Introduction To The Best Pressure Washers
You are most probably here because you are looking to replace your old or damaged pressure washer, or are simply in the market for the first time. You may or may not have already noticed that there are literally hundreds of options when it comes to looking for the best pressure washer to suit your requirements. Not only are there multiple brands or pressure washers with varying features, but you will also need to decide how you will want your pressure washer to be powered.
To help you choose, below I have included a guide to purchasing a pressure washer, including what to look out for, what features are available and how you easily go about picking a pressure washer that will not only suit you requirements, get the job in hand done quickly and effectively, but also serve you for many years to come. Once you have determined and considered all of the options you require, it is time to shortlist suitable pressure washers using my pressure washer selection tool. This tool will enable you to quickly select your exact requirements, and then will shortlist suitable options with a link to detailed review. OK, so let’s get started fining you the best pressure washer in no time at all.
In A Hurry?
I understand that some of you may be in a hurry. So before we carry on looking at what makes a great pressure washer, I have listed my top picks below, they are categorised by most popular features.
Last update on 2022-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best 5 Pressure Washers & Why They Are Such A Blast
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below so I can help you pick the perfect pressure washer for your needs.
10 Best Pressure Washer Reviews Complete With Pros & Cons
By ticking the applicable boxes below, you will narrow down the selection of pressure washers to meet your exact requirements.
Choose The Right Pressure Washer Here
Features:
Features:
✅ Extension Hose
✅ Gutter Lance
✅ Hose Reel
✅ Lance
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Turbo Lance
✅ Wheeled
Summary
Finding a good petrol pressure washer isn’t a difficult task since there are so many excellent models on the market. But finding an excellent petrol pressure washer is another matter entirely. However, when I came across the Wilks TX750i, I have to admit I was wildly impressed.
Unlike the previous version of this tool, the TX750, this one comes with a 30m hose and reel included as standard, which is a nice plus point. Being a petrol pressure washer, you can feel very confident of its power and performance, meaning that cleaning jobs don’t take anywhere near as long. There is another petrol model available, the Wilks TX625, but we will talk about that another review. For now, I want to focus on the Wilks TX750i review and share some of its amazing features with you.
With a massive range of accessories, this is a tool that you can fire up and get going with in no time at all. Everything you need is in the box and since this is designed to be used for a range of applications, you won’t need any other tool for your outdoor cleaning tasks.
Main Features
- Pressure (bar): 272 (3950 PSI)
- Flow rate (l/h): 660
- Power Rating : 8.0 HP - 210cc four-stroke engine
- Detergent capacity: 6 Litres
- Weight (kg): 38
- Dimensions - L x W x H (cm): 65 x 41 x 52
- Comes with 20 + 10 = 30m hose
- All accessories included (see below)
- 12 month warranty and full customer support
- Durable steel frame
- Wheels
- Recoil start
Conclusion
As far as petrol pressure washers are concerned, I feel like I’ve found a very good one in the TX750i. Not just because it performs excellently and delivers an immaculate clean, but because of how well equipped it is. Some pressure washers don’t come with everything you need, but with this model, right out of the box, users can hook up to a water source and get started.
Pros and Cons
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:
✅ 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:
✅ 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:
✅ 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:
✅ Lance
✅ Multiple Spray Nozzles
✅ Static Brush
Summary
Yard Force has brought us many useful products in the past and I’m very excited to tell you about this cordless Yard Force LW C02 Aquajet that outdoes everything in terms of practicality. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, this compact and portable little pressure washer can be used. How I hear you ask? Well it has a nifty little feature that allows you to draw water from anywhere; yes anywhere, including, according to the Yard Force website, the sea. Although, I’m yet to try dipping the hose in the ocean, I don’t doubt that it would be effective.
Now, while this is a handy cordless little tool to keep in your car, your camping gear or simply in the garden shed, it doesn’t have quite as much power as some of the other Yard Force corded pressure washers, but that’s always going to be the case. If you’re looking for something more powerful but less portable and practical, then you might try the Yard Force 360l/h EW U13 or its bigger brother, the Yard Force EW U15, which are both corded models with a range of accessories and 1800w and 2000w of power respectively. They’ll also deliver a more significant flow rate and pressure for more demanding jobs. But if you’re in the market for something lightweight, portable, cordless and easy to use, that has a decent amount of power, then this Yard Force LW C02 Aquajet is something that is absolutely worth considering.
Main Features
- Cordless battery operated
- Lightweight and portable
- Water from any static water source
- 22 bar pressure
- Max 270L High/ Low spraying speed
- Selection of accessories
- 2 position rotary handle
- Foam spray and brush included - ideal for cleaning car
- 3 year warranty
Conclusion
This Yard Force Aquajet cordless pressure washer LW CO2 might be small but it certainly packs a punch where cleaning is concerned. You’ll have to see for yourself just how impressive this piece of kit is and once you do, you’ll probably be as excited about it as I am. It comes with everything you need to get started so would make a great first pressure washer or a housewarming gift, for example.
