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Best Pressure Washer

7 of the best pressure washer’s available in the UK.

League Table By: Tony Dimmick

Last Checked: 6th Sep 2020


Andrew Wilcox

Head Judge: Andrew Wilcox

Channel 4’s Head Judge & Founder of Shed of the Year Andrew Wilcox has worked to help design an impartial judging system for WhatShed. The judging system uses many different parameters to help give a large degree of impartiality to the way we select products for each of the league tables we do. You can read more about the system here.

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Perfect for cleaning walls, patios, driveways, garden furniture, your car, and everything in between, pressure washers have a lot of different uses, and we’ve spent over 20 hours looking for the best pressure washer models on the market. Taking expert and user reviews into account, we’ve selected seven of the best pressure washers to help you save time in your search for the right choice

Kärcher K2 Full Control Home Pressure Washer


Retailer:
Amazon
Price:
£99.99
Website:
What Shed Editors Choice Award

The Karcher K2 Full Control Home Pressure Washer stands out as one of the best-rated pressure washers money can buy right now. Well-suited for cleaning large areas of patio and decking, while also being useful for walls, paving slabs, garage doors, and cars too, this Karcher pressure washer can be assembled in a matter of minutes. It comes with all the accessories and instructions you need to get started, boasting impressive build quality and multiple attachments for handling different surfaces, offering a maximum pressure rating of 110 bar, a top flow rate of 360 l/h, and an overall unit weight (without accessories) of 4.3 kg.

8 Reasons To Buy

  • This is one of the most compact pressure washers around, making it really easy to carry
  • The Karcher K2 is available at a very reasonable price, offering good value for money
  • Many reviewers stated that this pressure washer was more than powerful enough to tackle decks, patios, garden furniture, and vehicles
  • Many users appreciate the various attachments that come with this pressure washer
  • The Karcher K2 comes with a bottle of patio and deck detergent, as well as a T150 patio cleaner
  • Users enjoy how easy it is to set up and use this pressure washer, with simple lance attachment changes
  • Users appreciate the fact that this pressure washer can be set-up in just 5-10 minutes
  • Many users were also impressed by the build quality of this washer

3 Reasons Not To Buy

  • Some users feel that the power cable on this pressure washer is a little too short
  • Some negative reviews of this compact pressure washer argued that the power cable and water hose are tricky to roll around the unit and can fall off quite easily
  • A few users stated that this pressure washer wasn’t quite powerful enough for some of their more intensive cleaning jobs

Kärcher K7 Premium Full Control Plus Home Pressure Washer


Retailer:
Amazon
Price:
£478
Website:
What Shed Best Build Award

If you’re looking for the best pressure washer in terms of pure power and performance, and don’t mind paying a little extra for the privilege, the heavy-duty, high-pressure Karcher K7 is a great choice for you. Building on the foundations established by other models like the Karcher K4 Full Control Pressure Washer, the K7 is a top-of-the-range model that offers 180 bar of pressure, a 550 l/h max flow rate, ideal for all kinds of surfaces, and more than enough power to tackle any cleaning job on even the most stubborn surfaces. It’s an expensive and heavy unit, but it brings a lot to the table with its intelligent control system, easy detergent application, and 3-in-1 lance.

6 Reasons To Buy

  • Many users appreciate the immense power of this pressure washer, comparing it favourably to other Karcher models like the Karcher K4 Full Control
  • The Plug ‘n’ Clean System of the Karcher K7 lets you click in a bottle of detergent and start spraying in seconds
  • The Multi Jet Lance of this model lets you switch between three different cleaning modes on the fly
  • The K7’s Intelligent LCD control system lets you adjust pressure easily for any task
  • Many users liked the fact that the hose can be wound up with ease when not in use
  • A lot of reviewers were happy to see that the K7 comes with a telescopic handle, making it easy to move around

3 Reasons Not To Buy

  • Some reviewers felt that the K7 was so powerful, it could pose a risk to brickwork and paint
  • The high price point of this model was a little off-putting for some
  • Some negative reviews mentioned the weight of this pressure washer, calling it difficult to manoeuvre up and down steps or inclines

Nilfisk C 110 bar 110.7-5 X-TRA Compact Pressure Washer for Basic Tasks


Retailer:
Amazon
Price:
£70
Website:
What Shed Best Value Award

One of the best pressure washers in terms of overall value for money, this compact pressure washer from Nilfisk weighs in at just 6 kg and comes with a simple handle and wheels on the base, making it really easy to move around. It can work well on patios, cars, grills, and decks, among other surfaces, with two nozzles, included and a 5m hose too. The maximum pressure for this washer is 110 bar, while the topwater flow rate is 440 l/h. It comes with a 2-year warranty too.

