There are SOOOOO many options on the market that it can be overwhelming to figure out what the best electric pressure washer is for you. We’re taking the guesswork out of it with a comprehensive overview of the current landscape. Whether you’re looking for the best overall, the most powerful, the best value, or you already have a brand in mind, here are our top recommendations for the year.
Best Electric Pressure Washer Overall
Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI Brushless Pressure Washer
With 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM (1.1 GPM @ 3000 PSI) and PWMA certification to back it up, the Greenworks 5110502VT is the most powerful electric pressure washer we’ve seen and it earns our pick as the best electric pressure washer of the year. Even though it’s not a cordless model, it still takes advantage of a brushless motor and what Greenworks calls “JettFlow” technology to reach higher than others have been able to. Other brands top out around 2300 or 2400 PSI, or they’re using PSI max to make the pressure washer look better.
It doesn’t come cheap, though. At nearly $400, it’s the most expensive corded model on our list. But if you’re after the strongest cleaning without turning to gas, this is it.
Best Cordless Electric Pressure Washer
Ryobi HP Brushless Whisper Series 1500 PSI Pressure Washer
With only a few battery-powered options currently available, Ryobi reaches for its 40V battery system to power our choice as the best cordless electric pressure washer. It has 1500 PSI and 1.2 GPM of cleaning power when you kick it into boost mode. Even in its power-saving standard mode, it produces 1000 PSI and 1.2 GPM, outperforming the top cordless power cleaners.
You don’t need a pressurized water source if it’s not convenient. Just drop the siphon hose in a lake, pool, or bucket and you’re good to go. This model is also part of Ryobi’s Whisper Series, so you can count on it running quietly as you clean.
The kit includes everything you need to get started including two 6.0Ah batteries and a charger.
Best Electric Pressure Washer Value
Ryobi 1900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer RY1419MTVNM-SC
As we searched for the best value in an electric pressure washer, we wanted to find the right balance of cleaning power, quality, and price. There are several excellent options right around the $200 mark and we like Ryobi’s RY1419MTVNM-SC as the top pick.
On the performance side, it has up to 1900 PSI and 1.2 GPM and is PWMA certified. While it’s possible to get a couple hundred more PSI without breaking the $200 mark, we love how compact this model is and that it comes with a 12-inch surface cleaner. If you’re going to be cleaning concrete areas, that add-on alone can save you hours of work.
Best Electric Pressure Washers By Brand
Craftsman 2400 PSI Electric Pressure Washer CMEPW2400
Craftsman has several solid pressure washer choices at pretty attractive prices. Our top choice for Craftsman also happens to have the highest pressure in their electric lineup. Certified by CETA, it tops out at 2400 PSI and 1.1 GPM. The unit’s four included nozzles plus a turbo nozzle store on the top and the frame’s 10-inch wheels make rolling across the lawn an easier task.
DeWalt 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer DWPW2100
Even though DeWalt has a 2400 PSI electric pressure washer, our top pick is their innovative 2100 PSI/1.2 GPM pressure washer design. Roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase, a roll cage completely surrounds the housing. The wand and nozzles store inside and a telescoping handle makes rolling the unit around easier.
HART 2000 PSI Pressure Washer
HART has several pressure washers to choose from (and a power cleaner if you need less power with more portability!). Our top choice is the 2000 PSI/1.2 GPM HW142112VNM. It’s the strongest pressure washer in HART’s lineup with the cleaning power to handle small areas easily or pair with a surface cleaner to hit driveways and walkways more quickly. At the same time, it has a reasonably small footprint so it’s easy to get in and out and doesn’t take up too much space in your garage.
Karcher K2 Entry Electric Pressure Washer Kit
Karcher has a wide range of electric pressures to choose from. Dialing down in power while dialing up the portability, the Karcher K2 Entry gets our top recommendation for the brand. Maxing out at 1600 PSI and 1.35 GPM, this little unit packs a lot of cleaning power into a frame that’s less than 20 x 7 x 16 inches and weighs just 10.6 pounds, not including the hose and wand. Add Karcher’s foam nozzle and turn it into a highly portable vehicle/boat/RV cleaning machine.
Ryobi 2300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer RY142300
Topping out at 2300 PSI and 1.2 GPM, Ryobi’s PWMA-rated RY142300 electric pressure washer uses a brushless motor to get better efficiency and life out of the system. Brushless technology is more expensive and that’s why this model may seem a bit higher compared to others, but the benefits are worth it. This unit includes three nozzles, one of which is a turbo nozzle. Additionally, its 12-inch wheels are great for moving across lawns and other terrains.
Simpson Clean Machine 2300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer CM60976
Simpson makes a ton of great pressure washers for homeowners all the way up to commercial professionals. Most are gas models, but the Clean Machine CM60976 is an excellent choice for an electric pressure washer. Producing 2300 PSI and 1.2 GPM on the top end, the big deal here is value. This is another model that uses brushless motor technology, but it costs less than its closest brushless competitors.
Stihl RE 90 Electric Pressure Washer
Stihl doesn’t have as deep of a pressure washer line as some brands, but each one is intentionally designed. Between their two electric offerings, the Stihl RE 90 offers homeowners better value. With 1800 PSI and 1.2 GPM, it’s just 200 PSI less than the stronger RE 110 Plus, but it’s more than $150 less expensive.