Yard Force is a very well-respected brand and the dedication to bringing its clients reliable and quality products is demonstrated perfectly in this incredible little machine.
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:
✅ 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
Guide To The Best Pressure Washers
There are many powered pressure washers available on the UK market and it is hard to find the one that best suits your needs. The choice is always there to get a machine far beyond the capabilities of what is adequate for your needs. Not only is this going to unnecessarily increase the cost of the pressure washer, but also you will simply end up with a heavier machine full of features and accessories you will simply never use. Yes, you will need to think about any jobs you may want your pressure washer to tackle in the future, but don’t go overboard on accessories and power, also consider the build quality, warranty and aftersales support.
So how do you go about choosing a pressure washer suitable for the tasks and work you need it to do? Below is a short guide that explains what you should be looking out for when choosing your next pressure washer.
What To Look Out For When Purchasing A Pressure Washer?
Brands are a good starting point — but some good brands have now gone down the road of reducing manufacturing costs. And if the costs of the products are lower, it follows that the quality is likely to suffer as a result.
It is common to see brands put large casings around small motors to disguise the fact that the machine is not as powerful as it looks. Compare the power and pressure rating, and not the dimensions of the unit. You also want to consider the amount of pressure that will be needed to successfully perform during each session. A small less powerful machine can make 100-bar of pressure at the jet and is fine for washing your car without leaving marks. However for cleaning dirty and soiled patio something around or over 150-bar of pressure is going to be required.
In all of my reviews and in the selection table I will highlight the power rating, the maximum pressure and the water flow rate, so be sure to check this out. More on this later.
More Power – More Risk?
Some pressure washers are so powerful that they will dent and even remove paint off your car if you do not know what you are doing. These waterjets can be dangerous in the wrong hands — they demand a level of knowledge to ensure that suitable jetting nozzles are used for different tasks. All pressure washers will have instructions explaining the pressure / nozzle and its intended use.
As a rough guide of what to look for –
- Washing a car / garden furniture / tools – 100-bar
- Decking – 130-bar
- Washing a driveway – 150-bar plus
More details of the different uses and pressures are shown in the table below –
| Task | Light Duty 50-110 Bar |
Medium Duty 110-130 Bar |
Heavy Duty 130+ Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patio | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Cars/Vans/Bikes | ✅ | ||
| Block Paving | ✅ | ||
| Decking | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Fences & Garden Furniture | ✅ | ||
| Commercial Vehicles | ✅ | ✅ |
Is A Bigger Pressure Washer Better?
It does not always follow that a larger machine is going to be noisier. In some instances, the reverse is true, since many larger machines have more material around the motor and pump. And larger machines can run longer pressure hoses, so you can leave them further away from where you are cleaning.
A bigger pressure washer will be able to scrub larger areas of concrete faster, but these assume more space and power. A small pressure washer is easier to store and move around. The other advantage of a larger machine is the fact that many will have on-board storage areas for the various accessories. Many will also include hose reels for tidy and convenient storage of the hose. Also larger machines, although much heavier, will normally have rear wheels allowing for easy transpiration to and from the storage location.
Again, you need to consider your needs and storage. For some owners a hand held lightweight and portable pressure washer will be more than adequate for their intended tasks.
Types Of Pressure Washer
Power Types
One of the first considerations will be how your pressure washer will be powered. Whilst it is true that the vast majority of pressure washers, sold to domestic users in the UK, are electric powered, there are two other options available. The first is petrol powered pressure washers which are ideal for larger properties and more demanding cleaning tasks. The second are cordless battery pressure washers that are ideal for portability, however are limited in battery run-time and pressure they can produce. All of these power types have their pros and cons, which are clearly stated in the individual reviews.
Water Source
Some pressure washers need a constant supply of mains water, and others can run off static water supplies, this is referred to as “Self-Priming” by the manufacturers. Due to water conservation in many areas, it is forbidden during certain times of the year to use mains water to wash a car. That is why some homeowners store rain run-off in large tanks to later be used by their self-priming pressure washers.
Some pressure washers can suck-up water from buckets, ponds and static pools etc. Zero-pressure sources allow you to recycle water and get around these legal limitations. So, if you live under these rules, it may be one of the first considerations to make when choosing a pressure washer.
What Can I Use A Pressure Washer For?
Pressure Washers For Vehicles
You can widen out the spray either with an adjustable lance or by attaching a suitable nozzle, for working on the windows and paintwork— and then focus the spray on the underside of the car, to remove stubborn mud and tar. Some pressure washers come with foaming add-ons, to prepare a target surface with soap. Once you have removed the dust and grit from the car’s bodywork you can then go about using a rotary or static brush to further clean the paintwork of the vehicle. If you would like to learn more about how to clean your car effectively see my article. Also I have shortlisted the best pressure washers for cleaning a car here for your convenience.
