Pressure washers can blast years of dirt and grime off patios and paths, as well as tackle everyday cleaning tasks like washing the car and hosing down equipment. We’ve compared lots of different models to find the best pressure washers out there, including both mains-powered and battery-operated kits.
What to consider when buying a pressure washer
Most pressure washers have the same basic features, but there are a few factors you might want to consider before you make your purchase:
- Water source - if you don’t have an outdoor tap, make sure you choose a pressure washer with a syphoning kit to suck up water from a butt or container
- Mains or battery powered - usually, mains-powered washers are more powerful than battery-operated ones, but you do have to contend with a cable as you clean
- Accessories - some pressure washers come with handy accessories like different nozzle heads, brush attachments and extension poles
Pressure washer or power washer?
Many people use ‘pressure washer’ and ‘power washer’ interchangeably, but there’s one key difference between them: power washers heat up the water before spraying it. They’re often used in a commercial setting and they’re useful for getting rid of heavy marking.
Which power level is appropriate for my needs?
You’ll need to pay attention to the water pressure, motor wattage and maximum water flow rate.
For a budget-friendly or battery-powered pressure washer, you can expect to get a 1600W motor and a water pressure of 90 bar or less, which will be enough to hose down cars and garden equipment.
For a high-powered pressure washer, look for models with a 1600W-2500W motor and water pressure up to 150 bar - ideally adjustable between 90 and 150 bar. These will be able to remove years of dirt from patios and paths, and cope with everyday cleaning.
Ready to get started? Browse the best patio cleaning solutions in our guide:
The best pressure washers to buy
Bosch UniversalAquatak 135
- 135 bar pressure
- 1900W motor
- Max. 410 l/h flow rate
As its name suggests, the UniversalAquatak is one of Bosch’s more versatile jet washers. It’ll clean outdoor surfaces, furniture and tools at a bar pressure of 135.
Bosch’s pressure washer is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t have an outdoor tap or wants to make use of collected rainwater from a water butt, as it can draw from a container if necessary.
Also included is a 3-in-1 nozzle with different sprays, so you can adapt it for different tasks, as well as a second carry handle to make transportation easier.
Kärcher K 5 Power Control
Buy from Kärcher (£289.99)
- 20-145 bar pressure
- 2100W motor
- Max. 500 l/h flow rate
Kärcher is perhaps the most well-known brand when it comes to jet washing products, and does make some of the best pressure washers around. It has created a neat collection of models, each designed for different outdoor uses. The K5 is best for jobs in the garden and on the driveway, but isn’t suitable for cleaning pools, houses and caravans.
Choose this model if you’re looking for a jet washer to clean outdoor furniture, garden paths, flagstones and walls. It’ll also work wonders on tools and equipment, as well as cars and bicycles.
You’ll be able to adjust the water pressure from 20 bar for gentle cleaning all the way up to 145 for blasting stubborn stains. Just twist the spray wand and check the pressure on the handle’s LED display.
For guidance on using the right pressure for different surfaces, you can turn to the companion app.
Nilfisk E150 Corded Pressure washer
Buy from B&Q (£299.00)
- 150 bar pressure
- 2100W motor
- Max. 500 l/h flow rate
With a 2100W motor and a maximum water pressure of 150 bar, this Nilfisk jet washer rivals the Kärcher K5 for power. It’s also slightly cheaper, so could be a good option if you’re not set on a Kärcher model.
You can switch between two nozzles for a gentle or rough spray, depending on how much power you need, and you can expect to clean surfaces at up to 55m2 per hour.
Mac Allister Corded Pressure washer
- 10-140 bar pressure
- 1800W motor
- Max. 440 l/h flow rate
If you’re looking for a compact kit with a high top pressure, the Mac Allister model is one of the best pressure washers you can buy. All the accessories are designed to be stored on the main body and the telescopic handle packs down for easy storage.
This jet washer doesn’t scrimp on accessories either; it comes with an adjustable and a rotary nozzle, as well as a spray gun and a high-pressure foam sprayer. Plus, you can buy lots more compatible add-ons, including a sweeper brush, an extension lance and a self-priming kit to suck up water from containers.
While most pressure washers have a maximum operating temperature of 40°C, this one can cope with water up to 50°C to help you tackle baked-on stains.
Einhell Classic TC-HP 90 1200W
Buy from Toolstation (£64.98)
- 90 bar pressure
- 1200W motor
- Max. 372 l/h flow rate
With a relatively small price tag compared to most alternatives, the Einhell TC-HP is one of the best pressure washers you can buy if you’re on a budget. It has a 1200W motor and a bar pressure of 90, so you’ll sacrifice some power for the low price, but it should still perform well with fresh muck and lighter stains.
The nozzle allows you to switch between a wide and a narrow spray, depending on the task at hand. An integrated water filter and compact carry handle complete the package.
Yard Force 150 Bar
- 150 bar pressure
- 2000W motor
- Max. 440 l/h flow rate
Featuring a powerful 2000W motor, this neat option can provide pressure of 150 bar, so it should have no trouble blasting away years of baked-on dirt and grime.
It comes with a turbo nozzle for removing heavy dirt, as well as a nozzle with adjustable pressure for applying detergent. Plus, you’ll get a spray lance, which can turn 360 degrees as you’re cleaning.
When you need to move the pressure washer, just pull up the telescopic handle.
Ryobi 18V ONE HP Cordless Brushless 41Bar
Buy from Amazon (£134.95), Ryobi (£159.99)
Buy battery and charger from Ryobi (£69.99 )
- 7 / 22 / 41 bar pressure
- 70 / 110 / 160 l/h flow rate
If you don’t want to contend with annoying power cables while you’re blasting away grit and grime, try Ryobi’s cordless pressure washer.
As it uses a 5.0Ah battery, the pressure is lower than you’d get with a mains-powered model, but it’s ideal for everyday cleaning tasks like hosing down cars and equipment. At the highest setting, you’ll get 22 minutes of continuous cleaning on a single charge.
This Ryobi model is also one of the best pressure washers to buy if you don’t have an outside tap, as it comes with a 6m-long syphoning kit to draw water from containers. Alternatively, just connect your garden hose to get started.
The kit includes a versatile 3-in-1 nozzle for different cleaning tasks. There’s a 15° fan spray, which is perfect for everyday cleaning, and a shower setting for rinsing.
Looking for more cordless garden tools?
Clarke JETSTAR 1950 1600W
- 90-134 bar pressure
- 1600W motor
- Max. 400 l/h flow rate
Clarke’s JetStar has gained lots of positive customer reviews, so it deserves a spot on our list of the best pressure washers. Despite its relatively small 1600W motor, it can still offer an adjustable pressure between 90 and 134 bar, so you’ll be able to tailor the power to the surface you’re cleaning.
As well as switching between high and low pressure, you can also choose from a pencil jet for maximum power, and a fan mode for general cleaning.
Once your patio is sparkly clean, add stylish furniture, lighting and heating. Here are some of our favourites patio accessories: