ConsFirst / Pressure washers
Pressure washers: the downsides, first
Bulk is the complaint that comes up most — six of the eight washers we compared are called heavy, bulky or awkward to store — and leaks or units that quit after about a year come up for several models. Here are the most popular pressure washers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared12 sources readUpdated October 2026
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
All 8 pressure washers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
EGO
$$$CordlessScore 4.2/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (522 ratings).The best cordless washer according to Wirecutter, Bob Vila, Popular Mechanics and Pro Tool Reviews, with gas-like cleaning, handle-mounted power controls and great fittings. It costs roughly $700-900, the single charger means downtime, and owners are mixed on battery life.
In the box: 2 x EGO 56V 6.0Ah batteries and a single-port charger in the HPW3204-2 kit (Bob Vila; Wirecutter; Popular Mechanics)
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
Almost $900, nearly three times Wirecutter's corded pick; $879 (Popular Mechanics) and $699 for the kit (Pro Tool Reviews). Value is mixed on Amazon.
- Runtime and charging downtimeVery common
Wirecutter says runtimes aren't fit for big jobs, and the single charger for two batteries means a lot of downtime (also a Popular Mechanics con). Battery life is the most-mentioned mixed aspect on Amazon.
- Small wheelsMentioned often
Hard to pull over gravel (Bob Vila) and not as easy on grass as big-wheel designs (Pro Tool Reviews).
What owners love
- Gas-like cleaning
Comparable to a gas model on concrete, a wood deck and a bird bath (Bob Vila); the highest-performing electric short of 240V models (Pro Tool Reviews). Power is the top Amazon positive.
- Smart controls and fittings
Fantastic quick-connect fittings and three pressure modes controlled from the handle (Wirecutter, Popular Mechanics), plus a foam cannon and siphon hose.
- Quiet with useful runtime
Bob Vila rated noise 5/5 and got just over an hour per charge; Popular Mechanics cites about 60/45/20 minutes in ECO/High/Turbo. Noise level is an Amazon positive.
Skip it if…- You're on a budget
- You clean big driveways in one go
- You roll over gravel (small wheels)
Good for- Owners of EGO 56V batteries
- Jobs away from outlets (it can siphon from a bucket)
- Quiet operation
Scores (tap for why)
- Cleaning power4.5
Why 4.5?
Gas-like on concrete and decks (Bob Vila); highest electric performance (Pro Tool Reviews). - Hose & wand4.5
Why 4.5?
Fantastic quick-connect fittings and handle-mounted controls (Wirecutter); siphon hose included. - Setup & storage3.5
Why 3.5?
Telescoping handle and smaller footprint (Pro Tool Reviews), but small wheels and charging downtime. - Noise5.0
Why 5.0?
Bob Vila rated noise 5/5; quiet operation is an Amazon positive. - Durability (pump & fittings)3.5
Why 3.5?
5-year warranty (Pro Tool Reviews), but durability is mixed on Amazon.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): The best cordless it tested, but not recommended: extremely expensive, and runtime isn't fit for big jobs.
- Bob Vila (2026 pressure washers): Best battery power: gas-like performance and long runtime, but small wheels.
- Popular Mechanics: Best cordless: remote pressure control and high PSI, but the single-slot charger is a drawback.
- Pro Tool Reviews: Best cordless: the highest electric performance, but expensive, with limited runtime and small wheels.
#2
Westinghouse
$ElectricScore 3.6/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's other budget pick: a small, stable four-wheel washer under 19 lb with a metal wand and five nozzles. It's not as tidy to store as the DeWalts, and the built-in soap tank has to be emptied by flipping the machine. It has the fewest 1-2 star ratings here.
Top complaints
- Still awkward to storeMentioned often
However tightly Wirecutter wrapped it, a looped hose and loose wand stuck out, and nothing could be stacked on top.
- Fixed detergent tankMentioned often
The soap tank is built into the body, so Wirecutter had to flip the whole washer over to empty it.
- Bulky GFCI plugOccasional
The GFCI brick is at the plug end, which may make it too big for some exterior outlets (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- Stable and light
A wide wheelbase, low center of gravity and four wheels make it hard to tip over and easy to tug along; under 19 lb (Wirecutter). Lightweight and maneuverability are Amazon positives.
