Best pressure washers for cleaning cars and patios in 2025

Pressure washers, also known as jet washers and power washers, deliver a powerful concentrated jet of water to remove dirt, and are usually more efficient than a brush and garden hose.

As part of our rigorous tests we wash a one-metre square patch of several different types of surfaces, including concrete, block paving, paving slabs, softwood decking and even a car, to check exactly how well and how quick each model can clean these surfaces.

The best pressure washers from our tests

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The pressure washers we tested

All the pressure washers we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

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Bosch EasyAquatak 120

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Most recently tested May 2017

Type Corded

Weight 8kg

Pressure hose length 7 metres

Need to know Variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle, patio-cleaner attachment, angled jet nozzle (optional extra)

Bosch UniversalAquatak 125

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Most recently tested May 2017

Type Corded

Weight 7kg

Pressure hose length 5 metres

Need to know Wheels, rotating jet nozzle, angled jet nozzle (optional extra), patio-cleaner attachment (optional extra)

Bosch UniversalAquatak 135

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Type Corded

Weight 8kg

Pressure hose length 7 metres

Need to know Wheels, variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle, angled jet nozzle (optional extra), patio-cleaner attachment (optional extra)

Bosch UniversalAquatak 36V-100

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Most recently tested September 2024

Type Cordless

Weight 5.9kg

Pressure hose length 4 metres

Need to know Hose storage, fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle, angled jet nozzle (optional extra), patio-cleaner attachment (optional extra), car brush (optional extra)

Husqvarna PW 480

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Type Corded

Weight 27.8kg

Pressure hose length 13 metres

Need to know Fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, patio cleaner attachment (optional extra)

Karcher K2 Compact

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Most recently tested February 2014

Type Corded

Weight 4.7kg

Pressure hose length 3.8 metres

Need to know Fixed jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle, patio-cleaner attachment (optional extra)

Karcher K2 Power Control

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Type Corded

Weight 4.8kg

Pressure hose length 5 metres

Need to know Wheels, fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, patio-cleaner attachment, car brush (optional extra)

Karcher K3 Power Control

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Most recently tested November 2021

Type Corded

Weight 5.4kg

Pressure hose length 5 metres

Need to know Wheels, fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, patio-cleaner attachment (optional extra)

Karcher K4 Full Control Home

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Type Corded

Weight 12.8kg 

Pressure hose length 6 metres

Need to know Wheels, hose storage reel, variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle, angled jet nozzle (optional extra), car brush, patio-cleaner attachment

Clear leaves quickly and effectively with the best leaf blowers in our tests

Karcher K5 Power Control

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Type Corded

Weight 12.9kg

Pressure hose length 10 metres

Need to know Wheels, hose storage reel, fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, patio-cleaner attachment

Karcher K5 Power Control Car and Home

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Type Corded

Weight 12.9kg 

Pressure hose length 10 metres

Need to know Wheels, hose storage reel, fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, patio-cleaner attachment 

Karcher K5 Premium Smart Control

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Type Corded

Weight 15.8kg

Pressure hose length 10 metres

Need to know Wheels, hose storage reel, variable fan-jet nozzle, car brush, patio-cleaner attachment (optional extra)

Nilfisk Core 125-5 UK

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Type Corded

Weight 7kg

Pressure hose length 5 metres

Need to know Wheels, hose storage reel, fixed jet nozzle

Nilfisk Excellent 170

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Type Corded

Weight 21.5kg

Pressure hose length 10 metres

Nilfisk Premium 180

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Most recently tested September 2024

Type Corded

Weight 29.5kg

Pressure hose length 10 metres

Need to know Wheels, hose storage reel, fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle, angled jet nozzle (optional extra), car brush (optional extra), patio-cleaner attachment (optional extra)

Nilfisk Premium 200-15

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Type Corded

Weight 31.2kg

Pressure hose length 15 metres

Need to know Wheels, hose storage reel, variable fan-jet nozzle, car brush, patio-cleaner attachment (optional extra)

Powerbase 660841 20v Cordless Pressure Washer

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Type Cordless

Weight 1.9kg

Pressure hose length n/a

Need to know Fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle, car brush

Ryobi RY36PWX41A-0

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Available from Ryobi (£182.99)

Most recently tested May 2023

Type Cordless

Weight 2.4kg

Pressure hose length 6 metres

Need to know Fixed jet nozzle

Stihl REA 60 Plus 

Available from Stihl (£229.00), Just Lawnmowers (Tool only – £219.00)

Most recently tested February 2025

Type Cordless

Weight 6.4kg

Pressure hose length 5 metres

Need to know Fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle

Stihl REA 100 Plus

 Available from Stihl (£299.00), Just Lawnmowers (Tool only – £289.00) 

