As the years accumulate on your home, so does dirt, mildew, and mold on the patio, your house’s siding, outdoor furnishings, sidewalks, and driveways. We can understand years of watching all this nastiness accumulate might get to you.
That’s why we know you’ll appreciate the unique satisfaction that comes with blasting that grime away with a pressure washer.
Frank W. Ofeldt II, a maker of whisky stills in Pennsylvania back during the prohibition, is credited as the inventor of pressure washing.
While working on a whisky still one day, he discovered that steam forced at high pressure through a small hose provided enough force to clean grease off his garage floor.
Ofeldt then began a campaign to create a cleaning tool that would mix this jet of wet steam with cleaning chemicals.
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The 5 Best Pressure Washers of 2024
Today, pressure washers are the core product of a multi-billion-dollar global industry. The global pressure washer market generated revenues amounting to $2.6 billion in 2021 alone. Experts say it will reach nearly P4 billion in 2030.
With so many folks wanting in on that action, it’s little wonder you’ll find hundreds of pressure washers on the market.
There are several exceptional pressure washers available to consumers this year. We want to help you make the right choice. And so, after careful testing and evaluation, we present to you our list of the five best pressure washers in 2024.
1. Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
The Sun Joe SPX3000 pressure washer has gained significant praise among homeowners and professionals alike. With its robust performance and user-friendly features, SPX3000 is among the fastest-selling pressure washers on Amazon.
We put this Sun Joe pressure washer to the test and were quite pleased with the results. The SPX3000 boasts a maximum pressure of 2030 PSI, which provided ample power to blast away dirt, grime, and stains from the various surfaces we tested.
Easy and Impressive Power
Whether you’re cleaning your patio, deck, driveway, or siding, this pressure washer will deliver impressive results. The pressure washer’s 14.5-amp motor hummed along and produced a consistent power output throughout testing.
The five quick-connect spray tips on the SPX3000 allow you to adjust the pressure and spray pattern according to your cleaning needs. The tips include 0-degree, 15-degree, 25-degree, and 40-degree, and a soap applicator, providing flexibility for different surfaces and applications.
The Sun Joe SPX3000 also features a large onboard detergent tank. This means you can use this pressure washer over extended periods without the need for refills during cleaning sessions.
Hassle-Free Maneuverability
The 35-foot power cord and 20-foot high-pressure hose provide generous reach. We experienced no problems moving around the garage and the yard of our test property with the SPX3000.
Out of the box, the SPX3000 does require some assembly. Not to worry, though, as the process is pretty straightforward. These pieces are made from heavy-duty plastic and connect to the power washer securely with small screws.
5-Star Quality
The Sun Joe SPX3000 is built to last, with sturdy construction that can withstand regular use and various weather conditions. It also comes with a two-year warranty, which we of course liked.
Given its power, user-friendly features, and exceptional cleaning performance, we say the Sun Joe SPX3000 is a top choice for anyone in need of a high-quality pressure washer. We give it five stars and put it right at the top of our list.
2. Karcher K5 Premium Pressure Washer
The Karcher K5 Premium Pressure Washer is a top-of-the-line cleaning tool that combines power and versatility in one durable package. Designed with professional-grade performance in mind, the K5 Premium has garnered widespread acclaim among homeowners and professionals alike.
With a maximum pressure of 2000 PSI, the K5 is surprisingly among the quietest pressure washers in our lineup. But do not let the low noise of its operation fool you.
While the K5 is not cheap as far as electric pressure washers go, it’s the most powerful electric unit that Karcher makes. We tested this bad boy, and we can confirm that it delivers on its rated PSI ratio – and how.
Cool and Consistent
Whether you’re cleaning your driveway, patio, or outdoor furniture, the consistent jet of water from the K5’s nozzle will dissolve and blast away any trace of dirt, grime, or mildew.
The water-cooled induction motor ensures consistent power output for efficient and thorough cleaning. In fact, we had such fun testing the K5 we ran out of space and outdoor fixtures and furniture to clean.
find the 2000 psi cleaning power more than adequate. With the variable nozzle and dirt blaster it offers a wide range from cleaning delicate outdoor furniture to concrete patio pavers.
“I find the 2000 psi cleaning power more than adequate,” says one customer on Amazon, to which we agree. “With the variable nozzle and dirt blaster it offers a wide range from cleaning delicate outdoor furniture to concrete patio pavers.”
Versatile and Durable
The pressure washer comes with multiple quick-connect nozzles, including a Vario Power Spray wand and a DirtBlaster wand. These permit you to adjust the pressure and spray pattern according to your specific cleaning needs – from gentle cleaning of delicate surfaces to demolishing stubborn stains.
