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5 Best Small Pressure Washers for Everyday Use

As autumn begins to approach, the desire to tidy up and clean your home will more than likely be strong. Both the insides and the outsides of our homes need a good cleaning from time to time, and when it comes to the outside, there’s really no better way to clean up dirt than by using a pressure washer.

Best beginner
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer

This product also comes with a two-year warranty just in case you don’t think it’s the best fit for you.

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Best for Automobiles
Greenworks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer
Greenworks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer

This model also comes with a soap dispenser for easier cleaning.

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Best High Performing
Champion 3200-PSI 2.4-GPM Dolly-Style Gas Pressure Washer
Champion 3200-PSI 2.4-GPM Dolly-Style Gas Pressure Washer

It’s the best of both worlds: High impact cleaning and easy to use design.

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Best quick cleaning
Karcher K4 120V Electric Power Pressure Washer X-Series
Karcher K4 120V Electric Power Pressure Washer X-Series

It also has an onboard detergent tank for deeper cleaning.

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Best Home use
AR Blue Clean, AR383 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
AR Blue Clean, AR383 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Make quick cleaning jobs of decks, patios, siding, driveways, outdoor furniture, cars, trucks, RVs, ATVs and more.

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Pressure washers don’t have to be huge, in fact, small pressure washers are more commonly purchased due to their easy to use size and the fact they’re lower in price. Once you use a pressure washer for the first time, or even if you’re a pro at pressure washing, you’ll see the benefits of owning a small pressure washer and how cost-effective it is to your home.

Types of Pressure Washers

Before you decide what pressure washes you want to buy, you first need to know what your choices are. Since there are different types of pressure washers available on the market, here are the main categories of products you can expect to find:

  • Gas-powered pressure washers are infamous for their portability and power. They are the recommended choice for larger surfaces, such as cleaning sidewalks. However, this power comes at the expense of silence and low maintenance. In terms of price, you can expect gas pressure washers to be more expensive as they are more powerful. A low-end washer will cost around $200, but there are high-end models that will be as expensive as $2,000. Naturally, for basic home needs you won’t need the most expensive gas pressure washer out there.
  • Electric-powered pressure washers use the power of electricity to run and they are known for being relatively quiet compared to their gas counterparts. They don’t usually work at high pressure, making them less powerful than the category we talked about before. However, one of the main downsides of using such a product is the fact that you’ll be dependent on the length of the power cord, which can sometimes get in your way while you’re working. They are some of the most inexpensive products in this niche, with cheap models costing as low as $100.

The pressure washers listed above are divided into two main categories, based on their source of power. However, there are other ways to label pressure washers, with another common method being by the amount of pressure they can work at/what they are designed for. For instance, you can have:

  • Light-duty pressure washers work at PSIs under 1,000, and they are generally good for handling smaller jobs, like washing your car. Most light-duty pressure washers are electric because they don’t need that much torque to operate. As far as the price is concerned, you can find these types of washers for as low as $50, with the more expensive models being around $200.
  • Medium-duty pressure washers have around 2,000 to 2,800 PSI. They are also good for regular homeowners, especially those that want to clean the house’s siding. They are useful for other around-the-house chores, such as cleaning fences, decks, or sidewalks. Homeowners typically prefer to buy a medium-duty pressure washer instead of a light-duty one because it is capable of handling both easier and tougher jobs. You are likely to find these types of pressure washers in both electric and gas-powered versions, with prices that vary between $200 and $500.
  • Heavy-duty pressure washers work at more than 2,800 PSI which makes them rather powerful for use around avera homes. They can be suitable for situations where you have to wash larger exteriors or prepare the house for renovations. Their starting price is usually around $400, with most available models being powered by gas.
  • Commercial-duty pressure washers are designed for professionals or commercial use. They work at pressures that exceed 3,500 PSI, so you can figure that your average homeowner won’t even need that much power. They are good for industrial cleaning and other complicated large-scale jobs, like removing graffiti from exterior walls. Prices for these types of pressure washers start off at $500 and go as high as a couple grand.

Choosing a Pressure Washer

If you’re looking to buy a pressure washer, even a small one, there are things that you have to know about these kinds of products. Regardless of the size of the product you want to buy, the specifications and features are similar across all sizes, so let’s go over some general fact and knowledge that you must acquire before buying such a product for yourself.

#1: Water pressure (PSI)

How do you measure the power of a pressure washer? With PSI, of course. PSI is an abbreviation for Pounds per Square Inch, and this is how water pressure is measured. When you notice a low PSI, that means that the washer operates at lower pressures. However, don’t be tempted into thinking that you need the highest PSI on the market. As we mentioned in the previous section, some pressure washers can reach a PSI of more than 3,500, which is way too much for any homeowner to handle or more than you’ll ever need.

