The best pressure washers for garden cleaning

Every home needs a pressure washer, especially if you have a patio or decking.

Best pressure washers

by Caitlin Casey |
Updated on

There's nothing more satisfying than blasting your patio and garden furniture with the best pressure washer. Seeing all the grime and dirt wash away is definitely one way to have a productive morning. We've had a dig through the market to find the best options for you. From Bosch to Kärcher pressure washers, check out our choice of the best below.

Pressure washers help to clean large spaces of areas really quickly and efficiently. So, there are lots of outdoor materials and spaces that you can clean off easily with a pressure washer. The most common things you'll find to pressure wash in your garden are wooden decks, patios, concrete surfaces, fences, walkways, and driveways. Not to mention, you can also use your washer to tackle those gritty, tough parts of the garden, like rubbish bins and outdoor furniture when they've got especially grimy.

Best pressure washers at a glance:

Best high-end pressure washer: Kärcher K7 Premium Smart Control Home Pressure Washer - View on Kärcher
Best lightweight pressure washer: Spear and Jackson Pressure Washer 1400W - View on Argos
Best value pressure washer: Ryobi RY150PWA Pressure Washer - View on Amazon UK

But with so many different pressure washers on the market, which one is right for you? For starters, decide if you want a corded or cordless model. Cordless pressure washers tend to be light-duty so aren't the best for deep cleaning the patio, however, they give you the freedom of not needing to be tethered to a power supply. Corded electric pressure washers give you more power to tackle those bigger cleaning jobs but do tend to be heavier as a result. Consider what you plan to clean and how often to determine what best fits your needs. There are petrol-powered pressure washers too but these are designed for us typical home users.

We've brought together a list of the best, user-friendly pressure washers to buy so you can enjoy the satisfaction of cleaning your garden through the power of water.

Best pressure washers 2024

Best corded pressure washers

Best high-end pressure washer

Karcher K7Karcher

Kärcher, a legendary pressure washer brand, is known for its high-quality and durable washers. There are a range of options, including pressure washers for cars or outdoors specifically, but this K7 premium pressure washer tackles everything from cars to external staircases, garden paths, pools, and patios. Reviewers state it's the ultimate pressure washer you can get your hands on.

This machine can work through a Bluetooth connection, meaning you can tailor your machine to select the correct setting for what you're cleaning at the press of a button. This machine comes with a 10-metre high-pressure hose and a 3-in-1 multi jet spray lance, but other accessories are available separately.

Pros

  • Compact design with powerful performance
  • Wide range of accessories available

Cons

  • Smart control can be tricky to master
Dimensions:17.8kg; 10m Hose Length
Power:Corded Electric, 2800W
Pressure:20-180 max. bars
Components:Home kit, Home kit, K 7 Smart: T 7 Surface Cleaner, Stone and Façade Cleaner, 3-in-1 1l; 3-in-1 multi-jet; hose reel; 10m high-pressure hose; detergent application; telescopic handle; water-cooled motor; water filter; adapter garden hose A3/4

Best lightweight pressure washer

Spear & Jackson Pressure Washer - 1400WSpear & Jackson

This compact and lightweight Spear & Jackson 1400W Pressure Washer is perfect for most medium-duty tasks. This product comes with a variable lance, patio cleaner, fixed brush and detergent bottle, giving you all the tools for the job, whether you're cleaning your car, patio, BBQ or garden furniture. Ideal. Plus, there's a three-year guarantee.

The foam sprayer is popular with reviewers for making cleaning easier, as it allows you to easily apply any pressure washer detergent to the surface you're cleaning, whether that's a car or a patio. This comes with a three year guarantee for peace of mind.

Pros

  • Relatively lightweight at seven kilograms
  • Adjustable pressure to suit the task at hand

Cons

  • Not as powerful as other options
Dimensions:7kg; 5m Hose Length
Power:Corded Electric, 1400W
Pressure:Adjustable, 70-100 Bars
Components:1400W universal motor pressure washer; Standard lance; Pressure-Adjustable lance; Quick connector; Removable detergent tank; 5m hose; 5m mains cable

Best value pressure washer for garden

Ryobi RPW130XRBB Pressure WasherRyobi
Price: $177.99

Want more bang for your buck? Check out this new Ryobi pressure washer which delivers a 2000W motor and max pressure of 150 bar. It's super durable and has an incorporated 0.9-litre detergent tank for efficiency. With wheels making transport easy and on-board accessories, this is an all-rounder with great value.