- Good kit for the price
A metal spray wand (often plastic at this price), the standard five nozzles, and better-than-average hose and cord storage (Wirecutter).
- Owners like the performance
Performance, power, ease of assembly and compact size are top positives in Amazon's summary.
Skip it if…- You need a compact, stackable unit
- Your outdoor outlets are covered or crowded (bulky GFCI plug)
- You switch detergents often
Good for- Budget buyers who want stability (hard to tip over)
- Small homes, cars and patios
- Pulling it around behind you on four wheels
Scores (tap for why)
- Cleaning power3.5
Why 3.5?
Pressure readings in line with the DWPW2100; cleans, but takes a little longer than the DWPW2600 (Wirecutter). Power is an Amazon positive. - Hose & wand3.5
Why 3.5?
Metal wand, five nozzles, hose hook and cord horns (Wirecutter). - Setup & storage4.0
Why 4.0?
Light, stable and easy to move, but storage leaves a loose hose and wand (Wirecutter); assembly is an Amazon positive. - Durability (pump & fittings)3.5
Why 3.5?
Metal wand (Wirecutter); no negative durability theme in Amazon's summary and the lowest 1-2 star share here.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: cleans about as well as the smaller DeWalt for less than half the top pick's price, and is very stable. It isn't as easy to store, and the soap tank can't be removed.
#3
Simpson
$$$GasScore 4.2/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Popular Mechanics' best overall and Pro Tool Reviews' best 3,000-PSI washer: a Honda GX200 engine and AAA triplex pump on a welded steel frame, with the most pressure and flow in this group. It weighs 77 lb, has no detergent tank, and isn't sold in California.
Top complaints
- Very heavyVery common
77 lb because of the gas engine; Popular Mechanics warns about loading it into a vehicle.
- Oil leaks and flimsy parts for some buyersMentioned often
This Old House's summary of buyer reviews of the Simpson PowerShot gas washer mentions oil leaks, poor packaging, flimsy parts and units arriving with a fuel smell or residual oil, though owners praised customer service.
- No detergent tank, not in CaliforniaMentioned often
Popular Mechanics lists both as cons.
What owners love
- Top pressure and flow
3,300 PSI and 2.5 GPM, top of Popular Mechanics' charts; CETA-certified (Pro Tool Reviews).
- Commercial-grade parts
Honda GX200 engine and AAA triplex pump; Pro Tool Reviews found no significant drawbacks and calls it excellent value. Warranty is 3 years on the engine and 5 on the pump.
- Rolls over rough ground
Welded steel frame on 10-inch wheels that help mobility on uneven ground (Popular Mechanics).
Skip it if…- You live in California
- You need to lift it often (77 lb)
- You want onboard soap
Good for- Big properties and heavy grime
- Buyers who want pro-grade engine and pump
- Using a surface cleaner on driveways
Scores (tap for why)
- Cleaning power5.0
Why 5.0?
3,300 PSI / 2.5 GPM, the highest in Popular Mechanics' roundup. - Setup & storage3.0
Why 3.0?
10-inch wheels help, but it weighs 77 lb, needs gas upkeep and has no soap tank. - Durability (pump & fittings)4.5
Why 4.5?
Honda GX200, AAA triplex pump, welded steel frame and a 5-year pump warranty; some buyers report oil leaks.
What experts say
- Popular Mechanics: Best overall: power, mobility and rugged durability for serious cleaning; cons are no detergent tank and no California sales.
- Pro Tool Reviews: Best 3000 PSI: pro-grade Honda engine and AAA triplex pump at an excellent price; no significant drawbacks.
#4
DeWalt
$$ElectricScore 3.6/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (883 ratings).Wirecutter's runner-up and Bob Vila's most portable pick. Its roll cage stores the wand, hose and cord, so it takes far less space than a typical washer. It's slower than the bigger DWPW2600, and Amazon owners rate durability negatively.
Top complaints
- Parts breaking and units quittingVery common
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary and reliability is mixed. Some owners report parts breaking off or the machine stopping after minimal use.
- Less power than its bigger siblingMentioned often
It has about 500 psi less than the DWPW2600, so you have to work closer and jobs take longer (Wirecutter). Bob Vila found faint oil stains remained on concrete and calls it not industrial strength.