Generally speaking, pressure washers that are designed for home use are around 1,300 to 1,800 PSI. Light and medium-duty pressure washers will be all you need for chores around the house. Machines with PSIs that vary between 2,000 and 3,000 are mostly considered heavy-duty because they can tackle jobs like cleaning driveways, house siding, and tough stains on resistant outdoor surfaces.

#2: Power source

As we mentioned earlier, pressure washers are either electrical or gas-powered. Naturally, each of these two power sources has advantages and downsides. Pressure washers that are powered by electricity are low maintenance, lighter and easier to maneuver, and don’t cost as much as their gas counterparts. The downside is that you need to have a power outlet close to you at all times or drag an extension cord around with you all the time when you want to use the pressure washer.

When looking into electric pressure washers, you also have the check the length of the cord. The majority of pressure washer manufacturer recommend not using their products with an extension cord, which automatically restrains your movement to locations nearby a power outlet.
Gas-powered washers are more powerful but also more expensive. They are easy to work with because they don’t have a cord lying around all the time. However, they are more high-maintenance and also quite loud.

#3: Gallons per minute (GPM)

GPM is a measurement of how much water goes through the washer. If you notice a pressure washer with a higher GPM, that means the machine will use more water but also clean surfaces faster. There is a direct correlation between PSI and GPM in a sense that devices that operate at higher pressure will also use more water in the process.

In general, most light-duty pressure washers use around 1.5 GPM, while the more advanced heavy-duty machines use around 4 GPM. If you’re tampering with the idea of buying a heavy-duty machine for your home, know that your source of water might not even be able to handle these high numbers. Which brings us to our next aspect that you must take into account…

#4: Water source

Every pressure machine requires a water source to function, and it’s important that you consider where you’re going to attach yours before actually settling on a product to buy. Why is this important? Because the pressure of your water source needs to match the GPM of the pressure washer. When you look at the GPM of a model you’re considering purchasing, think about whether or not your water source is able to supply that water constantly. If not, you risk damaging the motor of the pressure washer.

In general, those who have a city water supply don’t usually have to worry about this problem, but those that draw water from a well might not be able to use just any pressure washer on the market.

But can you use the pressure washer if you don’t have a water supply? Well, you can only do that if you come up with some sort of solution (something along the lines of a water tank, for example) to supply your machine with water. Certain washer models have integrated water tanks but they can only run for a very limited amount of time, depending on the capacity of the reservoir.

#5: Portability

It is very important to consider how and where you will be using your pressure water. If you plan to use it around the house, portability isn’t generally an aspect of interest. However, if you will need to use the product in other locations which require transportation, then it becomes something you want to look into.

Needless to say, the weight of the machine is the first thing that you have to look into if you’re interested in purchasing a small pressure washer. Some larger models are equipped with wheels to make it easier to move them around.

#6: Extra specifications

One thing that people like to look into before they buy a pressure washer is the noise level at which the machine operates. As we mentioned before, gas-powered pressure washers are powerful and noisier compared to those that run on electricity.

Some models are equipped with soap tanks, a feature that can be quite useful when you have to perform thorough cleaning. For instance, if you want to remove stains and grime off the driveway, having a pressure washer that can spray soapy water can greatly help in the process.

The majority of pressure washers operate with cold waters, but some models have the ability to heat up the water before spraying it. These models are exceptionally good at cleaning surfaces, but they are also very expensive (with some manufacturers selling hot water pressure washers for as much as $2,000).

Why a Pressure Washer?

All throughout the year, dust and dirt can build up on our houses, sidewalks, driveways, and everything else. A pressure washer administers high pressure water to break up grime, mildew and caked on dirt with ease. It’s also a great way to clean without any harmful chemicals, as pressure washing can be done with just the power of the water, so no need to add in any toxic cleaners that can damage your lawn and hurt your lungs.

The Top Five Best Small Pressure Washer Reviews

We’ve compiled a list of the top five best smaller pressure washers you can find in the market right now. All of these are highly rated, have excellent reviews and are backed by plenty of positive experiences. Your next best pressure washer could just be a click away with any of these fantastic options.

1. Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer

900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer 150x150

The Sun Joe SPX3000 model is a great pressure washer for beginners because it’s an all in one system. It even comes with nifty tips and tricks to help you on your way to achieving the best clean you can get. It’s easy to hold, has detergent options if you need a deep clean, and can easily clean up muck from all kinds of things, such as boats, buildings, RVs, pavement, etc.

