Best Pressure Washers for Your Car, Driveway, and Patio: Key Considerations and Options

Samuel J Tan Garden, Home & Kitchen 0

When it comes to the pressure washers, there are many uses and a wide range of purposes. From clearing dust off your vehicles to getting rid of the muck from your patios to eliminating any amount of mud from your driveways, they are here to make your work easier and quicker.

Extremely efficient, the best pressure washers work on the much less water as compared to standard garden hoses. The fact that they run at high pressure makes it easy to obliterate all those stains which just cannot be removed with your own hands.

So, if you’re looking for the best pressure washers, you’ve just landed at the perfect place. We explained the key considerations when considering a pressure washer so you know what to look for. We also included a comprehensive review of the top five pressure washers in the open market.

Before you check out the top-rated models, have a look at the key features below to keep in mind when making your decision for the best high-quality pressure washer that will meet your needs.

Table of Contents

Key Considerations

While choosing the pressure washers, it is imperative to look for a number of different things. Starting from the flow rate, pressure levels, hose length, nozzle options and detergent tank.

Types of Pressure Washers

There are two types of pressure washers which are normally available in today’s market: Electric and Gas.

Starting with the electric pressure washers, they should be your go-to-purchase if you’re looking to make this acquisition for home-based usage. Incorporating a lightweight design, electric pressure washers have the benefit of quiet operation and they are pretty easy to operate.

However, one disadvantage usually associated with this type of washers is the fact that you have to connect them to the mains, making its application restricted to near a power socket or supply. It also means that apart from preventing the switch from getting wet, you have to protect yourself from tripping over any the cord.

Electric pressure washers are more common for residential application. But bigger and more advanced electric pressure washers are also increasingly common where commercial applications are concerned.

Moving on to the gas pressure washers, these are normally recommended for industrial and professional uses. They offer a better water flow rate as compared to that of their electric counterparts and you do not have to be connected to the mains supply and not have to deal with power cords.

Water Flow Rate

Measured in liters per hour, the water flow rate varies greatly as you move from the lower-priced washers to the higher-priced ones. The average water flow rate, which comes incorporated in a vast majority range of pressure washers, is no less than 40,000 liters per hour.

If you’re looking to complete your job in a short span of time, you might want to go with a pressure washer with a higher flow rate. However, if budget is your main concern, a relatively lower flow rate will work just fine and be more efficient, saving you water in the long run.

Pressure

When it comes to pressure washers, their pressure is usually measured in two different units, bars and pounds per square inch (PSI).

The light-duty pressure washers, which are designed for simple home-based cleaning projects, incorporate a pressure level of no more than 100 bars. As per the medium duty products, ones which can be found in the patios and driveways, they make use of 100-150 bars pressure.

Anything above 200 bars of pressure can only be found in heavy duty washers and if your patio size is above the average size, you should consider the heavy duty pressure washers.

Hose Length

It goes without saying that a pressure washer with a long hose is easier to operate as compared to the one which comes with a relatively short hose. We are talking about the high pressure hose between the unit and the spray lance.

Normal garden hose can be used to supply the pressure washer unit with water from your supply tap. This is available separately and can be any length. When considering the high pressure hose length, remember to take into account the size of your patio or driveway and choose an optimal hose length for manoeuvrability.

Nozzle Options

When it comes to the pressure washer nozzles, they are available in a number of different colors. Every color indicates a specific angle at which the water is thrown upon and it will also tell you about the narrowness of the spray angle.

Starting with the red colored nozzles, they indicate an angle of 0 degrees. Yellow color indicates 15 degrees, green is 25 degrees and the widest of which is the white-colored nozzle. Please note that not all pressure washers come equipped with colour coded nozzles.

According to a rule of thumb, you should always use the highest pressure nozzle for the toughest of cleaning jobs. Similarly, you should use the lowest pressure nozzle for a surface which can be easily cleaned.

Apart from the aforesaid options, you can also invest in an all-in-one nozzle which is readily available in today’s market. Basically, this nozzle can produce any one of the above mentioned pressure as you just have to set it up manually. You can purchase a 5-in-1 or a 7-in-1 nozzle but before doing so, make sure that your current pressure washer is compatible with this device.