Most recently tested February 2025

Type Cordless

Weight 6.6kg

Pressure hose length 6 metres

Need to know Fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle

How we test pressure washers

In our lab tests we assess each pressure washer on the following:

• Cleaning ability on surfaces and cars We wash a 1 sq.m patch of several different types of surfaces, including concrete, block paving, paving slabs, softwood decking and even a car. The surfaces were consistently heavily soiled to provide a fair comparison between models, and we use the main lance and fan nozzle to clean them. We measure how long it takes and rate how clean the surfaces are afterwards.
• Ease of use We assemble each pressure washer, rating how easy it is to put together the first time you use it, and also to assemble and dismantle it for normal use. We rate how easy it is to set up and use the pressure washer to clean surfaces and a car with the main lance, and also using the patio cleaner (if provided).
• Noise We evaluate how loud and irritating the noise level is while cleaning.
• Water usage This assessment is based on how much water the pressure washer uses while cleaning.

We regularly revisit the pressure washers on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing and when we find them, we do. 

Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent

What type of pressure washer should I buy?

Light duty are best for cleaning small areas of lightly soiled paving, bicycles, small cars and garden furniture. These tend to be own-brand, cheaper models that have low-powered motors (1,200W to 1,600W), low water pressure (less than 90-bar) and low flow rates. Hoses lengths vary from three metres, which is too short to wash a car, to five metres, which is an adequate length for car cleaning. The shorter hose and low power can make cleaning slow and difficult, and the motors tend to be noisy. The parts also tend to be flimsy and prone to frost damage. 

Medium duty are best for cleaning domestic garden paved areas and decking, cars and 4x4s. Medium-duty pressure washers tend to be a mix of high-end, own-brand models and cheaper, premium-brand models. Expect a medium-powered motor (1,600W to 2,000W), mid-range water pressure (100 to 130-bar) and medium flow rates. Most units are pretty heavy, have larger wheels and on-board storage for accessories so make sure you can lift it to clean and have somewhere to keep it stored. Hoses tend to be five or six metres long, and some may even have hose reels.

Heavy duty are best for cleaning extensive areas of paving, grimy larger vehicles, commercial vehicles and caravans. The priciest washers on the market tend to be made by well-known machinery brands such as Karcher, Bosch, Nilfisk and Stihl. These are semi-professional models with high-powered motors (1,800W to 2,500W), high water pressure (130 to 150-bar) and high flow rates, which mean they tend to clean quickly and effectively. They tend to be very large and heavy, to cope with the high-powered motors and pumps that they contain, and use more durable aluminium pumps and induction motors than the cheaper models. Large wheels, telescopic handles, multiple lances and robust cleaning accessories are common.

Corded pressure washers are more suited to domestic cleaning, although you have to be near a power outlet to use one. They are typically lighter and less noisy and will be powerful enough for the usual home and garden cleaning jobs. 

Cordless pressure washers are powered by a battery, so you won't be restricted by a cord. However, the battery will need to be charged regularly. In the past, cordless pressure washers were appropriate for light-duty use only, but we've been seeing more releases that are trying to compare to corded models in water pressure and flow rates.

Petrol pressure washers are designed for professional, large-scale jobs. Like cordless, these models will allow you to go anywhere because they don't need to be near a power socket. But they will normally be too powerful for general jobs such as cleaning your car or patio. 

What are the best pressure washer features to look out for?

If you just need a pressure washer for light cleaning, then most no-frills machines come with just one lance, which is a long tube with a nozzle on the end. The nozzle will usually provide variable pressure – when you twist the nozzle, you can adjust the spray from a powerful narrow jet to a broader gentle fan. 

But for anything more, the following additions could prove invaluable:

• Washer hose Starting at three metres for the cheapest models, hoses can be up to 10 metres long.  
• Trigger All triggers should have a safety lock to avoid accidentally turning on your pressure washer. 
• Detergent tank We found built-in but removable detergent tanks more convenient than bottle attachments in our tests. 
• Variable fan-jet Also called variable pressure lances, these allow you to vary the force of the jet from a focused point to a broad fan.
• Angled lance Great for cleaning under cars or furniture. 
• Rotary jet lance A powerful jet that spins as it leaves the nozzle. Ideal for heavily soiled paving slabs, but not cars or decking. 
• Brush attachment Useful for cleaning cars, greenhouses and conservatories. 
• Patio cleaner attachment Circular plastic hoods with a brush around the bottom edge. Stops you having to stoop and helps ensure dirty water doesn't spray everywhere. They can be particularly useful for cleaning block paving, as they're less prone to blasting away the sand from the joints than more powerful nozzles.
• Wheels Handy for heavier models. But if you have lots of uneven ground or steps, make sure you can still carry the machine. 
• Hose storage wheel Avoids the cable getting tangled up. 
• Attachment holder To keep your tools to hand while cleaning. 
• Additional handles Some machines have a variety of handles that will make carrying it around while cleaning much easier. 
• Telescopic handle Super-useful if you need to clean high level surfaces.
• Pressure gauge Some more expensive models have a pressure gauge on the lance handle but, as the pump pressure doesn't vary, they're of little practical use.

