Becoming a successful pressure-washing company requires a combination of customer service, business skills, and having the best pressure washer to get the job done. That’s why we took the time to review the best pressure washers for different jobs.
We talked to Joshua Brown, who started Brown’s Pressure Washing, and Josiah Le Beau, their Operations Manager, to help you choose the best pressure washers for each cleaning job.
What is the best pressure washer to buy?
We reviewed nine of the best pressure washers on the market to establish what power washer provides the best cleaning power for your cleaning needs. We explain what we like and don’t like about every pressure washer and provide an overview of the performance and stats for the pressure washer. The best pressure washers are:
- Honda GX690 8 GPM (Brown’s top pick)
- Sun Joe SPX3000-MAX Electric Pressure Washer
- Greenworks 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (best for patios)
- Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer (best for cars)
- Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless (best Electric Pressure Washer)
- WORX Hydroshot 320 PSI Cordless Power Cleaner (best compact pressure washer)
- Simpson Powershot 4400 PSI 4.0 GPM Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer
- Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI Brushless 2.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
- Best for first-time users: Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer With Hose Reel
You can find most of these in the UpFlip Amazon Store, where we get a percentage of each sale to help bring more content to you.
Get ready to find out about the pressure washer power that puts most pressure washers to shame. Let’s start with one of the best gas pressure washers—the one Brown’s Pressure Washing uses on all their pressure washer trucks.
#1. Brown’s Top Pick: Honda GX690 8 GPM Pressure Washer
Using a Honda GX690 8 GPM pressure washer offers several benefits, but there are of course considerations to remember. Here are some pros and cons.
Why We Like the GX690
- High flow rate
- Powerful cleaning performance
- Professional-grade quality
- Versatility in cleaning tasks
- Efficient and time-saving
GX690 Drawbacks
- Larger and Heavier Equipment: Pressure washers with a Honda GX690 engine and an 8 GPM flow rate tend to be larger and heavier than to lower-powered models. This can make them more challenging to transport and maneuver, requiring additional effort and potentially limiting accessibility to tight spaces.
- Higher Cost: Pressure washers with a Honda GX690 engine and high flow rate typically come at a higher price point due to their professional-grade quality and power. The initial investment may be more significant compared to lower-powered or consumer-grade models. However, the cost may be justified for those with demanding cleaning needs.
- Noise and Emissions: Gas-powered pressure washers, including those with the Honda GX690 engine, can produce significant noise during operation. Proper hearing protection should be used. Additionally, gas engines emit exhaust fumes, meaning they should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
- Requires Fuel and Maintenance: Gas engines, including the Honda GX690, require fuel (gasoline) to operate. This adds an extra step of refueling and increases the potential for fuel-related issues. Gas engines also require regular maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
GX690 Performance
The Honda GX690 8 GPM pressure washer provides an exceptionally high flow rate of 8 gallons per minute (GPM). This allows for efficient and quick cleaning of large surfaces, making it ideal for commercial, industrial, or heavy-duty applications that require a significant volume of water.
The gas engine makes this one of the most powerful and therefore loudest gas washers on the market, so you’ll need hearing protection, and you can’t use a gas-powered pressure washer in enclosed spaces. Despite that, a Honda gas model is hands-down the most effective pressure washer for getting work done. Other pressure washers just don’t compare.
GX690 Stats
- Gas power
- 3500 PSI
- 8 GPM
- Set of quick connect spray nozzles
- 22HP Honda GX690 gas engine
- Anti-vibration rubber isolators
- Battery cables
- Electric start
- External unloader
- Heavy duty general (gp) triplex plunger pump
- Powder coated
- Skid mounted
- Thermal relief valve
- V-Belt drive system
- 28,000 cleaning units
#2. Sun Joe SPX3000-MAX Electric Pressure Washer
Why We Like the SPX3000
- Affordability ($200 at time of writing)
- Safety features
- Compact design
- Dual detergent tanks
- Lower noise level
- Just 15 minutes to assemble
- Comes with great instructions
- Oversized wheels
SPX3000 Drawbacks
- No storage hoses
- Limited attachment choices
SPX3000 Performance
The best electric pressure washer we tested is the Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric power washer. This electric pressure washer delivers 2,030 pounds per square inch (PSI) at 1.76 Gallons Per Minute(GPM), which makes it perfect for most tasks.
The Sun Joe SPX3000 electric power washer includes:
- Dual soap/detergent tanks
- Five quick-connect spray tips
- 20-foot high-pressure hose
- Garden hose adapter
- 34-inch extension wand
- 35-foot power cord
The Sun Joe pressure washer is both quiet and effective, especially for a pressure washer at its pricing and size. The dual soap compartments are beneficial for a power washing company that focuses on cars or windows because you can switch the cleaner with ease.
The Sun Joe is one of the most useful power washers on the list, but it doesn’t come with attachments that are good for cleaning wood or concrete surfaces.