5 Reasons To Buy

  • Many long-term users of this power washer are impressed with its durability, stating that the motor and aluminium body has stayed strong for years
  • A lot of users appreciate how easy this pressure washer is to assemble
  • Many users like the low price of this unit, calling it one of the best value options on the market
  • Many positive reviews mentioned the useful range of attachments and accessories that come with this pressure washer
  • A lot of users like the compact, lightweight nature of this washer

3 Reasons Not To Buy

  • Some users said that disassembling this pressure washer was too difficult
  • Certain reviewers said that the included instruction booklet and CD were unclear
  • Some users felt that this wasn’t the best pressure washer for really stubborn stains and encrusted dirt

Wilks-USA RX545 Very High Powered Pressure Washer - 210 Bar


Retailer:
Amazon
Price:
£199
Website:
What Shed Best Design Award

If you’re looking for the best pressure washer in terms of pure power, water flow, and bar rating, this might be the model for you. Boasting a pressure rating of 210 bar, this is one of the best high-pressure washer models around, fitted with a mighty 2,400W motor to power it up. Shipping with plenty of accessories, including five varying nozzles, a turbo wand, a rotary brush, and a patio cleaner, it’s ready for anything from driveways to exterior walls, garden furniture, decking, and your car. All of that power comes at a price, however, with this unit being one of the biggest and heaviest around.

5 Reasons To Buy

  • This is one of the best pressure washer kits around, with 11 total accessories included for a huge range of jobs
  • The high power motor and strong bar pressure rating of this jet washer allow it to tackle the toughest dirt
  • A lot of users were happy with the built-in storage space on this heavy-duty washer for the hose and power cable
  • Many positive reviews mentioned the rapid responsiveness and friendliness of the customer support team
  • Some positive reviews compared this model favourably to other leading pressure washers like the Karcher K4

2 Reasons Not To Buy

  • Due to the number of accessories and options, this pressure washer can take a bit of getting used to
  • The size and weight of this unit can make it tricky to manoeuvre

Wilks-USA RX550i Highest Powered Electric Pressure Washer - Massive 262 Bar


Retailer:
Amazon
Price:
£279
Website:

Offering a maximum bar power level of 262, equivalent to 3,800 PSI, along with a 510 l/h flow rate and a 3,000W peak motor, this is one of the most high powered pressure washers around. Made from robust, reliable materials, complete with plenty of accessories and 26m of hose, it offers immense cleaning power and potential. And despite being so powerful, this is a reasonably compact and convenient unit too that won’t take up much space in your shed.

6 Reasons To Buy

  • This is a very powerful machine, boasting some of the best technical specifications of any pressure washer
  • Many users like the impressive 26m hose length with this unit that lets them get to those hard-to-reach spots
  • This pressure washer has its own detergent tank, removing the need to click-in or attach a detergent bottle
  • This power washer comes with on-board storage for the attachments, power cable, and hose
  • Lots of users like the ‘Click and Go’ system that allows nozzles to be attached to the hose really easily
  • Many users loved how complete this set was, with all different nozzles and adaptors

2 Reasons Not To Buy

  • Some users would have preferred a multi-mode lance, rather than so many different attachments
  • The lack of instructions with this pressure washer can make assembly a little difficult

Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High-Pressure Washer


Retailer:
Amazon
Price:
£139
Website:

Fitted with a 3-in-1 nozzle for quick, efficient cleaning without the need to change out between lots of different attachments, this Bosch power washer is one of the best all-rounders on the market. It’s fitted with a 1,900W motor, boasting a topwater flow rate of 410 l/h and a bar pressure of 135. Unlike many other pressure washers, this one comes fully assembled and ready to go right out of the box, offering powerful cleaning potential to pressure wash your car, patio, furniture.

4 Reasons To Buy

  • Lots of positive reviews for this product mentioned how it requires no assembly at all
  • Lots of users enjoy the 3-in-1 head of this unit, letting you clean different surfaces without changing heads
  • A lot of users like the compact and lightweight nature of this jet washer, as well as the wheels and carry handle for transportation
  • The self-priming pump is another useful feature of this washer, perfect for drawing up water from a tank or large container

2 Reasons Not to Buy

  • Some users felt that this washer was a little lacking in power for really tough, heavy-duty cleaning
  • Certain reviewers mentioned fiddly, unstable clips that fail to hold the hose in place

Bosch AdvancedAquatak 140 pressure washer


Retailer:
Amazon
Price:
£260
Website:

Another highly rated pressure washer from Bosch, this model offers a flow rate of 450 l/h, a 2,100W motor, and a working bar pressure of 140. It features a self-priming pump for easy filling from tanks and containers, a range of nozzles and accessories for different outdoor cleaning tasks, wheels and a telescopic handle for manoeuvrability, and deep cleaning potential for a car, deck, patio, and other surfaces too.

4 Reasons To Buy

  • Many positive reviews mentioned the all-round power and performance levels of this washer, suggesting it’s just right for most cleaning tasks
  • The self-priming feature has generated a lot of praise for this washer, making it easy to fill
  • Users like how this car washer can work with foam and detergent so easily
  • Lots of reviewers like the convenient, portable nature of this patio cleaner

2 Reasons Not To Buy

  • Some users felt that this unit lacked power for the toughest stains
  • A few negative reviews mentioned that the hose was a little short

What is the best PSI for a pressure washer?