This is a high-powered machine that can heat up water to up to 104 degrees. This will help break up even the toughest grime. This system also automatically shuts off whenever there is not enough water in the tank, so you don’t have to worry about the machine burning out.

Best beginner
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer

This product also comes with a two-year warranty just in case you don’t think it’s the best fit for you.

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Pros:

  • Easy to be a handheld model
  • High powered water stream
  • Can easily lift grime off a myriad of items
  • Has automatic stop

Cons:

  • May be too small for heavy jobs
  • May be a bit pricey for some

2. Greenworks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer GPW1602

900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer 150x150

This Greenworks model is the best model for washing your car. The high pressure behind this washer is strong enough to cut through all kinds of road grit but won’t damage your car in the process. It’s strong enough to clean out window grime and even dirt on the tires, but gentle enough to be used on the entire car to leave it clean and sparkling.

This model comes in at 1600 PSI, so you know the impact of the clean will be amazing. It can also be used horizontally or vertically for better stability depending on the type of job you are using it for. While it’s great for cars, it’s also great for all kind of other jobs power washers are meant for, but it’s specially is in car cleaning.

Best for Automobiles
Greenworks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer
Greenworks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer

This model also comes with a soap dispenser for easier cleaning.

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Pros:

  • Handheld model
  • High powered water stream
  • Best for car cleaning
  • Comes with soap dispenser

Cons:

  • May be too small
  • May not be strong enough

3. Champion 3200-PSI 2.4-GPM Dolly-Style Gas Pressure Washer

900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer 150x150

The Champion Dolly-Style Gas pressure washer is the best pressure washer you can find for tough jobs. It’s a bit price than the other two we’ve discussed but has a super high impact that can easily lift dirt and grime off so many different things. It comes in with 3200 PSI and an OHV engine for ease of use. It’s a powerful stream of water at a reasonable price considering the pressure of water it a hold.

This model also comes with a detergent hose with a comfort grip so you can blast out this high-pressured water stream without having it wreck your hands or arms. It has steady nozzle streaming for consistent cleaning and comes with a two-year warranty backed by the company.

Best High Performing
Champion 3200-PSI 2.4-GPM Dolly-Style Gas Pressure Washer
Champion 3200-PSI 2.4-GPM Dolly-Style Gas Pressure Washer

It’s the best of both worlds: High impact cleaning and easy to use design.

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Pros:

  • High Powered model
  • High PSI
  • Can easily clean harder to clean jobs
  • Has comfort nozzles for support

Cons:

  • May be too expensive for some
  • May be too powerful

4. Karcher K4 120V Electric Power Pressure Washer X-Series

900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer 150x150

The Karcher K4 design is a great power washer for quick cleanups. It comes with that classic strong water stream pressure but is also easy to use and easier to clean up afterwards. This is the best smaller water pressure for quick jobs that don’t require too much time or too much cleanup. The pressure hoses can reach up to 25 feet.

This model also has a power spray wand that is easy to adjust and a dirt blaster spray wand that is meant to target caked on dirt. It also has a water-cooled motor which means that this machine sustains itself and is meant to last a lot longer than most power washer machines.

Best quick cleaning
Karcher K4 120V Electric Power Pressure Washer X-Series
Karcher K4 120V Electric Power Pressure Washer X-Series

It also has an onboard detergent tank for deeper cleaning.

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Pros:

  • Best for quick cleanups
  • Has a variety of hoses
  • Power spray wands accessible
  • Water cooled motor for longevity

Cons:

  • May be too small
  • May have too many attachments

5. AR Blue Clean, AR383 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer 150x150

The AR Blue Clean model of pressure washer is the best pressure washer to use around the home for easier jobs. It can easily clean up outdoor furniture, cars, outside playgrounds and even patios or driveways. It’s a good median machine that has more practicality to it and its design makes it easy for just about anyone to use.

Not as high powered as some pressure washers, but not as weak either, the AR Blue Clean is the best bet if you want the powerful cleaning of pressure washing without the hassle of having to deal with too many hoses or nozzles. It’s a pretty standard machine that will get your household jobs done with plenty of ease.

Best Home use
AR Blue Clean, AR383 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
AR Blue Clean, AR383 1,900 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Make quick cleaning jobs of decks, patios, siding, driveways, outdoor furniture, cars, trucks, RVs, ATVs and more.

View Deal

Pros

  • Best for around the house cleaning
  • Simple to use
  • Cuts through dirt with ease
  • Simple design

Cons:

  • May be too small
  • May be too pricey

The Rundown

As you can see, there is a small pressure washer for just about everyone. Whether you need a good pressure washer for outdoor cleaning, or you have a boat or lawn furniture that needs a deep clean, you can easily find what you’re looking for in any one of these great models.