With all due respect to the Masters, washing your vehicle has become a tradition in its own right.
There are numerous methods for cleaning your car, but one of the most efficient and effective approaches is using a trusty pressure washer. It’s also useful around the house for various cleaning tasks, making it a versatile tool.
Before purchasing a pressure washer, it’s important to decide what tasks you’ll be using it for.
Tougher household jobs, such as removing varnish from a deck, require a more powerful model than those ideal for vehicle cleaning and you certainly wouldn’t want to use a high-powered washer on your car.
For cleaning cars, boats, and RVs, a smaller, less powerful, and more affordable pressure washer will do the job just fine.
To help you choose the right one for vehicle cleaning, we tested eight different models through rigorous evaluations.
How We Tested Pressure Washers
We approached the testing of pressure washers with an automotive focus, while also considering their potential for larger tasks, such as cleaning driveways and siding. To gather relevant data, we evaluated the following criteria:
- Stated vs. tested maximum 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 features
- Ease of assembly and storage
By combining our observations and data from these factors, we determined which washers performed best in various scenarios and which ones didn’t measure up. Here’s what we found.
1. Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Powerful enough for most tasks, but gentle enough not to damage your vehicle
- Easy to move and store accessories
- Quiet enough for extended use without discomfort
Cons:
- May be tricky to store in your garage
For those looking to purchase a pressure washer specifically for washing their vehicle, the Craftsman CMEPW2100 stands out as the best option we tested.
It delivers a psi range that handles nearly all car cleaning jobs, with only the most challenging tasks requiring more power.
We appreciated the comfortable feel of the sprayer, and the unit’s additional parts are conveniently stored right on the machine.
The CMEPW2100 is also one of the quietest models we tested, which is ideal for prolonged use. Despite its quiet operation, it maintains respectable psi readings for an electric model.
With its car-friendly pressures, portability, and ease of use, the Craftsman is our top choice for the Best Pressure Washer for Vehicles.
Where to get it: Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer
2. Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Portable and easy to store
- Impressive pressure for its compact size
Cons:
- Lacks conventional sprayer tip options
For those in need of a pressure washer that can fit in tight spaces, this Ryobi model is our top pick. It’s lightweight, small, and easy to move around. Despite its small frame, it delivers a solid 1500 max psi performance.
However, this portability comes with a few trade-offs. It doesn’t include some of the typical pressure washer tip options available with other models, and organizing the hoses and cords can be a bit of a hassle.
Although it may not have the versatility for larger household jobs, it’s an excellent choice for DIYers with limited storage space who need a compact, effective power washer.
Where to get it: Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer
3. Greenworks TruBrushless Electric Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Excellent power for an electric pressure washer
- Sturdy and well-built
Cons:
- Short power cord limits reach
While high-power pressure washers are usually gasoline-powered, the Greenworks TruBrushless model defies expectations by delivering a maximum psi of 2600 an impressive feat for an electric unit.
However, we do not recommend using this pressure washer on your vehicle due to its high pressure.
Aside from this caution, we were impressed by the power, spray tip options, and overall construction of the tool.
Choosing between this electric model and a gas-powered washer comes down to personal preference.
It’s ideal for outdoor jobs like cleaning driveways and patios, but be sure to have long extension cords handy to make the most of its reach.
Where to get it: Greenworks TruBrushless Electric Pressure Washer
4. Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Super compact
- Extremely lightweight
Cons:
- Difficult to store power cord and sprayer
The Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer is a great option for those seeking a compact and lightweight pressure washer. Weighing just 16 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to move around wherever the power cord can reach.
While the size limits its pressure, it still delivers a solid 1500 psi with the 40-degree tip, which isn’t bad for such a small unit.That said, the tip options are limited, offering only the Turbo or 40-degree choices.
We appreciated the compact design and decent power, but the challenge comes in storing the sprayer and power cord there’s no convenient way to keep them organized, which leads to a messy bundle.
Nonetheless, the Craftsman CMEPW1700 is a reliable choice if you’re looking for a portable pressure washer.
5. Westinghouse Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Highest psi readings out of any pressure washers we tested
Cons:
- Lacks the Simpson’s dependable Honda motor
This gas-powered pressure washer from Westinghouse stood out by producing the highest psi readings of all models tested, reaching 3000 psi. It’s not suitable for vehicle use, but it’s perfect for heavy-duty tasks like cleaning concrete.
While it performs excellently, it doesn’t quite match up to the Simpson model because it lacks the Honda engine.
Additionally, the Westinghouse features solid tires, while we prefer the air-filled tires on other models, though that’s a personal preference.
This is an excellent option if you need a powerful gas-powered pressure washer for tougher outdoor jobs.
Where to get it: Westinghouse Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
6. Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Nice number of tip options
- Quiet
Cons:
- Lower water pressure than expected
The Sun Joe SPX3000 is a popular pressure washer, but after testing, we found it didn’t live up to expectations. While it’s not a bad performer, it doesn’t excel in any particular area either.
It offers a good selection of spray tips, but the water pressure isn’t strong enough for most tasks. It’s also quieter than many others in this category.
Despite its popularity as a “#1 Best Seller,” we think there are more effective pressure washers available for the price.
Where to get it: Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
7. Chemical Guys ProFlow Electric Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Wide array of sprayer tips
- Excellent mobility
Cons:
- Leaked quite a bit
The Chemical Guys ProFlow stands out for its appearance and mobility, making it a prime contender for car enthusiasts.
It includes a wide range of sprayer tips and is easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for many tasks.
However, this unit experienced more leakage than others, which compromised its water pressure. As a result, the output was only about half the advertised 2030 psi, reducing its effectiveness.
For dedicated Chemical Guys fans, the ProFlow may still be worth considering, but it didn’t perform as well as other options we tested.
Where to get it: Chemical Guys ProFlow Electric Pressure Washer
8. DeWalt Cordless Pressure Washer
Pros:
- Unrivaled mobility
Cons:
- Serious risk to shorting out tool and/or battery
- Weak water pressure
The DeWalt Cordless Pressure Washer sounds like an excellent idea for ultimate mobility, but it doesn’t deliver in terms of performance.
While the 20V MAX battery allows for exceptional mobility, it lacks proper waterproofing, leading to concerns about safety when exposed to water.
Additionally, the water pressure is far too weak for true power washing. Despite its promising design, the DeWalt cordless model did not meet our expectations during testing.
Where to get it: DeWalt Cordless Pressure Washer
How We Tested Pressure Washers
The majority of our testing focuses on automotive products, but since pressure washers serve a variety of purposes, we adjusted our testing parameters to account for the broad range of tasks they can tackle.
For our objective, data-driven approach, we measured the maximum water pressure with a psi gauge, the water flow rate using a flow meter, and the noise level with a decibel meter.
To determine the water flow rate, we recorded the flow before turning the pressure washer on to account for any leaks. We then subtracted this static water flow from the ‘powered on’ measurement to get an accurate reading.
We weighed each pressure washer, including its hoses and attachments, using a scale. Identifying the power source was simple, as the options are either 120V electric, a 20V battery, or gas-powered.
We also documented the available tips and spray patterns for each model.Portability is an important consideration when choosing a pressure washer, so we took note of how easy it was to move each one.
Additionally, we evaluated the ease of assembly and storage. Our observations on these factors helped us determine which pressure washers excelled in different categories.
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Pressure Washer
When shopping for a pressure washer, it’s essential to keep a few key specifications and features in mind. Here are the critical elements to consider:
Power Output (psi):
If you’re looking to pressure-wash your vehicle, aim for a model with a psi between 1200 and 2200. This range provides enough power to clean your car effectively without damaging its paint or other surfaces.
It should also be sufficient for using foam cannons and spray nozzles designed for automotive washing.
For larger jobs, such as cleaning a driveway or washing your home’s siding, you’ll need something with higher power, typically between 2500 and 3500 psi. Anything above 3500 psi is reserved for serious tasks like graffiti removal.
Keep in mind that such high water pressure can cause significant harm if it comes into contact with your skin or limbs. Always exercise caution when handling the equipment.
Water Flow (gpm):
A water flow rate between 1.2 and 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) is suitable for most general tasks.
Nozzle Options:
Ensure that the pressure washer offers a variety of spray patterns and angles. Wider spray nozzles are safer for delicate surfaces, while narrower nozzles focus the water stream for tackling tougher tasks.
Hose Length:
A longer hose increases your reach and flexibility, minimizing the need to reposition the unit as you work.
Soap System:
Some pressure washers come with built-in soap tanks, but it’s crucial to avoid using just any car wash soap, as it could clog the nozzle. Instead, we recommend using a foam cannon to apply soap.
If you decide to use the integrated soap tank, make sure you’re using the right type of soap or detergent that is compatible with the system.
Portability:
A pressure washer that’s easy to move around makes your work much more manageable. Look for models with wheels, and while four wheels work well, a traditional two-wheeled design often offers better maneuverability, especially on driveways.
Electric vs. Gas:
Electric pressure washers are typically lighter, quieter, and can run for extended periods, sometimes up to an hour.
On the other hand, gas-powered models usually offer more power and mobility, though they need to be rested every 30 minutes or so. Choose based on the type of tasks you expect to handle most frequently.