Detergent Tank

If you’re looking to use chemicals for effective washing, it is imperative to invest in the pressure washers which come with the built-in detergent tanks. However, not all pressure washers come with this facility so keep this in mind while making this acquisition. Some models offer a detergent tube or detachable tub that can dip into ready mixed washing liquid.

Stability

Apart from the possibility of wall mounting, pressure washers can be categorised into four different types. Starting with the handheld pressure washers, it includes cold water washers, hot water washers and finally, the wall-mounted pressure washers.

The handheld pressure washers are usually recommended for handling small-sized cleaning jobs. They don’t have enough water flow rate to handle heavy-duty projects so if you’re looking for a portable option, this type of washers can be your ideal washers.

Cold water pressure washers incorporate enough water flow rate which makes them a viable purchase for daily cleaning projects. Similarly, you can use hot water pressure washers if you have to clean grease, slime and other such unwanted rough surfaces on a consistent basis.

Cold water pressure washers are most common for household use and is widely available in the market in different shapes and sizes.

Finally, the wall-mounted pressure washers come handy for all those homeowners who are either involved in commercial cleaning business or they want to clean SUVs, large vehicles or large-sized patios that needed regular clearning.

Best Pressure Washers

Sun Joe SPX3000

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is designed for all those homeowners who’re looking to purchase a versatile pressure washer. This product makes use of five different nozzles which allows you to choose from a low-pressure output to a high-pressure water output.

This pressure washer runs on electricity and unlike other gas-powered models, the Sun Joe SPX3000 operates with low level of noise. The manufacturer has provided an extra-long power cord with this unit and when it comes to operating this device, you just have to press a single button.

Coming towards its water output, the Sun Joe SPX3000 runs on a 14.5AMP motor which allows it to generate an impressive water flow rate of 1.76 gallons-per-minute. The water comes out at a pressure of 2030 PSI so whether you want to clean your vehicles, patios or even driveways, you can do any such thing with the help of this device.

For added convenience, this pressure washer comes integrated with two different detergent tanks. This design allows you to tackle different cleaning projects at one time as all you need to do, is just to rotate a detergent dial, in order to select one detergent or the other.

Finally, the manufacturer is offering a 2-year warranty on the Sun Joe SPX3000. So if you’re planning to invest in a highly versatile device, one which also comes with a wide range of features, this is worth considering.

Key Features

1.76 GPM Water Flow Rate
2030PSI – HIGH PRESSURE
5 Nozzles
2 Detergent Tanks

Greenworks GPW1702

Coming from a reputable brand in the field of lawn tools, the Greenworks GPW1702 is designed for customers whom are looking to make this purchase without spending too much. One of the least expensive pressure washers in this list, this product combines an environmental-friendly design with an easy to use interface.

The Greenworks GPW1702 comes integrated with a powerful, 13AMP motor which is more than capable of handling a wide range of cleaning projects. The manufacturer has provided a 35ft long power cord with this device which ensures that regardless of the size of your patios, you can easily carry this unit from one place to the other.

This washer gives out a water flow rate of 1.2GPM at a pressure of 1700 PSI which allows it to obliterate even the toughest of stains. Another thing which is quite impressive about this model is the fact that it comes included with a wide range of accessories. Starting from three different nozzles, you’ll get a spray gun, wand storage, a pressure hose along with a soap applicator.

The Greenworks GPW1702 also comes with a 1-year warranty so if you’re running a tight ship, this electric pressure washer can give you a good value for your money.

Key Features

1.2 GPM Water Flow Rate
1700 PSI Pressure
3 Nozzles

AR Blue Clean AR383

If you’re looking for a high-quality pressure washer, one which can last through the toughest of your cleaning projects, have a look at the AR Blue Clean AR383. Despite the fact that this washer is designed to cater to heavy-duty projects, it still comes with quite a lightweight design. In fact, the overall weight of the AR Blue Clean AR383 is no more than 20lbs which makes it one of the lightest pressure washers in today’s market.

Incorporating an 11 AMP motor, this electric pressure washer comes integrated with a mammoth 1900 PSI dirt removing power. Combine it with its 1.5 GPM water flow rate and you can use this model for a number of different projects.

The AR Blue Clean AR383 is a highly portable unit as depending on your personal preference, you can easily move this washer from one point to the other. This is made possible by its 20ft long hose, along with a further 30ft power cord. Such kind of design ensures that unlike other pressure washers, which requires you to work within a limited space, there is no such restriction with this one.

