The 8 Best Electric Pressure Washers of 2024, According to Testing

Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer — Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa

Pressure washers are often used to remove the dirt, grime, debris, and build-up off of patios, siding, cars, and more. While gas-powered pressure washers are popular among homeowners, electric pressure washers are more lightweight and tend to have a quieter motor and a quick-start operation. They also tend to be less expensive than their gas counterparts, require less upkeep, and don’t run out of fuel.

“Electric pressure washers cost less on average, are easier to start, and weigh less than gas models,” says George Schultz, merchant of pressure washers and outdoor power accessories at The Home Depot. Schultz adds, while shopping for the best electric pressure washer, consider the projects you’ll be using it for.

“Electric pressure washers can tackle light to medium-duty tasks, from patio furniture and grills, windows and vehicles to small, concrete patios and short sidewalks.” He says, “The bigger the job, the more pressure and flow you will need to complete the job faster.”

Some advantages to choosing an electric model include their brushless motors which “help with power, durability, and efficiency,” and the fact that they are low maintenance, versatile, and quiet.

To find the best electric pressure washers, we put 20 different ones to the test on different surfaces to find out which were the winners. When testing the appliances, we considered their design, effectiveness, noise level, ease of use, pressure, and overall value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer at Amazon ($240)

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Sun Joe 2050-PSI Electric Pressure Washer at Amazon ($159)

Jump to Review

Best for Siding and Decks:

Greenworks 2000-PSI Electric Pressure Washer at Amazon ($192)

Jump to Review

Best Cordless:

Worx Hydroshot Cordless Power Cleaner at Amazon ($99)

Jump to Review

Best For Cars:

Greenworks Pro Electric Pressure Washer at Amazon ($364)

Jump to Review

Best Heavy-Duty:

Greenworks 3000-PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer at Amazon ($450)

Jump to Review

Best Small:

Black+Decker 1850-PSI Electric Pressure Washer at Amazon ($130)

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Sun Joe 2030-PSI Electric Pressure Washer With Hose Reel at Amazon ($230)

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Amazon

View On Amazon $240 View On Walmart $278 View On Lowe's $300

Why You Should Get It

This pressure washer’s 25-foot long hose is kink resistant and easy to wind and unwind with a built-in pressurized hose reel.

Keep in Mind

We found that assembly of this pressure washer was difficult because of the unclear instructions.

Powerful, effective, and easy to use, the Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer is our pick for the best electric pressure washer. With this pressure washer, we found that dirt and grime were gone in an instant as we cleaned a sidewalk, porch railings, rain gutters, and a lawn mower.

During our testing, we were impressed by how easily the 25-foot, kink-resistant cord unfurled to allow us to clean every surface. We also appreciated that this pressure washer had a dirt blaster spray wand that removed tougher-to-clean surfaces and a power spray wand that tackled light-duty jobs. This pressure washer also has an onboard, removable detergent tank that makes cleaning simple and allowed us to control the flow of the soap with an adjustable dial.

We liked that this machine was compact, so it didn’t take up too much space in an outdoor shed or garage. It also has wheels and a handle that make moving it from place to place simple. Keep in mind, we had some trouble assembling this pressure washer according to the quick start instructions, as they were not very detailed. This made setup take longer than desired. Instead, we needed to refer to the operator’s manual.

Product Details: Hose Length: 25 feet | Pressure Rating: 2,000 PSI | Machine Weight: 32 pounds | Flow Rate: 1.4 GPM

Best Budget

Sun Joe SPX2688-MAX 2050-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Amazon

View On Amazon $159 View On Walmart $128 View On Snowjoe.com

Why You Should Get It

This electric pressure washer came with three quick connect nozzles, so we could choose which one would work best on the surface we were cleaning.

Keep in Mind

We found that we had to go over the same spots multiple times to get it completely clean.

If you’re looking for the best electric pressure washer on a budget, the Sun Joe SPX2688-MAX 2050 Electric High Pressure Washer was our top pick. In fact, we were shocked to find out that it performed just as well as some pressure washers we tested that had a much higher price point.

We loved that this pressure washer had both medium and small nozzle angles, and we were able to get into every nook and cranny while using it. It also has a 34-inch extension wand, 20-foot pressure hose, and a garden hose adapter. It also has three quick-connect nozzles, which are angled at zero, 15, and 40 degrees, so you can determine what is best for your cleaning situation.

