Best Pressure Washers of 2023

We measure how much pressure each model can produce in pounds per square inch (PSI), giving a higher score to those with a higher PSI. Then we fire up each pressure washer and use it to strip paint from painted 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. For instance, we add fuel to the machine and note features that make the experience more seamless than usual. And we assign a higher score to, say, a model with an engine that automatically shuts off when the oil is low, compared to one with just an indicator light. That’s because the automatic shutoff will protect the engine from burning out if the machine ends up running without oil.

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 didn’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 pressure than your regular garden hose, but the best will boost water pressure by a factor of 60 to 80 pounds per square inch. But if you’re just browsing at the home center or hardware store, it’s hard to tell which models will actually generate that kind of power, and the cleaning 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.

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 tools 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 also often much quieter than gas options. Note that high-power electric options do exist, but they’re still a small percentage of the market, and none are currently in our ratings.

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.