Whether you are washing cars, driveways, or washing down the outside of your home, there is no tool more useful than a Pressure Washer. These devices can be extremely versatile when it comes to tackling a lot of tasks around the home. Unfortunately, there are more than a few makes, models, and pressure washer manufactures available on the market. When you factor this in with all the different features and ranging price tags that come along with these products, this can make your quest to finding the perfect pressure washer a difficult one.

This is why it is imperative to know exactly what each pressure washer has to offer you and understanding your exact needs. Below, you will learn some tips and information that will help you find the perfect pressure washer to meet your exact requirements.

Know That More Power Means More Risk

There are certain situations when you might need a lot of power to remove deeply ingrained dirt and grime. However, there might be situations when too much power can be a bad thing. Water pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). While there are usually two basic ways to power a pressure washer, each offers different power and features. For instance, petrol-powered pressure washers are capable of pumping out anywhere from 2,000 to 2,800 PSI. On the other hand, electric models are capable of producing anywhere from 1,300 to 1,700 PSI. When it comes to stripping grime off a patio or stripping paint off vinyl siding, a gas-powered machine will accomplish the task ten times faster when compared to an electric model.

However, more PSI could mean more risks as well. When washing the side of a newly painted home or a car, you have to be careful about the amount of pressure that you are applying. Too much pressure could strip the paint right off. In addition to this, petrol models usually require more caution and control. You can easily splinter wood or knock loose concrete. And, this is not to even mention that you have to make an additional purchase of petrol any time you want to utilize the device.

Faster Is Going To Be Louder

When shopping for a pressure washer, noise is a major concern for some individuals. If you are looking for a faster spraying stream with more power, you are going to have to go for the petrol-powered models. However, this means that they are going to be much louder, you are going to have to deal with the noise. Petrol-powered models usually produce somewhere around 85 decibels of noise. This is the threshold where noise becomes unsafe to the human ear, so you will probably have to wear ear protection when utilizing one of these machines.

Electric models tend to produce sounds around 78 decibels when the trigger is compressed. Once you let off the trigger the motor stops running, so they are essentially silent when they aren't actively spraying.

Choosing The Size To Suit Your Needs

Selecting the size of the machine that you need is fairly easy, as long as you know the tasks that you are going to be tackling. Pressure washers come in a variety of sizes and they are capable of tackling residential tasks, light commercial jobs, and professional cleaning jobs. Knowing exactly what you intend to do with the pressure washer will help you choose the size that you need.

Electric – Electric pressure washer can pump out anywhere from 1300 to 1900 PSI, which makes them especially good for washing vehicles, cleaning outdoor furniture, grills, plastic play sets, decking and patios. If you pretty much plan on tackling any of the small jobs around the home, the electric model will without a doubt be your go-to model.

When shopping for an electric model it helps if you go for something that is lightweight and compact in size, has a flexible high-pressure house, and comes with a variety of different nozzles. An onboard detergent tank won’t hurt either, as you can mix in special cleaning solutions and tackle those much dirtier tasks.

Average Sized Petrol Engines – An averagely sized petrol engine pressure washer will produce anywhere from 2000 to 3100 PSI. These models utilize anywhere from two to 2.5 gallons of water a minute. These models are extremely useful when it comes to cleaning decking, patios, siding, fences, vehicles, heavy equipment, and boats.

If you are in the market for one of these models it would be recommended to look for models that include premium overhead cams or overhead-valve engines, axial cam pumps with aluminium or brass heads, heavy duty frames, large wheels, and high-pressure hoses. This will ensure that your model will be able to handle the pressure that it is going to be pumping out.

Larger Sized Petrol Engines – The largest gas engine pressure washers on the market can produce an impressive 3200 to 4200 PSI. These models utilize anywhere from 2.8 to 4 gallons of water a minute. They were more so designed for paint stripping, surface preparation, graffiti removal, construction site cleaning, and fleet maintenance purposes. The size and power mean they are excellent for tackling commercial grade jobs. So, if you are thinking about going to the commercial cleaning field, this is probably the model that you want to consider.

