Best Cordless Pressure Washers in 2024
Cordless pressure washers provide high-pressure washing convenience without the hassle of hoses and cords. But with so many cordless model available, how do you determine the best pressure washer for your cleaning needs? We evaluated various factors to withdraw the top options suitable for residential cleaning. Keep reading to find the ideal cordless pressure washer for your home.
Top Picks
- Best overall : Sun Joe 24V-X2-PW1200 1196 PSI Cordless Portable Pressure Washer
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Runner up: Greenworks 40V Cordless Pressure Washer
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Best Portable: DEWALT DCPW550B Cordless Pressure Washer
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Most versatile : RYOBI RY120352K ONE+ Pressure Washer
- Best with Accessories: WORX 20V WG625.4 Cordless Pressure Washer
Best Cordless Pressure Washers Buying Guide
Pressure rating:
For everyday home cleaning needs, a pressure rating of around 1000 PSI in a cordless pressure washer is recommended. Higher pressure around 2300-2500 PSI like in the Sun Joe 24V-X2-PW1200 1196 PSI can handle tough dirt and grime. Either will work for homes but more pressure means tougher cleaning capability.
Runtime:
Cordless pressure washers typically offer 15-30 minutes of run-time on a single charge which determines how long you can clean before recharging. Conversely, lower runtimes under 15 minutes force faster recharging but often lighter weight and lower cost.
Weight:
Cordless pressure washers range from around 9 to 25 lbs depending on specifications. Most of them are super lightweight and portable such as the DEWALT DCPW550B Cordless Pressure Washer.
Included accessories:
Helpful accessories include extension wands for hard to reach areas, detergent tanks for pre-treatment, rotary brushes for stubborn stains, etc. A detergent tank or manual detergent injection allows for pre-soaking heavily soiled surfaces before high-pressure rinsing. Extension wands extend your cleaning reach without the hassle of extra hoses. Rotary brushes scrub away tough messes with rotating nylon bristles.
Battery type:
Cordless pressure washers run primarily on nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion batteries. NiMH batteries tend to provide 8-15 minutes of runtime per charge at lower upfront cost but shorter lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries last longer (15-30 minutes runtime) with greater power but higher cost and lighter weight. Consider the average length of your cleaning cycles and how long the battery needs to last before recharge is needed.
Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive, may have shorter overall lifespan but provide superior performance for the power and runtime needed for most residential pressure washing needs. NiMH batteries can work fine too for lighter duty and are more budget-friendly. Unless runtime is a top priority, lithium-ion batteries are typically recommended for the best performance and power-to-weight ratio. But choose based on your priorities, needs and budget.
Warranty :
A good warranty means the manufacturer stands by the quality and reliability of their product. Look for at least a 2 year warranty on parts and labor, if not longer. 3 years is even better for the peace of mind of coverage.
Longer, stronger warranties give more protection if any issues arise with your cordless pressure washer within a reasonable time period of ownership. They also indicate a more reputable, trusted brand.
Make sure you understand exactly what the warranty covers before purchasing to avoid surprise out of pocket costs down the road.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between cordless and corded pressure washers?
There are a few key differences between cordless and corded pressure washers:
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Power source: Cordless pressure washers operate on rechargeable battery power while corded pressure washers plug into an electrical outlet. Cordless is more portable but limited by battery life. Corded provides unlimited power but no mobility.
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Convenience: Cordless pressure washers are very convenient as you can clean anywhere without worrying about outlets. Corded pressure washers require access to power which can limit cleaning area and flexibility.
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Power/pressure: Cordless pressure washers usually max out at 2500 PSI due to power source limitations. Corded pressure washers can reach higher pressures up to 3000 PSI or more for industrial duty. So cordless works for homes but corded is better for heavy commercial use.
2. What battery type is best – NiMH or lithium-ion?
There are two main types of rechargeable batteries used in cordless pressure washers:
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NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries: Tend to be more affordable and higher capacity (providing more runtime per charge) but have shorter lifespan and degrade over time/use. Good for light to moderate duty use.
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Lithium-ion batteries: Provide higher power density so cordless washers can achieve more pressure for their size and weight. Lithium-ion batteries also hold their charge better over time and number of cycles. However, they are more expensive, lower capacity (less runtime per charge) and slower to recharge. Best for high-power, long-term needs.
For most homeowners, lithium-ion batteries are preferable for the power and performance they provide relative to their size and weight. However, the higher upfront cost may be a deterrent for some budgets.
NiMH batteries can still work great too, especially for occasional light duty needs. But capacity and lifespan will vary more over time.
Conclusion
The ideal cordless pressure washer will make chores more engaging and your space more enjoyable while still being light enough to maneuver and eco-friendly due to rechargeable battery power. Choosing it wisely upfront will lead to a cleaning companion you love using for years to come.
Let me know if any other recommendations or advice is needed. I'm happy to provide more guidance on finding the best cordless pressure washer for your home. Happy cleaning and washing dirt free!