- Stiff hoseMentioned often
Wirecutter found the hose on the near-identical DWPW2600 a stiff hard coil that fought back, especially in cool weather, and notes many owners upgrade their hose.
What owners love
- Best-in-class storage
The wand breaks down into an internal compartment and the hose and cord tuck inside the roll cage, so it can sit on a shelf and be stacked on (Wirecutter). Storage is a positive on Amazon.
- Light and easy to carry
24 lb with multiple handles on a protective roll cage; Bob Vila gave it 5/5 for ease of use and portability.
- Enough power for most home jobs
Cleaned dirt and mud from concrete, a motorcycle and windows (Bob Vila). Wirecutter used it for over a year as its main washer with no issues. Performance and power are Amazon positives.
Skip it if…- You clean large driveways often
- You want the most power per dollar
- Long-term reliability matters most
Good for- Tight garage or shed storage
- Occasional cars, patios and furniture
- Want the DWPW2600's design for less (the 2600 is Wirecutter's top pick, mostly sold at Home Depot)
Scores (tap for why)
- Cleaning power3.5
Why 3.5?
Bob Vila rated performance 5/5, but Wirecutter says it is about 500 psi weaker than the DWPW2600 and slower. - Hose & wand3.0
Why 3.0?
Stiff hard-coil hose on the near-identical DWPW2600 (Wirecutter); nozzles store on the wand. - Setup & storage5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter's storage favorite (shared design with the DWPW2600); 24 lb, 5/5 portability (Bob Vila). - Noise3.5
Why 3.5?
Bob Vila rated noise 4/5; Wirecutter notes its universal motor is louder than an induction motor. - Durability (pump & fittings)3.0
Why 3.0?
Roll cage and a year of trouble-free use (Wirecutter), but durability is negative on Amazon.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up: basically the DWPW2600 top pick, smaller and a bit less powerful. Over a year of use with no issues and very easy to store.
- Bob Vila (2026 pressure washers): Best portable: light, with onboard storage for the nozzle, wand, cord and hose. Its only con is that it isn't industrial strength.
#5
Westinghouse
$$GasScore 3.8/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Bob Vila's best overall: an affordable gas washer that cleaned nearly as well as one costing hundreds more. It's big and heavy (63 lb per Good Housekeeping), the plastic wheels struggle on rough ground, and it brings the usual gas upkeep and noise.
Top complaints
- Large and heavyVery common
Bob Vila lists it as large and heavy; Good Housekeeping weighed it at 63 lb.
- Gas upkeep and noiseMentioned often
Gas washers are louder, heavier and smellier, and they need fuel, oil, maintenance and off-season storage (Wirecutter, which no longer recommends gas). Bob Vila rated its noise 4/5.
- Plastic wheels on rough groundMentioned often
Bob Vila says the plastic wheels are less suited to rough terrain.
What owners love
- Strong cleaning at a low price
Strong cleaning without risking a car's paint, nearly identical to a gas washer costing hundreds more; 5/5 for performance and value (Bob Vila).
- Durable hose and soap tank
A durable 25-ft hose and built-in detergent tank (Bob Vila); the maker lists a 1.6 L soap tank and five quick-change tips.
- Easy to move for a gas unit
The upright design and 12-inch wheels make it easier to move than many gas units, and the build feels solid and dependable (Good Housekeeping).
Skip it if…- You don't want fuel, oil and winter storage chores
- You need to lift it into a car
- Noise matters to you or your neighbors
Good for- Driveways, siding and big jobs on a budget
- Working away from outlets
- Faster cleaning than electrics
Scores (tap for why)
- Cleaning power4.5
Why 4.5?
Bob Vila rated performance 5/5 (2,700 PSI, 2.3 GPM); Good Housekeeping calls the PSI modest for gas. - Hose & wand4.0
Why 4.0?
Durable 25-ft hose and five quick-change tips. - Setup & storage3.5
Why 3.5?
Bob Vila rated ease 4.5/5 and portability 4/5, but it's heavy and needs gas upkeep. - Noise3.0
Why 3.0?
