The Best Pressure Washers To Power Up Your Cleaning
Machines that lift years of grime off patios and fences as well as giving the car a proper wash.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best pressure washer is the Karcher K7 Home Pressure Washer. It comes with the T450 patio cleaner and a 10 metre hose, so you can clear a large patio without stopping to drag the machine about, and its app turned out to be far more useful than we expected. For general cleaning at a lower price, the Karcher K4 Pressure Washer had plenty of performance in our testing.
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Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of Karcher K7 Home Pressure Washer
Best Overall
Karcher K7 Home Pressure WasherLarge patios and regular cleaning where you want every feature
- Check price of Karcher K4 Pressure Washer
Best Value Karcher
Karcher K4 Pressure WasherMost home patios, cars and fences on a mid-range budget
- Check price of Nilfisk P150 Pressure Washer
- Check price of Bosch EasyAquatak Pressure Washer
Best Lightweight
Bosch EasyAquatak Pressure WasherSmall patios, bikes and cars where you want to carry it about
- Check price of VonHaus 2200W Pressure Washer
- Check price of WORX WG625E Cordless Pressure Washer
Best Cordless
WORX WG625E Cordless Pressure WasherLight cleaning away from taps and sockets, like bikes and garden furniture
- Check price of Wilks TX625 Petrol Pressure Washer
Best Petrol Powered
Wilks TX625 Petrol Pressure WasherHeavy-duty driveway and forecourt cleaning away from mains power
For patios, cars and fences, an electric machine does everything most homes need, and it's lighter and quieter with nothing to service. Petrol only earns its noise on big driveways or yards with no socket, and it's too fierce for car paintwork.
Among the electric models, look past the bar figure, because flow rate sets how fast the dirt rinses away, and check which attachments fit before buying extras. Our seven picks go from a cordless washer for bikes and garden furniture up to a petrol machine for forecourts.
How We Tested These Pressure Washers
A pressure washer is Richard's favourite tool, and while he has a soft spot for Karcher machines, we've used plenty of other brands over the years. They've been used on everything from cleaning patio slabs to removing green algae from fences, and we try out every accessory and mode that comes in the box.
The photos above show us testing the different modes on our patio, with the gun on Hard because that's the mode patios need. Between us we've built up a collection of machines from several brands, as the line-up below shows. Our most recent purchase is the Karcher K7, which looks more modern and offers far more functionality than our older machines. The Bosch, Nilfisk and Stihl machines in that line-up are older models and aren't the Nilfisk P150 or Bosch EasyAquatak reviewed here, so those write-ups rest on the manufacturers' figures.
The Short below shows a Karcher working through a dirty patio, and it cuts through the grime with very little effort.
It's Pressure Washing Season Soon! Watch The Karcher K4 Power Through This Patio Slab Dirt #shorts
We judged each machine on how it cleaned, how easy it was to set up and move around, the accessories supplied and how simple the controls were. Pressure, flow rates, hose lengths and warranties come from the manufacturers, and warranty and price were part of the final call.
The Best Pressure Washers We Recommend
Six of these machines run on mains electricity or a battery and suit most homes. The Wilks is the petrol option for big, heavy-duty jobs.
Best Overall
Karcher K7 Home Pressure Washer
Best for: Large patios and regular cleaning where you want every feature
Check Price On AmazonThe Karcher K7 Full Control Plus is our most recent purchase, and it's the machine in our hose reel photo. With 145 bar of pressure and 500 litres an hour of flow, according to Karcher, it has the power for a big patio, and the 10 metre hose and telescopic handle let you work across it without dragging the machine behind you.
The trigger gun has an LED display that makes switching between modes simple. There's also a smartphone app for choosing settings and sending them to the machine, and in testing that turned out to be far more useful than we expected. The T450 patio cleaner clips onto the lance and powers through weathered slabs in minutes. Karcher backs it with a five year warranty, which helps justify the premium price.
What we like
- 145 bar of pressure and 500 l/h flow according to Karcher
- T450 patio cleaner included
- LED trigger display for quick mode changes
- App was far more useful than we expected in testing
- 10 metre hose and telescopic handle
- Five year warranty
What to know
- The most expensive machine in our roundup
Our verdict
Buy the K7 if you've got a big patio or driveway that needs cleaning regularly. Having the patio cleaner in the box saves buying one separately, and the five-year warranty covers years of use. For a more modest garden, the cheaper K4 does most of the same jobs.
Best Value Karcher
Karcher K4 Pressure Washer
Best for: Most home patios, cars and fences on a mid-range budget
Check Price On AmazonThe Karcher K4 had ample performance for every general cleaning job we gave it in testing. It's an older model than the K7, but it keeps the LED display trigger gun that shows which mode you're in.
