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1 week ago
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It's already mid-April, which means at my house, we're in spring-cleaning mode. Just this weekend, I cleaned out the garage, swept off the back patio and mulched in my backyard. Next on my list? Some deep cleaning. A winter's worth of snow and dirt melting in my garage left behind caked-on mud and grime that will take more than a broom and a leaf blower to remove. My tool of choice? A pressure washer. Or is it a power washer? Are those things different? Turns out they are — and one of them is the best tool for the job.
Pressure washer vs. power washer: What's the difference?
Both pressure washers and power washers take the water from your hose and amplify its power with a pump, turning it into a grime-fighting machine. Consumer models range from under 1,000 PSI (a bit weak for my use case) to over 4,000, which can strip the paint off a car if you're not careful.
So what's the difference between the two? It's simple: A power washer heats the water before spraying it; a pressure washer doesn't. If there's salt or grease caked on a surface, the heat will help break it down, but in most cases, cold water does the job just fine.
How much pressure do I need?
This depends on what you're looking to clean. I clean my driveway, sidewalks, deck, siding and fence (I leave the car washing to the pros) and 2,600 PSI gets the job done. Not sure what pressure is right for you? There are a lot of guides on on the web, like this one from Pressure Washers Direct, that will point you in the right direction.
Should I go gas or electric?
All of my gas-powered outdoor tools are over a decade old. I bought them long before there were electric versions available at the power, quality and price that they are now. As I replace them, I switch over to electric, but until then, there's no reason to get rid of a working machine. I have two gas-powered tools left: my Honda lawn mower and my Honda pressure washer. And while I love both, if I bought today, I would go electric, 100%.
The electric options out right now are more than powerful enough for my needs, much quieter than gas and don't spew exhaust. Think dealing with the noise and exhaust from your lawn mower is bad? Pressure washing my fence and deck takes an entire day. Thankfully it only needs to be done once a year or so.
Best electric pressure washer deals
With four included nozzles and a max output of over 2,000 PSI, this Amazon bestseller can handle everything from your siding to your driveway. Want to wash your car? It even has a half-gallon detergent tank so you don't have to get all soapy yourself.
Need a bit more power? This pressure washer has a max output of 3,800 PSI, so no matter how stubborn that dirt is, it's coming off with a spray from this thing. Four included tips mean there's no surface it can't clean (0 degrees for the highest pressure, 15 degrees for concrete and brick, 25 degrees for decks and siding and 40 degrees for more fragile surfaces). An included foam cannon will suds up your car, bike or siding quickly.
At under $100, this compact cleaner may just be my favorite of the bunch. It is incredibly portable, comes with a hose, foam sprayer and four nozzles, and even has a built-in cord cord wrap handle for easy storage. As someone whose gas-powered pressure washer is taking up a third of his shed, this one has me considering a switch.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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