What is the best electric-pressure washer? If you want to make your house cleaning easy and time-saving you should purchase an electric pressure washer with the top-level features to be able to achieve your cleaning goal. Thus, it should provide enough power and versatility in use to cope with any cleaning challenges of your household or outdoor surfaces. It should be lightweight and portable with no issues to carry it from one place to another. Also the electric pressure washer should be very quiet in operation. Karcher K5 Premium will be capable to satisfy the cleaning needs even of the most exacting users and meet the most critical specifications.
Why have I chosen this model? Because Karcher is a well-known and reliable brand which is considered to be the pioneer in this branch of industry on the European market. It is close to gas pressure counterparts in terms of its power ratings. But unlike gas powered machines it is an environmental-friendly and maintenance free unit. This model was supposed to be expensive, but as of now, the cost of this pressure washer has turned out to be quite affordable.
The main characteristic that makes it stand aside of its competitors is the water cooling system, i.e., water-cooled induction motor. This increases the service life of the pressure washer by around five in comparison with other options on the market of the same class.
Karcher model comes with a N-COR pump which is permanent and completely free of maintenance. Another important feature is availability of Vario Power Spray wand that contributes to an easy adjustment of the spray right from the wand.
CONTENT
- 1 What is an electric pressure washer?
- 2 Electric vs. Gas pressure washers
- 3 Hot water vs. cold water pressure washers
- 4 PSI and GPM, why is it important?
- 5 How does it work? Explaining the technology behind
- 6 How long can you run an electric pressure washer?
- 7 Top-6 Best electric pressure washers
- 8 10 Best Electric-Pressure Washer Comparison Table
- 9 How To Set Up An Electric Pressure Washer?
- 10 Pressure washer tips to safe use
- 11 Who makes the best electric pressure washers?
What is an electric pressure washer?
Electric Pressure Washer is a multifunctional, compact and user-friendly household tool. Its price depends mostly on how much power it can produce, but in any case it's relatively affordable for any budget, in comparison with gas pressure counterparts. These cleaning units are most commonly used for residential purposes or at small business such as garages or auto body shops. In particular, they can be used for car detailing or home and furniture cleaning.
However, there are so many models of various brands which are available on the market currently, and each of them has more or less advantageous and disadvantageous features. Let’s find out what you should consider when looking for your perfect pressure washer.
Electric vs. Gas pressure washers
Gas pressure washers have a huge competitive advantage over electric models. They clean faster due to much higher pressure and flow rates provided by more powerful engines. They can handle any outdoor heavy-duty cleaning of a homeowner.
However, electric pressure washers own all the other advantages. They're more compact and lightweight in comparison with gas pressure units. They start up as soon as you have power supply and pull the trigger, and shut down as soon as you release it. So if you don’t want to have any starting issues, or deal with routine maintenance of the engine and pump, you should prefer the electric pressure washer. More than that, since there’s no fumes and unbearable noise, you can use it indoors.
Hot water vs. cold water pressure washers
There is another classification of cold or hot water pressure washers. Apart from the temperature of water they use, they differ in several other areas as well. Of course they both have their pros and cons, and knowing more about each will help you make a better decision.
Cold water pressure washers
Most demanded pressure washers on the market are cold water units. There are plenty of reasons why they are so popular. But the most important reason is probably that they are much cheaper and simpler in their design in comparison with hot water pressure washers. Also, they are a lot more practical due to their compactness and maneuverability.
Cold water pressure washers rely on high-pressure water jets to remove dirt. And the higher the PSI and GPM number, the more powerful the pressure washer is. This is usually enough to handle most impurities.
But they are less efficient when it comes to deal with oily or greasy stains that can be found on hard surfaces such as garage floors, pavements and driveways. The use of detergents helps out a bit on some of the less tough stains, but oil and grease are often too much to handle for most cold pressure washers.
Hot water pressure washers
The same concept applies to hand washing. The cold water will be useless if you have grease or oil residue on your hands. The hot water really makes more sense, melting away the dirt and debris. It's the same when it comes to pressure washers.
Hot water pressure washers are able to remove oil and grease from the surface just as easily as a cold water ones can break up dirt. They are capable to heat up water as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperature rises, the bonds of impurities are broken down on a molecular level. Thus making surfaces free from bacteria and other impurities more effectively due to the heat they distribute.
These washers are also generally a better option in cold-weather climates due to a higher risk of water supply line freeze-up.
Despite all the above-mentioned advantages they are heavyweight, bulky and due to their complex design, more complicated to maintain. They are also more expensive.
