The Best Power Washers You Can Buy in 2024
Put power washing on the top of your to-do list if putting a property up for sale or when a tenant is moving out and you want to attract the next renter. Power washers clean surfaces using pressurized water and are most effective for removing grime and mildew from a home's siding, driveway, walkways, fences, garage doors, decks, patio furniture, cars, and more.
Investing in a power washer gives you the biggest bang for your buck when you want your property to look its absolute best. The one-time purchase cost of a few hundred dollars is certainly cheaper than hiring a professional service to power clean once or twice a year.
Most power washers are powered by electricity or gas, with the electric models being the better choice for lighter cleaning jobs and gas models for heavy-duty tasks. There are a few battery-powered washers, which are new to this category, but they are less powerful than the gas and electric models.
It should also be noted that power washers and pressure washers are used interchangeably, so we refer to them synonymously in our reviews below. The only difference is that power washers have a water-heating element that's more effective in removing tougher grime.
To help you find the best power washer for your cleaning needs, we've done the research, and these are our top picks for 2024.
Jump to our Top Picks
- Best Overall Power Washer
- Best Gas Power Washer
- Best Electric Power Washer
- Best Battery Power Washer
- Best Portable Power Washer
With the Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Washer, you get fantastic value at a budget-friendly price. It has two 0.6-liter soap tanks, so you can fill the tanks with different detergents and switch between them based on the surface you’re targeting. This electric pressure washer has a cleaning power of 2030 PSI, which is mid-range compared to other models. Many customers agree that it is easy to assemble, lightweight, and makes an affordable and versatile option if you only plan on using it a few times a year.
PROS:
- Lightweight at 24.3 lbs
- Automatically turns off when not actively washing
- Has dual soap tanks
- Comes with 5 quick-connect spray tips to match various tasks
- Easy to assemble
CONS:
- 20-foot hose is shorter than other washers on the market
- 2,030 PSI provides mediocre pressure
It may look bulky, but the Westinghouse WPX3200 Gas Pressure Washer moves around easily thanks to its large wheels. It is praised most for its 3200 PSI cleaning power which can tackle more challenging jobs. It also has built-in storage for its 25-foot hose and is covered by a 3-year warranty. It is on the louder side, but that is typical for gas models. This washer is CARB-compliant, indicating it meets current emission standards by producing fewer harmful emissions, toxins, and particulates.
PROS:
- One of the most powerful washers on the market
- Has a 25-foot, abrasion-resistant hose
- Good maneuverability with quality wheels
- CARB-compliant for better air quality
CONS:
- Small gas tank
- High vibration
- Certain parts tend to get hot while in use
For an electric washer, the Greenworks Pro 3000 is pretty powerful, intuitive, and provides excellent performance. It has a 14-amp brushless motor, and its built-in soap tank holds up to one gallon of soap. The cord is an ideal length at 35 feet and this unit comes with fives nozzles that can be easily switched out, with no spraying or leakage while removing them. This machine is so powerful that it can do some damage if the proper nozzle is not used. For instance, don't use the turbo nozzle on wooden decks or it can chip away at the wood. While this washer comes at a higher cost than other electric models, its powerful gas-like performance makes it worth the price.
PROS:
- Very powerful for an electric washer
- Large capacity soap tank
- Has built-in tool storage
CONS:
- Priced higher compared to other electric washers
- Using the wrong nozzle can cause damage to certain surfaces
The Ryobi Brushless Whisper comes with cordless convenience thanks to its dual 40V batteries and built-in siphon hose. It has 2000 PSI cleaning power in Boost Mode, which can be activated for increased pressure needed for more demanding jobs. Comes with onboard storage for all its included accessories, and the ability to hook it up to a garden hose or use its siphon hose to pull water from a 5-gallon bucket, pool, lake, or other fresh water source. As it is part of Ryobi’s Whisper Series, it offers quiet operation and comes backed by a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
PROS:
- Cordless portability
- Quiet operation
- Compact size
- Multiple water source options
CONS:
- Not for heavy-duty cleaning
If portability is a priority and you don’t need the cleaning power provided by a gas model, the DeWalt DWPW2100 is an excellent option for its mobility, stackable design, and ability to be stored vertically or horizontally. It folds up like a suitcase, and its retractable handle and wheels make it perfectly portable. All accessories and cords have their onboard hiding place, and the different nozzles are stored as attached to the wand itself. Its performance and power are on par with other washers with similar specs at 2100 PSI, but this washer's mobility is what takes the prize.
PROS:
- Maximum portability
- Convenient storage
- Lightweight at 25 lbs
CONS:
- Not for heavy-duty cleaning
Getting the best bang for your buck
We don't think its possible top overstate the aesthetic transformation a good power washing can provide for a property. The ROI can be huge, especially when you've spent a lot of time and money overhauling the inside of the property. Pressure washing the exterior – including siding, driveways, sidewalks, and porches – can help you get top dollar and refresh the curb appeal of a property with a few hours of your time and a quality machine.
Need some examples?
Check out these before and after power washing photos from some of our flips.