When shopping for these models you want to look for manufacturers that include commercial-series engines, commercial-duty triplex pumps, heavy-gauge welded steel frames with solid axles, steel-braided hoses, and extremely heavy-duty pneumatic tires. Steel spray wands with quick connection couplings can also go a long way to providing you with a variety of spraying options.

Always Consider Portability

Whether you are shopping for an electric model of a gas-powered pressure washer you must always consider portability. It is safe to say that your pressure washer isn’t just going to sit in one place. In fact, you will probably have to move it from location to location just to be able to complete even the simplest of jobs. Even the smallest and most compact units can be quite heavy. This is why you always want to consider a model that offers some kind of portability.

This is especially true if you are going for the larger models. Look for models that come with high-quality wheels, so that you can easily just roll the machine from location to location, additionally, this will also make storage easier.

A Lengthy Spray Hose

It has already been established that pressure washers are heavy. Even the smallest models on the market can be quite heavy. So, not only is portability important, but it is extremely important to invest in a model with a rather lengthy hose. This will eliminate the number of times that you need to move the device around, and it will give you to the true freedom that you need to tackle those lengthy jobs.

Detergent Mixers

You will find that both petrol-powered and electric pressure washers come with a variety of features. Some of these features can be useful and some of them are just more bells and whistles that are not strictly necessary. However, the detergent mixer compartment is without a doubt necessary for any individual looking to get a good thorough cleaning. It doesn’t matter how much power, strength, or noise you have, there are going to be some situations when water and strength just won’t clean as thoroughly as you'd like.

These are the situations where detergent mixers can become invaluable. These devices usually come installed on the pressure washer as an extra reservoir and they allow you to top them up with soap or detergents that are automatically mixed with water. While there are a variety of detergents and soaps available, these chemicals can provide the extra cleaning power that you need to make quick work of those tough jobs.

On-Board Storage

There is much more to a pressure washer than just a motor and a wand. You might have a variety of hoses, wands, nozzles, and electrical cords. While all of these components are necessary for proper operation, they can sometimes get in the way. This is especially true when you are trying to neatly store the device in your garage out of the way. This is where onboard storage can come in handy. Onboard storage will provide you with a suitable location to roll up and store all the hoses. Most models will even come equipped with a neat little holder that allows you to safely and effectively store your wand.

Not only do these storage devices keep everything neat and in place, but it prevents unwanted fraying and damage to the power cords and pressure hoses.

Understanding Pressure Washer Nozzles

When it comes to any model of the pressure washer, you always have to be extremely careful about the angle and the intensity at which the water is being sprayed. This is where you may end up chipping or stripping paint in unwanted areas. And, most of the time this has to do when users utilize the wrong nozzles. The nozzle is the device located right at the end of the wand and they can be interchangeable. Some nozzles can even be adjusted to provide several different angles, whereas others have to be completely changed out to achieve a different angle. Some of these nozzles are sold in sets that are usually colour-coded to indicate spray pattern and angle.

Whatever the situation is, if you want to reduce your risk of damaging a surface, you need to understand these nozzles and when each angle should be utilized. For instance, a low-pressure nozzle is usually indicated with a black colour and it is best used for spraying on cleaning agents. If you have a pressure washer that has a detergent tank and you want to spray on a cleaning agent for extra cleaning power, this nozzle would be the one you want to utilize for the task.

40-Degree Nozzle – A 40-degree nozzle is usually indicated with a white colour. This nozzle is best when you are tackling surface that can be easily damaged. For instance, when spraying down a car or a house with wood siding, this is probably the best nozzle for the task at hand.

25-Degree Nozzle – The 25-degree nozzle is indicated by the green colour and it was designed for general applications.

15-Degree Nozzle – A yellow colour will indicate a 15-degree nozzle and this nozzle is intended for heavy-duty cleaning purposes. If you have a deck that needs to be stripped or you need to clean paint off a vinyl siding, this is the nozzle for you.

Zero-Degree Nozzle – When you see a red nozzle, you can guarantee that this is a zero-degree nozzle. And, this nozzle was without a doubt only intended for the toughest of jobs. In fact, this nozzle produces such a powerful stream of water that it is usually only utilized for heavy-duty applications. When it comes to residential applications it would be best to avoid this nozzle unless you know what you're doing.

