Ditch the Garden Hose - Here Are the Best Pressure Washers for 2023

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If you're like us here at Road & Track, one of the most important things you were taught as a kid was the golden rule: The best way to deal with life's big crusty messes is with MORE POWER. With a bit more elbow grease or a bit more pressure, many of life's little obstacles can simply be powered through. With some finesse, that is.

Take pressure washers. Every homeowner knows how effective a high-pressure stream of water can be around the house—stripping paint, cleaning paving stones, etc. But a low-power pressure washer can also serve as a handy car wash tool.

While car enthusiasts should be wary of damaging their vehicle's paint, finish, and components with a typical household power washer, there are plenty of gentler pressure washers on the market that are great to use to wet, soap, and rinse cars, trucks, RVs, boats, side-by-sides, toy haulers, and more.

The Gear Team got our hands on some of the best low-pressure power washers on the market to determine which ones were worth using on your vehicle. Here's what we found.

How We Tested Pressure Washers

For this test, we stuck with low psi and gpm (gallons per minute) units to focus on the automotive consumer. But we also incorporated data points pertinent to a variety of power-washing tasks.

The maximum water pressure for each of the units below was measured with a psi gauge, the maximum water flow rate with a water flow meter, and the noise level with a decibel meter. Prior to utilizing each pressure washer itself, we recorded the water flow rate in order to account for leaks. The reading for the static water flow rate was then deducted from the reading for a true "powered-on" rate.

Each pressure washer was put on a scale and weighed along with its hoses and accessories. The power source of each washer was identified as either 120 volts, a 20-volt battery, or gas. And all of the tips and spray patterns that come with each pressure washer were noted.

Portability was also considered, as note was taken of which ones were either simple or challenging to move around a vehicle. Finally, each pressure washer was checked for convenience of assembly and storage.

To be clear, we do not recommend using any power washer on precious or collectible vehicles. But for most of us and our everyday drivers, a low-pressure power washer can come in super handy on car wash day. Here are the best we found.

Electric Pressure Washer

Many pressure washers aren't good for a car's finish due to their high pressure; frankly, the same power washer you used to strip your deck should never get anywhere near your vehicle. And if you do use a pressure washer to wash your car, we recommend standing at least six feet back. You're not trying to strip your wax job here! You just want a convenient way to get water or soap on and off the vehicle.

Electric pressure washers generally have a lower psi and lesser flow rate, so they're a great option for auto enthusiasts. The Gear Team was stoked by the CMEPW2100 since it offers a range of water pressures that make it ideal for a Sunday afternoon car wash. We were also impressed by how the unit felt to handle, its quietness, and its built-in storage compartment for accessories.

Naturally, this device doesn't have the power or performance required for many household tasks. But if you're looking for a pressure washer to help make your weekly car wash easier, this electric Craftsman is a fantastic choice.

Cordless Pressure Washer

As one of the biggest names in the world of power tools, DeWalt had to be on this list. Its pressure washer offers unmatched mobility, thanks to the cordless design. We did, however, find some drawbacks.

DeWalt's pressure washer uses the same 20V MAX battery found in many of its other tools. This is fine since these battery packs tend to be solidly built—and many of us already have them in our tool arsenal. In our opinion, though, in this case not enough care was paid to waterproofing these batteries, and when you're dealing with electricity, this is (potentially) a big deal. Another drawback to this unit was its comparatively weak pressure.

Still, for its convenience and ease of use, the DeWalt Cordless Pressure Washer is a great option for car washing.

Electric High Pressure Washer

Despite being a top-selling pressure washer on Amazon, the Gear Team was underwhelmed by the SPX3000. This electric SunJoe does have some good qualities, like a nice assortment of tips, and it's quiet and easy to use which makes it fine for washing your car. Unfortunately, its pressure isn't as strong as we'd like, so it has little other use around the home and yard.

Alternatively, the SunJoe SPX3200 uses the same motor but also comes with a wheel brush and soap cannon, making it an even better choice for car washing applications (but not much else).

Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer

The CMEPW1700 from Craftsman was the lightest of the bunch at a meager 16 pounds. Surprisingly, its stature doesn't take away from its performance as it produced a respectable 1500 psi with the 40-degree tip.

It only comes with two tip options, and even though it's small, there doesn't seem to be an elegant way to store it with its power cord and attachments. Still, if you're looking for a lightweight, inexpensive way to wet and rinse your car, truck, or RV, this little guy will do the trick.

ProFlow Electric Pressure Washer

We were excited about testing this one considering it's the only unit we were able to get from a company that specializes in car wash products. And Chemical Guys is a company we know and trust.

The ProFlow came with a wide range of tips, and its cool portable design makes it easy to move about. But there was an unfortunate downside during our test. While some leakage is normal from most pressure washers, the EQP408 leaked more than others—a lot more, resulting in about half of the unit's advertised 2030 psi.

We realize, of course, that this excessive leakage was likely a fault of the individual unit we tested but unfortunately, we were up against a hard deadline here. The Gear Team looks forward to giving this pressure washer another run through our gauntlet when we update this test in the future.

TruBrushless Electric Pressure Washer

For a fully electric unit, the TruBrushless from Greenworks offered up the kind of psi and gpm usually reserved for gas-powered power washers. It also deserves praise for its high build quality. If there's a downside, it's that it's almost too powerful to use on any kind of semi-precious vehicle (except, perhaps, at a greater-than-usual distance). Also, the power cord is on the shorter side. But that's nothing an extension cord can't fix.