The detergent bottle, which comes included in this purchase, is capable of holding in 14oz of detergent and when it comes to its water consumption, the AR Blue Clean AR383 consumes 80% lesser water as compared to a normal garden hose.

AR Blue Clean AR383 Pressure Washer in Action

Annovi Reverberi is offering a 1-year warranty on this purchase which covers every single part of this machine. So if you’re planning to invest in a top-rated pressure washer, the AR Blue Clean AR383 is worth a shot.

Key Features

1.5 GPM Water Flow Rate
1900 PSI Pressure
2 Nozzles
1 Detergent Bottle

Briggs & Stratton 20667 Electric Pressure Washer

Incorporating a durable brushless induction motor, the Briggs & Stratton 20667 Electric Pressure Washer is designed to tackle even the toughest of cleaning projects. This electric pressure washer features a superior POWERflow+ technology which, in simple words, provides you with an optimal fusion of high flow rate with an increased water pressure.

The Briggs & Stratton 20667 Electric Pressure Washer comes with an impressive 3.5 GPM of water flow rate as you can use its 7-in-1 nozzle to enjoy optimal water pressure as per every single project. Combine it with its 80 PSI pressure and you can use this washer on your patios, driveways and other such outdoor locations with a certain ease.

This is quite a portable machine as the manufacturer has designed the Briggs & Stratton 20667 Electric Pressure Washer with 7-inch solid wheels. It also features compact dimensions and when the overall weight of this washer is no more than 43.25lbs, you can even store it in the trunk of your vehicle.

Finally, you’ll get a 1-year warrant on purchasing the Briggs & Stratton 20667 Electric Pressure Washer which is quite impressive when you compare it with similarly priced models in today’s market.

Key Features

3.5 GPM Water Flow Rate – HIGH FLOW RATE
80 PSI Pressure
7-in-1 Nozzle – BIGGEST NUMBER OF NOZZLES
Detergent Tank
1 Year Warranty

Ivation Electric Pressure Washer

Available in a stylish fusion of red and orange, the Ivation Electric Pressure Washer is designed for customers who’re looking to purchase a versatile yet powerful pressure washer.

This model is versatile in the sense that it comes equipped with five different interchangeable nozzles. Depending on your cleaning project, as if whether you want to rub away hard grimes or even if you’re going to use this model for cleaning your vehicles, you can always choose the nozzle which is best suited for this job.

Looking at its performance, the Ivation Electric Pressure Washer incorporates a powerful 13.5 AMP motor which allows it to generate no less than 2200 PSI of water pressure. It is capable of producing 1.8 GPM water flow rate which is more than enough for a vast majority of homeowners.

Also included in this purchase is a soap dispenser and you’ll also get a power hose on making this acquisition. This is quite a portable washer as you can use its handle, along with a couple of wheels, for moving this product from one point to the other.

Setup is fairly easy with the Ivation Electric Pressure Washer as it shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds in order to install this model. So if you’re looking for a powerful pressure washer, one which is fairly portable as well, the Ivation Electric Pressure Washer is worth a try.

Key Features

1.8 GPM Water Flow Rate
2200 PSI Pressure – HIGHEST PRESSURE
5 Interchangeable Nozzles
Soap Dispenser

Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700

Last but certainly not the least popular pressure washer in this list, the Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 comes equipped with a wide range of features at a pretty affordable price. It also sees Karcher, one of the leading manufacturers of pressure washer introducing a new cube profile vs. the conventional vertical unit, lowering its center of gravity and making it more stable during use.

First of all, this model is rated at 1700 PSI as you can use this machine at 1.2 gallons-per-minute of water flow rate. This product also features a convenient on/off switch which ensures that in case of an emergency, you can turn this model off by tapping on the big on/off switch using your feet.

Another thing which is quite impressive about the Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 is the fact that it comes included with three separate nozzles. Also present in this machine is an onboard detergent tank which prevents you from purchasing an extra soap dispenser.

You can use this model for cleaning you patios, driveways and vehicles and as soon as you stop spraying, its quiet electric motor will stop automatically. The Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 further comes with an impressive, 3-year warranty which is much better as compared to any other product in this list.

So if you’re looking to purchase an energy efficient product, one which can give you a good value for your money, the Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 is worth a try.

Key Features