Electric Pressure Washer Reviews – The Definitive Guide
If you are tired of scrubbing or you feel that your deck needs more help than you can provide, you may start thinking about how it is time to start repainting or rebuilding to keep your home looking nice. You do have other options though, and it is quickly becoming a popular choice among homeowners. Pressure washing is able to penetrate into the dirtiest surfaces to make them look like new.
| Sun Joe SPX3001 | AR Blue AR390SS | Karcher K5 Premium | Sun Joe SPX3000 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Max PSI: 2030 | Max PSI: 2000 | Max PSI: 2000 | Max PSI: 2030 |
| GPM: 1.76 | GPM: 1.4 | GPM: 1.4 | GPM: 1.76 |
| Cost: $$ | Cost: $$ | Cost: $$ | Cost: $ |
| Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review |
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This means your patio, deck, driveway, siding, vehicles, and everything else you own can go a little longer without repainting or rebuilding. The trouble is; you have to figure out which one will be the best one for your particular needs. That is sometimes a little confusing for new owners. We are here to help with a detailed look at what matters most when it comes to these machines.
Our Top Electric Pressure Washers Picks
The variety of pressure washers available means that it is hard to pick one that will work for the things you need to do. Even knowing everything there is to know about them, really may not help you come up with the ideal machine. To know that you have the absolute best one for your home you would have to buy several to see which one really works for the jobs you are facing.
For that reason and as a way to help you, we have tested out and researched them to the best of our abilities and come up with a short list of our most favorite machines. They are dependable and able to keep up with everyone’s unique needs.
Sun Joe SPX 3000
The SPX3000 by Sun Joe is an electric pressure washer that provides 2030 PSI. It has an impressive 14.5-amp motor and comes with everything you need to get your projects done. The machine comes with five tips, dual detergent tanks, and a two-year warranty. It is eco-friendly in every way since it does not use gas or oil and uses only 1.76 GPM. See our full review here…
Check Pricing and AvailabilitySun Joe SPX 3001
The SPX3001 is an upgraded 3000. It provides the same amount of PSI and features a hose reel and area for you to store everything on-board. It is a pound lighter than the previous one. It does not include the dual detergent tanks, but it does have a very large 40.6-fluid ounce tank. See our full review here…
Check Pricing and AvailabilityAR Blue Clean AR383
The compact AR383 provides you with 1,900 PSI. It has everything you need thanks to several accessories that include the washer gun, two wands, a 14oz. detergent bottle, and nozzles. You may also consider getting it with an included surface cleaner. It has a 14-amp motor and uses only 1.5 GPM. See our full review here…
Check Pricing and AvailabilityAR Blue Clean AR390SS
If you want reach, the AR390ss can provide it. It offers 2,000 PSI and comes with a 30ft hose and a 35ft power cord. It also comes with a four quick connect nozzles and a 48oz detergent tank. It is easy to assemble since all you have to do is attach the hose and the water supply. It is a little heavier than other models, but it is also very solidly built. See our full review here…
Check Pricing and AvailabilityKarcher K5 Premium
The Karcher K5 is a cleaning machine that offers up to 2,000 PSI while using only 1.4 GPM. It comes with two spray wands to get the job done as quickly as you want to. One can blast dirt away no matter how much dirt there is. The other offers adjustable spray settings to give you everything from a misting rinse to a high-pressure wash. See our full review here…
Check Pricing and AvailabilityGas Vs Electric – What’s The Difference?
There is a huge debate among some people about whether an electric or gas-powered pressure washer is best. The truth is, there are pros and cons to each of them. For that reason, it is important that you understand what you are buying before you decide on one or the other.
Gas Powered Pressure Washers
A popular choice for people who want more power. Generally, they start with a PSI of 2,000 and go up in power from there. Gas powered ones are also very portable since you are not restricted based on how far the power cord will reach.
With convenience, though, comes responsibility. Gas powered machines require you to perform maintenance. They are typically loud machines that are a little bulky to move around. As a general rule, they operate at approximately 85dBA, which means you should wear protection for your ears when operating them.
Gas Pressure Washer Pros
- Powerful Performance
- Portable for Cleaning Large Areas
- Perfect for Commercial Use
Gas Pressure Washer Cons
- Loud Noises when Operating
- Bulky and Heavy
- Requires Maintenance
Electric Pressure Washers
Great for use around the home. They make quick work of light or medium duty cleaning projects. They are more affordable than gas and they may also come with accessories so you do not have to spend more money to get your projects done. Typically you can find most electric pressure washers hovering around the 2,000 PSI range. They do not require the use of gas or oil and they are typically very quiet to operate.
You do not have to wear ear protection when tackling a small cleaning task. These machines are limited by the length of a cord. They are not designed for heavily soiled or large areas, but work well for vehicles, patios, decks, and other projects of the same size.
