Whether you want to clean your car, driveway, siding, or prepare a deck for staining, a pressure washer can make the job easier and faster. But with so many models on the market — electric vs gas, light-duty vs heavy-duty, hot vs cold water — choosing the right one can be confusing. This pressure washer buying guide will explain everything you need to know before buying, plus our top product recommendations for different needs and budgets.
Quick Picks – Best Pressure Washers by Category
- Best Overall: Simpson Cleaning ALH4240 Gas Pressure Washer – 4200 PSI, 4.0 GPM – Professional Honda engine and CAT pump.
- Best Electric: Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer – 2030 PSI, 1.76 GPM – Affordable and popular for homeowners.
- Best Premium: Hotsy 965B Hot Water Pressure Washer – 4000 PSI, 5.0 GPM – Industrial-grade hot water cleaning.
Pressure Washer Types – Which One Do You Need?
- Electric Pressure Washers: Affordable, lightweight, and best for cars, decks, and small patios. Usually 1500–2500 PSI.
- Gas Pressure Washers: More powerful (3000–4500 PSI), portable, and better for driveways, siding, and commercial use.
- Hot Water Pressure Washers: Expensive but unbeatable for grease, oil, and industrial cleaning.
- Portable & Cordless: Battery-powered or bucket-fed washers for light cleaning and places without a tap.
PSI & GPM – Understanding Power Ratings
Two key numbers matter when buying a washer:
- PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Measures pressure strength. Higher PSI = stronger cleaning.
- GPM (Gallons per Minute): Measures water flow. Higher GPM = faster cleaning.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 1500–2000 PSI: Cars, patio furniture, bikes.
- 2000–3000 PSI: Decks, fences, light siding.
- 3000–4000 PSI: Driveways, heavy siding, commercial jobs.
- 4000+ PSI with hot water: Industrial cleaning, grease, oil removal.
Key Features to Look For
- Pump Type: Axial pumps are cheaper and common in residential units. Triplex pumps are commercial-grade, durable, and rebuildable.
- Engine/Motor: Honda GX engines and brushless induction motors last longer than budget options.
- Nozzles: Look for quick-connect nozzles (0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap). These give you flexibility for different jobs.
- Hose Length: A 25–50 ft hose is best for reaching large areas.
- Detergent System: Built-in soap tanks or siphon hoses make applying detergent easy.
- Portability: Wheels, handles, and compact frames make storage and movement easier.
Best Pressure Washers – Our Recommendations
1. Simpson Cleaning ALH4240 Gas Pressure Washer – 4200 PSI, 4.0 GPM
Best For: Contractors and serious homeowners who need professional cleaning power.
- Honda GX390 engine
- CAT industrial triplex pump
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- 4000+ PSI power for tough jobs
2. Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer – 2030 PSI, 1.76 GPM
Best For: Homeowners who want an affordable, all-around electric washer.
- Dual detergent tanks
- 5 quick-connect nozzles
- Total Stop System to extend pump life
3. Hotsy 965B Hot Water Pressure Washer – 4000 PSI, 5.0 GPM
Best For: Industrial and commercial users who need hot water cleaning.
- Diesel-powered with oil-fired burner
- Industrial-grade triplex pump
- Built for continuous operation
4. Ryobi 2300 PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer
Best For: Mid-range electric option with brushless motor reliability.
- 2300 PSI, 1.2 GPM
- Brushless induction motor
- Onboard hose reel
5. NorthStar Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer – 4000 PSI, 3.5 GPM
Best For: Contractors needing power and reliability without hot water.
- Honda GX390 engine
- CAT triplex pump
- Heavy-duty steel frame
6. Greenworks Pro 3000 Electric Pressure Washer – 3000 PSI, 2.0 GPM
Best For: Homeowners who want one of the most powerful electric washers available.
- Brushless motor
- 50-foot steel-braided hose
- Smart pressure-sensing technology
Comparison Table – Pressure Washer Recommendations
| Model | PSI / GPM | Type | Engine/Motor | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simpson ALH4240 | 4200 / 4.0 | Gas | Honda GX390 | Contractors | Check Price |
| Sun Joe SPX3000 | 2030 / 1.76 | Electric | Universal | Homeowners | Check Price |
| Hotsy 965B | 4000 / 5.0 | Hot Water Gas | Diesel | Industrial Cleaning | Check Price |
| Ryobi 2300 | 2300 / 1.2 | Electric | Brushless | Mid-Range | Check Price |
| NorthStar 4000 | 4000 / 3.5 | Gas | Honda GX390 | Contractors | Check Price |
| Greenworks Pro 3000 | 3000 / 2.0 | Electric | Brushless | Powerful Home Use | Check Price |
FAQ – Pressure Washer Buying Guide
1. Gas or electric — which should I choose?
Electric washers are best for small jobs like cars and patios. Gas models are better for large driveways, siding, and pro use.
2. How much PSI do I need?
For cars and light cleaning: 1500–2000 PSI. For siding and decks: 2000–3000 PSI. For driveways and commercial use: 3000–4000+ PSI.
3. Do I need hot water?
Hot water pressure washers are only necessary if you’re removing grease, oil, or working in industrial environments. Most homeowners don’t need them.
4. What attachments are worth buying?
A surface cleaner for driveways, a foam cannon for cars, and a turbo nozzle for tough stains are the most useful add-ons.
5. How long do pressure washers last?
With proper care, electric models last 5–7 years. Gas washers with triplex pumps can last 10+ years.
Conclusion
A pressure washer is one of the most useful cleaning tools you can own — but choosing the right one depends on your needs. For most homeowners, the Sun Joe SPX3000 or Ryobi 2300 offer excellent electric performance. Contractors should invest in a Simpson ALH4240 or NorthStar 4000 for long-term reliability. And for industrial cleaning, nothing beats a Hotsy hot water pressure washer.
Ready to choose the right pressure washer? Use the guide above, match your cleaning needs to the right model, and enjoy years of powerful cleaning performance.