This washer is notable for its capable hose. It's eight metres long and features an anti-kink design. The pressurised hose reel unspools the hose during use without tipping the machine over, allowing for maximum mobility and reach around your outside spaces.

Pros

  • High power and powerful pressure
  • Long, kink-resistant hose for reach

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the instructions are confusing
Dimensions:13.9kg; 8m Hose Length
Power:Corded Electric, 2000W
Pressure:150 Bars Max
Components:‎‎Turbo Lance, Vario Lance, and Rotary Brush

Best compact pressure washer for your garden

Need a pressure washer but don't want to be lugging a massive one around the garden? This Bosch EasyAquatak 110 pressure washer is easily portable with enough power to tackle patios and garden furniture. This comes with a selection of nozzles to suit different jobs, including a high-pressure detergent nozzle, all of which offer push-to-fit ease of use.

The EasyAquatak 110 has an auto-stop system that allows for improved energy efficiency. Reviewers rate this machine highly - it has a near five-star score on Amazon from over 11,000 reviews - and state it does a great job on anything from muddy bikes to mucky decking.

Pros

  • Lightweight at less than four kilograms
  • Broad base design for stability

Cons

  • Hose is quite short at just three metres
Dimensions:4kg; 3m Hose Length
Power:Corded Electric, 1300W
Pressure:110 Bars
Components:EasyAquatak110 pressure washer; high-pressure gun lance; 3m hose; fan jet nozzle; rotary nozzle; detergent nozzle 450ml; water filter

Best pressure washer for style and substance

Nilfisk 128471286 Core 130 Bar High Pressure Washer with Power ControlNilfisk

If you're looking for efficiency, this Nilfisk pressure washer allows ease of cleaning whilst incorporating power and value. It has an optimised engine and six-metre hose for easy handling, as well as additional pocket storage. Reviewers love that it's smaller but just as powerful as other pressure washers.

This has a long handle and a wheeled base, making it very portable. This machine comes with a comprehensive suite of accessories including a foam sprayer, Nilfisk's G1 gun, a gentle nozzle, and a rough power nozzle for tougher tasks. Additional accessories can be purchased separately.

Pros

  • Long six-metre hose for improved reach
  • High power at 1500W and pressure of 130 bar

Cons

  • Nozzles can be a bit fiddly to change
Dimensions:6.6kg; 6m Hose Length
Power:Corded Electric, 1500W
Pressure:130 Bar Max
Components: ‎6m hose; universal motor; hose pocket; built-in trolley; extra on-board storage for accessories; power control buttons; rough pressure nozzle; gentle pressure nozzle

Best heavy-duty pressure washer for garden

Mac Allister Corded Pressure washer 1.8kWMac Allister

This Mac Allister pressure washer has more pressure and power for that heavy-duty washing you may need to do outside in your garden. It has a two-year guarantee as well as an anti-tangle hose and two wheels for easy pull-in. This has a telescopic handle and all the accessories can be stored on board the machine. Overall, this is rated as a great value choice for a high-pressure washer.

One reviewer shares that this washer managed to shift year's worth of moss growth with ease, showing how powerful 1800W motor is. That anti-tangle hose measures in at eight metres, giving you great flexibility when washing cars, bikes, and garden furniture.

Pros

  • Great value and performance with a powerful motor
  • Easy to use with simple controls

Cons

  • Some found it to be on the noisy side
Dimensions:11kg; 8m Hose Length
Power:Corded Electric, 1800W
Pressure:140 Bar Max
Components:Fixed brush, rotary brush, patio cleaner, sweeper brush, wheel brush, underbody lance, drain and pipe cleaning, self-priming kit and extension short lance

Best Kärcher pressure washer for patios

K 5 smart home pressure washerKärcher

When it comes to the best pressure washers, we know Kärcher is top of the game, and while their models may be more expensive than competitor brands, you get what you pay for. The K5 model comes with the T 5 patio cleaner head attachment, so your paving will be left gleaming, as well as some stone and façade detergent. And with a max 145 bar pressure, you’ll be able to clean all your garden’s tools and accessories, from furniture to fences, bicycles, cars and patios.

