I'm looking to buy an electric pressure washer that runs on a 15A circuit and costs under $500. I know gas models tend to be more powerful, but I'm specifically interested in electric options—so please don't suggest gas! The main tasks I need it for include cleaning my composite outdoor deck (not resurfacing or staining), washing the siding of my house, removing cobwebs from around the exterior, and cleaning my boat and jet skis. I don't need a commercial-grade machine; I just want something that performs better than what you'd use for detailing cars. From what I've gathered, brands like CAT, Active, Karcher, Greenworks, Dewalt, and Westinghouse are mentioned a lot. Does anyone have experiences with these brands or know where I can find tested data on GPM (Gallons Per Minute) and PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)? I'd really appreciate any insights—or I'm sure other users would too!
5 Answers
Consumer Reports rated Greenworks as one of the top electric pressure washers, but keep in mind that owner satisfaction seems to be a bit low for them. Just something to consider!
Just a heads up, have you considered whether you might have a 20A circuit instead? Modern electrical codes usually require it for garages. With a 15A circuit, you might struggle to get decent performance out of a pressure washer. It's basically around 1700 watts which doesn't deliver the power you'd expect. Plus, make sure to look up "cleaning units" for a better understanding of GPM times PSI—it really helps when comparing different models. Electric pressure washers often market their stats in tricky ways, so knowing this info can save you from disappointment.
If you're looking for thorough reviews, definitely check out YouTube. There are plenty of detailed demonstrations that might help you get a better feel for the models you're considering.
I own a Greenworks, plus a couple of gas ones, and they all serve their purposes well. The Greenworks is super easy to move around for lighter jobs. I even took it up onto my roof to clean gutters! Just keep in mind it won’t replace the power of a gas model. For example, it might only get to about 1/4 of the pressure of my large gas unit. But it sure does come in handy for indoor jobs like prepping my basement for painting—totally something a gas washer wouldn't handle well!
I bought a Greenworks from Costco after researching, and honestly, you don’t have to spend the full $500 for a good home model. Just keep in mind that for washing cars, you generally want more flow and less pressure than for other cleaning tasks, since you’re not trying to strip away paint or anything.
Great point! I had no idea about the cleaning units. That makes total sense—thanks for sharing!