We found switching attachments easy. The quick-connect system makes attachment changes quick and hassle-free.
We liked the feel of the K5. The pressure washer’s construction and high-quality components even feel tough and durable. The onboard hose reel and cable storage offer convenience when you store and transport the unit.
Great Warranty!
Now, some have complained about the K5’s build quality, but we really don’t have any complaints here. Our test unit was built like a little tank, in fact.
Be that as it may, Karcher is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, and the K5 Premium reflects that reputation.
The K5 comes with a generous five-year limited warranty, which we liked, of course. Karcher’s customer support team is renowned for their responsiveness and helpfulness, as well. So, no complaints here, although we suggest you take note of contrary opinions.
Our verdict? The Karcher K5 Premium pressure washer stands out as a professional-grade cleaning tool that offers exceptional power and quality. While we do wish it commanded a lower price, we think it deserves the second slot on our list of the best.
3. Simpson CM61083 Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
The third slot on our list belongs to the pressure washer that packs the biggest punch among our top 5 best of the year. The Simpson CM61083 Gas-Powered Pressure Washer is the only gas-powered machine in this lineup. It will also cost you the most for its impressive water pressure, durable construction, and user-friendly features.
That said, this pressure washer is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a high-performance tool for heavy-duty residential or commercial cleaning tasks. The CM61083 immediately impressed us with its water pressure capability.
Quick, Powerful, and Durable
Pumping out a decent maximum pressure of 4000 PSI at 2.5 gallons per minute, this Simpson pressure washer blew away thick splashes of crusted mud from this writer’s truck in a matter of seconds. It even dissolved a stain on the bumper grill which I thought would never come off. I did not even need soap.
Equipped with a sturdy frame and a Honda GX390 engine, the CM61083 offers outstanding performance and durability. The rocksteady, reliable engine ensures that this pressure washer delivers consistent power, even during extended cleaning sessions.
The CM61083 is made with a steel frame and has a powder-coated finish. The 10-inch pneumatic tires on this pressure washer mean you can roll it around with you over rough ground and not have to worry too much about punctures.
We also liked this pressure washer’s fuel efficiency. We figure this will reduce the CN61083’s operating costs over the long run. This is an excellent feature for those who put a premium on economical tools for long-term use.
Ergonomic Control and Thermal Relief
This pressure washer comes with a durable and ergonomic spray gun that provides excellent control and comfort during operation. The gun’s trigger design allows for easy start and stops functionality, giving you precise control over the water flow.
The CM61083 comes fully assembled and with five quick-connect nozzles which allow you to adjust the spray pattern to suit different cleaning tasks.
The engine ships with a 16-ounce bag of oil in the box. Oddly, though, the engine manual specifies a 21-ounce oil capacity. We had some more oil before we could start up the motor. That was not much of a big deal but it made us wonder whether the 16-ounce bag of oil was a factory oversight.
The 50-foot steel-braided hose provides ample reach, which should be good for cleaning large areas. The hose is kink-resistant and designed to withstand high-pressure usage.
This pressure washer features a thermal relief system that prevents the pump from overheating. The heavy-duty welded steel frame adds stability and durability, making it suitable for demanding environments.
We liked the CM61083. It’s one powerful cleaning machine. Our only gripe here is the lack of a working soap tank. But even so, with its impressive water pressure, durable construction, and user-friendly features, we think this pressure washer is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a high-performance cleaning tool.
4. AR Blue Clean AR383
The AR Blue Clean AR383 comes equipped with a robust 13-amp motor that blasts an impressive maximum pressure of 1900 PSI with a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM). This unit is built on a two-wheel trolley that makes it easy to maneuver. That should be a plus for users whose toolsheds are tight on space.
The compact design of this pressure washer makes for easy maneuverability. The 20-foot high-pressure hose and 30-foot power cord provided ample reach and eliminated the need for repositioning in a two-car garage. We moved around our test area without a single snag.
Easy Assembly, Steady Performance
The 13-amp motor hummed along quite steadily during our testing, blasting stubborn dirt, grime, and stains from our test driveway. We had to switch to the turbo nozzle with particularly tough stains, but then that is to be expected.
Set up was a breeze. You connect the spray gun to the end of the high-pressure hose by aligning the connectors and firmly twisting them together. You then attach the nozzle to the front end of the spray gun, align the hose connector with the unit’s water outlet, and push it in until it clicks into place. That’s pretty much it.
The intuitive controls made the operation straightforward, as well. Even someone who has never used a pressure washer will find the AR383 pressure washer simple to use.