We liked that this pressure washer is a TSS, or total stop system, which preserves its energy and the life of the pump by automatically shutting off when the trigger is not engaged. This pressure washer has wheels that make it easy to move around while tackling a cleaning project, and it is also lightweight at around 22 pounds. However, we found that it wasn’t quite as powerful as a few other electric pressure washers we tested and had to make several extra passes to thoroughly clean sidewalk pavers.

Product Details: Hose Length: 20 feet | Pressure Rating: 2,050 PSI | Machine Weight: 21.7 pounds | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM

Best for Siding and Decks

Greenworks 2000-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Amazon

View On Amazon $192 View On Walmart $173 View On Lowe's $55

Why You Should Get It

It has a soap spray tip and soap siphon tube that make it easy to apply detergent before rinsing away with another nozzle.

Keep in Mind

We found that the power cord and hose were difficult to store away.

When we used the Greenworks 2000 Max PSI Electric Pressure Washer to clean the side of a garage, soffit, and fence, it was quick, simple, and effective. We found that the 40-degree nozzle was all that was necessary to remove hard-to-clean stains like dirt and bird droppings from the siding.

It also effectively tackled the stains from a gutter, and after cleaning a fence we noticed it was just as clean as the day it was installed. The total cleaning time total for those surfaces was just 25 minutes, making it the best electric pressure washer for siding and decks.

This electric pressure washer has three nozzles: a 25-degree nozzle, a 45-degree nozzle, and a soap spray tip. The soap spray tip and soap siphon tube made it very easy to clean surfaces, and it allowed us to seamlessly swap from pressure washing to using detergent.

On top of its effectiveness, we also found that this machine was very quiet—we could hold a conversation without needing to raise our voices. Additionally, its wheels and handle made it easy to maneuver, and the pressure washer has storage that holds all three spray nozzles, spray wand, and hose.

Although there is on-board storage, we found that keeping everything organized was difficult, as there were both the 35-foot electrical cord, 20-foot hose, and nozzles and sprays to contend with.

Product Details: Hose Length: 20 feet | Pressure Rating: 2,000 PSI | Machine Weight: 35 pounds | Flow Rate: 1.1 GPM

Best Cordless

WORX

View On Amazon $99 View On Walmart $99 View On Lowe's $129

Why You Should Get It

It’s the lightest electric pressure washer on our list at just 8 pounds.

Keep in Mind

If you have stubborn messes and stains, this pressure washer may not be powerful enough to remove them.

If you don’t want to have to worry about cords as you clean, we were big fans of the Worx Hydroshot 20V Power Share 320 PSI Portable Power.

We used this pressure washer on a home without any external power sockets, so we found its rechargeable battery to be convenient. The battery for this pressure washer is a 20-volt 4.0 Ah battery, which lasted an hour after an hour-long charging period.

This pressure washer is super compact, weighing in at just under four pounds. We found that its size not only made it easy to maneuver while cleaning, but also easy to store when finished. We also appreciated its portability, and it can be hooked up to any water source such as a garden hose, pool, lake, bucket, or even a 2-liter bottle of water. This makes it a breeze to use on cars, RVs, boats, and more.

This electric pressure washer includes a five-in-one nozzle, with zero-, 15-, 25-, and 40-degree settings, and even a watering setting. Keep in mind that, while we found this pressure washer effective when cleaning a sidewalk, a compost bin, and even a car, we found that it isn’t the most effective when cleaning heavy-duty messes.

Product Details: Hose Length: 20 feet | Pressure Rating: 320 PSI | Machine Weight: 3.7 pounds | Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM

Best For Cars

Greenworks Pro 2300-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Lowe's

View On Amazon $364

Why You Should Get It

It’s extremely easy to use from start to finish, and has start-up instructions right on top for confusion-free use.

Keep in Mind

It was as loud as some gas pressure washers we tested.

The Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI TruBrushless Electric Pressure Washer was our pick for the best electric pressure washer for cars. It was gentle enough not to damage any of the car’s paint, but effective enough to remove any grime with ease.

We loved how easy it was to use this pressure washer from start to finish. Assembly was simple and only took 10 minutes, and starting the machine was intuitive with start-up procedures labeled on top of the machine.

The Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI TruBrushless Electric Pressure Washer uses technology that is meant to deliver the right amount of pressure depending on your project. It has a maximum 2,300 PSI, as well as a rapid rinse setting and a high area reach.

Its metal quick-connect wand comes with 15-, 25-, and 40-degree settings, plus a soap and turbo nozzle. Another convenient feature was the soap tank that’s on board, which made washing the car simple.

We found that it took two different passes to completely wash the car—the first pass removed bugs and dirt, while the second pass with soap left the car clean and shiny. It took about 22 minutes to completely clean the car with this pressure washer.

The electric pressure washer also has wheels so it was easy to maneuver around the car. However, we did find the noise level was quite loud and was comparable to gas pressure washers.

Product Details: Hose Length: 25 feet | Pressure Rating: 2,300 PSI | Machine Weight: 41 pounds | Flow Rate: 2.3 GPM

Best Heavy-Duty

Greenworks 3000-PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer

Amazon

View On Amazon $450 View On Walmart $450 View On Lowe's $399

Why You Should Get It

There’s clearly labeled storage for each of the five spray nozzles, so you don’t need to worry about losing track.

Keep In Mind

Because of its continuous motor, we found that this pressure washer is very loud.

Stubborn messes and stains require a heavy-duty solution, and we found that the best electric pressure washer for the job is the Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI 2-Gallon-GPM Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer. With a PSI of 3,000, this pressure washer has a gas-style, continuous-run brushless motor that allows the washer to run continuously as it cleans. We felt that it performed just as well as a traditional gas motor model, but it was lightweight and easy to maneuver.

While testing, we found that this machine was intuitive to use, with five spray nozzles: turbo, soap, and 15, 25, and 40 degrees.The nozzles were easy to switch out, and there was no leakage or spraying when taking them on and off. We also loved that there was a place to store those nozzles, and they’re neatly labeled on the panel so we didn’t misplace them.

The cord was nice and long at 25 feet, which came in handy while cleaning a driveway. The driveway we tested this pressure washer on has been dirty for three years, and we were amazed to see how the grime and dirt washed away in just 11 minutes. The nozzle was powerful but it did not damage the concrete at all. We also tested this pressure washer on a lawn mower, and it had the mower (which had never been washed in three years) sparkling in four minutes.

We loved the cord storage on the machine—it could be swiveled to get the cord off more easily. This pressure washer has 10-inch never flat wheels, and a rugged steel frame that made it easy to roll on concrete, decking, and grass.

Product Details: Hose Length: 25 feet | Pressure Rating: 3,000 PSI | Machine Weight: 47 pounds | Flow Rate: 2 GPM

Best Small

BLACK+DECKER BEPW1850 1850-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Amazon

View On Amazon $130 View On Walmart $148 View On Lowe's

Why You Should Get It

Though small, this pressure washer comes with three nozzles to tackle a variety of jobs.

Keep in Mind

This pressure washer has plastic wheels that may not be suitable for maneuvering around yards or different terrain.

The Black + Decker Electric Pressure Washer proved that good things come in small packages—it fit easily into a cluttered garage and impressed us with its power. It has a telescoping handle that slides up and down, as well as 6-inch wheels and on-board storage for the hose, power cord, and nozzles.

During testing, we found that this pressure washer (and its soap attachment) made washing a car very easy, even cleaning off bugs that another car wash missed. We also put it to the test against the side of an outdoor hot tub and a wooden fence that hadn’t been cleaned in four years. The hot tub was clean within three minutes, while the fence—which was covered in grime—only took four minutes to wash using the turbo nozzle, which covers large areas.

With three nozzles to choose from, it was easy to clean nooks and crannies. Additionally, there is an included soap bottle, which makes for convenient storage while tackling jobs for which detergent is necessary.

The only downside to this pressure washer was the 6-inch wheels—they are not made for different terrains, and did not seem durable.

Product Details: Hose Length: 25 feet | Pressure Rating: 1,850 PSI | Machine Weight: 22 pounds | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM

Best for Beginners

Sun Joe SPX3001 2030-PSI Electric Pressure Washer With Hose Reel

Amazon

View On Amazon $230 View On Walmart $230 View On Lowe's $179

Why You Should Get It

During testing, it easily removed algae and mildew from a driveway.

Keep in Mind

We found that the handle used to store the electrical cord was difficult to use and did not effectively wrap up the wire.

Don’t consider yourself a pressure washing pro just yet? We found that, thanks to its maneuverability and ease of use, the Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 AMP Electric Pressure Washer was the best electric pressure washer for beginners.

From start to finish, we found that this pressure washer was straightforward to use and came mostly assembled, so setting it up was a breeze. We loved that this pressure washer was lightweight—its large wheels and handle made it easy to roll around. Beginners won’t have to worry about difficulty maneuvering it around their space.

This model has five quick-connect spray tips: 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees, plus a soap setting. These nozzles easily clicked on and off a panel, and there was a holster to keep the spray nozzle in place when not in use. The electrical cord was 35 feet long, which we found to be a helpful feature for larger yards.

In terms of overall effectiveness, this pressure washer was effective at its highest pressure, especially when it came to removing algae and mildew from a driveway and exterior columns of a home. However, we found that some stains, like dried-on paint and oil stains, were too difficult to remove.

We found that when it came to storing the electrical wire after use, the handle used to store the electrical wire was flimsy and did not secure it well. This may mean extra time when cleaning up or difficulty storing.

Product Details: Hose Length: 20 feet | Pressure Rating: 2,030 PSI | Machine Weight: 38 pounds | Flow Rate: 1.76 GPM

The Bottom Line

Overall, we chose the Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer as the best electric pressure washer because of how quickly and effectively it removed dirt and grime from a variety of surfaces. If you’re looking for something that cleans up heavy-duty messes, the best electric power pressure washer for the job is the Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI 2-Gallon-GPM Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer. We found that this model was worth its heftier price tag, as it did an excellent job tackling stains and grime, even from hard to reach places.

Our Testing Process

We put 20 electric pressure washers to the test, evaluating each electric pressure washer’s design, effectiveness, noise level, ease of use, pressure, and overall value.

First, we assembled our pressure washers, using a stopwatch to determine exactly how long it took to take them from box to fully assembled (without including the time necessary to charge before first use). We took note of each pressure washer’s features, noting the length of the cord, the hose storage, tanks for soap, and whether or not the nozzles were adjustable or interchangeable.

We also determined the ease of use when it came to how easy or difficult it was to connect the hoses and wands, or how simple it was to use the pressure washer’s quick-connect function, if applicable.

Then, we used the pressure washers to clean at least three different surfaces, using the spray setting or nozzle tip that was most suitable for the job. Options included (but were not limited to): house siding, windows, cars, patio furniture, driveways, sidewalks, patio pavers, fences, decks, lawn mowers, and other large equipment.

We timed ourselves and the time it took to clean each surface, taking note of the surface before, and how dirty it was. If the pressure washer included a soap tank, we used it to clean one of the surfaces, noting any differences in cleaning power.

While using the pressure washers, we also took note of the hose length, maneuverability, spray settings, and power. We also noted the noise levels while in use, testing to see if we could hear someone speaking nearby, and whether or not we felt that we needed hearing protection. We also took note of how easy or difficult it was to store the pressure washers.

Afterwards, we rated the pressure washers on the criteria listed above, determining which were the best electric pressure washers. Three to five months after the initial testing period, we asked our testers to record how the machines worked over time.

What To Know About Electric Pressure Washers Before Shopping

PSI

Different pressure washing projects require different pounds per square inch (also known as PSI). Generally, the stronger the PSI, the more powerful the machine is. "A good PSI for a [standard] electric pressure washer is about 1,800 to 2,000 PSI,'' Schultz says. The Black + Decker Electric Pressure Washer, our pick for best small pressure washer, has the lowest PSI on this list at 1,850.

Those looking to clean objects like boats, vehicles, and outdoor furniture can go with a lighter-duty pressure washer with a PSI of around 1,900 to 2,300. If you're looking to clean tough-to-remove substances like paint, you'll want a PSI of 3,000 or more. Our pick for best heavy-duty pressure washer, the Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI 2-Gallon-GPM Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer, has a PSI of 3,000.

Battery Life

If you're choosing a cordless electric pressure washer, you'll want to make sure the battery life will last you through the duration of your typical pressure washing session. You may also want to purchase an additional battery so you'll always have a charged battery to swap in if the first one dies while you're hard at work blasting grime. The Worx Hydroshot 20V Power Share 320 PSI Portable Power, our pick for best cordless electric pressure washer, has a battery that lasts about 60 minutes.

Cord and Hose Length

In general, the longer the cord and hose length is, the more reach the unit has. This gives you more freedom to move around without having to reconnect to a power source. While testing, we found that the optimal electrical cord length is around 25 feet or more. The Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 AMP Electric Pressure Washer has a cord of 35 feet, which makes it easy to get projects done around the yard without having to plug and unplug.

Special Features

Items like brushes, nozzles, and tips can be helpful additions for specific pressure washing projects. "There are many attachments that are made for particular projects, including rotating brushes and extension wands for high cleaning," Schultz says.

For projects that require more pressure in tough to clean areas, you can use the 0-degree nozzle for a direct and powerful spray (just be careful not to damage the surface you’re cleaning). A 15-degree nozzle is less powerful, but useful for cleaning driveways or sidewalks. A 25-degree nozzle is a great option for cleaning everything from walkways to decks or outdoor furniture. For delicate surfaces (like house siding), the 40-degree spray is wider and less intense. The Worx Hydroshot 20V Power Share 320 PSI Portable Power, for example, has a five-in-one nozzle, with zero-, 15-, 25-, and 40-degree settings, and even a watering setting.

Other Electric Pressure Washers We Tested

Ryobi 2300 PSI 1.2 GPM High Performance Electric Pressure Washer

We were impressed by the way that the Ryobi 2300 PSI 1.2 GPM High Performance Electric Pressure Washer performed when cleaning a patio and steps during testing. However, it lost points because it was difficult to assemble, and it was a large and cumbersome machine that required a garage to store. Compared to other pressure washers we tested, we didn’t feel it measured up.

Rock&Rocker Powerful Electric Pressure Washer

The Rock&Rocker Powerful Electric Pressure Washer is a budget-friendly option, but we found using it to be frustrating. Set up was difficult, and the reel that held the hose was hard to maneuver—we even had to break out pliers at one point to get the hose to come free of the body of the machine. While this pressure washer managed to clean surfaces, we found that it did not have a variety of power levels to choose from. We also needed to put the nozzle rather close to some surfaces to clean them.

Your Questions, Answered

What are the benefits of an electric pressure washer?

If you're deciding between gas and electric, neither one is necessarily better than the other, but they are each suited to different tasks. Generally speaking, gas pressure washers are more powerful than electric pressure washers. They're also better designed for removing materials like paint.

However, gas pressure washers are also typically larger, making them harder to store, and require more of an upfront investment and maintenance, explains Schultz. "Electric pressure washers are budget-friendly, lightweight, and low maintenance," Schultz says. "However, they're usually not as powerful as gas models."

What is a good PSI for an electric pressure washer?

According to Schultz, an 1,800 to 2,000 PSI is a great range for an electric pressure washer. "This PSI is great for light-duty jobs such as cleaning your car or grill," says Schultz. Every pressure washing project will require a different PSI.

Keep in mind that one to 1,899 PSI is considered low, 1,900 to 2,788 is considered medium-duty, 2,800 or more is heavy duty, and 3,100 or more is considered commercial grade. A light-duty pressure washer would be used for tasks like washing vehicles, boats, etc, while a commercial-grade machine is for tougher tasks like graffiti removal, paint stripping, and more.

What is the best brand for an electric pressure washer?

There are many brands of electric pressure washers that stood up to testing. Karcher’s K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer, earned the spot as the best overall electric pressure washer, while brands like Sun Joe, Greenworks, Worx and Black + Decker also impressed us.

When looking for the best electric pressure washer, it’s important to consider not just the brand, but what types of projects you’ll be doing. If you’re looking to wash a car, boat, or even outdoor cushions, an electric pressure washer with a lower PSI will work well. If your projects involve cleaning up messes that are harder to remove, a higher PSI is a better choice. You should also consider your access to outdoor electrical sockets, this way you can determine how much cord length you need, or if a cordless model is necessary.

Who We Are

Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer at Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, she spent several hours researching electric pressure washers using product insights and interpreting results from our testing lab.

Rachel Dube is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. She consulted Gary McCoy, a Lowe's store manager, and George Schultz, merchant of pressure washers and outdoor power accessories. She also thoroughly researched the best electric pressure washers while considering their PSI, hose length, cord length, and machine weight.