Reviewers, whom may have upgraded from lesser specced Kärcher pressure washers, say that the K5 has transformed their approach to outdoor cleaning and describe cleaning cars as effortless with this model.

The 3-in-1 jet lance is really handy, as it allows you to switch between different spray settings without the hassle of having to attach a different nozzle. The plug ‘n’ clean system is pretty cool too as it lets you add detergent to your pressure washer mid-way through cleaning. Reviewers are big fans of the Smart Control App that works via Bluetooth, if pop in what kind of object or surface you’re cleaning, the app will tell you what setting and attachment to use.

Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Alex Boyd: "I liked working with the Kärcher K5. It is a great home workhorse, probably as powerful as you would need for just about any domestic situation, with enough accessories to give you the flexibility to tackle cleaning jobs on just about any type of surface with confidence."

"The T5 attachment connects to the power control spray gun using the quick-click connectors and is ready to go in no time. Like anything, it took a few moments to find my groove, but once I relaxed into it, I found it easy to work with. The powerful water jets from the rotating nozzles create a kind of hovercraft effect, which makes the T5 really easy to move around. It is quite an efficient way of getting patios and decking areas cleaned up quickly with the minimum of fuss and getting good results, too."

Read our full Kärcher K5 pressure washer review to find out more about what Alex thought.

Pros

  • Very powerful, great for patios, cars, garden tools and furniture
  • Long 10-metre hose
  • Comes with patio attachment head
  • 3-in-1 jet lance for ease of use

Cons

  • Hose is a little rigid
Maximum pressure:145 bar
Maximum water flow rate:500l/hr
Patio accessory head:Yes
Hose length:10m
Weight:13.9kg

Best cordless pressure washer

Best for reliability

Ryobi-RY18PW22A-0-18V-ONE-Cordless-22bar-Power-WasherRyobi
Price: $149.99

Ideal for cleaning your garden tools, this Ryobi is a powerful alternative to a garden hose with a lot less faff. The syphoning kit pulls water from any fresh water source and the 3-in-1 nozzle includes a turbo nozzle for tough cleaning. Whilst it's not the most powerful cordless pressure washer, it is an effective machine.

You can use the 15-degree fan spray for general cleaning, and there's a shower function for rinsing. The Ryobi can be used for up to 30 minutes on a single charge - but please note that a 5.0Ah battery is not included.

Pros

  • Effective, with a three-in-one nozzle
  • Can be used from a hose or a bucket

Cons

  • Battery needs to be purchased separately
Dimensions:‎38.9 x 27.7 x 20.3 cm
Power:18V battery (not included)
Pressure:22 Bar
Components:Pressure washer and siphoning kit

Best cordless pressure washer for garden

WORX WG620E 18V (20V MAX) Cordless Hydroshot Portable Pressure CleanerWorx
Price: $124.99

One of the top choices on Amazon, this WORX cordless Hydroshot washer is perfect if you don't have access to mains water and power or just want something easy to work around the garden. It has five different pressure settings, meaning you can use it across a range of materials, and you can draw the water from any source with the six-metre hose, including from a bucket or water butt.

With one reviewer claiming this machine managed to clear 15 years of muck and moss from their patio with relative ease, you can imagine how the power - 10 times more forceful than a garden hose - can quickly shift muck from a variety of surfaces and objects. This tool is part of Worx's PowerShare battery system and comes complete with a battery and charger.

Pros

  • Pistol-style design makes this very portable
  • Five-in-one pressure nozzle for versatility

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the instructions not clear
Dimensions:1.75kg; 6m Hose Length
Power:Battery-Powered, 20V
Pressure:40 Bars
Components:Charger, Lance, 2.0Ah Battery, Multiple nozzles

Best handheld pressure washer

https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-tti855prw-22bar-18v-1-x-5-0ah-li-ion-cordless-hand-held-pressure-washer/123PV?Titan

This Titan cordless handheld pressure washer makes hard-to-reach tasks easier, including cleaning bikes, patio furniture, those pesky corners of buildings, and even watering plants. The six-metre suction hose allows water to be drawn from any water source.

While reviewers state this is not a replacement for a full-sized pressure washer, they do praise this model for its ease of use and how handy it is to grab for lighter cleaning jobs. This comes complete with a 5.0Ah Li-Ion battery that has a charge time of 90 minutes that should give you enough juice to complete the average cleaning job.