The AR Blue Clean AR383’s adjustable spray nozzle functions with a quick twist of the dial. You can switch spray patterns from a concentrated pinpoint jet – which we used for the intractable stains we mentioned earlier – to a wide fan spray for larger surface areas.
Bumper-to-Bumper
The unit is made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, which should ensure longevity. The AR Blue Clean company has been around for a while. We’ve had some experience dealing with their customer service teams.
They do keep in touch with their customers and are available 24/7. They respond quickly and will replace any part that you might need, from the most basic motor parts to the additional accessories. This is probably why they offer a 1-year `bumper to bumper warranty policy.
We suggest that you register your product right after you’ve purchased it. This will ensure you get the support you deserve.
All in all, we’d say this AR Blue product is a medium-duty tool. While powerful for its size, we think the AR383 will struggle to tackle the hardest of stains. This unit just doesn’t have the grit and muscle required to penetrate deep into the surface.
That said, the AR383 is a great product from a trusted company, offering satisfactory versatility and will work well around most backyards.
If you are looking for a medium-duty pressure washer that will last longer than most, then this AR Blue product would be a worthy investment.
5. Stanley SHP2150 2150 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Right out of the box, we liked the build quality of the Stanley SHP2150 2150 PSI Electric Pressure Washer. You can tell that the unit is designed to remain solid and steady, even when operating at high pressure. This dampens vibrations and helps to improve user control.
The frame is made of heavy-duty materials that can withstand impacts. We know because we dropped our test unit twice during transport from the office to our test site and the walloping it took did no damage to the unit at all.
If you’ve ever owned a pressure washer, then you know that leaking connectors can be a headache. The connectors on the SHP 2150 are impressive. The connector itself is made from a professional-grade brass garden hose connector. The 22mm connections appear sturdy and you can tell they are for professional-level accessories.
No Kinks, Easy Accessibility
The durability of this pressure washer is further enhanced by its reinforced hose, which is resistant to kinks and abrasions. The motor’s power is complemented by a range of versatile nozzles, including a turbo nozzle, a 40-degree nozzle, and a soap applicator nozzle. The tank is easily accessible and allows for convenient soap application.
The Stanley SHP2150 pressure washer incorporates a Total Stop System that automatically shuts off the motor when the trigger is released. This helps to extend the life of the pump and reduce energy consumption.
The ability to clean, of course, constitutes a bulk of the scores on our rating system. We used the SHP2150 to wash a rather large living room rug, the sidewalk in front of our test home, a car, and two bicycles, among others. The Stanley SHP2150 performed well throughout, but we cannot say it did its job exceptionally well.
Quiet Convenience, But…
Where it really stands out is in its quieter motor. The SHP2150 is noticeably quieter than most other models. We of course liked that – and so did our neighbors.
That said, we would have wanted to see a higher cleaning rate. While the SHP2150 produces strong pressure, the flow rate of 1.4 gallons per minute (GPM) could be higher.
The result is a slower cleaning speed compared to some other models on the market. This means using this pressure washer to complete heavy cleaning tasks will require a bit more time.
Overall, we say there are better models, but if you are looking for a durable middle-of-the-road pressure washer that is self-contained and won’t annoy you too much with its noise, then the Stanley SHP2150 is for you.
How to Choose the Right Pressure Washer
Before purchasing a pressure washer, assess the tasks you intend to tackle. Different models offer varying pressure levels, flow rates, and accessories. Each is suited for specific applications.
Whether it’s cleaning your car, removing tough stains from your deck, or handling heavy-duty commercial cleaning, identifying your cleaning needs will help narrow down your options.
Pressure, measured in pounds per square inch, determines the force exerted by the water. Higher PSI ratings are suitable for tougher cleaning tasks. Lower PSI is ideal for delicate surfaces.
Flow rate, measured in GPM, indicates the amount of water the machine can deliver. A balance between pressure and flow rate is crucial for efficient cleaning.
Choose between gas-powered and electric pressure washers based on your requirements. Gas models offer greater mobility and higher pressure, making them suitable for larger areas and heavy-duty cleaning.
Electric models are more compact, lighter, and require less maintenance. They are perfect for smaller tasks and indoor use.
You need to evaluate the size, weight, and portability of the pressure washer, as well. If you have limited storage space, or need to transport the unit frequently, go for a compact and lightweight model.
Investing in a reliable and durable pressure washer that serves your purposes. Look for machines with high-quality components, sturdy construction, and reputable brands known for their reliability.
Check customer reviews and ratings to gauge the overall satisfaction and performance of the model you are considering.
So, are you ready to make your choice? Tell us about it in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