Best Overall Pressure Washer - Wilks USA RX550 Pressure Washer

The Wilks USA RX550 is a very reliable pressure washer. And, it comes with everything you need to start cleaning your siding right out of the box. In addition to the include accessories – a gutter lance, turbo wand, rotary and fixed brushes and a patio cleaner – the pressure washer is backed by a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. So, you are protected from potential financial losses related to malfunctions and damaged parts.

Powerful Onboard Motor

The onboard 3000-watt motor is capable of providing continuous, even on the maximum setting. This is an “air cooled” motor, so it will not overheat like some of the other pressure washer motors. This design ensures the durability and longevity of the machine.

Lightweight Design

The RX550 weighs approximately 27 kilograms (59-1/2 pounds), which is much lighter than some of the competitor brands. The lightweight design will allow you to move the pressure washer from one location to another without concern of back injury. You can also put it in the back of your truck and transport it to another location without too much difficulty.

The upright design will make it easier to store the pressure washer since it will only require minimal space.

Long Hose

To eliminate the need to move the pressure washer every time you change locations, it is equipped with a long water hose. The hose is 26 meters (85-feet) in length. The hose is very durable and will not kink. In addition to this, the pressure washer has an onboard storage area for the hose. The round spool has a large handle that makes it extremely easy to roll the hose up after each use. Plus it will help to keep your tool storage area neat and tidy.

User-Friendly Interface

Unlike some models, the RX550 has a very user-friendly interface. The control panel is very easy to understand, as the buttons are colour-coded and labelled. This design will eliminate the need to refer to the instruction guide after the first or second use.

Onboard Accessory Storage

The RX550 Pressure Washer is designed to offer a neat and tidy storage. The onboard accessory storage will provide you with easy and quick access to all of the attachments as well. Everything you will ever need to clean your sidewalks, driveway or siding is within hands reach, so there will be no need to spend precious time searching.

Onboard Detergent Tank

The onboard detergent tank is extremely handy. If you are familiar with models with the storage detergent tank attached to the wand, you know that this is a design flaw. The tank holds one litre of detergent. The onboard tank provides quick and easy refilling and better aesthetics.

Pros

• Onboard attachment and hose storage
• An onboard detergent tank is easy to refill (one-litre capacity)
• Auto shutoff 
• Built-in inlet filter
• Measurement - 94cm H x 36cm W X 32cm D
• Massive peak – 3800PSI
• Weight – 27 kilograms
• 3000-Watt motor

Cons

• Instructions are difficult to understand
• The durability of wheels are questionable

Overall Assessment

The Wilkes USA RX550 Pressure Washer is ideal for people who want to keep the exterior and perimeter of their home and business neat and tidy. The pressure washer comes with everything you need to clean your patio, deck, siding, windows, cars, and sidewalks.

Best Pressure Washer Under £400 - Nilfisk E 145 Bar Pressure Washer

The Nilfisk E 145 Bar Pressure Washer is ideal for people who want to keep the perimeter and exterior of their home and business neat and tidy. The machine comes with everything you need to start utilizing it right out of the box. With all of the included accessories – tornado nozzle, clean lance, jet cleaning tool, foam sprayer and hose – you will be able to keep your home, car, riding lawnmower and ATVs spic and span year around.

Unique Nozzle Design

The nozzles are designed to offer a quick and easy replacement. The quick release design will allow you to switch from one attachment to another in seconds. You simply just click the attachment into the lance and you are ready to start cleaning. And, press the quick release button to detach.

Heavy-Duty Pump

The pump is constructed from aluminium, which is capable of resisting rust, corrosion, and damage. Aluminium is lightweight, yet very durable so the pump will endure normal wear and tear.

Onboard Storage

To ensure the attachments are accessible and your tool storage area is neat, the Nilfisk E Pressure Washer has plenty of onboard storage compartments. All of the attachments will fit into these compartments, as well as the hose. The feed spool for the hose has a large rotary handle, which allows for easier winding and unwinding. Just turn the handle counterclockwise and clockwise when you want to utilize and put the hose away.