So which one to prefer? It's easy. If any oil or grease stains are not those cleaning challenges you are facing on a constant basis, than save your money and buy a cold water unit.
PSI and GPM, why is it important?
Pressure washers are usually selected by reference to their cleaning power which is represented by two ratings. 1. Pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). 2. Water flow rate, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
A machine with lower ratings can do almost all the jobs a more powerful machine can do. The higher PSI the deeper cleaning is, the higher GPM the quicker cleaning time is. Combination of PSI and GPM provides the cleaning units. The more cleaning units, the more efficient process you get.
The most popular electric pressure washers for residential use on the market are usually offered with a pressure range of 1500-3000 PSI and a flow rate of 1.2-2.6 GPM. A machine with lower ratings can do almost all the jobs a more powerful machine can do.
But a machine with higher ratings will clean much faster. For instance, 2000 PSI will be enough to handle daily-basis light or medium-duty cleaning tasks.
If you plan to tackle any heavy-duty cleaning on a constant basis, like pavements or concrete surfaces that need a thorough wash, then it's better to consider more powerful models of 3000 PSI and above. So, it’s up to you to decide which power value to choose, depending on your cleaning targets. But you should bear in mind that this parameter directly influence on the price of the products.
How does it work? Explaining the technology behind
As soon as the power button is switched on with trigger pulled, the cleaning process has been initiated. The detergent is fed from the tank through a hose. Cold water flows in from the water supply source through another hose with a filter. Operation of the electric pressure washer is ensured by the electric motor.
Powered by the motor the water pump draws in water and detergent and mixes them together. Some washers even heat the water to 125-155 ° F to improve cleaning quality and speed-up the overall process.
When the pump jets this mixture through a high-pressure hose with a selected attachment. The latter in the form of a nozzle increases the pressure of the water jet. Thus faster and deeper cleaning and water saving are ensured.
How long can you run an electric pressure washer?
Electric pressure washers can run for as long as you would like to, providing you are doing your cleaning stuff, instead of leaving it running for nothing or unsupervised. Just ensure a constant power supply and water source volume which meets the washer's needs. Most electric power washers need 1-1.5 GPM, so if you have other water source than water supply system at your house, like a bucket or a vessel, you need to make additional calculation for timely refilling.
Top-6 Best electric pressure washers
Let’s take a look at the best electric pressure washers which I mostly recommend in this guide based on the survey above.
1. Karcher K5 Premium | Best Overall
The company was founded by the inventor Alfred Kärcher, who began manufacturing and marketing his pioneering product ideas in the field of heating technology. In 1950 he introduced first hot water high-pressure cleaner in Europe. Kärcher has remained a family-owned company to this day, headquartered in Winnenden near Stuttgart.
In 2018 the company achieved a turnover of 2.783 billion U.S. dollars, the highest in its history. The company employs 13,027 staff in more than 120 companies in 70 countries. Over 50,000 service outlets worldwide ensure uninterrupted supply for customers all over the world.
Karcher K5 Premium with its high power ratings may handle any job around the house you are aspiring. It is a part of the ‘Premium’ range which means it has a water-cooled induction motor and non-corrosive pump. You can easily use it all-day round without the motor overheating.
Another great feature is the unit's time-saving quick connect system.
Features
- Pressure (PSI): 2000
- Flow rate (GPM): 1.4
- Weight w / o accessories (lbs): 28.7
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 16.46 x 16.77 x 34.33
- Hose length (ft): 25
Pros & Cons
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Karcher K5 Premium is one of the highest performance models within Karcher range in this class. It is the perfect combination of power, performance and price. I believe that K5 Premium is worth its money, and can be a great option to be considered for your in-house needs.
Karcher: Check the current price
2. Powerhouse International Electric High Power | Best Performance
Powerhouse International is a relatively new brand. It is a small family owned business in Lincoln, Nebraska. They offer only electric pressure washers on the market. According to the customers' reviews they offer really high-quality, reliable products.
This unit is comparable to a gas pressure washer in its power ratings but requires almost no maintenance. It is equipped with the Total Stop System (TSS) trigger gun which has a trigger safety switch and a brush motor shuts off automatically when the trigger is released. This helps to prolong the motor life. It comes with many useful attachments which can be stored on-board. It has a soap bottle for cleaning the car, a surface cleaner and soft bristle brush for cleaning your sidewalk or patio.
Features
- Pressure (PSI): 3200
- Flow rate (GPM): 2.2
- Weight (lbs): 32
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 15 x 18 x 24
- Hose length (ft): 30
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It has enough power to do just about everything around the house. It comes with every attachment you could want. It is electric so you do not have to worry about gas, oil, and other maintenance stuff. If the Powerhouse model fits your budget it is definitely worth a closer look.
