Buying a electric power washer can be difficult because there are so many different factors to consider. Here we break down the most important factors we found through hours of research and product analysis.
Pressure washers can be powered by either gas or electricity. Only recently have electric power washers gained popularity. This is because gas power washers traditionally have higher pressure.
However, electric power washers have several benefits. Not only are they better for the environment, they are also easier to use and have adjustable pressure. Adjustable pressure is important because different surfaces require different pressure to clean.
If too much pressure is used on a surface, the pressure could strip the surface. For example, pressure washers commonly gauge holes in wood decks if the pressure is too high. Conversely, if not enough pressure is used, the surface might not clean properly. Electric power washers allow adjustable pressure, which enables the pressure washer to clean a greater range of surfaces.
Many different factors can play a role in the maneuverability of the product. These include the quality of the material, which determines durability and weight, the size of the wheels, and the design of the handle.
The quality of the material used can make power washers less prone to leaks, but it's also important in keeping the washers light-weight and more durable to the weather. It's important to look for high quality materials that can be both durable and light.
Having larger wheels can also make it easier to drag or roll the power washer over cracks, crevices, and even grass. Having a nice handle to hold the power washer can make it easier to pick up and carry over steps, and it can also make it more convenient to store after use. The wheels and handles of the top picks tend to enable better maneuverability.
It's important that the product be both convenient to use as well as put away. Pulling out a power washer is a lot easier than putting it away. Not having space to store things can end up being a hassle. That's why features to enable better storage capabilities make a big difference in the usability of a power washer.
We found spray nozzle storage and hose reels to be two of the most important storage features. Power washers that make it easy to store the most-used items are more likely to win us over.
Power washers also tend to come with long power cords, and cord storage can be one of the most annoying parts of using a power washer. Washers that have a good handle for storing the power cord tend to get better reviews.
We spend an inordinate amount of time researching products, analyzing third-party opinions, studying candidates first-hand, and synthesizing conclusions. Our analysis considers a wide range of online reviews, buying guides, and our editorial team's hands-on experience. We may earn money when you purchase products recommended on our site, but we do not earn money from placement. This does not affect our selection of products or our editorial integrity. Unlike other sites, we don't rank products based on the amount of affiliate commission provided. You'll regularly find more affordable products ranking on top of our lists, precisely because we also take into account value. In cases where more expensive products rank well, it is only because they justify the value.
In our reviews, we also consider the range of other reviews available online and try to synthesize across a large number of ranking lists. You'll find many product reviews across the internet, and not all of them agree. We do the research to ensure that the best-of-the-best lists here reflect a wide range of opinions, and we also weight authentic opinions more highly. The results here will reflect not only our own opinions but also a consensus across many reviewers.