Power Onboard Motor

The 2100-watt onboard motor is capable of providing continuous power, even when operating on the heaviest loads. The brushless motor is designed to endure normal wear and tear, offering a longer lifespan than other types of pressure washer motors.

Lightweight Design

The pressure washer with attachments weighs approximately 18.6 kilograms (41 pounds). This lightweight design will provide superior portability. So, you can easily transport the machine from place to place without concern of back injury.

Upright Design

The upright design will reduce the need for a lot of storage space. You can actually stick the pressure washer in a small corner of your tool shed and it will be there when you are ready to utilize it again. This design offers more storage convenience than floor models.

Pros

• Pressure hose is five meters in length
• Upright design requires less storage space
• Lightweight for better portability
• 2100-Watt brushless motor
• An aluminium pump delivers 145bar max and 135bar operating pressures
• Nine-foot pressure hose
• Onboard hose and attachment storage
• Quick release nozzle design

Cons

• Does not come with a patio brush
• Seniors may find it too heavy to lift

Overall Assessment

The Nilfisk E Pressure Washer is a great investment. The onboard is very powerful, providing continuous power on heavy loads. Making attachment replacements is very quick and easy, thanks to the quick release design. The onboard storage is a plus, as it helps keeps every accessible and neat.

Best Pressure Washer Under £200 - Karcher K4 Full Control Pressure Washer

The Karcher K4 Full Control Pressure Washer that will make a great addition to any homeowner’s garage, as this lightweight and the compact pressure washer is packed with tons of features. In fact, with its affordable price tag, you really wouldn’t expect to find so many amazing features on this device. Not only does this machine perform like some of the most expensive models on the market, but also it is sleekly designed with a beautiful outer body that makes it stand out amongst the competition. The beautiful yellow body with black accents really just shows how to mean this machine is.

Backed With A Three-Year Warranty

It doesn’t matter if you are investing in a pressure washer or a new car; you probably always want to know that you are getting your money worth. Well, when you invest in The Karcher K4 Full Control Pressure Washer, you can rest assured that is what you are getting. In fact, the manufacturers of this product are so confident that you will love this machine that they are offering a three-year warranty with the initial purchase of the product.

Within the first three years of owning the product, if you experience defects or mishaps with the device, all you have to do is contact the manufacturer and they will either repair or replace the machine. This should tell you that the company is really willing to stand behind their product and they believe in what they are selling.

LED Pressure Indicator

There is nothing worse than spraying at the wrong angle or pressure and damaging the paint on your car or home. Not only is this a costly repair, but also it can really be a hassle to make the necessary repairs. Fortunately, this is something that you can avoid altogether with the LED pressure indicator light installed on the lance. The pressure can easily be adjusted by twisting the lance until you reach the desired level. And, the LED indicator will let you know exactly what pressure you are currently utilizing.

This is a feature that will come in extremely handy when you are trying to avoid unwanted damage on any costly surface.

Easy Accessory Storage

There is much more to a pressure washer than a motor and wand. In fact, you have a variety of different accessories, hoses, and cords that you have to deal with at any given time. While all of these components are necessary, they can be quite the hassle to deal with. This is especially true when you are trying to store the device in a neat location for the winter. Thanks to the accessory storage, hose storage, and lance storage located on the body of the Karcher K4 Full Control Pressure Washer storage will never be a problem. The trigger gun and spray lances can easily be stored on the body of the pressure washer to provide a nice and tidy fit.

In addition to this, there are two neat little hooks, so that you can roll up the electrical cord and pressure hose. This not only keeps all the accessories out of the way, but it keeps them neatly and safely stored out of harm's way.

Lightweight With Handy Transport Wheels

Lugging a pressure washer around the side of the house or in and out of the job is never a fun task. While this pressure washer is extremely lightweight and only weighs in at 11.4 Kg, lugging it around all day can still be tiresome. This is why the Karcher K4 Full Control Pressure Washer comes equipped with two handy transport wheels. These wheels are not only extremely durable, but they make transportation easier than you could ever imagine. Instead of having to carry the machine everywhere you go, you can literally roll it from location to location.

