Best pressure washers – these 6 machines cut through dirt and grime better than any others we've tried

Looking for the best pressure washer for your garden? Whatever the task at hand, we've made it our mission to test machines from leading brands and narrow down our top six.

Whether you'll be pairing your pressure washer with one of the best patio cleaners on the market or you're hoping to complete small tasks with a lightweight cordless pressure washer, there's a model to suit every job. We know it can be tricky to choose the right one, which is why our panel of reviewers have assessed performance, ease of use and other notable features worth shouting about during testing. There's even scope to clean your best garden furniture sets with some of the machines on this list.

Here are the best pressure washers we've tested to date...

Best pressure washers - the quick list

Best pressure washers – tried and tested reviews

Best pressure washer overall

Max out on power and capability with the Karcher K4 Premium High-Pressure Washer, which aced our at-home tests. This super versatile pressure washer is fully equipped to deal with a range of problems that might arise after a winter in the UK – we're talking lacklustre garden chairs, clogged gutters and sad-looking BBQs.

To tackle these tough jobs, our reviewer Rhoda Parry powered through the three pressure settings on the K4, using each of them to blast through dirt and grime and get surfaces back to their original colour. When using this pressure washer, Rhoda found the trigger handle display especially useful, as it clearly shows which setting you're on.

This sturdily-built washer is kitted out with everything you need to sort out both your garden and your car, and enabled Rhoda to easily clean her glass patio doors, car, stone patio and wooden sleeper pathway. With an RRP of £399.99, we know that this is an investment, but if you want a pressure washer that's built to last and can take on practically any of your surfaces (and make your car gleam, too), then you're onto a winner.

Read our full Karcher K4 Premium High Pressure Washer review for more information.

Best cordless pressure washer

You don't always need an outdoor tap or nearby plug socket to use a pressure washer – this pressure washer from Worx makes cleaning outdoors much more accessible. Its portability features make it a totally 'ingenious' buy, according to our reviewer, Rhoda.

In short, you can fill it up using a nearby bucket or water butt, and because it's battery-powered, you aren't restricted by a plug or cord. Even better, you can actually use a draw hose and soda bottle with this washer, and take it wherever you need to clean up outdoors.

This is a lightweight, compact tool, and while it is perfect for smaller jobs (especially in larger gardens), it won't quite hit the mark if you need a heavy-duty pressure washer for big patio cleaning jobs (take a look at the Nilfisk Excellent 160 on this list of the best pressure washers for more on that).

If you already own Worx products, you'll be happy to know that this tool is part of the Worx PowerShare system, so that you can use the battery across other garden tools. Rhoda found that the battery lasted for around 30 minutes of pressure washing, which is plenty of time for smaller jobs.

Read our full Worx 20V HydroShot Cordless Pressure Washer review for more information.

Best small pressure washer

This versatile, compact pressure washer is not only budget-friendly, but also a total all-rounder. Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief Heather Young has been testing the Karcher K2 out for some time now, saying that while it's 'small and compact, it doesn't compromise on power.'

Heather loves using the K2 in her garden as part of a clean-up operation after gardening work – especially after wet weather. Her patio has been cleared of mud thanks to this pressure washer, and the compact nature of the K2 means it's a breeze to get out and pack away again, even for small jobs. Heather says that she's more inclined to use the K2 than her full-sized pressure washer, thanks to just how convenient it is.

Pet owners can also trust the K2 to help them get rid of pesky muddy paw prints across the garden, as well as for smartening up their car or garden furniture. For portability, look no further than the built-in wheels, five-metre cable and extendable handle.

While this is a great value choice for smaller jobs and gardens, the K2 probably isn't the most capable option for expansive patios or walls. For quick and easy use, though, it's a total star.

Best affordable pressure washer

If you want to tackle your patio or decking on a budget, then the Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 might just be the remedy to dirt and grime. For under £200, this small corded pressure washer can help you clean up your driveway without issue, even if it's not fully equipped for bigger jobs (like freshening up your home's exterior or car).