Electric Pressure Washer Pros
- Less Likely to Damage Property
- Works on a Wide Variety of Surfaces
- Ideal for Household Cleaning
- Affordable
Electric Pressure Washer Cons
- Restricted by Power Supply
- No Maintenance Required
- Quiet Enough for Neighborhoods
Your personal needs should be what guides your decision on choosing gas or electric pressure washers. If you have a large area, will need to use it in remote locations, or need a lot of heavy duty cleaning, gas will be your best bet. Otherwise, you should be able to use an electric pressure washer and get everything done that you need to.
Important Terms You Need to Know
When shopping for a dependable pressure washer that can meet all your needs, you have a variety of things to consider.
However, what you may not realize is that there are a lot of terms that you really need to know before you go shopping. These terms can tell you a lot about the machine and the power that it has.
PSI
Pounds per Square Inch is a measurement that tells you how much pressurized fluid comes out of a pressure washer. This number gives you a basic idea of what the pressure washer is designed to clean; i.e. gentle enough for a car or delicate wooden surfaces or designed to clean stubborn stains of parking lots. For electric pressure washers, this number will range anywhere from 1,200 to 2,600 PSI.
GPM
Gallons Per Minute is a way for you to know how much water the pressure washer is going to use. In areas where there are frequent droughts, you will want to consider a machine that uses less GPM; unless you are a professional who cleans large areas with chemicals. In this case, you can get the job completed faster by using a higher GPM to rinse large areas if you look at the CU of each machine. Typically the GPM will range from 1.2 to 1.8 GPM.
CU
Cleaning Units is a measurement that multiplies the PSI and GPM to give you the Cleaning Units (PSI * GPM = CU). The CU rating on a pressure washer is able to tell you how long it will take you to complete a cleaning project of any given size. This means that a 2000 PSI multiplied by 3.0 GPM will equal 6000 CU and a 3,000 PSI machine that uses 2.0 GPM has 6000 CU. The downside is that the 3.0 GPM machine will be more suited to rinsing while cleaners do the work. You will get a smaller stream of water from the 2.0 GPM, which means you get more pressure in a smaller area.
What to Look For When Buying a Pressure Washer
Once you have figured out the technical stuff and decided which PSI, GPM, and CU you need to handle your projects, you will want to consider all other aspects of your pressure washer. These features offer you conveniences that can make cleaning easier and help you get everything that you need to out of your machine. They include:
Weight, Size, and Mobility
Some pressure washers are large, bulky machines that weigh a good bit. This is very true for gasoline powered machines. They are not always easy to move from one job to the next. They may be hard to put inside of a vehicle to take to frequent jobs sites. They may have a very durable frame to help you move it around easier, but they will still be awkward and bulky. The best choice if you want mobility is to go as light as possible with the machine, since it may still become weighed down by detergent tanks, hoses, and water.
Accessories Included
Some pressure washers come with only a machine and the basic things that it may require. Others may include accessories that are not standard parts of the machine. Many of them may be purchased afterward if you choose a machine that does not come with them. They include nozzles, wands, spinning brushes, and a variety of other tools that are designed to make cleaning easier for you to handle. Nozzle tips may be available in a variety of sizes, usually five that include different degree ratings for finer streams or mistiness, and a soaping tip.
Detergent Tanks
Detergent tanks are typically onboard soap tanks that allow water and soap to mix together before the water sprays out of the sprayer. Some say that this is better than trying to mix detergents in spray bottles because you can get soap automatically, which makes it ideal for heavy duty cleaning projects.
Warranty
As with all machines, things happen. Parts may fail and defects do happen. Therefore, before you settle on a pressure washer, you may want to make sure that it offers a good warranty. These warranties on average last from one to three years and cover all parts of the machine. This protects you and your investment from having to pay more for something that is considered a manufacturer defect.
Hose and Cord Length
The length of the hose and power cord (if electric) will determine at least a big portion of how portable your pressure washing machine may be. If your machine uses electricity, but you only have a power supply on one end of the house, you either have to run drop cords (not recommended), leave the house dirty (which no one wants to see), and have a longer set of hoses and cords. Most all average around 20ft, but some can go up to 30ft. The point of a pressure washer is to make things easier; not more complicated.
Safety Features
Even pressure washers can become dangerous, either to themselves or to the people using it. The most important safety features you will find with a pressure washer include emergency shutoff, which ensures that the pump cuts off the second you stop squeezing the trigger. This can ensure that if you have to drop it quickly, it will cut off. It will also help you avoid spraying pets that may suddenly run into your cleaning area. The main reason that it is a great idea though, is the fact that it saves your pump from damage.
Another safety feature includes air cooled or water-cooled pumps, which ensures that the pressure washer will not overheat. This can protect your entire machine from damage when you are working on a big project. Most all plugs on these machines are GFCI. This means that you cannot become hurt by having water splash around you.
Motor and Pump
Most all motors on an electric pressure washer will average 14.5 amps. Gas powered machines will have a larger motor such as the 140cc engine. They also require oil, which your electric will not. They both use an electric water pump, but gas-powered machine pumps need to be winterized and many electric ones do not.