Karcher quotes 130 bar of pressure and a flow rate of 420 litres an hour, which is plenty for patios, paths, fences and cars. The 6 metre hose gives you room to move without constantly dragging the machine, and it works with all Karcher attachments, including snow foam lances and patio cleaners. It's backed by a three year warranty. With less pressure and flow than the K7, big areas do take longer.
What we like
- Ample performance for general cleaning in our testing
- 130 bar of pressure and 420 l/h flow according to Karcher
- LED display trigger gun
- Works with all Karcher attachments
- 6 metre hose
- Three year warranty
What to know
- Less pressure and flow than the K7
- 6 metre hose is shorter than the K7's 10 metres
Our verdict
Most homeowners will be happy with the K4. It handles patios, fences and cars, takes Karcher's full range of attachments from snow foam lances to patio cleaners, and costs much less than the K7. Large areas will take longer than with the K7, which is the step up for big driveways.
Best All-Rounder
Nilfisk P150 Pressure Washer
Best for: Long cleaning sessions on driveways and big patios
Check Price On AmazonNilfisk makes pressure washers for both homeowners and professionals, and the P150 is one of its most capable home machines. Its induction motor is the big difference from cheaper machines, as it can keep up a high output for long periods without straining, which suits long sessions on a driveway or large patio.
Nilfisk quotes 150 bar of pressure and a maximum flow rate of 610 litres an hour, the highest quoted for the electric machines here. A 10 metre hose gives you plenty of reach, and on-board storage keeps the lance and nozzles with the machine. It's one of the more expensive electric pressure washers in this roundup, and Nilfisk sells cheaper models with a little less performance.
What we like
- Induction motor handles long sessions
- 610 l/h flow rate, the highest quoted for the electric machines here
- 150 bar of pressure
- 10 metre hose
- On-board accessory storage
What to know
- One of the more expensive electric machines in our roundup
Our verdict
Long sessions on big driveways are where the Nilfisk's induction motor pays off, keeping up a high output without straining. It's a genuine rival to the K7 on performance. You do miss out on the smart controls and included patio cleaner, so weigh up which matters more.
Best Lightweight
Bosch EasyAquatak Pressure Washer
Best for: Small patios, bikes and cars where you want to carry it about
Check Price On AmazonThe Bosch EasyAquatak is a compact machine built to be carried rather than wheeled. Bosch uses an efficient pump to keep the body small, and at 3.8 kg it's light enough to take round the side of the house or up a flight of garden steps.
Push-fit connections make it quick to set up, and it comes with a variable power nozzle and a rotary nozzle for tougher dirt. It accepts attachments such as snow foam lances, so it's handy for car washing. The small size does limit it, though, and it can't match the bigger machines for speed on a large, mossy patio.
What we like
- Very light at 3.8 kg
- Push-fit connections for quick set-up
- Variable power and rotary nozzles
- Works with snow foam lances
What to know
- Slower on large patios than the bigger machines
- No wheels, so you carry it everywhere
Our verdict
Carrying a pressure washer up garden steps or round the side of the house is easy with the 3.8 kg Bosch. It suits small patios, cars and bikes. Larger, mossy areas will test its limits, so anyone with plenty of paving should look at the Karcher K4.
Best Budget
VonHaus 2200W Pressure Washer
Best for: Basic patio, decking and car cleaning on a tight budget
Check Price On AmazonThe VonHaus 2200W is one of the cheapest pressure washers we'd consider. VonHaus quotes up to 165 bar from its 2,200 watt motor, which is plenty of punch on paper, though the 330 litre an hour flow means rinsing a big area takes longer than with the Karcher machines.
It comes with a fully adjustable nozzle and a detergent bottle, and an integrated hose reel keeps the hose tidy between jobs. Large wheels make it easy to move around the garden, and there's a two year warranty. The build quality is a step below the alternatives, so it suits occasional cleaning rather than heavy weekly use.
What we like
- Up to 165 bar of pressure according to VonHaus
- Fully adjustable nozzle
- Integrated hose reel
- Large wheels for easy moving
- Detergent bottle included
- Two year warranty
What to know
- Build quality is a step below the alternatives
- Modest 330 l/h flow rate
Our verdict
On a tight budget, the VonHaus gets you a working machine with a hose reel and big wheels for a few jobs a year on a patio, deck or car. It's basic, and the build reflects the price. The Karcher K4 is the better-built option if you can spend a little more.