Pros

  • Great tool to grab for small and quick jobs
  • Weighs in at less than three and a half kilograms

Cons

  • Not suitable for larger jobs
Dimensions:3.2 kg, 6 m hose length
Power:Battery-Powered, 18V
Pressure:22 bar
Components:Hose, Lance, Battery and Charger

Best powerful cordless pressure washer

DEWALT DCPW550B Power CleanerDEWALT
Price: $248
Alternative retailers
Walmart$151.02View offer
Tractor Supply$169.00View offer

If you're after a washer that packs a punch, the DEWALT has been rated one of the most powerful on the market for a cordless model. It is not just the power that makes it stand out, but it is also small and lightweight, weighing in at around four kilograms.

This comes with four different nozzle attachments; turbo, and 15-, 25-, and 40-degree options. This can draw water from a bucket, or similar, or, with an attachment, can be hooked up to your garden hose. The two-speed switch allows you to choose more or less power, max it for tough jobs, or if you're trying to conserve battery life, select the lower setting.

Pros

  • Four different nozzles including turbo
  • No need to connect to water source

Cons

  • Plastic fittings may crack over time
Dimensions:63.5 x 12.7 x 27.94 cm
Power:20V 
Pressure:34 bar ‎
Components: 4 nozzles, soap bottle

How we chose the best pressure washers

All of these pressure washers have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the pressure levels, features, and usability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching pressure washers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

What to consider with pressure washers

There are lots of things to consider when buying a pressure washer for your garden and outdoor areas.

Weight and size: Firstly, you'll want to think about the type of pressure washer you'll want to invest in. Do you want something big and chunky that will have a high power and pressure rating for heavy-duty jobs? Or would you prefer a lightweight model that allows you to carry your pressure washer around the garden?

Power and pressure rates: With each pressure washer, there will be certain power wattage and pressures that it can go up to. If you'd rather blast all the dirt away as efficiently as possible, you'll want to go up higher, but this may also mean going up in price and size.

Components: Pressure washers can come with all sorts of accessories and additions. Think about what you might need depending on the materials you're hosing down. Do you need various nozzles, brushes and bottles, or do you want to keep it simple?

Hose and cable lengths: Most pressure washers will come with a cable if they're corded and electric, and all will come with a hose attached to the machine. If you have a huge garden with lots to wash down, you may need a longer hose length to reach through your garden.

Pressure washer FAQs

Can you use detergent in your pressure washer?

Yes, though it's worth checking the manufacturer's guidelines first and foremost. They may recommend a detergent in particular or advise against it for their particular machine. You can buy universal detergents and patio cleaner solutions to oust dirt, mould, moss, and more.

What is the difference between a pressure washer and a jet washer?

The main difference between power washing and pressure washing is the heat. The jet wash in a power washing machine uses heated water, whereas the water in a pressure washer is typically not heated. Some may say jet washers are more effective on really stubborn stains as the heat can add another layer to breaking the stain down.

What water pressure do I need?

The water pressure is measured in bars or PSI (pounds per square inch) - the higher the bar, the more powerful the pressure washer is. For a light clean, up to 100 bars will do the trick, whilst a medium clean such as cleaning the car or lifting grime from the patio will do well with 110 to 130 bars. However, if you're working on more intense jobs, need to clean large areas or are looking to clean stone, 130 bars and up would be your best choice.

What aftercare should I do to preserve my decking?

Regardless of whether you've used a pressure washer or a scrubbing brush to clean your decking, one of the cons is that wood absorbs moisture, causing the fibres to expand, warp and worsen splintering. Using a sealant to preserve wood is a good idea, however the wood must be absolutely bone dry before you seal it. Quite simply, sealing in moisture leads to rot.
It's important to seal wood with a decking oil, such as Barrettine All In One Decking Oil Treatment. Look for a decking oil that is water-repellent, UV-resistant and prevents wood from splitting. Additionally, Barrettine's product protects decking from mould growth.
Alternatively, you may prefer a water-based sealant, such as Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Oil, which is more eco-friendly than a solvent-based product.
Seal wooden decking to keep it looking like new and protect it from the elements. Additionally, it makes the wood more resilient for those occasions when you need to clean dirt or lichen off your patio or decking. The good news is that by applying a good quality sealant you'll keep your decking looking cleaner for longer.

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Caitlin Casey is a Senior Writer for Modern Gardens, heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.

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