Pressure Washers For Garden Furniture
Garden furnishings get dirty over the winter months, and they can be difficult to clean. A pressure washer gets through the gaps and blasts away creepy-crawlies that have set up a home. A more powerful pressure washer can also remove loose paint and varnish — making the surface ready for repainting.
Pressure Washers For Patios
Most manufacturers make patio brushes for their pressure washers. These work by forcing water through rotating brushes that scrub the surface. If you think that you are going to do a lot of patio washing, look for the area performance figures, or that the pressure is above 130-bar. These brushes massively reduce the amount of splash and debris that is thrown up when using a standard lance. If you have ever used a lance to clean up your patio you will know that you can spend as much time cleaning the walls and area around the patio, as you do the patio itself. If you would like to learn more about how to clean a patio with a pressure washer read my article.
Pressure Washers For Decking
Over the winter months decking can become very slippery due to lack of sun and mould/algae developing. When wet this mould becomes slimy and very slippery and a pressure washer is the ideal tool to clean and remove this hazard. Just be aware, that if you have painted your decking, pressure washing too close or on a more direct/narrow jet may damage or remove some of the paint and even damage the wood. To assist, you could always apply and brush in a patio/decking mould remover first, and then lightly pressure wash off. To see the best pressure washers for cleaning decking and patios see my selection here.
Cleaning your decking should become part of your regular spring garden and lawn maintenance schedule.
Accessories
You would expect to have more accessories on a more powerful pressure washer. One of the most important accessories is a long pressure hose. A 5-metre hose is standard for a small pressure washer, but you will want to double that for a larger machine. Some pressure washers will come with additional extensions that can extend the hose up to 18 metres in length, such as the Wilks-USA RX550I electric pressure washer.
Other accessories that you may want to consider are –
Gutter Lance – gutter lance is a curved lance that allows you to clean and blow debris out of your gutter for fast and efficient cleaning.
Patio Cleaner – as mentioned above this is a round plastic disk with a rotating arm with jets, that effectively cleans patio or decking whilst eliminating splashing.
Turbo Lance – most pressure washers will be supplied with a turbo lance that has a small ball bearing that rotates in the head to increase the pressure output.
Multiple Spray Nozzles – the nozzle is the business end of each pressure washer and many come with multiple attachments to suit the job at hand. Other pressure washers may offer an adjustable nozzle as opposed to multiple separate nozzles. Again, consider the job at hand and your preference, to ensure you purchase a pressure washer with the spraying options you require.
Foam Sprayer – a foam sprayer is a great attachment that allows you to apply a layer of foam to your vehicle or garden furniture prior to jet washing.
Hose Reel – as mentioned above some larger machines will come with hose reels that allow the hose to be neatly stored. This not only reduces the amount of storage but also prevents a tripping hazard and them getting damaged.
Pressure Washer Features
Trolley / Wheels
A small pressure washer, below 6 kilograms, is lightweight enough that carrying it is not an issue. When the weight gets above 10 kilograms, you are going to want something with wheels and a handle to move the unit about. Most pressure washers are supplied with 2 wheels for easy transportation, but also consider the number of location of any handles should you need to lift the pressure washer.
Storage
Any pressure washer will come with a long pressure hose, a long cable, and some lances. Attachments will get in a tangle fast, so to make life easier, look for a unit with brackets to wrap the cables and hoses around. Other pressure washers will come with handy features such as sliding handles for reduced storage, and as mentioned above a hose reel.
Conclusion
In summary, firstly consider how you need your pressure washer to be powered. If you want exceptionally high power and you are going to be using your pressure washer on a regular basis, then you may need to consider a petrol model. Just bear in mind that with a petrol pressure washer comes maintenance and service costs as you would have with any other petrol powered tool.
Cordless pressure washers are great for portability and convenience, they can be taken on camping trips to wash down boots and bikes for example, but will produce less power compared to their petrol or electric cousins.
Electric pressure washes are a great middle ground, providing not only convenience, but also options for higher powered models that will deal with most domestic cleaning tasks. This is the reason they are currently the most popular pressure washer. Yes, you will have the cable to consider, however with extended hose lengths up to 18 metres, this should not be an issue.
Also, consider what you are going to use your new pressure washer for and the type of attachments you will need. Look at the prices of the attachments, if they are not included with the unit, and that the pressure is strong enough for the job in hand.
Finally, take into account the brand quality in terms of warranty supplied, aftersales support and most importantly the availability of spare and replacement parts. All of the above are covered in detail in all of my pressure washer reviews.
Are you ready to purchase? Use my pressure washer selection tool to make this process easier for you as not only you can select the accessories and features you require, but also the pressure, the water flow rate and the hose length. If you have any questions feel free to use the comments box below and I will be happy to respond.
Best Pressure Washer FAQs
How Do I Clean A Car With A Pressure Washer?
There are 5 main steps to cleaning a car with a pressure washer. Step 1, you will need to pre-wash and rinse away any surface dirt to avoid scratches. Step 2, you will need to add soap or detergent either via the detergent tank or better still, using a foaming bottle or snow lance. Step 3, you can now use the static or rotating brush to gently clean away more stubborn ground-in dirt from the vehicle’s body. Step 4, thoroughly rinse the off the soap using your pressure washer set on low power or simply move further away from the vehicle. Step 5, using a chamois leather or synthetic cloth, dry the paintwork to avoid any streaking or water marks.
How Much Pressure Is Good For A Pressure Washer?
The amount of pressure you need will depend on the type of cleaning task you are doing. However, as a rule of thumb, most domestic pressure washer users will need around 2000 PSI or 130 bar to cover most jobs.
How Do Pressure Washers Work?
Pressure washers are surprisingly simple pieces of equipment. Water is pumped into the machine via a source such as a hose and is then expelled using a high-pressure pump. A nozzle is used so that you can direct the jet of water at the surface you wish to clean.
Do I Need A Petrol Or Electric Pressure Washer?
Petrol pressure washers are significantly more powerful than their electric counterparts. Sometimes, it comes down to personal preference, but most people will judge the size of the area they’re cleaning to determine which they require. Moreover, if you do not have direct access to a power supply, then you may need to use a petrol model.
How Long Should A Pressure Washer Hose Be?
The hose which you attach to pump water into your pressure washer should be no longer than 100 metres. However, the high-pressure hose should be much smaller with a maximum length of 50 metres. These lengths will normally be more than enough for a domestic user.
Can You Adjust The Pressure On A Pressure Washer?
Yes. Some pressure washers come with the ability to adjust pressure, and this is usually done with a dial. Simply turn it and set the pressure to your liking. Other models have a nozzle that can be rotated to adjust the jet of water and subsequent pressure. Other models have interchangeable nozzles that can be attached as a way of increasing or decreasing the water pressure depending on the job at hand.
What Is The Most Powerful Pressure Washer?
There are some incredibly powerful pressure washers out there, but currently one of the most powerful is a petrol Hyundai HYW4000DE, which has a PSI rating of 4000. This is, however, a machine that is designed for more commercial use and therefore costs over £1,500. As a domestic user, you won’t need anything near this amount of power.
Why Does My Power Washer Keep Surging?
The reason that your pressure washer is surging is likely to do with an inability to cope with the flow rate. This is normally due to a lack of water supply, and therefore the flow rate is not adequate to support that of the pump. It’s important to deal with this problem as it can cause issues down the line, eventually rendering the pressure washer useless.
What Should I Look For In A Pressure Washer?
When choosing a pressure washer, there are several things you should look out for, but the most important is how powerful it is and whether this power meets your specific needs. You’ll notice that the pressure washer has a PSI (pounds per square inch) or Bar rate, and that tells you how much force the water comes out with. On the other hand, you’ll notice a l/hr (litre per hour) measure, which tells you how much water passes through the system, which is equivalent to the maximum flow rate. You will also need to consider the accessories, whether they come supplied or are optional extras.
Do You Need Good Water Pressure For A Pressure Washer?
It is possible to use a pressure washer in areas where the water pressure isn’t as high. However, there are a lot of models that require at least 20PSI from the water pressure to work correctly. Always refer to the instruction manual for your specific pressure washer.
Are Cordless Pressure Washers Any Good?
Yes cordless pressure washers are excellent, but only in certain situations and for certain types of cleaning. Cordless pressure washers are never going to compete with petrol and corded electric in terms of power, PSI and flow rates. This doesn’t mean that cordless pressure washers do not have their uses. The fact that they are cordless battery-operated means that you can take them to remote areas to be used for cleaning such as cleaning bikes before putting then back into the car, campsites for cleaning boots and other equipment. They provide a mobile and versatile solution as long as you have access to a static water source.
How Much Do I Need To Pay For A Good Pressure Washer?
Again, largely this will depend on the power type of your pressure washer, the accessories and power provided. A good budget electric pressure washer can cost as little as £80, a good mid range branded pressure washer with accessories will cost around £160, and a higher end premium model with a full set of accessories will set you back around £220.
What’s The Difference Between A Power Washer And A Pressure Washer?
There aren’t too many differences between power washers and pressure washers. The main one is that a power washer uses hot water to clean, while a pressure washer relies on cold water and high pressure to remove more stubborn dirt.
Is It OK To Run A Pressure Washer Without Water?
It is not advisable to run a pressure washer without any water, as this may cause damage to the machine if run for a longer period.