This unit would be great for typical jobs around the house and yard—just make sure to have some long extension cords available. But if you plan to use it on your vehicle . . . well, stand back.

Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer

The Gear Team loves the RY1419MTVNM for its compact dimensions and light weight. Despite its minuscule size, this Ryobi produced an impressive 1500 max psi reading. That portability does come with some trade-offs as pertains to car washing, however.

This pressure washer doesn't have many tip options, and the hoses and cords can be cumbersome to work with—let alone wrap up and store. We'll give it a strong recommendation for those tight on space. But if you've got the room to store a larger pressure washer, consider sizing up.

Gas Pressure Washer

One of two gas-powered pressure washers the team tested, the WPX3200 delivered the kind of pressure you'd expect from petrol-powered units. In fact, its 3000 psi was too powerful for us to recommend using it on your car.

This Westinghouse is a great option for other household uses, though. If you're in the market for a gas-powered washer, it's got a ton of upside.

MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer

The Gear Team was impressed by the MSH3125. With its Honda GC190 four-stroke engine, this washer from Simpson produced excellent pressure, bested by only the WPX3200. When you combine this with an excellent array of tips and beefy air-filled tires, this washer was the team's top pick for household duties.

However, we cannot stress enough that the high water-pressure of most gas-powered pressure washers is not suitable for use on any car's finish. No matter how far back you stand!

How We Tested Pressure Washers

The Gear Team tested these pressure washers with cars and trucks in mind, but we made sure to test a ton of parameters pertinent to all sorts of jobs. The relevant categories included:

• Stated vs. tested max water pressure in pounds per square inch (psi)

• Stated vs. tested flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm)

• Power source

• Noise level in decibels (dBA)

• Weight in pounds

• Spray patterns/tips

• Portability

• Assembly and storage ease

After unboxing, assembling, and hands-on testing, the team combined our notes to reach a consensus on which pressure washers were best suited for particular jobs.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Pressure Washer

Understanding what makes a pressure washer right for you isn't a simple affair. It may be tempting just to grab the one with the highest pressure output, but as we proved above, high-powered pressure washers aren't suitable for car washing duty. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when shopping around.

Power Output (psi):

Look for a pressure between 1200 and 2200 psi to clean your car. That has sufficient power to effectively clean vehicles and trucks without damaging their surfaces. Additionally, such pressure ought to be more than sufficient for usage with foam cannons and spray nozzles made specifically for automobiles.

You'll need between 2500 and 3500 psi for bigger tasks like washing a driveway or cleaning the siding of your home. Anything stronger than that is used for things like graffiti removal and paint stripping.

Remember that washers with higher pressure outputs can be hazardous to skin, so always use caution.

Water Flow (gpm):

A gallon per minute (gpm) of 1.2 to 2.5 is sufficient for most home and automotive tasks.

Nozzle Options:

Most pressure washers include a few different nozzle options that are designed with specific uses in mind. Narrower angles focus the stream to work on more difficult tasks, whereas wider angles are ideal for delicate surfaces, such as your car.

Hose Length:

A longer hose gives you more reach and flexibility, so you won't need to move the unit around as much.

Soap System:

Despite the fact that built-in tanks are frequently intended for "soap," we don't advise putting soap in the reservoir because some soaps could clog the nozzle. The best choice is to purchase a foam cannon and use that to apply car wash soap. Check your pressure washer's manual for instructions on what kinds of soaps or detergents you can use in its soap tank.

Electric vs. Gas:

Electric models are lighter and quieter, while gas-powered pressure washers offer more power and mobility. Remember, electric washers will need to be connected to a power source, which means extension cords will become your friend.

Portability:

Having a unit that is easy to move around will make your life a heck of a lot easier. Four wheels are great, but a two-wheeled, tilting power washer is even simpler to maneuver around the driveway.

FAQs

Are pressure washers safe for cars?

When used with wider nozzles and lower pressures, pressure washers can be safe for automobiles. To lessen the chance of harming the paint and other surfaces of the car, use a pressure washer with an appropriate psi (pounds per square inch) rating, often between 1200 and 2200, and use a broad spray nozzle (25 to 40 degrees).

What psi should I use to pressure wash my car?

A psi of between 1200 and 2200 is advised for use on automobiles. Without endangering the car's paint or delicate surfaces, this range has sufficient cleaning strength to get rid of dirt and grime.

Can a pressure washer use soap?

It is true that soap can be used with a pressure washer. Make sure the soap is safe to use on cars and is made specifically for pressure washers. These detergents can improve the cleaning process and are designed to be safe for the surfaces of your car. Some pressure washers even come with a separate soap cannon that automatically draws soap into the high-pressure stream.

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my car's engine bay?

Yes, but take special care to protect delicate parts and electrical components. Covering delicate areas before pressure cleaning is a good idea. Avoid directly spraying water on electrical components, connectors, and the air intake by using a broader spray angle (40 degrees or more) and a lower psi setting (under 1800 is recommended).

Why Trust Us ?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. The Gear Team has tested a wide variety of automotive products, parts, accessories, and gear, such as GPS trackers for cars, OBD-II scanners, and electric car chargers. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers.

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. Instead, we're more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations.

Visit our Tested & Trusted page to see the very best in automotive gear. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here.

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