Pros

• Easy to access onboard storage
• Lightweight design with handy transport wheels
• LED pressure light indicator
• Powerful 1800 watts
• Simple detergent compartment
• Doesn’t utilize gas

Cons

• Requires 240 volts
• Requires 2 AAA batteries, which are included

Overall Assessment

When it comes to tackling those mid-sized cleaning jobs around the home, there is simply no better device than the Karcher K4 Full Control Pressure Washer. Not only will this device make the job easier, but also it will make it quicker in the process.

Best Pressure Washer £100 – Karcher K2 Full Control Home Pressure Washer

Are you living on a budget and in the market for an affordable pressure washer? If so, you should look no further than the Karcher K2. This pressure washer has a very user-friendly interface, making extremely easy to utilize. With no control panel, just an On/Off control knob, you will no issues operating this pressure washer. Just fill up the detergent reservoir, plug in the electric cable, connect the hose and attachment and start cleaning your patio, deck, car or sidewalks.

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Included Accessories

The Karcher K2 comes with a variety of attachments. These attachments include a lance, dirt blaster, high-pressure hose and trigger gun, 500-milliliter detergent and patio cleaner. The high-pressure trigger gun has been updated with targeted pressure regulation. This design ensures that full pressure will be applied to the targeted area for better and faster cleaning.

Telescopic Handle

Some short-statured people have difficult wheeling around the standard pressure because the handle is too high. Well, that will never be an issue with the Karcher K2. Thanks to its telescopic handle, you will be able to make the necessary adjustments to ensure a more comfortable fit. This feature will give you more control, resulting in better portability.

Onboard Storage

With several onboard storage compartments, you will never experience any difficulty accessing the lances and pressure trigger gun. In addition to this, there is a storage compartment for the electric cable and pressure hose. This design will not only offer easy access to the attachments but also keep your tool shed neater and tidier.

Pros

• Onboard accessory, hose and cable storage
• Lightweight, upright design
• Includes a patio brush and 500ml bottle of detergent
• Telescopic handle
• 1400-Watt onboard air cooled motor
• Max bar pressure – 110bar 

Cons

• Pressure hose is only four meters in length
• May not be powerful enough for some applications

Overall Assessment

The Karcher K2 Pressure Washer is ideal for homeowners on a budget. The pressure washer works great for cleaning decks, patios, cars, ATVs, and RVs. However, it may not be powerful enough to remove set-in oil stains from driveways. Of course, this is a compact and affordable model, so some limitations are to be expected.

Best Pressure Washer For Patios – Nilfisk C 120 Bar Pressure Washer

Owning a home can be one of the greatest blessings in the world. Unfortunately, it also comes with many responsibilities. As a homeowner, you’re going to need to go above and beyond to ensure that your home is kept clean and shiny. If you own a home with a patio, you’ll need to take extra special care to keep it clean. Thankfully, you can decrease the difficulty by investing in the best pressure washer for patios, which is the Nilfisk C 120 Bar Pressure Washer. This pressure washer comes with everything you need to get your patio looking amazing once again.

Includes Everything You Need

First and foremost, you should know that this unit is going to provide you with everything that you need. After all, it comes with a patio cleaner and a soft brush. Even better is the fact that this product includes an onboard storage. Therefore, you’ll be able to keep everything nearby at all times.

Easily Portable

It is true that some pressure washers are very difficult to move from one spot to the next. If you’re looking for a more convenient solution, you’ll definitely want to check out this model. After all, it is equipped with two wheels and a handle. This combination ensures that you’ll never have any trouble moving this pressure washer from spot to spot.

Powerful

Despite being affordable, the Nilfisk Pressure Washer is very powerful. It operates at 1400 watts. It is capable of delivering a maximum 120 bar pressure and can put out 440 litres per hour. The high water flow ensures that you’re going to get the cleaning power that you’re after. No matter how dirty your patio is, you can guarantee that this unit will do the trick.

Pros

• Easy to move around
• 120 bar pressure
• Delivers 440 litres an hour
• A 1400W motor is very powerful
• Onboard storage keeps everything neat and tidy
• Comes with a soft brush and patio cleaner

Cons

• Seems a little flimsy

Overall Assessment

If you’re interested in getting your patio cleaned quickly, this unit is for you. It works exceptionally well and won’t break the bank. The material does feel flimsy, but it will last. All homeowners should think about adding this machine to their collection. In all likelihood, they’ll be completely satisfied with their purchase.

