Top Rated Pressure Washers of 2020- Best Pressure Washer Reviews 2020
These top-performing gas and electric models from our tests are ideal for your outdoor projects
Pressure washers can work magic on concrete or decking, and the best can erase decades’ worth of stains with a brief blast. But we have demonstrated in its tests, a pressure washer is much more than a high-powered garden hose. It can direct a stream of water with such force that it can pierce skin and even cut through protective gear, including boots.
That’s why we don’t recommend any pressure washers that include a zero-degree tip or nozzle, which harnesses water power into the finest, most powerful stream.
“It’s not just that zero-degree nozzles are dangerous; they’re not really necessary,” says Dave Trezza, who oversees pressure washer testing. “Our testing routinely finds that you can get the same results with a little patience and a 15-degree tip.”
If you buy a model with a zero-degree nozzle, toss that nozzle in the trash.
How We Tests Top Rated Pressure Washers ?
We measure how much pressure each model can produce, in pounds per square inch, giving a higher score to those with a higher psi. Then we fire up each pressure washer and use it to strip paint from painted plastic panels, timing how long it takes. Models with a higher pressure output tend to perform better on this test.
We also measure noise, and you should know that almost all pressure washers are loud enough to require hearing protection. Last, we size up ease of use by evaluating basics such as the process of adding fuel and noting features that improve the experience. (A model whose engine automatically shuts off when oil is running low will earn a higher score.)
Regardless of performance, it’s our policy to recommend only models that do not include a zero-degree nozzle, which we believe poses an unnecessary safety risk to users and bystanders.
Top Rated Pressure Washers
If you’re shopping for a pressure washer, start with our buying guide to figure out which type you need. Gas models are the most powerful, and they tend to be the most expensive and require more maintenance. Electric models can be great for lighter cleaning and are easy to use, but they lack power for the toughest jobs.
Here, our selection of the Top Rated Pressure Washers for every project.
Best Gas Pressure Washer Overall
This pressure washer from DeWalt is gas-powered and claims 4200 psi max. It comes with five nozzle tips, pneumatic wheels, and the cleaning tip is replaceable. It weighs 129 lbs.
This DeWalt does everything a pressure washer should do. It’s the machine you want if you’ve neglected a deck or patio for a long time—with a high flow rate of 2.4 gallons per minute and a variety of nozzles, all of which help it earn a rating of Excellent for cleaning. The wand has a side grip, too, allowing you to control it with two hands. Plus, it’s the only gas pressure washer in our ratings that has a pressure regulator built into the unit, allowing you to dial back the pressure if you get kickback from the spraying force.
| RATINGS | |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Excellent |
| Power | Excellent |
| Noise | Fair |
| Ease of use | Very Good |
DeWalt DXPW4240B 4200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer
- Especially effective at cleaning.
- Very effective at removing stains.
- Wide cleaning angle.
- Very high pressure (PSI).
- Very high flow (GPM).
- Easy to operate its controls, move it, store it.
- Relatively loud.
- Very noisy when close to unit.
- Unit always on (generates noise and may overheat).
Best Gas Pressure Washer on a Budget
This pressure washer from Ryobi is gas-powered and claims 3200 psi max with 2.5 gpm. It comes with four nozzle tips, solid wheels, and the cleaning tip is replaceable. It weighs 57 lbs.
If you don’t want to shell out $600, this Ryobi almost matches our top-scoring DeWalt on power and cleans just as well. Like most gas models, it’s loud and earns a rating of Poor in our noise test, so you’ll want to wear hearing protection. In addition to a standard pull cord for starting, this model can be equipped with any Ryobi 18-volt power tool battery, and it can be fired up with the press of a button, using electric start. A single battery is included, which can also be used in a variety of other Ryobi products, including its P1811 cordless drill.
Easy to operate its controls, very easy to move and transport, and to store it. Hose less convenient to store than others. Wand very easy to remove and use. Very easy to use and read on-off switch.
Replaceable nozzle tips. Has manual trigger lock. Electric start. Soap tank. Requires storage of gasoline.
| RATINGS | |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Excellent |
| Power | Very Good |
| Noise | Fair |
| Ease of use | Very Good |
Ryobi RY803111 pressure washer
- Especially effective at cleaning.