If it's small jobs you need to complete, then that's where the Bosch UniversalAquatak excels. Our reviewer, Rhoda, loved its compact design and surprisingly forceful pressure. It's brilliant at tackling a range of outdoor cleaning jobs, from car cleaning to windows and patios. You can switch between three different settings, depending on the job.

It's also really easy to set up, with very little assembly required and push-fit connections, and it's just as simple to pack away, with a fold-down handle and cable and hose tidies for storage.

Read our full Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High-Pressure Washer review for more details.

Best heavy-duty pressure washer

You can't go wrong with Nilfisk's Excellent 160-10 Pressure Washer. Ideal Home's Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane, reviewed it at her Belfast home. She found it a powerful mid-range machine that made light work of her patio, car and kids' outdoor toys.

It requires minimal set-up and is super efficient in removing dirt and grime from all of the grotty surfaces she used it on. Including a multipurpose gun and lance, Nilfisk's Excellent 160-10 pressure washer can tackle anything from cars and bikes to cleaning garden furniture and barbecue grills with its arsenal of handy tools.

The Power Foam Blaster creates a rich lather to get your car pristine, while the Mid Patio Cleaner will make small work of cleaning large areas such as patios, driveways and wooden decks. The variety of attachments available helped give more control to cleaning tasks, whether you need a powerful stream of pressure or something more gentle for the car or windows.

Powered by a low-noise, 2100W induction motor and a longer-lasting metal pump, it's super easy to move about with its telescopic handle and trolley. Although it could be a potential trip hazard, the 10m long Ultraflex hose reduces kinks and knots and is easily wound up inside the machine after use.

Read our full Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 High Pressure Washer review for more information.

Best smart pressure washer

Our reviewer Jennifer Oskien was really impressed with the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control Pressure Washer. If you're looking for a smart pressure washer that's as clever as it is effective, this model is the one we'd recommend. You can control the pressure washer via an app on your phone, just like you would with some of the best robot lawn mowers on the market, and reviewers praise the adjustable pressure settings and smart app integration.

In terms of performance, the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control is a powerful machine, boasting a maximum pressure of 180 and a maximum flow rate of 550. It blasted away winter grime effortlessly from Jennifer's patio in around an hour, with really satisfying results. It also did a brilliant job of cleaning up Jennifer's garden furniture and children's outdoor toys.

The pressure washer has a long 5-metre cable and a 9-metre hose, so it's suitable for most medium-sized gardens as well as smaller ones.

It's quite a compact machine, so it won't take up too much space in the shed, but Jennifer noted that it is heavy (18.1kg), so it can be a struggle to get it in and out of storage. It's also incredibly loud – a whopping 82dB on Jennifer's decibel meter reader app so that's something to bear in mind, too.

Read our full Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control review for more information.

The best of the rest

STIHL STIHL RE 120 Plus Pressure Washer: £432 at Amazon

If you're after a powerful pressure washer, the STIHL RE 120 Plus Pressure Washer is one of the best we've tried. It boasts a long hose, a free surface cleaner attachment, brilliant manoeuvrability and excellent patio cleaning ability. Plus, it stores away neatly when not in use.

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How we tested these pressure washers

As part of our commitment to how we test the products we recommend to you at Ideal Home, we've made sure to test every single option you see here extensively. Across several weeks, our expert testers have tried these pressure washers on a range of surfaces – from cars and motorbikes to patios, wood, concrete and even sheds and other outdoor buildings.

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Crucial factors we looked for as we tested these pressure washers included ease of assembly, ease of use, and the all-important factor of performance. There are a variety of washers available to you in this guide, from lightweight cordless options which can be used portably to heavy-duty models. Each was tested to see if it lived up to the claims of its manufacturer. Below, you can learn more about each of our expert testers.