Powerhouse International: Check the current price
3. Briggs & Stratton 20680 | Best for a Light-duty Cleaning
Briggs & Stratton is the world's largest producer of air-cooled gas engines for outdoor power equipment with its 100-year experience on the market. Headquartered in Milwaukee, USA, the company designs, manufactures, markets, and services these products for original equipment manufacturers worldwide.
The Briggs & Stratton 20680 is very nicely designed, and it is very compatible. It has a fold-down mechanism for easier storage.
It comes with many attachments to it. It is equipped with an integrated detergent tank. There are also three quick to connect nozzles for multiple usages.
Briggs & Stratton 20680 does not create a lot of sound during its usage, so it is considered very quiet.
Features
- Pressure (PSI): 1800
- Flow rate (GPM): 1.2
- Weight (lbs): 31.5
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 15.5 x 18.8 x 35
- Hose length (ft): 20
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To my opinion, this pressure washer is perfect for a light-duty cleaning around the house. It has a relatively acceptable price for a big number of applicable features.
Briggs & Stratton: Check the current price
4. Sun Joe SPX3000 | Best Affordable yet Powerful
Sun Joe is one of the best premium and well-known brands in the U.S. when it comes to manufacturing top-quality pressure washers. They are efficient in not only creating some of the most eco-friendly and power-saving washers, but they also provide great after-sales services in general.
Sun Joe SPX3000 is one of their best-selling units. It is lightweight, affordable, and really powerful with a maximum PSI of 2,030. This model has a 5 quick connect spray tip (0, 15, 25, 40 degree and soap). This helps tackle light to heavy duty cleanings. Sun Joe has two detergent store system where you can put two types of detergent at the same time. You can easily switch the use of detergent while cleaning your dirt.
It has a built in shut off pump when the trigger is not engaged to save energy. It is good for cleaning homes, buildings, cars, RV's, boats, trucks, decks, patios, driveways, lawn furniture and equipment. It is also CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved.
Features
- Pressure Max (PSI): 2030
- Flow rate (GPM): 1.76
- Weight (lbs): 31
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 15.6 x 13.5 x 33.9
- Hose length (ft): 20
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Overall I recommend this model for its cleaning power rate, the ease of handling, and the price. If you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful electric pressure washer for around your home then the Sun Joe is a nice option.
Sun Joe: Check the current price
5. AR Blue Clean, AR383 | Best Balance of Power, Quality and Price
Annovi Reverberi is an Italian high pressure pump company with 60-year experience. Since 2006 they started selling AR Blue Clean pressure washers, which are currently highly demanded tools on the market. All AR Blue Clean products sold in the United States are serviced by AR North America located in Fridley, Minnesota.
The AR383 is one of their most popular units. It is a powerful, durable and reliable electric pressure washer that will help you to clean many outdoor surfaces. It comes with the high-pressure washer spray gun designed with a quick-coupler fitting for easy installation / removal of the high-pressure hose and wands. It is equipped with the Total Stop System (TSS) which automatically shuts off the pressure washer when trigger is not engaged.
Features
- Pressure (PSI): 1900
- Flow rate (GPM): 1.5
- Weight (lbs): 27
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 11.2 x 12.2 x 28.5
- Hose length (ft): 20
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The AR Blue Clean AR383 is a balance of power, quality and price. You should keep in mind that this washer is considered to be medium-duty, and cannot tackle the hardest grease and oil stains. But it is a great unit when it comes to versatility around your backyard.
AR Blue Clean: Check the current price
6. Greenworks GPW1501 | Best Cheap
Greenworks was founded in Canada in 2002. Greenworks is a frontrunner in a world that leaves fossil fuels and electric cords behind.
They have subsidiaries all over the world. All skills, ranging from research and development to production, exist within Globe Group. The global headquarter is in Changzhou, China, where they manufacture all products at 240.000 m2 production facilities. The latter includes modern plants with robotic production lines, supporting electric, metal, plastic, and motor production.
Greenworks GPW1501 is a perfect household tool for light cleaning. It comes with easy to assemble parts. It can be used both vertically and horizontally, which can really make pressure washing easier. The total cleaning power score of this unit is 1800.
It comes with a turbo nozzle that can be used for cleaning surfaces such as your patio, driveway or even the facade of your home. Also, this unit has a bit longer power cord than the rest of the pressure washers - 35 feet in total.