- Very effective at removing stains.
- Very wide cleaning angle.
- High pressure (PSI).
- Very high flow (GPM).
- Easy to operate its controls, move it, store it.
- Relatively loud.
- Very noisy when close to unit.
- Very noisy when far from unit.
- Unit always on (generates noise and may overheat)
Best Light-Duty Electric Pressure Washer
This pressure washer from Craftsman is electric-powered (120v) and claims 1800 psi max with 1.2 gpm. It comes with four nozzle tips, solid wheels, and the cleaning tip is replaceable. It weighs 24 lbs.
This pressure washer is trim and versatile, and packs enough power for some medium-duty jobs—if you’re willing to spend some extra time working problem spots. It still earns a rating of Very Good for cleaning. It’s also sold without a zero-degree nozzle, making it a safer choice than models that include this tip. Our testers especially liked that the hose and power cord wrap around built-in reels, so it’s easy to store when you’re done working.
Easy to move and transport. Easy to operate — just plug it in. Very convenient hose storage, built-in reel with only a wand connection. Wand easy to remove. On-off switch not easy to read and use.
Replaceable nozzle tips. Has manual trigger lock. Folding handle. Retractable hose & power cord. Soap tank.
| RATINGS | |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | |
| Power | Fair |
| Noise | |
| Ease of use | Very Good |
Craftsman CM1800 99016 pressure washer
- Effective at cleaning.
- Effective at removing stains.
- Wide cleaning angle.
- Relatively quiet.
- Very quiet from a distance.
- Easy to operate its controls, move it, store it.
- Low pressure.
- Low flow.
Best Heavy-Duty Electric Pressure Washer
This pressure washer from NorthStar is electric-powered (240v) and claims 3,000 psi max with 2.5 gpm. It comes with two replaceable nozzle tips and pneumatic wheels. It weighs 112 lbs.
For the performance of gas without all the noise, this NorthStar is a terrific choice. It requires a 240-volt receptacle (instead of a standard 110-volt), so you’ll need to make sure you have one in your garage or somewhere outdoors. It provides exceptional power and flow, earning a rating of Excellent in power, enabling it to blast away years of grime quickly, even on stubborn surfaces like irregular stone. The 35-foot power cord and 25-foot hose let you roam 60 feet from the outlet, but you’ll need to choose a gas unit if you travel farther than that—no pressure washer is safe to use with an extension cord, least of all one that relies on a 240-volt power source.
Northstar’s electric pressure washer is the priciest we tested, and it was among the best in our tests–and a recommended model, since it performed well and comes with no zero-degree nozzle, which Consumer Reports considers a safety risk. Particular to this model also is that it requires a 240V receptacle, which you’d likely need to have specially installed outdoors. Included are an industrial-class pump, a quick connect at both the wand and pump, and very sturdy construction. We also liked the slightly bent spray shaft, which felt ergonomic to use. But there are compromises. You get just two nozzles: 25-degree and soap. There’s no built-in soap tank, just a hose to an outside container. The trigger safety must be manually set. The 112-pound unit is difficult to roll quickly on level ground. And unlike other electrics we’ve tested, the motors of which stop when you release the trigger, this model keeps going like a gas washer’s engine–so it can overheat should the safety-release valve fail.
Very easy to move and transport. Requires a special 240 volt outlet. Easy hose storage. Cord is very easy to wrap and store. Wand very easy to remove and use. Easy to use and read on-off switch.
| RATINGS | |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | |
| Power | Excellent |
| Noise | |
| Ease of use | Very Good |
NorthStar 1573021 Electric Cold Water Pressure Washer
- Effective at cleaning.
- Very effective at removing stains.
- Especially effective at power.
- Very high pressure (PSI).
- Very high flow (GPM).
- Easy to operate its controls, move it, store it.
- Has quick-connect water outlet.
- Has quick-connect hose-to-wand.
- Replaceable nozzle tips.
- Average cleaning angle.
- Noisy when close to unit.
- Has manual trigger lock.
- Unit always on (generates noise and may overheat)
Top Rated Pressure Washers
