The 5 best electric pressure washers of 2022

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Electric pressure washers are a more eco-friendly option for outdoor cleaning jobs than their gas-powered counterparts. Since they are powered by either a wall outlet or a battery, there aren’t any exhaust fumes or fuel spillages to worry about. And while they’re slightly more expensive and less powerful than gas-powered models, electric pressure washers are a good long-term investment if you’re looking to make your workshop or toolshed more environmentally friendly. You can use electric pressure washers to scrub your car and patio furniture or blast away old oil stains from the concrete floor of your garage. 

When shopping for a new pressure washer, you should pay attention to the PSI rating and the gallons-per-minute flow rate. Pressure and flow rate work together to provide enough power and water to properly clean a surface. Models with lower PSI and GPM ratings are considered light-duty, while those with higher ratings are labeled medium- or heavy-duty. With so many models to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. So to help you decide which electric power washer is fit for both your workshop and budget, I’ve gathered a list of the five best models available to buy right now. I analyzed their features and price tags to help you find the perfect electric pressure washer.

PSI: 2300 | GPM: 2.3 | Hose length: 25 feet | Power cord length: 35 feet | Weight: 45 pounds | Dimensions: 38x24x17.75 inches | Power source: Wall outlet 

This electric pressure washer from Greenworks wins in the best overall category. It offers a rating of up to 2300 PSI and 2.3 gallons per minute to clean everything from your vinyl siding and driveway to your car and patio furniture. The 25-foot hose is kink-resistant to prevent abrasion and ensure constant water flow. And the 35-foot power cord gives you plenty of room to move around. 

The body of the pressure washer features 10-inch wheels for easy maneuvering around your yard or workshop, and five included tips provide different modes for cleaning. The on-board detergent tank conveniently mixes soap and water, while the wand snaps onto the hose quickly so you can get to work faster. The Greenworks Pro is covered by a three-year warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and mechanical failures, while the 14-amp motor is covered by a 10-year limited warranty, so you can get replacement parts quickly and easily.

Pros:

Great power and water flowLong hose and power cordExcellent warranty5 different spray tips

Cons:

Garden hose hookup is awkwardly placedHeavy

PSI: 1700 | GPM: 1.2 | Hose length: 20 feet | Power cord length: 35 feet | Weight: 17.6 pounds | Dimensions: 10.4×9.25×17.5 inches | Power source: Wall outlet 

The Craftsman CMEPW1700 proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great electric pressure washer. At just under $100, this compact, light-duty pressure washer is one of the most budget-friendly on the market. You’ll get a pressure rating of up to 1700 PSI and a flow rate of up to 1.2 gallons-per-minute, which is perfect for cleaning off your patio furniture and clearing dirt and debris from your deck. Its compact size makes this electric power washer easy to carry and store when not in use. The integrated handle also acts as a cable winder to keep the 35-foot power cord safe from damage and tangles. The unit comes with a quick-attach bottle so you can quickly mix soap and water to clean heavily soiled areas. And the on-board storage for the spray wand and nozzles keeps everything together until the next time you need to turn on your pressure washer.

Pros:

Under $100Compact designIntegrated storage and cord winderDecent pressure and flow rate

Cons:

Not meant for heavy-duty cleaningNo on-board detergent tankFlow rate and PSI cannot be adjusted

PSI: 3000 | GPM: 4.0 | Hose length: 50 feet | Power cord length: 35 feet | Weight: 271 pounds | Dimensions: 27×48.5×29 inches | Power source: Wall outlet 

For tough cleaning jobs, the DeWalt DXPW300E has you covered with its 3000 PSI rating and flow rate of 4.0 gallons per minute. You’ll be able to blast away stubborn concrete stains and caked grime or even clean windows on the second floor of your house. The 50-foot hose is 3/8 inch in diameter for smooth water flow and abrasion-resistant to protect against everyday wear and tear from heavy use. The welded steel frame features a durable powder-coat paint that protects against rust and corrosion. The 13-inch tires are conveniently maneuverable so you can easily move the pressure washer wherever you need to work. It comes with five different quick-connect nozzle tips to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks as well as a built-in GFCI switch to prevent short-circuiting and electrical shock injuries. 

Pros:

Meant for heavy-duty cleaning workExcellent pressure and flow rateBuilt-in safety switchHighly durable

Cons:

ExpensiveHeavyMay seem bulky in small garages and toolsheds

PSI: 1500 | GPM: 1.2 | Hose length: 25 feet | Power cord length: N/A | Weight: 33 pounds | Dimensions: 17.24×16.4×14.6 inches | Power source: 40V battery 

The Ryobi 40V Whisper Series cordless electric pressure washer untethers you from a wall outlet, giving you true freedom to tackle cleaning projects. With two Ryobi’s 40V batteries for power, it provides up to 80 minutes of runtime before requiring recharge. And since it uses the same batteries as Ryobi’s other cordless power tools, you can easily swap them if you own other Ryobi devices. It also features a five-gallon water tank as well as a garden hose plug, so its convenient for quick jobs like spraying mud off an ATV or rinsing patio furniture as well as big projects like power washing your driveway or masonry. The unit itself features on-board storage for the hose, spray trigger, spray wand, and nozzle tips to keep everything organized until you need it next. With a rating of up to 1500 PSI and 1.2 GPM flow rate, you can make breeze through just about any cleaning job.