Bob Vila rated noise 4/5, but gas engines are louder than electrics (Wirecutter). - Durability (pump & fittings)4.0
Why 4.0?
Solid, dependable build (Good Housekeeping) and durable hose (Bob Vila); no owner durability data found.
What experts say
- Bob Vila (2026 pressure washers): Best overall: strong flow, durable hose and big fuel tank, rated 5/5 for performance and value. Cons are gas power, size and weight, and plastic wheels.
- Good Housekeeping: Also recommended: plenty of power for most outdoor jobs and easier to move than many gas units, though its PSI is modest for gas.
#6
Greenworks
$$$ElectricScore 3.8/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
The strongest corded electric in these tests: Popular Mechanics' best electric and Good Housekeeping's best heavy-duty pick. It's quiet for its power and built tough, but it weighs about 51-52 lb, took Good Housekeeping an hour to assemble, and is hard to store.
Top complaints
- Heavy and bulkyVery common
51 lb with a larger footprint than the previous model (Popular Mechanics). Good Housekeeping says moving its 52 lb takes brawn and finding room to store it may be trickier.
- Long assemblyMentioned often
It took Good Housekeeping a full hour to assemble, versus five minutes or less for simpler models.
- Expensive at list priceMentioned often
Good Housekeeping calls it on the expensive side; both reviews list it at $500 (often discounted).
What owners love
- Most powerful electric tested
Good Housekeeping's most powerful electric ever tested, blasting years of mildew off a brick patio. Popular Mechanics says 3,000 PSI is enough for almost any home project.
- Stable, durable and fairly quiet
The rotated pump lowers the center of gravity for better stability on uneven ground (Popular Mechanics). Good Housekeeping found it extremely durable and relatively quiet thanks to its brushless motor.
- Big soap tank and onboard storage
A full-gallon soap tank (Popular Mechanics), plus onboard tool storage and versatile accessories (Good Housekeeping).
Skip it if…- You need to lift or carry it often
- Storage space is tight
- You only wash a car now and then
Good for- Gas-like cleaning without gas
- Big decks, brick and mildewed patios
- Soaping large areas (1-gallon soap tank)
Scores (tap for why)
- Cleaning power4.5
Why 4.5?
3,000 PSI; the most powerful electric Good Housekeeping tested and gas-rivaling per Popular Mechanics. - Setup & storage2.5
Why 2.5?
51-52 lb, an hour to assemble and hard to store, though stable to roll. - Noise4.0
Why 4.0?
Relatively quiet brushless motor for its power (Good Housekeeping). - Durability (pump & fittings)4.0
Why 4.0?
Extremely durable in Good Housekeeping's testing; no owner data found.
What experts say
- Popular Mechanics: Best electric, and it may replace the Simpson as best overall: gas-rivaling PSI and GPM with a large soap tank, but heavier than most electrics.
- Good Housekeeping: Best heavy-duty: the most powerful, extremely durable electric it has tested, but pricey, slow to assemble and hard to move and store.
#7
Sun Joe
$ElectricScore 3.0/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing groups variants (a 'Set name' selector; another ASIN shows the same 64,682-rating count).The long-running budget favorite: Good Housekeeping's best overall and a Wirecutter budget pick. It cleans well for the price, but it's tall and tippy, the hose is only 20 feet, and many Amazon owners say it breaks after about a year.
Top complaints
- Breaks after about a yearVery common
Reliability and durability are negative aspects in Amazon's summary, which says units break after a year of use. Pressure is mixed: some owners find it weak.
- Short hose, awkward inletVery common
The 20-ft hose is shorter than the 25 ft on other picks (Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping). Wirecutter found the water inlet at the bottom of the body awkward to reach.
- Tippy, bulky, no turbo nozzleMentioned often
Its tall, narrow body tips more easily and stores like a traditional bulky washer. It lacks the rotary turbo nozzle most rivals include, and the GFCI brick at the plug may not fit covered outlets (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- Cleans well for the money
Wirecutter measured higher pressure than its Westinghouse and DeWalt DWPW2100 picks. Good Housekeeping found a strong balance of pressure and flow across tasks. Value and cleaning performance are Amazon positives.
- Two detergent tanks and five tips
Dual tanks let you keep separate cleaners, and five quick-connect tips (0, 15, 25, 40 and soap) cover many jobs (Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping).
- Light and easy to handle
24.3 lb, one of the lightest Good Housekeeping tested. Wirecutter says it has held up nicely in long-term testing. Assembly is an Amazon positive.
Skip it if…- You need reach for big cars, boats or houses (20-ft hose)
- You want a rotary turbo nozzle in the box
- You expect it to last many seasons
Good for- Budget buyers with light to medium jobs
- Switching between two cleaners (dual detergent tanks)
- People who don't want to bend down (tall handle)
Scores (tap for why)
- Cleaning power3.5
Why 3.5?
Pressure readings above the Westinghouse and DWPW2100, below the DWPW2600 (Wirecutter); pressure is mixed on Amazon. - Hose & wand2.5
Why 2.5?
Only a 20-ft hose and an awkward bottom inlet; no turbo nozzle. - Setup & storage3.0
Why 3.0?
Light (24.3 lb) and easy to assemble, but tall, tippy and bulky to store. - Durability (pump & fittings)3.0
Why 3.0?
Held up in Wirecutter's long-term testing, but reliability and durability are negative on Amazon.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick for years: cleans well and has held up long-term, but it's tippy, has a 20-ft hose, no rotary nozzle and an awkward inlet.
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall: well priced, light and versatile, with dual detergent tanks. The only quibble is the short 20-ft hose.
#8
Kärcher
$$ElectricScore 2.9/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The K1800PS Cube listing (B0B5YNX933) showed 15% from only 378 ratings.Bob Vila's best bang for the buck: a tiny, quiet, carry-handle cube with a foot switch. At 1,700 PSI it's slow on heavy dirt, and it has the highest 1-2 star share here, with owners reporting leaks and early failures.
Top complaints
- Leaks and early failuresVery common
Durability and leakage are negative aspects on Amazon, with units breaking after 3 months or failing after 3 years and leaks at the garden hose connection. Bob Vila warns the connection hardware may not last.
- Slow on heavy dirtVery common
Bob Vila found it slow on heavy dirt because of its lower PSI. Pressure and cleaning performance are mixed on Amazon, and some owners say it won't remove tough deck stains.
- Messy storage despite the small sizeMentioned often
On the similar K1800PS Cube, Popular Mechanics had to unscrew the wand to stow it, and with no spindle the cord and hose jumbled together in the bin.
What owners love
- Very compact and portable
A carry handle, compact cube and onboard detergent tank; Bob Vila gave it 5/5 for ease of use and portability. Compact size and portability are Amazon positives.
- Quiet and easy to use
Bob Vila rated noise 5/5 and liked the foot switch. Ease of use is the top positive on Amazon.
- Long cord and hose for its size
A 20-ft cord and 20-ft hose (Bob Vila).
Skip it if…- You have stained decks or heavy driveway grime
- You want a washer that lasts many seasons
- You need a long hose
Good for- Apartments, RVs and small storage spaces
- Light jobs: cars, windows, patio furniture
- Carrying instead of rolling (see the K1800PS for a bit more pressure)
Scores (tap for why)
- Cleaning power2.5
Why 2.5?
1,700 PSI is slow on heavy dirt (Bob Vila); pressure and cleaning are mixed on Amazon. - Hose & wand2.5
Why 2.5?
20-ft hose; leaks at the hose connection are an Amazon negative. - Setup & storage4.0
Why 4.0?
Small, carryable and 5/5 for ease of use (Bob Vila), though the K1800PS was awkward to pack away (Popular Mechanics). - Noise3.5
Why 3.5?
Bob Vila rated noise 5/5, but Popular Mechanics measured the K1800PS at 87 dB, loud for an electric. - Durability (pump & fittings)2.0
Why 2.0?
Durability and leakage are Amazon negatives; Bob Vila doubts the connection hardware.
What experts say
- Bob Vila (2026 pressure washers): Best bang for the buck: compact and affordable for light jobs and small storage, but slow on heavy dirt and its connection hardware may not last.
- Popular Mechanics: Rated the sibling K1800PS Cube (1,800 PSI) most portable: 19 lb and better than expected, but 87 dB is loud for an electric and it's awkward to store.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Tested the K1700 but didn't pick it.