cleaning results and a wide range of uses. The hose is slightly on the short side at only 3 metres in length, but is compensated for by the lightweight nature of the pressure washer unit.
Main Features
- Pressure (bar): 90 – 131 bar
- Flow rate (l/h): 435
- Noise at Operator: 93 dB
- Power Rating (watts): 1800
- Area Performance (m²/h): 28
- Weight (kg): 7 Gross
- Dimensions – L x W x H (mm): 430 x 290 x 320
Conclusion
The Norse SK90 is a great budget friendly pressure washer which has a small size and weight, but maintains the same quality and a very similar performance to other pressure washers which are much larger in size, heavier in weight and cost a lot more money.
In my opinion, this pressure washer would make a great addition to anyone’s household, especially those looking for a reasonably priced, versatile and well built pressure washer, which just gets the task at hand done quickly and effectively.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Hose Reel
✅ Lance
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Turbo Lance
✅ Wheeled
Summary
The Yard Force EW U15 is a powerful and reliable high-pressure washer that is ideal for a variety of domestic outdoor cleaning situations. While this might be a lightweight model, it certainly has a lot to offer, as the saying goes ‘good things come in small packages.’
This pressure washer comes with a very generous selection of accessories which go a long way in making cleaning easier. What’s more, the 2000 watts of power and generous water flow rate means that even the most stubborn garden cleaning jobs will seem like a breeze. But that’s not all; there’s a lot more to get excited about and in this Yard Force EW U15 review, I’ll be diving in a little deeper.
But before we get started, I also wanted to point out that, if you needed something a little more lightweight and compact, this pressure washer does have two younger brothers. Now, I can't stress enough that this model is already lightweight, but there is the option to go smaller. The Yard Force EW U13 and EW U13A both run at 1800 watts, so you’re still getting a decent amount of power. They also have different pressures at 130 bar and 135 bar respectively, as well as having slightly lower hourly water outputs. Again, this does not mean that they aren’t powerful machines, but highlights that if you can live with a slightly reduced bar pressure and flow output, than the more compact EW U13 may be more suited to you and your needs. But, on with this review.
Main Features
- Pressure (bar): 150
- Flow rate (l/h): 440
- Noise at Operator: 96dB
- Power Rating (watts): 2000
- Weight (kg): 14 Gross
- Dimensions – L x W x H (mm): 340 × 330 × 765
Conclusion
The Yard Force EW U15 is a powerful pressure washer that comes with a lot of great accessories and is very easy to use. It’s by no means a professional standard machine, but if you need something reliable for use around your garden and for things like cleaning the car or patio, then you won’t be sorry that you made the small investment for such a high quality and effective product.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Wheeled
Summary
I recently spoke about the Yard Force EW U15 which is a large pressure washer with some pretty decent features for the money. However, if you don’t need something quite as powerful as that, Yard Force has some impressive other options such as this Yard Force EW U13 and, much like its older brother, there’s quite a lot that got me excited.
If you’re keen to find a practical solution for most outdoor cleaning tasks then this pressure washer should be high on your priority list. It boasts onboard storage, easy use and a set of roll-along wheels that keep the washer moving with you as you clean. It can be used for pretty much any outdoor application including cleaning the patio, washing the car, rinsing out the bins; you name it.
But, what really stood out to me was the power behind this seemingly small piece of equipment. What it lacks in size, it puts out in power because, as the saying goes, good things come in small packages. Not only is it powerful, it is portable and super easy to store.
Main Features
- 135 bar pressure
- Onboard storage
- Selection of accessories
- Wheels
- Wide opening for detergent
- 3 year warranty
- Folding handle
- Long power cord and hose
- Lightweight
Conclusion
Yard Force is one of those brands that never ceases to amaze me. Every time I look at one of their products, it isn’t difficult to see the innovation that has gone into creating it whilst maintaining great value for money, and this Yard Force EW U13 pressure washer is no exception. It comes with everything you would need to achieve a detailed and precise clean without shouting about it.
The 135 bar pressure and 360l/h is more than enough to tackle most domestic cleaning needs and yet it comes in such a small, and almost adorable package. Storing it is a dream thanks to this compact design, plus the folding handle and onboard accessory container. Moving it around is a breeze and the extended warranty gives you immense confidence in this product.
