Best Electric Pressure Washers in 2024

For tackling dirt and grime around the home, an electric pressure washer can be an excellent investment. These pressure washers offer high-pressure cleaning power without the hassle of gas and hoses. But with many options available, how do you determine the best electric pressure washer for your needs?

We evaluated factors like pressure rating, battery runtime, weight and included features of highly-rated models from brands like Greenworks, Generac, Sun Joe, Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment, Craftsman, BOSEN, DEWALT to recommend the cream of the crop electric pressure washers for home use. Keep reading to find the ideal electric pressure washer for your property.

Top Picks

• Best overall : Greenworks PRO 2300 PSI TruBrushless Electric Pressure Washer

• Runner-up: Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer 

• Best budget : CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 Electric Pressure Washer

• Best cordless : DEWALT DCPW550P1 Cordless Pressure Washer

• Best Power: Generac 8888 2700 PSI Electric Residential Pressure Washer

• Best Lightweight: Greenworks 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer 

Best Electric Pressure Washers Buying Guide

Pressure rating: 

For tough dirt and grime, an electric pressure washer with at least 2000 to 2500 PSI of pressure is recommended. Higher pressure washers like the Generac 8888 2700 PSI Electric Residential Pressure Washer  can remove stubborn stains and grease with ease. In comparison, the Greenworks 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer provides decent power for average needs but may struggle with tougher messes. 

Weight: 

Electric pressure washers range from around 9 to 25 lbs which can impact your cleaning experience and convenience. Lighter models like the Greenworks 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer or DEWALT DCPW550P1 Cordless Pressure Washer are easier to maneuver and won't tire you out quickly while heavier washers provide more power and durability. 

Cord length: 

For cordless electric pressure washers, the cord length is obviously not applicable. But for corded models, a longer cord length provides greater reach and mobility around your space. Most corded washers offer 25-50ft of cord length, sufficient for average homes. However, for large properties, a longer 50ft cord allows you to clean areas further from outlets without re-positioning the washer. It depends on how much range and flexibility you need in your cord.

Included accessories: 

Valuable accessories can enhance your cleaning power and efficiency. Common include detergent tanks, extension wands, rotary nozzles, foam cannons, etc. Models like the Sun Joe SPX3001 comes with multiple nozzles for optimizing pressure and flow for different jobs. A detergent tank allows for soaping up and pre-treating stains before high-pressure rinsing. An extension wand extends your reach for hard to access areas. Choose a washer that includes the accessories that will be most useful for your specific needs.

Pump type: 

The two main types of pumps used in electric pressure washers are axial pumps and radial pumps. Axial pumps are more compact and lightweight but tend to be louder and have a shorter lifespan. Radial pumps are stronger, more durable and efficient but also larger and heavier. For high-volume or commercial use, a radial pump is preferable. For home use, either can work fine for most needs.

Motor power: 

The motor power indicates how much power the washer can generate in amperage (A) or volt-amps (VA). Higher power allows for greater pressure, higher volume water flow and more heavy-duty cleaning. For home basic needs around 2000 PSI, 15-20A or 2000-3000VA power is sufficient. More powerful motors of 25A or higher are better for commercial use or high-pressure needs. Match the motor power to the kinds of cleaning projects you want to accomplish.

FAQs

1. What PSI rating do I need for home use?

For typical home cleaning tasks like washing siding, decks, patios, driveways, etc. an electric pressure washer with 2000 to 2500 PSI of pressure is generally sufficient and suitable.

• 2000-2200 PSI: Will handle basic cleaning needs for most homeowners. Good for light to moderate dirt and grime.

• 2300-2500 PSI: Provides a bit more power for tougher jobs but still adequate for residential use. Can remove tough stains and deal with heavier soiling.

• Higher than 2500 PSI: Pressure washers with 2600 PSI or more are very powerful and heavy-duty. Best reserved for commercial cleaning needs and will overpower most home cleaning requirements.

So for homeowners, 2000-2500 PSI is the ideal pressure range to consider. Higher pressure within this range (2300-2500 PSI) will give you some extra muscle power when needed but 2000-2200 PSI is perfectly capable for typical home tasks and more affordable/efficient for most homeowners.

2. What is the difference between electric pressure washers and gas pressure washers?

There are a few key differences between electric and gas pressure washers:

• Power source: Electric pressure washers plug into an outlet while gas pressure washers have an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. Electric is cordless and more eco-friendly but limited by battery life. Gas is not cordless but more powerful.

• Cost: Electric pressure washers tend to cost less upfront as the power source is less expensive. However, electricity costs money to run, and batteries need to be replaced which adds to the lifetime cost. Gas pressure washers have higher upfront costs but cheaper fuel costs.

• Power/pressure: Gas pressure washers typically offer higher maximum pressure, often 3000 PSI or more. Most electric pressure washers max out at around 2500 PSI for home use. So gas is more suitable for heavy-duty professional cleaning needs.

Conclusion

Evaluating these factors carefully will help you determine the best, most suitable electric pressure washer for your particular needs, requirements, strength, space, budget and environmental priorities. Read reviews, compare specifications and consider examples from top-rated models to make an informed choice.

Let me know if any other questions remain about finding the ideal electric pressure washer for you!