Pressure washing or power washing is the use of high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces.
There's a good scientific reason why water gets things so clean: its molecules have a slight electrical polarity (one end is positively charged and the other is negatively charged), so they tend to stick to things all by themselves. Detergents (soap chemicals) help water to do its job even better by breaking down gunge and grease and making it easier for water to flush away. But some kinds of ground-on dirt just won't budge, no matter how hard you try. That's when a pressure washer comes in really handy. It uses a narrow, high-pressure jet of hot or cold water to blast dirt free. Since water is traveling fast, it hits the dirty surface with high kinetic energy, knocking dirt and dust away like a constant rain of tiny hammer blows. It's only water, though, so it doesn't damage most hard surfaces.
Having said that, it's a good idea to test a pressure washer on an inconspicuous area before you start work to make sure it doesn't harm the surface you're cleaning.
Here are the most powerful pressure washers you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Electric Pressure Washer
- Runner up: SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
- Best Budget: Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 Electric Pressure Washer
- Lightest: AR Blue Clean, AR383 Electric Pressure Washer
- Premium choice: SIMPSON Cleaning PS3228 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer
| 5 Most Powerful Pressure Washers | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Electric Pressure Washer | |
Runner up | SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer | |
Best Budget | Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 Electric Pressure Washer | |
Lightest | AR Blue Clean, AR383 Electric Pressure Washer | |
Premium choice | SIMPSON Cleaning PS3228 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer | |
Best Overall: Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Electric Pressure Washer
- High maximum pressure at 2,030 PSI
- Lightweight and portable in design
- Extra-large wheels
- Unique detergent selector
- Remove dirt effortlessly
- Take time to assemble the unit
- May take your time to cover a large area
The Sun Joe SPX3000 is part of the Pressure Washer test program at Consumer Reports. The Sun Joe SPX3000 is rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Cleaning: Versatility and efficiency in cleaning a range of surfaces. The better performers have multiple spray patterns that can cover various cleaning chores, from light, superficial cleaning to deep cleaning of concrete, decking, and other hard-to-clean surfaces.
Power: A combination of pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), and flow, measured in gallons per minute (gpm). Higher pressure results in better cleaning of a given surface; coupled with a higher flow as well, you'll get the job done the fastest.
Noise: A combination of measurements, based on dBA, reflecting the proximity of the operator to the pressure washer.
| Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Electric Pressure Washer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Power | Electric |
| PSI | 2030 |
| GPM | 1.76 |
| Motor | 14.5 Amp/1800 Watt Motor |
| Weight (lbs) | 31 |
The Sun Joe SPX3000 model is one of the most powerful pressure washers available on the market, it is equipped with almost perfect features to clean dirt.
Runner up: SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and Compact Design
- Strong Engines
- Patented Power Boost Technology
- Lack detergent tank making it less convenient to some users
- Take several weeks to receive parts from the manufacture.
The SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas is now one of the best pressure washers for the money. This depicts ideal balance of power, feature, price and quality. Overall, this SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 is undeniably on top of the list.
SIMPSON brands have become even more popular due to their commitment to reliability and quality on all their pressure washers. This is what makes their brands more famous in the industry. The SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas is a highly considerable option available in the market today. Customer satisfaction is high and this is a true indicator that the quality of this product is guaranteed.
There are many pressure washers available in the market. But if you are looking for a versatile and mobile heavy-duty pressure washer that’s capable of removing all kinds of stubborn dirt, grime or mildew then you would be hard-pressed to find anything better than the Simpson MSH3125-S 3200 PSI 2.5 GPM Gas-Powered Pressure Washer.
| SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Power | Gas |
| PSI | 3100 |
| GPM | 2.5 |
| Motor | Honda GC190 |
| Weight (lbs) | 65 |
This product adapts modern patented technology to ensure that higher pressure is provided for excellent cleaning performance.
Best Budget: Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 Electric Pressure Washer
- Durable
- Diverse nozzle
- Easy to use
- On-board Detergent Tank
- Low water pressure
Sun Joe is a well-known brand in pressure washer world that develops electric pressure washers for residential use. Sometimes people get confused between the two models, SPX3000 and SPX3001 and end up buying the one that he doesn’t want. Most of the features you will find the same among these two models so see carefully the differences before you purchase.
Sun Joe SPX3001 generates up to 2030 PSI of water pressure and 1.76 GPM of water flow to remove road tar, tree sap and insect splats from cars, grease deposits from concrete, heavy mildew, oil and rust stains, caked on mud, and other stubborn yard and garden gunk and grime.
Sun Joe SPX3001 Electric Pressure Washer has a detergent tank of 40.6 ft. Oz. (1.2 L) and it also has an onboard hose reel that the other model doesn’t have. This pressure washer generates the water pressure of 2030 PSI along with 1.76 GPM water flow. With the two wheels, you can freely move the device to your desired place.
The manufacturer included in this device that helps you in doing a smooth cleaning of your car, motorcycle, RVs, driveway, patio, and many more things.
| Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 Electric Pressure Washer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Power | Electric |
| PSI | 2030 |
| GPM | 1.76 |
| Motor | 14.5 Amp/ 1800Watt |
| Weight (lbs) | 36 |
It is easily portable to clean various areas outdoors without the binding of heavy machinery.