Features
- Pressure 0 (PSI): 1500
- Flow rate (GPM): 1.2
- Weight (lbs): 18.4
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 6.8 x 15 x 10.9
- Hose length (ft): 20
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The Greenworks GPW1501 is one of the most affordable electric pressure washers in its class. It is good enough for most homeowners to use for a light-duty cleaning. However, if you are intending to use it for more challenging cleaning jobs, then you should look for a more powerful option.
Greenworks: Check the current price
10 Best Electric-Pressure Washer Comparison Table
1
Karcher
Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer, 2000 PSI, 1.4 GPM
2
Powerhouse International
Powerhouse International - Electric High Power- Pressure Washer - 3000 PSI 2.2 GPM - Power Washer - Patio Cleaner - Hose Reel - Spray Gun (Red - Platinum Edition)
3
Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton 20680 Electric Pressure Washer 1800 PSI 1.2 GPM with 20-Foot High Pressure Hose, Turbo Nozzle & Detergent Tank
4
Sun joe
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer
5
AR Annovi Reverberi
AR Blue Clean, AR383 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer, Nozzles, Spray Gun, Wand, Detergent Bottle & Hose
6
Greenworks
Greenworks 1500 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer GPW1501
7
Stanley
Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer with Spray Gun, Quick Connect Nozzles Foam Cannon, 25 'Hose, Max PSI 2150, 1.4 GPM
8
Homdox
Homdox 3000 PSI Pressure Washer Electric 1800W High Pressure Power Washer Machine with Power Hose Gun Turbo Wand 5 Interchangeable Nozzles
9
mrliance
mrliance 3500PSI Electric Pressure Washer, 2.0GPM Electric Power Washer High Pressure Washer with Spray Gun, Brush, and 4 Quick-Connect Spray Tip (Blue)
10
Stanley
Stanley SHP2000 Electric Power Washer, Medium, Yellow
How To Set Up An Electric Pressure Washer?
So, now you are a happy owner of your brand-new electric pressure washer. But before having fun with your cleaning friend you must learn about the main tips on how to start and run it in an efficient and safe way.
First thing you must do before squeezing the trigger is manual reading. The latter can be vague with its instructions, and that is why I'm going to summarize the main features and principles of its operation in a transparent and user-friendly way.
It's super easy to set up the electric units. Make sure that it is on a flat surface. And if your pressure washer comes with a water strainer, it needs to be kept free of debris.
1. Connect the hoses
Rinse out your garden hose for 30 seconds to clear any debris. Connect a garden hose to your pressure washer's inlet (make sure that it’s free from any debris inside in advance), and the other end to your water supply, don’t forget to turn the water on.
2. Choose the nozzle you want to use
If your pressure washer has a set of nozzles for different applications, choose the one that mostly fits to the job you are going to complete. Some models have a multi-nozzle tool that is connected to the gun so you don’t need to change the nozzle at different stages of the cleaning process.
3. Plug it to the power outlet
If you use an extension cord, make sure that it's rated to be used in wet areas. It should be removed from the area you want to spray. Make sure you turn the electric power supply on. And now your pressure washer is set up and ready for operation. Just press its power button ON and pull the trigger!
Pressure washer tips to safe use
I strongly recommend using the protective gear, like safety goggles, boots and work gloves, in particular. I also advise using ear plugs with some electric pressure models even if they deemed to be less noisy as the gas electric machines.
Some parts of the machine may rotate at high speed rates, so, make sure to keep children and loose clothing away.
Don’t forget that you are dealing with a big volume of water, it may be slippery under your feet. Mind high-temperature areas on the machine itself and kickback from the spraying gun.
Because you are using an electric pressure washer, there is a risk of electrocution.
Make sure to keep the water jet away from your skin or anyone else’s. Don’t point the pressure washer at any person or animal since it could seriously hurt them.
Who makes the best electric pressure washers?
Karcher - The pioneers of the pressure washer concept in Europe. The family owned business since 1935 with its subsidiaries around the globe.
AR Blue Clean - Most popular manufacturer. They are known for their high quality pumps.
Sun joe - A brand of electric pressure washers established in 2004 in New Jersey. The company offers a wide range of pressure cleaners.
Greenworks - A company that offers only electric power equipment. It's an exclusive brand of Globe Tools Group, a successful manufacturer of corded and cordless outdoor power tools.
Craftsman - A registered trademark of Sears since 1927. They are best known for their value for the money.
Ryobi - A brand owned by Techtronic Industries with its 41 locations of operation around the world. Ryobi is one of the world’s largest and most innovative power tool and outdoor product manufacturers.