Which electric pressure washer is the most powerful

You wouldn’t bring a high-powered hose to wash your floors inside your home. But that’s exactly how you clean your patio, deck, siding and more. 

If you want to be kinder to the earth, you might be worried that an electric pressure washer isn’t powerful enough to get those heavy-duty tasks done. Don’t worry, though, because it can. You just need to know which electric pressure washer has the most power.

How does a pressure washer work?

A pressure washer connects to your outdoor faucet or hose bibb. The water coming into the machine runs through a high-speed pump, elevating the water pressure. The water is then focused through a nozzle to increase the intensity, creating a highly abrasive stream that can hammer away even the most stubborn grime.

How do I determine a pressure washer’s power?

Two measurements determine the cleaning capabilities of your electric pressure washer: water pressure and water volume. 

Water pressure

The water pressure is how hard the water comes out. This is measured in pounds of force per square inch of space. This is the difference between letting the water run out of your hose and partially covering the opening with your thumb so that it sprays out. The higher the psi number is on your electric pressure washer, the more cleaning power it will have.

For light-duty home use, you could use a pressure washer with around 1900 psi. To ensure you have enough force to get all your cleaning tasks done, however, you will want a model that offers closer to 2800 psi. For commercial cleaning tasks, your pressure washer must be over 3100 psi for the best results.

Water volume

The second part of the power equation is water volume. If you’ve ever tried to wash your hands with just a trickle of water, you know how inefficient that is. Water volume is measured in gallons per minute. This lets you know how many gallons of water flow out of your pressure washer every minute it is running. Again, the higher the number, the greater the cleaning power.

For light-duty applications, you only need 0.5 to 2 GPM. A medium-duty pressure washer that can accomplish all of your home cleaning tasks will have a flow rate of 1 to 3 GPM. If you need a model for commercial cleaning, the lowest flow rate you want to have is 2 GPM.

The pressure washer nozzle is just as important as the machine’s power

The pressure washer nozzle also helps determine how clean you get things. The more focused the spray, the greater the cleaning power. There are five standard nozzle types: red, yellow, green, white and black.

• The red nozzle is the most focused. At 0 degrees, it creates the thinnest, most powerful stream. It is best for the toughest jobs. 
• The yellow nozzle is one step down in intensity. It offers a 15-degree spray that is still very potent and capable of removing mildew and paint.
• The green nozzle is for general purpose cleaning. The 25-degree spray makes it the best all-around option.
• The white nozzle has a wide spray that is suitable for vehicles and other surfaces that a higher-intensity spray may damage.
• The black nozzle is the only one that you can use with soap. It has a 65-degree spray.

FAQ

Q. Are gas pressure washers more powerful?

A. In general, a gas pressure washer has the potential for more power. However, if an electric power washer and a gas-powered pressure washer have the same psi and GPM rating, they have the same cleaning potential.

Q. Are electric pressure washers safe?

A. All pressure washers are safe if you follow the rules, such as only operating while standing on a stable surface and wearing eye protection and ear protection. However, you must never aim the spray at another living thing. Not only can it tear the skin, but it can force water deep into the tissue and cause serious infections.

Most powerful electric pressure washers

DeWalt 3000 PSI 4.0 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

You’re not going to find a more powerful electric pressure washer than this. The price is steep, but if you need the best, this top-of-the-line model is powerful enough for any outdoor home cleaning task.

Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot

Sun Joe 3200 PSI MAX 1.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

While this pressure washer only has a 1.3 GPM flow rate, it does offer an impressive 3200 psi. This model is suitable for your toughest outside home cleaning challenges, but it is available at an affordable price, making it a value-packed option.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

RYOBI 3000 PSI 1.1 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

While it is a few dollars more and packs a little less punch than the Sun Joe model, this is still a high-performance pressure washer. It features everything you need, such as an onboard detergent tank, a heavy-duty frame and flat-free wheels. And, at 3000 psi, it is powerful enough for all outdoor home cleaning tasks.

Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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