Lightest: AR Blue Clean, AR383 Electric Pressure Washer
- compact, portable, lightweight, with a large pump
- quiet
- easy to assemble
- does not provide a high pressure spray cleaners use the attachment, so it's a bit pointless using this feature
At first glance the AR Blue Clean AR383 might strike you like a vacuum cleaner, well at least that’s what I thought. Plastic casing, copper and aluminum components with a complete kit of accessories such as lance, hose, jet nozzle, gun and foam dispenser all give it a more than commercial feel. Plus you have a trolley design with wheel mounting for easy handling and a reel system to secure the hose. As for safety, this model features an auto safety shut-off valve directly at the pump head called the Total Stop System. It also comes with an attachable foamer and a soap bottle. Rated at 1900 PSI and 1.5 GPM, it uses an 11 Amp induction motor and a 3 axial position pump.
The AR383 is designed to be exceptionally easy to use with the highest tolerance standards which helps set themselves apart from all others available.
If you value durability and demand professional-level cleaning results the AR3383 is your choice when quality matters.
It can clean many surfaces such as floors, fences, ... and quickly blows away dirt, mold, moss and dirt.
| AR Blue Clean, AR383 Electric Pressure Washer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Power | Electric |
| PSI | 1900 |
| GPM | 1.5 |
| Weight (lbs) | 27 |
It is easily portable to clean various areas outdoors without the binding of heavy machinery.
Premium choice: SIMPSON Cleaning PS3228 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer
- Commercial cleaning power
- Variable pressure for versatile use
- Easy to start
- Fuel efficient
- CARB compliant
- Vibrates
- Handle is low
- Relatively expensive
When it comes to power, nothing beats a durable gas pressure washer like the Simpson PS3228. While it’s better for experienced pressure washer users and even contractors, beginners shouldn’t have much trouble if they follow the instruction manual closely. This machine is tough enough to handle any exterior cleaning job you can throw at it.
This unit isn’t cheap, however, though it’s average in price on the gas pressure washer scale. This machine has a pressure rating of 3300 PSI at 2.5 GPM for an impressive CU score of 8250.
This is a compact machine compared to other commercial grade air cleaners. Honda's long-lasting engine has an overhead valve that allows maximum power in a compact space. AAA industrial triplex pumps are more compact than equivalent cam pumps so they are easy to store.
| SIMPSON Cleaning PS3228 PowerShot Gas Pressure Washer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Power | Gas |
| PSI | 3300 |
| GPM | 2.5 |
| Motor | Honda GX200 |
| Weight (lbs) | 84 |
It’s fuel-efficient, CARB-compliant, and compact enough to store in a small garage.
How To Choose The Most Powerful Pressure Washer?
A pressure washer lets you clean a variety of things faster, better and easier. Pressure washers remove built-up mold, mildew, dirt and grime to restore surfaces to like-new condition,
- Gas vs. Electric
Don't just get it wet. Get it clean with a gas-powered pressure washer. Gas pressure washers are more powerful than electric pressure washers so they can get the job done more efficiently.
- Cleaning Power is Key
The cleaning power of a pressure washer is determined by two criteria: the water pressure (PSI) it produces and the water flow (GPM) through the washer. The combination of PSI and GPM determines a pressure washer's cleaning power (CP). CP offers a better indication of a machine's overall performance, and is useful when comparing pressure washers. To calculate CP, multiply a pressure washer's maximum PSI rating by its GPM flow (CP = PSI X GPM).
- PSI (pounds per square inch) refers to how much force a pressure washer is capable of producing to propel the water stream at the cleaning surface. For example, a pump spray bottle has high water force, but low water flow.
- GPM (gallons per minute) identifies the amount of water a pressure washer uses to clear dirt and grime from the cleaning surface. An unrestricted garden hose illustrates the idea of high water flow and low water force.
- Cleaning Systems
Pressure washers equipped with a detergent injection system automatically siphon and mix cleaning detergents into the water stream for even more effective cleaning. For added convenience, some models come with onboard detergent storage tanks.
Which Brands Make The Most Powerful Pressure Washer?
Honda: Honda is a world renowned brand for their durable and reliable small engines. Honda make the most small engines of any company. And what is a pressure washer? A pump and small engine. That is why Honda is able to make such a dent in the power equipment market – they have great small engines.
Snow Joe: Snow Joe LLC specialize in designing and developing high-quality, innovative, and affordable outdoor tools to keep your home looking beautiful throughout the year, whether the snow is falling or the sun is shining.
Simpson: Simpson Pressure Cleaning brand makes their own pressure washers in a factory in Arkansas. They are owned by the FNA Group. DeWalt pressure washers are also made at this plant by the Simpson team. They offer a range of home-use and pro-use gas power washers.
Conclusion
As you can see, pressure washing is more than just spraying water. Pressure washing can increase curb appeal, make your home last longer, keep the pests away and save you lots of dosh.
Our trained professionals can clean up buildings, picnic areas, sidewalks, driveways, walkways, parking structures, dumpster pads, shopping carts and so much more. So what are you waiting for