Build Material and Quality
Most all pressure washers have a heavy-duty steel frame. They have copper fittings and rubber hoses in most all cases. However, there are some pressure washers that have plastic parts and pieces on them. It is mostly a good idea to avoid the plastic if you are able to, especially when it comes to the high-pressure hoses since they may burst when put under a lot of pressure.
Hose Reels
Hose reels are the biggest thing that people complain about. These are often made of plastic and they can be flimsy when you try to put all the weight of a hose on them. This does not mean that you cannot rely on them. It simply means that you need to read up on the product to make sure that its hose reel does not have a lot of negative comments.
Recommended Pressure Washer Brands
Buying a pressure washer isn’t something that should be done lightly. There are a lot of features and benefits that you have to consider. You also want it to be affordable and reliable so that you do not have to purchase a new one every season. There are a lot of machines available. They all claim to be the best, but then you look at reviews and they may not be able to keep up with your demands.
We suggest you consider the top three brands available before you consider all others. They have each proven to be reliable, affordable, and most all have a higher number of people who say they are happy they made the purchase.
Karcher
This brand of pressure washers got its start thanks to a German family. They have been perfecting their machines since 1950 when the first was created, the DS 350. Karcher is a globally known manufacturer and they have stores in all corners of the world. Now, they have made it possible for people to own both gas and electric powered machines, push sweepers, vacuum cleaners, and window cleaners.
They also create detergents and accessories that are designed to clean even better when used with their machines. They are most known for their Karcher K series of electric pressure washers, which are perfect for mobility.
Sun Joe
Sun Joe first got its name out there with their first product, an electric snow shovel that was priced at less than $100. This happened in 2004 when the company was founded. At this time, they feature a variety of snow shovels and pressure washers, trimmers, tillers, etc. that promise to be affordable, high quality, and innovative.
Their pressure washers and other outdoor lawn care tools are typically electric powered to ensure that they are eco-friendly. They offer a full two-year warranty on their products to give owners peace of mind. Their SPX line of electric pressure washers are often regarded as one of the best on the market.
AR Blue Clean
This company is a part of Annovi Reverberi, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of pressure washer pumps and they have done so since 1958. The main company is based in Italy, but there are independently owned companies all over the world, even in the U.S. that create AR Blue Clean products. Now, the company that designs pumps also have their own brand of pressure washers, accessories, and more.
Their pressure washers have a standard one-year warranty for the original purchaser. Accessories are warrantied for 90 days. Both warranties cover manufacturer defects as long as it does not appear that you may have abused the machine or its parts in some way. We recommend looking at the AR series of electric pressure washers which are great bangs for the buck.
See All Pressure Washer ReviewsReasons to Use a Pressure Washer
Have you ever had a stain that wouldn’t come off your driveway or a lot of mildew on your siding that soap and water couldn’t remove? If so, you have already discovered the primary reason behind using a pressure washer. They are designed to use pressurized water to get deep down into surface areas to flush out the dirt and grime that may be hidden there.
They can reach in deeper and more effectively than a scrub brush in seconds ensuring that you can get finished with your tasks quickly. These machines have the ability to deep clean wood, concrete, vinyl siding, and more. They can clean peeling paint off so that you never have to scrape again. They have many uses and purposes around homes, businesses, vehicles, and anywhere else you may think of.
Washing Your Car
When using a pressure washer on your vehicle, opinions vary. There are some people who say that you shouldn’t do it and others who swear that it is the best thing they have ever done for their vehicles. It is true that if you hold the pressure washer too close to your car with too much pressure coming out of the tip; you can cause damage.
If you use it the way that you are supposed to, with at least 12 inches between the tip and the surface area; you will not damage paint. Using a soap nozzle or foam cannon to soap up and then misting with a pressure washer to rinse is the best way to avoid all risks of damage, but it can be done without those things.
A pressure washer is able to remove road tar, bug corpses, dried on mud, and other debris from the exterior of your car. There are even pressure washers that are portable enough to follow you into the woods where you may find a lot of mud with your four-wheelers. Make sure you check out our guide on car wash safe electric pressure washers.
Cleaning Your Home
The best thing about a pressure washer is its ability to make work around the house easier on you. With a machine that is designed to deep clean, you can get your deck, patio, driveway, siding, brickwork, and everything else clean in a fraction of the time.
By keeping things clean, you can avoid repainting because your home will always look like you just repainted. There are also pressure washer specific detergents that can further increase your speed at cleaning up the toughest oil stains and mildew.
Commercial and Business Use
Many people have started businesses with just a pressure washer. Since pressure washers have multiple uses for cleaning, you can start a business that cleans anything from homes, driveways, boats, or cars. It is perhaps one of the greatest businesses that anyone can start with very low startup costs. The only expense you’ll need to be careful of is water usage.
While it is more common to see service professionals using gas powered pressure washers, electric pressure washers will get the job done for 99% of all needs. If you’d rather stick with an electric pressure washer but not extra power, be sure to look at our list of top 3000 PSI electric pressure washers.
See More Top Rated Electric Pressure Washers