Having access to Stihl’s local dealer network is a big plus and the frame’s tight footprint won’t take up much floor space in your garage. However, one of the quirks of this unit is its smaller 19-foot hose. Most come with a 25-foot hose, so your reach is a bit shorter.
What About Sun Joe?
There’s some confusion surrounding some manufacturer’s PSI and GPM ratings. Brands such as Sun Joe and Westinghouse decided to use “PSI max” as a way to communicate pressure and it’s not the same as how other manufacturers get their numbers. Check out this article for more details.
While these brands make popular pressure washers and can do a good job of cleaning, pay close attention to the numbers when you’re comparing models.
Sun Joe 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer SPX3000
Sun Joe has one of the largest lines of electric pressure washers available and there’s no question the SPX3000 is their most popular. Boasting 2030 max PSI and 1.76 GPM, be sure to take a look at the fine print before pulling the trigger. Under a typical working load, it actually produces 1450 PSI, and the GPM rating is taken with the nozzle open (AKA no nozzle installed). Even though its $159 price tag is compelling, make sure you’re comparing it against other pressure washers in the 1500 PSI range.
On the positive side, Sun Joe’s design is easy to use, it has two removable detergent tanks, and it comes with 5 nozzles. Despite straying from typical specification reporting, it is a very approachable pressure washer that has served many homeowners very well.
Westinghouse ePX 2050 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
The Westinghouse ePX 2050 PSI pressure washer is different from most thanks to the four casters on the base. Rather than going with two larger wheels, this one resists tipping over with four points of ground contact. However, that also makes it tough to roll across grass. On the other hand, the whole package is less than 25 pounds, so it’s not too heavy to pick up when you need to.
On the performance side, you’re looking at 2050 max PSI (the manual states 2030 max PSI) and 1.76 GPM. Sound familiar? That’s the same specs as the Sun Joe model and while Westinghouse doesn’t have the same disclosure Sun Joe uses, it’s reasonable to expect your working PSI is closer to 1500 and that the GPM rating was taken with no nozzle installed.
Worx WG607 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Worx is another brand that displays PSI max, but to their credit, they make it very clear what the expected working pressure is. On the WG607, they put the 2000 PSI working pressure in the name and let you know it has 2200 max PSI in the technical specs. The same goes for the GPM rating. Its rated flow is 1.2 GPM with a max of 1.4. We appreciate the clarity!
We like the hose reel built into the frame a lot. Managing the hose when you’re storing or moving any pressure washer can be a pain and the assist is helpful. Among the four nozzles that come in the box, one is an ever-handy turbo nozzle that helps lower-PSI units work more efficiently.
Electric Vs Gas Pressure Washer
Electric pressure washers don’t have as much power as gas models, but they do hit levels that are excellent for use around your home.
What’s nice is how low-maintenance electric models are. There’s no gas, oil levels, spark plugs, or carburetors to worry about. Plus the noise level is much lower and there are no emissions.
You are tied to an electrical source, though. Considering you are also tethering to a water source, it’s not as inconvenient as a corded vs cordless power tool.
Comparing PSI and GPM
It can be tough to figure out which option among several pressure washers gives you the best cleaning power. There’s a relatively simple formula to compare them—just multiply the PSI by the GPM. Here are a few examples:
PSI | GPM | Cleaning Power | |
Model A | 2000 | 1.2 | 2400 |
Model B | 2200 | 1.4 | 3080 |
Model C | 2300 | 1.3 | 2990 |
Take a look at this article to learn more about the relationship between PSI and GPM in pressure washers.
Electric Pressure Washer Vs Power Cleaner
There’s a relatively new class of cleaning tools called power cleaners that are on the market, such as the Worx Hydroshot. These are incredibly convenient for cleaning a variety of things, especially considering you can connect a hose directly to them or use a siphon hose and a bucket of water.
The big difference between a pressure washer and a power cleaner is that pressure washers have much higher pressure. A power cleaner is fully contained in a tool not much larger than a pressure washer wand and the components have to be smaller. While pressure washers usually start around 1500 PSI and go way up from there, most power cleaners are 300 – 600 PSI. On the other hand, the flow rate of a power cleaner can be similar to an electric pressure washer.
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I would love to see your review of Active brand pressure washers.
Kenny, I’ve been one of your subscribers for several years & appreciate your unbiased reviews.
I’m a little confused about the uses of a pressure washer. In an article Pro Tool Reviews wrote a few months back, it stated NOT to use a pressure washer to wash cars, yet in this review, you show 2 pictures of cars being washed. (Stihl & Westinghouse)
Are there some machines that have more adjustments in pressure or nozzles, to be able to do both high pressure & lower pressure for vehicles?
I would like those options.
Thanks in advance, Keith
Dear Kenny, Thanks for delivering a regular review that always seems to make good sense and detailed information. I am ready to buy a pressure washer and this issue came at the perfect time. If I may, could I ask you to do a very quick turn around review of only electric pressure washers that do not need a pressurized source? I need my pressure washer to function on a totally off grid site. I can run it with a generator, but I need to draw the water from a rainwater collection system. All I have is a 350 gallon… Read more »
I wish I saw this article a week ago. I wasted so much time and effort trying to find the best and/or most powerful electric pressure washer. I believed Sun Joe and their inflated numbers. Now I just ordered the Greenworks Pro 3000-PSI model and got a $100 off! I can’t wait to use it!
Your pressure washer review is the most comprehensive I’ve found yet. Thanks!!!