SPX3000 Stats
- Electric power
- 2030 PSI
- 1.76 GPM
- 5 nozzles
#3. Greenworks 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (Best for Patios)
Why We Like the Greenworks 2000 PSI EPW
- Affordability ($220 at time of writing)
- Best pressure washer attachments for large surfaces
- Easy to assemble and use
- Effective on all surfaces
- Comparably quiet
- 24-minute assembly
- Comes with attachment storage
Greenworks 2000 PSI EPW Drawbacks
- Poorly written instruction manual
- Uses an offboard tank for cleaning fluids
- Not suitable for regular heavy-duty cleaning
- No soap dispenser instructions
Greenworks 2000 PSI EPW Performance
Greenworks 2,000 PSI Pressure Washer with an 11-inch surface cleaner is best at cleaning large flat surfaces like cars, driveways, fences, and siding.
The Greenworks 2,000 PSI Pressure Washer includes:
- 11-inch surface cleaner (great for house siding, driveways, and fences)
- 3 nozzles
- Cleaning wand
- 20-foot hose
- 35-foot power cord
- Onboard storage
This would be the best portable pressure washer hands down if they improved the instructions and added an onboard soap tank.
Greenworks 2000 PSI EPW Stats
- Electric power source
- 2,000 PSI
- 1.1 GPM
- 3 nozzles
#4. Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer (Best Car Pressure Washer)
Why We Like the K5
- Affordability ($300 at time of writing)
- Great for cleaning cars
- Onboard detergent tank
- Two spray wands
- Onboard hose storage
- Lightweight
K5 Drawbacks
- Assembly instructions are a bit tricky to implement
- Does not seem built for long-term use in a commercial environment
- Fewer attachments than other brands
K5 Performance
The K5 is the best pressure washer for detailing cars. The Karcher K5 is the best electric pressure washer for cars because it provides up to 2,000 PSI at 1.4 GPM.
The K5 includes:
- onboard soap dispenser
- Vario cleaning wand: Use it for lighter cleaning
- Dirtblaster cleaning wand: Use for dirty jobs
- 25-foot high-pressure hose
- Water-cooled induction motor to extend useful life
- 35-foot power cord
While it’s a little pricier than some of the pressure washers on our list, the dual wands make this the best pressure washer for car detailing.
K5 Stats
- Electric power source
- 2,000 PSI pressure
- 1.4 GPM|
- 2 nozzles
Now you know the best pressure washer for car washing. Let’s look at the most powerful electric pressure washer.
#5. Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless (Most Powerful Electric Pressure Washer)
Why We Like the Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless EPW
- Affordability ($449 at time of writing)
- Dual speed motor
- Good onboard storage
- Large onboard detergent tank
- Long cord
- Powerful spray nozzles
- Easily understood labels
Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless EPW Drawbacks
- Damages some surfaces
- Comparatively higher electric washer price point
Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless EPW Performance
The Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Brushless Pressure Washer has a great combination of features and usability. It stands out among electric pressure washers because of its unique features, including:
- 14-amp brushless motor
- Large 1-gallon onboard soap tank
- 35-foot cord
- Cord swivel storage
- 5 nozzles (we love the Turbo Nozzle)
- No-leak attachment switching
This is the most powerful of the electric washers we tested and is comparable to some of the gas-powered washers—which most electric pressure washers are not.
The Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless Electric Power Washer propels water at either 3000 PSI at 1.1 GPM or 1000 PSI at 2 GPM. Some attachments are actually capable of damaging wood or cars, so be cautious if you are using the stronger nozzles!
3000 PSI Brushless EPW Stats
- Electric power
- 3,000 PSI
- 1.1 or 2 GPM
- 5 nozzles
#6. WORX Hydroshot 320 PSI Cordless Power Cleaner (Best Compact Power Washer)
Why We Like the Hydroshot
- Affordability ($129 at time of writing)
- Cordless
- Lightest power washer reviewed
- Quietest power washer reviewed
- 10-minute setup
- Best supply options
Hydroshot Drawbacks
- Low pressure
- Not for commercial cleaners
- Short battery life
Worx Hydroshot 20V Performance
This is not a commercial pressure washer, but if you have a customer who wants to maintain their space between cleanings, the Worx Hydroshot 20V Power Share 320 PSI Portable Power Cleaner might be the best pressure washer for home use.
Unlike most of the other options, it doesn’t come with nozzles and attachments. It’s just a battery and a sprayer. You can connect the Worx Hydroshot to a:
- 20-foot water tube and bucket
- Garden hose with the included adapter
- 2-liter bottle
The sprayer has five pressure settings, but at 320 PSI, you’ll still need to remove heavy dirt and grime with something else.
Worx Hydroshot Stats
- Battery powered
- Cordless wand
- 320 PSI
- 0.57 GPM
- 5-pressure spray wand
#7. Simpson Powershot 4400 PSI 4.0 GPM Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer
Why We Like the Powershot 4400
- Highest cleaning power
- 5 spray tips
- 50-foot-long hose
- Durability
Powershot 4400 Drawbacks
- Most expensive on our list ($900 at time of writing)
- No built-in detergent tank
- Starter is tricky to use
- Noisy
- More challenging assembly
Powershot 4400 Performance
Time is money, and a high-powered gas-powered pressure washer saves time because it is more powerful than any electric counterpart.