Pros:

CordlessWater tank and hose connectionOn-board storageDecent pressure and flow rate

Cons:

ExpensiveBattery-limited run time

PSI: 550 | GPM: 1.0 | Hose length: Variable | Power cord length: N/A | Weight: 4.85 pounds | Dimensions: 6×11.3×22.75 inches | Power source: 20V battery 

If you need a pressure washer that can go wherever you do, the DeWalt 20V MAX cordless power cleaner is the best choice. The body of the machine is roughly the same size as a DeWalt cordless drill, making it easy to toss in a work bag or hang on the wall of your workshop. It uses the same 20V MAX batteries as other DeWalt cordless power tools, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining special batteries for the pressure washer. On a full charge, you’ll get about 30 minutes of work, which should be plenty of time to tackle most light-duty cleaning jobs. This model can connect directly to a garden hose for a constant water supply. And the 550 PSI and 1.0 GPM rating make it perfect for light-duty tasks like washing your car, clearing debris and dirt from your sidewalk, or rinsing outdoor furniture. The tool weighs just under two pounds, so it’s comfortably lightweight enough to use on all-day jobs. The ergonomic handle and trigger configuration also reduce strain on your hands, wrists, and forearms for comfortable operation. 

Pros:

LightweightPortableCompact designDirect connection to garden hose

Cons:

 <p>My pick for overall best electric pressure washer is the Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI cold water pressure washer. It offers a great balance between water pressure and flow rate to give you a seemless cleaning experience across concrete, vinyl siding and wood decks, as well as cars, ATVs, and boats. The 25-foot hose and 35-foot power cord provides freedom of movement, so you can maneuver around your yard, driveway, or workshop. It also comes with five different spray tips to tackle different cleaning jobs like blasting away oil stains in your garage or washing away dirt and grime from your back patio. It also features a fairly compact design so it's easy to store.

Electric pressure washer

Price

PSI

Gallons per minute

Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI

$289

2300

2.3

Craftsman CMEPW1700

$99

1700

1.2

DeWalt DXPW3000E

$2899

3000

4.0

Ryobi 40V cordless pressure washer

$499

1500

1.2

DeWalt 20V MAX cordless electric power cleaner

$146

550

1.0

Before you buy any sort of pressure washer, you need to identify the types of cleaning jobs you need it for. If you want something to make it easier to wash your car, ATV, or boat, you’ll want a light- to medium-duty model with a flow rate of at least 1 gallon per minute and a PSI rating of about 1000 to ensure that you can properly clean any dirt or grime. For heavy-duty tasks like cleaning vinyl siding or removing stains from concrete, you’ll want a much higher PSI rating and flow rate to ensure that you have enough power and water to do the job.

Choose this electric pressure washer…

If you need…

Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI pressure washer

A well-rounded electric pressure washer that can handle a wide variety of cleaning jobs

Craftsman CMEPW1700

A very affordable and compact electric pressure washer

DeWalt DXP3000E

A powerful electric pressure washer for heavy-duty tasks

Ryobi 40V cordless pressure washer

A battery-powered pressure washer for cleaning jobs where a power cord can get in the way

DeWalt 20V MAX cordless pressure washer

A light-duty pressure washer that can go almost anywhere

 <p>I analyzed and ranked electric pressure washers to suit different cleaning jobs. I distinguished between light-, medium-, and heavy-duty models that can take on just about any task, from washing your car to power-cleaning your sidewalks and garage floor. I also chose pressure washers at various price points to fit any budget.</p>     <p>For concrete, whether you're washing away dirt and built-up grime or blasting away stains, you'll want a fairly heavy-duty pressure washer like the DeWalt DXPW3000E. This model has a rating of 3,000 PSI and a flow rate of four gallons per minute, which means you'll be able to tackle tough jobs like oil stains or second floor siding of your home. </p>     <p>Both are equally important when it comes to deciding which pressure washer to buy. PSI stands for pound-force per square inch and measures how hard water sprays out from the wand. Gallons per minute refers to water flow rate; the higher the GPM, the more water flows out. Light-duty pressure washers have low PSI and GPM capabilities, making them best suited for tasks like washing your car or clearing away loose dirt and debris from your sidewalk, driveway, deck, and patio. Medium- and heavy-duty pressure washers have higher PSI and GPM ratings, enabling you to blast lasting buildup on your vinyl siding and stuck-on dirt from concrete driveways.</p>     <p>They can be. While electric pressure washers will always be a bit less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts, you can still find excellent models from brands like DeWalt, Craftsman, and Greenworks to handle a variety of cleaning tasks. Electric pressure washers are more eco-friendly, using either a battery or a wall outlet for power rather than fuel, meaning no fumes or exhaust to worry about. Electric models also need less maintenance, like oil changes and careful fuel handling. You won't have to worry about mixing or storing fuel for a piece of equipment you may not use very often.</p>     <p>As electric lawn and garden equipment becomes more popular, it's easier to find a wall outlet or battery-powered pressure washer that can handle all of your chores, from washing your car to cleaning your driveway or the siding on your house. Here's a short list of other options I thought were great:</p>   

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