The high-pressure output of pressure washers is what separates them from a typical garden hose. They can spray out water with incredible strength and speed, and this is usually measured in either bar or PSI. You’ll often find UK models with bar ratings on the box, while US models tend to list their water pressure in PSI, which stands for pounds per square inch. One bar is equivalent to about 14.5 PSI.

The NY Times points out that “the sweet spot for an electric washer’s pressure, in pounds per square inch (psi), is in the 1,800 to 2,000 psi range”, which works out to approximately 130 bar. (1) This is why 130 bar pressure washers tend to be very popular, and if you’re looking for a good all-round pressure washer that can work well as a patio cleaner or car cleaner, make sure to focus around the 130 bar or 1,900 PSI area.

There are, however, some models with much higher PSI ratings that can tackle exceptionally tough stains and stubborn surfaces, which might be useful, depending on your situation.

 

Is it worth buying a pressure washer?

Many people hesitate about buying a pressure washer, unsure if they really need one, but as The Guardian points out, it can be a really useful piece of kit for keeping your home, car, and garden clean. (2) These cleaning tools allow you to clean driveways, patios, decks, and more in a matter of minutes, potentially saving your hours of scrubbing and hosing time, as well as improving the look and feel of your outside spaces.

Even if you don’t have decks or patios outside, you can still get a lot of use out of a pressure washer on your car, bike, or other vehicles, and they can even be used for cleaning wheelie bins and other items that accumulate dirt and grime over time. Ultimately, the worthiness of a pressure washer will depend on your situation. If you have items and areas that need this kind of cleaning on a regular basis, you’ll get a lot out of these washers, but if not, they might simply end up being left in the shed without getting much use.

 

What should you not do with a pressure washer?

Pressure washers can be highly effective cleaning tools when used the right way, but you have to handle them with care to avoid any issues arising. First up, be sure to only use the washer outside in a controlled environment, without kids or pets around, and only use your washer on recommended surfaces like patios, decks, and driveways. Using it on other surfaces could lead to paint peeling away or irreparable damage.

It’s recommended to wear goggles or safety shields when using these devices too, never to spray them at yourself or other people, and try to keep a distance of about 6′ from any surface when cleaning it for the first time, to avoid doing any damage.

WhatShed Top Tip – Avoid placing your hands or fingers into the water when your pressure washer is in use!

Briggs & Stratton, a leading American manufacturer of petrol pressure washers, also notes the importance of proper care and storage of these devices. (3) Be sure to clean the debris away after each use and store your unit somewhere dry and safe, like a garage or shed. Don’t forget to check the manual and follow any maintenance instructions listed there too, as improper care can lead to faults and failures developing over time.

 

What’s more important in a pressure washer PSI or GPM?

GPM stands for gallons per minute, which tells us how much water the unit can spray out in a single minute, while PSI is more concerned with the pressure at which the water flows. Both of these measurements are important when looking at the overall power and cleaning potential of any pressure washer.

The NY Times also notes that some manufacturers choose to multiple GPM by PSI to calculate an additional measurement: CU, which stands for cleaning units. So, a unit with a GPM of 1.5 and a PSI of 2,000 will have a CU score of 3,000. Consumer Reports, meanwhile, encourages shoppers to not focus purely on high numbers when shopping for their next unit, as some models may boast of very high PSI or GPM ratings that aren’t really necessary for the vast majority of tasks. (4)

In general, higher pressure ratings, in either PSI or bar, are more important when it comes to dealing with tough patches of dirt and difficult cleaning jobs, but a higher GPM will usually help to get jobs done faster.

 

Do Pressure washers have adjustable psi?

Yes, many of the best pressure washers will come with adjustable PSI and pressure settings, allowing the user to change the amount of pressure on the fly, adjusting it up or down, depending on the task being carried out. As stated earlier on, some kinds of cleaning won’t require immensely high levels of pressure, while particularly tough stains or dirty surfaces require higher-than-average pressure, so it’s usually very useful to make sure your chosen model can offer these adjustments.

WhatShed Top Tip – If you plan to clean multiple surfaces, like drives, cars, and walls, be sure to find a washer with adjustable pressure.

As the Independent points out, having the option to adjust pressure levels helps to make a washer more flexible and versatile, ready to tackle a wider range of tasks. (5) Many units will offer a few different adjustable nozzle settings that let you effectively halve or divide the amount of force by widening the spray of water.

 

References

(1) https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pressure-washer/

(2) https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/jul/26/pressure-washer-buyers-guide

(3) https://www.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/buying-guides/pressure-washers/why-buy.html

(4) https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/05/pros-and-cons-of-gas-and-electric-pressure-washers/index.htm

(5) https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/powertools/best-pressure-washers-car-decking-block-paving-under-100-deals-patio-a9492816.html