Best Pressure Washers of 2024

As a group, gas pressure washers are more powerful than electric and battery-operated machines. That makes them best suited for heavier jobs, like cleaning a long-neglected deck or patio.

These models start instantly and easily. You don’t need gas or oil, and there’s no engine maintenance. But because they tend to be less powerful than gas models, they’re best for lighter jobs, such as monthly walkway wash-downs. They’re often much quieter than gas options, too. You can find some high-power electric options on the market, but it takes some digging. We don’t currently have any to recommend in our ratings.

We measure how much pressure each model can produce in pounds per square inch (psi), then fire it up and use it to strip paint from plastic panels, timing how long it takes. Models with a higher pressure output tend to perform better on this test. We also measure noise. Almost all pressure washers are loud enough to require hearing protection, like earplugs or an earmuff-style headset.

Last, we size up ease of use. We add fuel to the machine and note features that make the experience more seamless. We assign a higher score to, say, a model with an engine that automatically shuts off when the oil is low, protecting the device from burning out.

In this guide, we’ve zeroed in on the best pressure washers in the gas and electric categories, according to CR’s current ratings. (The battery-operated pressure washers CR has tested don’t score high enough for us to recommend.) We’ve also included a budget-friendly standout.

Any pressure washer will pump out water with far more force than a garden hose, but the best boost water pressure by a factor of 60 to 80 pounds per square inch. If you’re just browsing at the home center, though, it’s hard to tell which models actually generate that kind of power, and the cleaning prowess that comes with it. At Consumer Reports, we assess pressure washers according to a range of factors, but we place the most weight on how well they handle and clean. Here’s what our top picks have in common:

They’re effective. The best pressure washers in our tests can clean a surface completely, stripping paint at multiple angles and using different nozzles. In your yard that means effortless cleaning of any suitable outdoor surface.

They’re fast. Some pressure washers take their time getting a surface clean. The best aren’t just effective, they’re quick, too. Our power test measures potency, and in turn, how fast each pressure washer can blast through grime.

They’re easy to use. The best pressure washers start easily and have simple controls, cords, and hoses that don’t feel unwieldy. They also make it seamless to switch from one nozzle to another.

Is your deck looking tired and dingy? On the “Consumer 101” TV show, Consumer Reports test engineer Dave Trezza shows how to revive your outdoor space.