Rhoda Parry

Rhoda Parry is the former Editorial Director of Ideal Home and its sister titles, 25 Beautiful Homes and Style at Home. She is also the former Editorial Director for Gardeningetc, Amateur Gardening and Easy Gardens.

As an experienced Interiors and Gardens journalist, she’s spent her career tracking the trends, interviewing the experts and reviewing the best products for indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Rhoda tested the Karcher K4, Worx Hydroshot and Bosch Aquatak for us at her home in Sussex. She was most impressed by the K4, which came with an extensive range of accessories for cleaning her car and garden shed, among other things.

Linda Clayton

Linda is a freelance interiors journalist specialising in interior design and home and garden tech. She is a serial renovator, currently on her fourth project, and has tested many home appliances, DIY tools, garden equipment and mattresses in the last 20+ years.

She's one of Ideal Home's expert reviewers, and tested the Stihl RE 120 PLUS Pressure Washer at her home in Devon to give us her verdict on whether it's a star buy.

How to choose the best pressure washer

If you’re buying a new pressure washer for the first time, it can be tricky to know where to start. It all depends on your requirements and the area you’ll be using it on.

'When choosing the right pressure washer, think about what you need daily,’ says Henrique Conceicao, area manager at Total Clean. ‘Check the pressure (PSI) and flow (litres per minute), and don't overshoot your actual need. And remember, whilst power is crucial, comfort in handling is equally vital.’

So, what should you watch out for?

Water pressure and flow rate

'Look out for a pressure washer that provides both good pressure and a high water flow rate,' says Paul Hicks, marketing and product manager at STIHL GB. 'It’s easy to get high pressure (like when you put your finger over the end of a hosepipe), but pressure and water flow together give the best cleaning effect.'

Don't go too heavy on the pressure, either. 'Pressure control is key,' says Clair Albone, Wickes' gardening expert. 'Too much pressure damages delicate surfaces; too little and you won't clean effectively.'

Some pressure washers use more water than others, so it's worth considering the impact on your bills, too.

Pressure washer attachments

Accessories are important to consider, too. You should shop for a pressure washer with attachments that can handle the jobs you need it for.

'Always check that the right nozzle is being used for the job,' advises Paul from STIHL. 'For instance, rotary jet nozzles are not recommended for wooden surfaces, as directing high-pressure water jets directly at the surface could cause damage.'

Storage space

You'll need to consider where you can store your pressure washer, so make sure you have room available for the model you choose. Compact models are also likely to be a bit cheaper if your budget isn't massive.

FAQs

What PSI is best for a pressure washer?

The pressure of a pressure washer is measured in PSI, and generally, the higher the bar, the more pressure and power the machine has. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option for your space.

'For light cleaning tasks, such as washing garden furniture, sprucing up your deck or fence, a 100 bar machine with a flow rate of 400 l/per hour would be sufficient,' says Bjørn Snelders, sales manager, consumer UK & Ireland for Nilfisk.

'For medium pressure tasks, look for a 110 to 140 bar pressure with flow rates over 400 l/per hour. This would be ideal for cleaning your car or patio. For heavier and large-area cleaning, a machine of 150 bar or above and a flow rate of over 450 l/per hour is your best bet.'

Handily, there are a number of machines on the market that allow you to adjust the pressure level.

What is the average life of a pressure washer?

So, how long does the average pressure washer last?

'The average life of a pressure washer can vary drastically depending on the frequency and type of use it is subjected to, and on the machine’s pump and motor,' says Bjørn from Nilfisk. 'To maximise lifetime, avoid machines with pumps made with less durable materials such as plastic, and instead, look for machines which use metal pumps.

'Another important aspect to consider is the motor. Brushed motors are lighter and intended for less frequent use. They are not recommended for longer or more frequent use. Machines with a brushless/induction motor are heavier but designed for longer periods of use and are also quieter in operation, which your neighbours will appreciate.'

If you're looking to refresh your lawn, check out our best lawn mowers buying guide.