While there may be a few kinks that need ironing out, nothing is perfect, but for what you are paying, I’d advocate this as a pretty decent washer for anyone wanting a solid unit from a respectable brand which does not break the bank.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Gutter Lance
✅ Hose Reel
✅ Lance
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Patio Cleaner
✅ Rotary Brush
✅ Static Brush
✅ Turbo Lance
✅ Wheeled
Summary
The Wilks-USA RX550I Pressure Washer has an adjustable pressure between 155 to 262 bar and is supplied with a wide variety of lances, connectors and brushes. It has a trolley design with wheels and a handle for easy transportation and storage. The Wilks-USA RX550I has a powerful air-cooled 3000 watt motor, and is supplied with a huge 26 metre pressure hose.
Wilk’s RX550i is a medium-level pressure washer, which will blast away caked-on dirt from driveways and the most abused of garden tools. The spray is adjustable to ensure you do not take the paint off your car. And the provided accessories leave behind a professional finish on any surface.
Main Features
- Pressure (bar): 155 – 262
- Flow rate (l/h): 522
- Noise at Operator: 71 dB
- Power Rating (watts): 2500, 11.4 Amps
- Area Performance (m²/h): 60
- Weight (kg): 22 Gross
- Dimensions - L x W x H (mm): 400 × 400 × 1080
Conclusion
The Wilks-USA RX550I is a semi-professional machine, so it is perfect for those that are more technical and have many big projects in mind. If you want something simple and safe, then you need something half the power. If you want to take the paint off the outside wall of your home, this will do it faster and safer than many other methods.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Hose Reel
✅ Lance
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Patio Cleaner
✅ Static Brush
✅ Wheeled
Summary
The Black+Decker BXPW1800XE is a very popular, well known and sturdy corded electric pressure washer which really comes in handy for your everyday pressure washing needs. This pressure washer delivers a very respectable 135 bar max pressure and a perfectly respectable flow rate of 440l/h. These performance features along with the numerous attachments, which are included as standard with this pressure washer, really do make this product by Black+Decker stand out from the crowd. These features include, but are not limited to, a patio cleaner, triangle brush, rotary nozzle and many more, all of which I will discuss in more detail later on in this review.
Main Features
- Pressure (bar): 135
- Flow rate (l/h): 440
- Power Rating (watts): 1800
- Area Performance (m²/h): 60
- Weight (kg): 10.8 Gross
- Dimensions – L x W x H (mm): 390 x 312 x 735
Conclusion
The Black+Decker BXPW1800XE pressure washer comes with 1800 watt motor delivering 135 bar pressure and 440 LPH flow rate, as well as multiple accessories included as standard. This along with the ergonomic design to the pressure washer really does provide the user not only with safe, convenient and compact storage and transportation, but also with a pressure washer which will always deliver in terms of performance and carry out any task at hand.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Gutter Lance
✅ Hose Reel
✅ Lance
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Patio Cleaner
✅ Rotary Brush
✅ Static Brush
✅ Turbo Lance
✅ Wheeled
Summary
The Wilks-USA RX545 Pressure Washer has an adjustable pressure between 138 - 210 bar and is supplied with a wide variety of lances, connectors and brushes. It has a trolley design with wheels and a handle for easy transportation and storage. The Wilks-USA RX545 has a powerful air-cooled 2400 watt motor and is supplied with a very generous 18 metre pressure hose.
Wilks-USA RX545 is a medium-level pressure washer, which will blast away caked-on dirt from driveways and the most abused of garden tools. The spray is adjustable to ensure you do not take the paint off your car. And the provided accessories leave behind a professional finish on any surface.
In this review I am going to look at both the positives and negatives of this pressure washer from Wilks and see how good it really is. This will help you to decide if this is the right purchase for you and your intended needs.
Main Features
- Pressure (bar): 138-210
- Flow rate (l/h): 480
- Noise at Operator: 94dB
- Power Rating (watts): 2400
- Area Performance (m²/h): 60
- Weight (kg): 11 Gross
- Dimensions – L x W x H (mm): 250 × 260 × 650
Conclusion
The Wilks-USA RX545 is a sleek and compact unit which really does allow for effective storage. This is perfect if you want to save on space in the garage/shed, but do not want to compromise on pressure and performance. Yes, this pressure washer has slightly less power and flow rate than its bigger brother, but is more than adequate for domestic everyday use / tasks.
In my opinion the Wilks-USA RX545 strikes that perfect balance between affordability, performance, durability and in-fact outperforms many other well known premium brands.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Features:
✅ Hose Reel
✅ Lance
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Wheeled
Summary
Pressure washers come in all shapes and sizes but one of the main things that I look for when buying this type of equipment is versatility. That’s exactly what I found when checking out this powerful little pressure washer that offers a range of cleaning options. You get a selection of nozzles which can be attached to achieve different pressures as well as a detergent bottle meaning you can tackle everything from the car to the space in between the driveways pavers.
In addition to this, for a relatively small piece of equipment, it offers an insane amount of power. Paxcess claims that at full whack, this will break through a watermelon; I’m yet to test this theory but judging by the cleaning power, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.
For use all around the garden, the long power cable and hose are a great feature so you won’t ever feel tied to one spot. But there’s a lot more I want to talk about so let’s dive into this Paxcess V3.1 review and find out more.
Main Features
- 135 bar pressure
- 1800w motor
- 8kg
- 4 nozzle attachments
- Comes with detergent bottle
- 450 litres per hour
- Hose reel included
- 8m hose
- 26ft (8 metre) power cord
- 24 month warranty
- Quiet operation
- Shock prevention
- Safety lock
Conclusion
The Paxcess V3.1 is a small and lightweight pressure washer that has a very surprising amount of power. It is ridiculously affordable and yet comes with everything you will need for effective outdoor cleaning, even in larger areas. This is thanks to the long power cord and hose so if you’ve been put off using a corded model because you think it might be restricting; think again. I have been very impressed with this powerful small package and I’m confident you will be too.
Pros and Cons
Best Electric Pressure Washer FAQs
How Long Can You Run An Electric Pressure Washer?
Your electric pressure washer is not designed to run for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time, before giving it a short break to cool down. Doing this could result in overheating which could cause irreparable damage to your machine. That said, the recommended running time will vary between models so you should always check your user manual to be sure.
Do Electric Pressure Washers Have To Be Plugged In?
An electric pressure washer has a power cable which needs to be connected to a mains electricity socket. However, because this limits your reach and freedom of movement, some people opt for a cordless or petrol pressure washer. Do keep in mind that a cordless pressure washer will be limited on run time owing to the need to recharge the batteries.
Can You Use An Extension Cord With An Electric Pressure Washer?
It is not recommended to use an extension cord with your electric pressure washer as this could affect the machine and shorten its lifespan. However, if you absolutely must use one, it should be at least 12 gauge if the wire is more than 25 feet in length.
Can An Electric Pressure Washer Overheat?
Yes. It is possible for your electric pressure washer to overheat, so it’s important to make sure that you don’t run it for too long. The good thing about electric pressure washers, especially when compared to petrol, is that most of them will shut off when they overheat, reducing the risk of further problems.
Does An Electric Pressure Washer Need Oil?
Electric pressure washers do need oil to keep the pump lubricated. But this is not the same as the engine oil you would use for a petrol pressure washer. The electric motor needs nothing but a power supply to run smoothly.
Why Is My Electric Pressure Washer Pulsating?
The most common reason for an electric pressure washer to pulsate is a starvation of water or that there is something stuck in one of the inlet or discharge valves. Keep an eye on these parts and regularly clean them to prevent debris from building up and affecting the performance of your machine.
Can You Use An Electric Pressure Washer In The Rain?
Your electric pressure washer should not be exposed to outside sources of water, including rain. This could cause problems with the performance and damage internal parts. Moreover, mixing water and electricity comes with a risk. While your pressure washer is designed with a degree of water resistance, owing to the fact it contains water, it certainly cannot be used in the rain. Always consult the user manual for full safety instructions.
Are Electric Pressure Washers Safe?
When used incorrectly or by someone who is inexperienced, an electric pressure washer can be unsafe. However, provided you follow the manufacturers instructions and be careful when using your pressure washer, there is no reason that you should experience any issues. One thing to be mindful of is electric shock which can occur with damage to the power cord, allowing water to seep through.
What Happens If A Pressure Washer Hits Your Skin?
What Happens If A Pressure Washer Hits Your Skin? The force of the water jet from your pressure washer is incredibly strong and if it hits your skin, it can cause serious injuries. It is therefore important to operate your machine with care and wear appropriate clothing and footwear to reduce the risk of injuries.
What Should I Look For In An Electric Pressure Washer?
When choosing an electric pressure washer, there are several things you should look for. The most important things tell you about how the machine will perform. GPM tells you how much water passes through the machine each minute while PSI informs you of the force of the water as it leaves the pressure washer.
How Much PSI Does A Pressure Washer Need?
For domestic pressure washers, you would want to look for something with a PSI between 2000 and 3000 for a petrol model and between 1300 and 2000 for an electric model. Electric pressure washers are, by design, less powerful than petrol but there’s no reason that they shouldn’t suffice for most domestic tasks.
Other Pressure Washer Articles
Click here to see my full list of best pressure washers for general cleaning.
Click here to see my full list of best pressure washers for cleaning your car.
Click here to see my full list of best pressure washers for cleaning decking and patios.
Click here to see my full list of best cordless pressure washers.
Click here to see my full list of best petrol pressure washers.