Best Pressure Washer For Cars – Bosch High-Pressure Washer AQT 37-13+

If you own a car, you’ve got to take care of it. That means a weekly cleaning is required. Are you sick and tired of being forced to run your car through the car wash? It is expensive and the results are not always satisfactory. The good news is that you can eliminate this problem by investing in a good pressure washer. If you’re looking for the best pressure washer for cars, you’ll definitely want to check out the Bosch AQT 37-13+. This unit is moderately priced, easily mobile and surprisingly powerful. Additional details will be provided below for your consideration.

Cables

To ensure that you’re going to be able to get the job done quicker, you’re going to need a lengthy hose. Otherwise, you’ll need to reposition the unit frequently. This Bosch Pressure Washer is equipped with lengthy hoses. The main cable is 5 meters, while the high-pressure hose is 6 meters. This combination ensures that you’re going to have plenty of room to get your vehicle cleaned quickly.

Accessories

You should also know that this unit is going to arrive with plenty of accessories. For instance, you’re going to get a transparent water filter, patio cleaner, brush head and an underfloor nozzle. When you consider everything that is provided and the price, you’ll agree that this combination is a great value.

Pros

• Delivers a big bang for the buck
• Integrated storage system keeps everything nearby
• Easy to move around
• Surprisingly powerful
• Cleans all parts of a vehicle like a champ
• Lightweight at just 6.5kg

Cons

• Patio scrubber isn’t great

Overall Assessment

The Bosch High-Pressure Washer AQT 37-13+ is a great investment for most car owners. It will make turning your car washing into a quick pleasure. Plus, it can save you money in the long run. After all, you won’t have to worry about paying for car washes ever again.

Best Petrol Pressure Washer – Wilks Genuine USA TX850 Petrol Pressure Washer

Are you looking for an outstanding petrol pressure washer that will withstand the test of time? If so, you’ll definitely want to check out the Wilks Genuine. This pressure washing is heavy duty and it is going to provide you with a sufficient amount of power. After all, it can deliver a huge 4800psi. Even when you’re dealing with tough dirt and grime, you can guarantee that this machine is going to get the job done right. What sets it apart from the competition? You’ll find out in the review below.

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4800psi

As mentioned above, this unit is capable of delivering 4800psi. This is much more powerful than many of its competitors. With this amount of power, you’re going to be able to get the job done much quicker than you would otherwise. This powerful machine should be able to remove the dirt and grime without any scrubbing needed.

Warranty

This pressure washer is a little expensive. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that it is going to last. Thankfully, it will. It comes with a 12-month or 1-year warranty. The company is very reliable and they’ll do their best to ensure that the customer is completely satisfied with their purchase. The warranty covers the machine as long as it is used for domestic use only.

Plenty Of Hose

If your pressure washer has a limited hose, you’re going to have problems on your hands. You’ll be required to tug it around pretty much everywhere. The good news is that the Wilks Genuine is going to eliminate this problem. This unit comes with a 20-meter commercial pressure hose. The wire-braided hose is capable of taking a beating without becoming unusable. It is very durable and it is going to provide you with plenty of room to play around with.

Easy Mobility

Some pressure washers are very difficult to move around. The Wilks Genuine is not. After all, it is equipped with a handle and four wheels. You will not have to worry about lifting it up too much. Instead, you can just push it around everywhere it needs to go!

Pros

• Very easy to move around
• Pressure hose is tough and very long
• Makes your job significantly easier
• Protected by a 12-month warranty
• Very powerful at 4800psi

Cons

• Pretty expensive

Overall Assessment

When it comes down to it, there is a great deal to like about the Wilks Genuine USA TX850 Pressure Washer. It runs on petrol so you won’t have to worry about the electric cord. It is very mobile and it is going to deliver significant power. This workhorse will be a great investment for pretty much every household.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there are plenty of amazing pressure washers out there. However, you need to understand that some are better than others. You also need to consider your unique needs and budget. By taking this information into account, you should have little to no trouble finding a good pressure washer for your home. Choosing one of the units reviewed above would be a good starting point.

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