The Simpson PowerShot Pro Gas Pressure Washer is one of the best gas-powered pressure washers because it delivers up to 4400 PSI at 4 GPM. This gas pressure washer cleared tough stains off of driveways and vehicles without using strong settings.
Powershot 4400 Stats
- Gas-powered engine
- 4400 PSI
- 4 GPM
- 5 spray nozzle options
#8. Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI Brushless 2.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer (Best for Beginners)
Why We Like the Green Works PRO 2300
- Affordability ($300 at time of writing)
- Very easy to set up and use
- 5 nozzles
- Onboard detergent tank
Green Works PRO 2300 Drawbacks
- Hoses tangle
- Loud
Green Works PRO 2300 Performance
Beginners will find this the best pressure washer because it’s easy to use without damaging property—unlike more powerful gas pressure washers.
The Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI Pressure Washer is quick to set up, gets great gas pressure washer results, and comes with a ton of accessories.
Green Works PRO 2300 Stats
- Electric
- 2300 PSI
- 1.2 GPM
- 5 nozzles, plus water and detergent tank
#9. Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer With Hose Reel (Great for First-Time Users)
Why We Like the SPX 3001
- Affordability ($168 at time of writing)
- 5 nozzles
- Onboard detergent tank
- Easy to use
SPX 3001 Drawbacks
- Handle is a bit flimsy
- Not very high-powered
SPX 3001 Performance
The Sun Joe SPX3001 is a great starter powerwasher because it’s relatively quiet and portable. Setting it up is easy and it will work on most surfaces.
For large amounts of dirt and debris, you will probably need something more powerful, though. You might also have challenges if you have to carry the pressure washer across surfaces like sand, which makes the wheels less functional.
SPX 3001 Stats
- Electric power
- 2030 PSI
- 1.76 GPM
- 5 spray patterns
How we tested the pressure washers
All the pressure washers reviewed were tested by Brown’s team members, who generously provided their input on which pressure washers they would recommend. We featured the gas-powered pressure washer that Brown’s currently uses in our number one spot because it can easily be considered the best pressure washer currently available.
Should Brown’s choose to upgrade their gas engine, we will provide a new review of the best pressure washers with the updated gas engine.
What to look for in a pressure washer
When looking for a pressure washer, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you get a model that suits your needs and performs effectively. Here’s what to look for:
- Pressure Level (PSI): PSI stands for pounds per square inch and indicates the pressure output of the washer. 3,000+ PSI values are best for tougher cleaning tasks like removing oil stains from driveways or cleaning large surfaces. Lighter tasks like washing cars or furniture require lower PSI levels.
- Flow Rate (GPM): Gallons per minute (GPM) indicates how much water the pressure washer uses. A higher GPM can help you clean faster and more efficiently, but it also uses more water. Brown’s uses an 8 GPM motor.
- Power Source: Pressure washers can be powered by electricity or gas engines. Gas-powered models offer more mobility and higher power, making them preferable for professional power washers. Electric models are generally quieter, easier to start, and require less maintenance, but they typically have slightly lower power.
- Portability: Consider the weight, size, and overall portability of the pressure washer, especially if you need to move it around frequently. Some models come with wheels for easier mobility.
- Nozzles and Spray Tips: A variety of interchangeable nozzles or spray tips allow you to adjust the spray pattern and pressure according to the task. They can range from high-pressure pinpoint streams for tough cleaning to wider fan sprays for more delicate surfaces.
- Build Quality and Durability: Look for pressure washers with sturdy construction, preferably with metal components for better durability. Well-built machines are likelier to withstand the demands of frequent use.
- Attachments and Accessories: Check if the pressure washer comes with attachments like surface cleaners, extension wands, detergent tanks, and brushes. These can enhance the versatility of the washer and make certain tasks easier.
- Noise Level: Gas-powered pressure washers tend to be noisier than electric ones. If noise is a concern, opt for a quieter electric model.
- Price: Pressure washers come in a wide price range. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a quality machine can lead to better performance and longevity.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research brands with a good reputation for producing reliable pressure washers. Reading user reviews and seeking recommendations can give you insights into real-world performance.
- Warranty and Customer Support: A good warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s quality. Also, check to see if the manufacturer offers responsive customer support in case you encounter any issues. One way to test this is to call or email customer service with a few questions before you buy.
- Safety Features: Look for safety features such as automatic shut-off when the trigger is released, as well as features that prevent overheating and excessive pressure buildup.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly design with easy-to-access controls and a comfortable handle can make your cleaning tasks more enjoyable and efficient.
- Maintenance Requirements: Consider the maintenance needs of the pressure washer, such as cleaning filters, changing oil (for gas models), and winterizing if necessary.
Remember to assess your specific cleaning needs before making a decision. A pressure washer that suits your requirements will ensure that your cleaning tasks are completed effectively and efficiently.
Do you prefer gas or electric pressure washers?
Which pressure washer option do you prefer? What will you use it for? What other information would you like us to include in our reviews of pressure washers?