How to avoid pressure washer problems 

The most powerful models can cost hundreds of pounds, so to avoid your pressure washer breaking here's our expert advice to prevent issues such as leaking and pump failure.

Water leaks from within the pressure washer

Drain your pressure washer before you store it for the winter – check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how to do this. Store it in a frost-free place so it doesn't freezey  – garages and sheds often aren't frost-free so you may need to store it in the house. It's possible to buy replacement parts for the plastic components and pumps of some pressure washers. Check the manufacturer’s website for further details.

Pressure washer lance fails

Always check that your lance and nozzles are assembled properly before turning on the trigger, to avoid straining the seals between them. Avoid dropping your lance on the floor while you are using it and always check that the nozzles are free of debris. You could use a pin to gently remove any debris you find. If your pressure washer has storage slots for the lance and nozzles, use these when you are cleaning instead of propping the lance on the floor where it could pick up dirt.

Pressure washer loses pressure

If the pressure is pulsing, it’s worth checking that the water supply is fully turned on and that the hose supplying the pressure washer isn't squeezed or kinked. Then clean the water filter. To get rid of air, run the pressure washer with an open spray handle and nozzle at low pressure until regular working pressure resumes. If the pressure is steady but low, it can indicate a worn stop/start valve – squeeze the trigger five times in quick succession to get it working again. Otherwise it might be a worn nozzle, which should be replaced. 

Seals fail on a pressure washer

Always drain your pressure washer after using, so no water is left in the pipes and avoid storing your pressure washer where it can freeze. Garages and sheds are often not safe from frost, so you may need to store your pressure washer in the house for winter. Seals can be replaced in some cases, so check with the manufacturer.

Pressure washer pump fails 

Store the pressure washer in a frost-free place, such as a cupboard in the house, and make sure that the water is turned on and at adequate pressure before running the pump.

Motor failure

Frozen and cracked pump parts are the chief suspect here, but another culprit could be running the pump without the water flowing, or ignoring other problems that cause the pressure washer to run incorrectly. Store the pressure washer in a frost-free place, such as a cupboard in the house, and ensure the water is turned on and at adequate pressure before running the pump.

Expert tips for cleaning your patio with a pressure washer 

1. A pressure washer is far quicker, easier and more effective than using a scrubbing brush and hose, but you'll need to make sure you're using the right washer – too powerful and you'll damage the surface, too weak and the grime won't budge. You can clean your patio by applying patio cleaning liquid and scrubbing with a firm broom. The result might be not as good and it takes a bit more muscle power, but it costs a lot less than buying a pressure washer.
2. To use the pressure washer make sure your hose is firmly attached to the tap, then turn the hose on and release the lance trigger until water runs freely before you switch on the power. Make sure you fit the appropriate lance – most have a simple bayonet fitting. Squeeze the trigger and work from one edge or corner of the patio, blasting the dirt away from you in a sweeping motion. If necessary, use the most powerful setting or the rotary lance to shift ground-in dirt and grime and then rinse off using a lower pressure.
3. If you’re happy to use chemicals, there are path weed killers available that, as well as killing the existing weeds in your patio cracks, will prevent others from coming up for several months afterwards. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid them because of their environmental impact, you may prefer to remove them by hand. Long-handled wire brushes make the job of removing weeds from between the narrow gaps less backbreaking.

Take a look at our best products to control weeds in paving and paths for more information on alternatives to path weedkillers.

How to clean your car with a pressure washer

Using a pressure washer to clean your car is easier than hand washing, and it uses less water than a hosepipe. But do it wrong and you could end up chipping the paintwork, ruining your tyres or soaking the interior. 

If you want a pressure washer for washing your car, make sure to get one with variable jet nozzle settings, which will make it much safer to clean different parts of the car without causing any damage.

Point the nozzle at the ground for the initial burst of water when you turn it on and pressure-wash the car on concrete rather than gravel to avoid the possibility of stones hitting the paintwork.

Don't spray too close to the paintwork or directly at panel gaps for too long, avoid spraying the engine bay and don't use a rotary (or tornado) nozzle attachment. 

Which pressure washer brand is most reliable?

As well as our tests, we also ask pressure washers owners how happy they are with their chosen brand, so we can give you some insight into the best out there along with the ones to avoid.

Only Which? subscribers are able to see our unique data comparing the most popular pressure washer brands. Log in or sign up to Which? to get instant access.