A pressure washer, sometimes called a power washer, is like a water pump on wheels.
Most household washers use an electric motor that is powered by a wall outlet: Connect the washer to a faucet or garden hose and the water is output at 35-85 times its original force. Yet contrary to belief, pressure washers use "up to 80 percent less water than the average garden hose," according to BobVila.com.
There are two factors that determine how effectively a pressure washer can clean:
Pounds per square inch, (PSI) - The maximum force the washer can discharge; and
Gallons per minute (GPM) - The water flow during one minute of operation.
These measurements aren't very meaningful by themselves, however.
"To determine the cleaning power of a pressure washer, multiply the PSI by the GPM," according to the Power Washers of North America. The product is called cleaning power units, a number that "better represents the cleaning power you really have," writes This Old House magazine.
Some washers are certified by the Pressure Washer Manufacturers Association. This certification means that Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, has verified a manufacturer's claims.
Choosing a Pressure Washer With Enough Power
Sometimes, less is more. Using too strong of a power washer can result in broken windows, stripped paint and amputated digits (more on that below). It's important to choose the right tool for the job. The following recommendations are excerpted from a Pressure Washer Manufacturers Association guide:
Light duty - (Up to 1,900 PSI; 1.1-1.4 GPM) - Capable of cleaning patio furniture, grills, vehicles, walkways, stairs, boats, windows, lawnmowers and dirt bikes, as well as clearing gutters.
Medium duty - (1,900-2,800 PSI; 1.8-2.5 GPM) - Capable of light duty projects, as well as cleaning driveways, sidewalks, siding; and stripping old paint.
Heavy duty - (2,800 PSI or more; 2.5 GPM or more) - Capable of light- and medium-duty projects, as well as cleaning decks, patios, farm equipment, oil stains; and, removing rust, fresh paint or graffiti.
Aside from the raw cleaning power of a pressure washer, there are various nozzles, brushes, brooms and detergents that are designed for household cleaning projects. "Choose the right nozzle and it almost doesn’t matter the PSI and GPM of your unit," writes PressureWashr, a specialty publication.
Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?
Never at any time -- in jest or earnest -- point a gun at any living thing you don't deliberately intend to kill. That's an old firearm safety rule that is also applicable to pressure washers.
The most common pressure washer injury is "a puncture wound on the nondominant index finger of a working class man in his mid thirties," according to a review published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Seemingly, these cases involved men who "tested" the pressure by hand.
That's a good way to lose a finger. "Most high-pressure injection injuries to the hand appear innocuous but frequently result in severe sequelae, including functional disability and amputation," according to MDedge.
On top of that, many pressure washers include a "zero-degree nozzle" that focuses a jet of water into a pinpoint stream. "If you buy a model with a zero-degree nozzle, toss that nozzle in the trash," urges Consumer Reports. The high-power stream can cut through a boot (and the toes inside of it).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes a guide to pressure washer safety, however, it's surprisingly incomplete when compared to a safety guide published by Pressure Washers Direct.
Remember: A pressure washer is a versatile-yet-dangerous tool that requires care and respect.
How Much Does a Good Pressure Washer Cost?
A good pressure washer (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $165, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same power washers cost around $120 while on sale: an average discount of 27%. Here are the best affordable pressure washers for the money:
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1. Ryobi RY141612 Electric Pressure Washer, 1,600 PSI 1.2 GPM
Good Value: $100 | Great Deal: $68
Check Current Price on: Home Depot | Walmart | Amazon
Ryobi's pressure washer is conveniently-sized, yet powerful enough for decks, fences and other household jobs, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the included hose is too short; others say that this unit occasionally sputters. Some customers boast that this washer costs less than a rental.
2. WEN PW21 Electric Pressure Washer, 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM
Good Value: $165 | Great Deal: $155
Check Current Price on: Newegg | Amazon
This inexpensive power washer is lightweight, easy to assemble and it comes with a useful assortment of nozzles, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that the hose is too short.
3. A-iPower APW2700C Gas Powered Pressure Washer
Good Value: $242 | Great Deal: $200
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot | Costco
A-iPower's affordable pressure washer starts on the first pull, is easy to maneuver and it blasts away deep stains, according to several customers. Many reviewers advise keeping the hose away from the hot exhaust.
4. Briggs & Stratton S2000 Electric Pressure Washer
Good Value: $189 | Great Deal: $139
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot | Lowe's
This affordable pressure washer is easy to assemble, reasonably quiet and it's effective at medium duty jobs, according to several online customers. Some reviewers complain that this unit has a cheap hose that kinks and coils easily; others were frustrated that the grease required to lubricate the O-rings was not included.
5. PowerStroke PS14120B Electric Pressure Washer, 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM
Good Value: $100 | Great Deal: $73
Check Current Price on: Home Depot | Amazon | Walmart
PowerStroke's budget power washer is easy to use and it's effective for small jobs, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this unit was more powerful; others say that it makes a shrill noise.
6. Westinghouse ePX3000 Electric Pressure Washer 2030 Max PSI
Good Value: $146 | Great Deal: $125
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Home Depot
This Westinghouse pressure washer assembles easily and is effective at cleaning decks, sidewalks and outdoor furniture, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the hose is stiff and unwieldy.
7. Briggs & Stratton S1800 Electric Pressure Washer
Good Value: $140 | Great Deal: $109
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot | Walmart
This light duty pressure washer is ergonomic, easy to maintain and ideal for household jobs, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this model had more power; others say the hose tangles.
8. AR Blue Clean AR2N1 Electric Pressure Washer
Good Value: $190 | Great Deal: $135
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart
Annovi Reverberi's pressure washer is lightweight, easy to maneuver and good for home use, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the gaskets and hose couplings aren't made to last.
9. Yard Force PWMA-Certified 1800 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Good Value: $150 | Great Deal: $130
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Lowe's | Walmart
This inexpensive power washer is compact, convenient and portable, according to several online customers. Some reviewers are concerned that the plastic housing and parts will eventually break.
10. Stanley SLP2050 Electric Power Washer
Good Value: $200 | Great Deal: $150
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Home Depot
Stanley's power washer is easy to assemble, maneuver, and use according to several online customers. Reviewers have two common criticisms: The hose doesn't wind easily and the tip of the wand drags on the ground. A few unhappy customers received a package with missing pieces.
11. Sun Joe SPX4000 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Good Value: $151 | Great Deal: $118
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot | Walmart
Sun Joe's SPX4000 is a conveniently-sized pressure washer that's powerful for the money, according to several online customers. This pressure washer requires adapters to use third-party accessories.
12. Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer with Hose Reel
Good Value: $162 | Great Deal: $80
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Home Depot
Sun Joe's SPX3001 washer is great for most household jobs, according to several happy customers. Many reviewers said this washer is well-built, but some found the hose adapter and winding spool to be flimsy. Note: Sun Joe power washers need adapters to work with third-party accessories.
13. Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Good Value: $164 | Great Deal: $120
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot | Walmart
A majority of online customers like or love Sun Joe's SPX3000 pressure washer. Several reviewers mentioned that the aluminum hose adapter is leaky; some replaced it with a heavy-duty brass adapter.