How to Choose a Pressure Washer
Start with the surfaces you'll clean most. Then compare PSI and GPM as each manufacturer states them (max or rated), choose a power type that suits your outlet access, and check the hose, nozzles and connection type on the listing. Use the lowest pressure that does the job.
See the job-by-job table
The pressure washer chooser is a table that matches your main job and outlet access to a type of washer.
Start with your surfaces
Here's what manufacturers' own guides say about pressure by job, each source named, with no merged figure:
| Job | What each manufacturer says (PSI, and GPM where given) |
|---|---|
| Car | Greenworks buying guide: 1,300–2,000 PSI, 1.2–1.6 GPM. Greenworks car guide: 1,200–1,900 PSI. Greenworks Canada: 1,300–1,900 PSI. BLACK+DECKER: 1,300–1,800 PSI. Sources differ; check your washer's manual. |
| Outdoor furniture | Greenworks buying guide ("Light (cars, furniture)"): 1,300–2,000 PSI, 1.2–1.6 GPM. Greenworks Canada (patio furniture): 1,300–1,900 PSI. |
| Wood deck | Greenworks buying guide ("siding, decks"): 2,000–2,800 PSI, 1.8–2.5 GPM. Greenworks Canada: 2,000–2,500 PSI. BLACK+DECKER: 1,800–2,500 PSI. Sources differ; check your washer's manual. |
| Fence | Greenworks Canada: 2,000–2,500 PSI. BLACK+DECKER: 1,800–2,500 PSI. No GPM given. |
| Siding | Greenworks buying guide: 2,000–2,800 PSI, 1.8–2.5 GPM. Greenworks Canada: 2,000–2,500 PSI. BLACK+DECKER: 1,800–2,500 PSI. |
| Concrete driveway | Greenworks buying guide: 2,900–3,300+ PSI, 2.5–4.0 GPM. Greenworks Canada: 2,600+ PSI. BLACK+DECKER: 2,500–2,800 PSI. |
| Patio or pavers; boat or RV | No manufacturer range found. Check the manufacturer's recommended pressure for this surface in your washer's manual. |
Ranges are manufacturers' general guidance; follow your washer's manual and use the lowest pressure that does the job. For concrete, Simpson's FAQ and DeWalt's gas FAQ both say: "Household jobs… shouldn't need a machine larger than 3000 PSI" (Simpson; DeWalt).
Don't ignore flow (GPM)
PSI is the force of the water; GPM is how much flows each minute. Simpson's FAQ says "Cleaning units is calculated by multiplying PSI and GPM," so two washers with the same PSI can differ once you look at GPM. Compare both figures, on the same basis. More in PSI vs GPM.
Pick a power type: electric, gas or cordless
- Electric suits cars, decks and patios near a grounded outdoor outlet. Test the GFCI before each use.
- Gas suits big outdoor surfaces away from an outlet, and runs outdoors only, away from windows, doors and vents.
- Cordless suits rinsing and light cleaning on a tool battery.
See gas vs electric for the trade-offs, and the electric, gas and cordless picks.
Check what's on the listing
- PSI and GPM, and whether each is a max or rated figure
- the nozzles included (tip colors vary by brand; see the nozzle guide)
- hose and cord length, as the maker states them
- the connection type, for accessories
- the GFCI (electric) or the engine (gas), as stated
- pump fittings and other build details, as the listing states them
Plan for accessories
A surface cleaner can help on large flat areas; check its PSI and GPM limits and its connection against your washer. See accessories that fit your washer.
See all pressure washer picks.
FAQ
What size pressure washer do I need?
Match it to the job and compare listed PSI and GPM. The chooser page lists each manufacturer's range by job.
What PSI pressure washer do I need for a car?
Manufacturers differ. Greenworks says 1,300–2,000 PSI (and 1,200–1,900 in its car guide). Greenworks Canada says 1,300–1,900. BLACK+DECKER says 1,300–1,800. Sources differ, so check your washer's manual and use the lowest pressure that does the job. See the chooser.
What should I look for when buying a pressure washer?
The job first. Then PSI and GPM as the manufacturer states them (max or rated), the power type, the nozzles included, hose and cord length, and the connection type for accessories.
Is a higher PSI always better?
No. Use the lowest pressure that does the job. Simpson's FAQ says household jobs "shouldn't need a machine larger than 3000 PSI," and that "you can lower the effect of the pressure by stepping back from the surface."
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