Best Cordless
WORX WG625E Cordless Pressure Washer
Best for: Light cleaning away from taps and sockets, like bikes and garden furniture
Check Price On AmazonThe WORX WG625E runs on a 20V lithium battery and can draw water from a bucket, water butt or any other source, so you don't need a tap or a socket nearby. WORX says it gives up to four times the pressure of a standard garden hose, which is plenty for bikes, garden furniture, boots and wheel arches.
It weighs just 1.7 kg, and the nozzle has 0, 25 and 40 degree settings plus shower and mist patterns. WORX quotes up to 30 minutes of continuous running and a flow of 120 litres an hour. Just don't expect it to clean a patio, as it's built for jobs that don't need much pressure.
What we like
- Draws water from a bucket or water butt
- No hoses or cables needed
- Weighs just 1.7 kg
- Five nozzle settings from jet to mist
- Up to 30 minutes of running according to WORX
- 20V battery supplied
What to know
- Too little pressure for patio or driveway cleaning
- Needs a water source close by
Our verdict
The allotment, a caravan pitch or anywhere without a tap or socket is where the WORX comes into its own, drawing water from a bucket or butt. Think of it as a useful extra for bikes, boots and garden furniture. Patios and driveways need a mains machine like the Karcher K4.
Best Petrol Powered
Wilks TX625 Petrol Pressure Washer
Best for: Heavy-duty driveway and forecourt cleaning away from mains power
Check Price On AmazonThe Wilks TX625 is a petrol pressure washer built for heavy work where there's no socket nearby or you need maximum power. A 7HP OHV four-stroke engine drives it to a quoted 3,950 PSI, or 272 bar, with a flow of 720 litres an hour. That's far beyond any electric machine on this list.
A long 20 metre hose lets you reach across big driveways and yards, and Wilks supplies a range of attachments. It's far too powerful for car valeting and can damage soft surfaces in careless hands, so it suits large concrete or block areas. The engine needs fuel and regular servicing, and the warranty runs to one year.
What we like
- 3,950 PSI or 272 bar according to Wilks
- 720 l/h maximum flow rate
- Long 20 metre hose
- 7HP OHV four-stroke engine
- Works without mains power
- Range of attachments supplied
What to know
- Engine needs fuel and servicing
- Too powerful for cars and soft surfaces
- Only a one year warranty
Our verdict
Large driveways, yards and farm buildings with no mains supply are the Wilks's territory, where its extra power and 20 metre hose cover ground quickly. Treat it with respect, as it can damage softer surfaces. For a normal home patio and car, an electric machine is safer and easier to live with.
Choosing A Pressure Washer For Your Home
Scrubbing a patio, wall or car by hand takes hours and rarely gets the dirt out of the texture. A pressure washer does it in a fraction of the time, but the right machine depends on what you're cleaning and how regularly you do it.
Electric Or Petrol
Most pressure washers sold in the UK are electric, and for nearly every homeowner that's the right choice. They're lighter, cheaper, quieter and need no fuel or servicing, and you can turn them down for cars and soft surfaces. Petrol machines like the Wilks TX625 produce far higher pressure and work without a socket, which suits large driveways and yards but makes them too fierce for car paintwork.
Pressure And Flow Rate
Pressure, given in bar or PSI, is the force of the jet. For car valeting and light jobs, 110 to 120 bar is plenty, while for patios we'd look for 130 bar or more. Among the electric machines here, the Karcher K4 offers 130 bar and the Nilfisk P150 150 bar.
Flow rate, measured in litres per hour, matters just as much. A higher flow rinses dirt away faster, so large areas get cleaned quicker, but it uses more water, which is worth bearing in mind if your water is metered. Our guide to cleaning block paving covers how to get the best from the pressure without blasting out the jointing sand.
Attachments And Compatibility
Attachments can make some jobs far easier. A snow foam lance, like the one in the photo below, covers a car in thick foam to loosen dirt before you wash it with a mitt. Patio cleaners, splash guards and extension lances are useful too.
Not every machine takes every attachment, so check the fitting before buying extras. Sticking with a major brand like Karcher, Bosch or Nilfisk gives you the widest choice.
Nozzles And Spray Patterns
Most machines have an adjustable nozzle, while others come with separate nozzles you swap over. A narrow jet puts all the pressure on a small spot, which shifts stubborn dirt from brick and concrete but can damage softer surfaces. A wider fan is safer for cars, timber and render. The photo below shows how much grime a pressure washer can lift from a brick wall.
On timber, keep the jet moving and well back from the surface. After cleaning, decking and fences are ready for a fresh coat from our pick of the best decking paints.
Hose, Size And Portability
A short hose means constantly moving the machine, so we'd look for a hose of at least 5 metres. The K7 and Nilfisk have 10 metres and the Wilks has 20. Bigger machines are heavier, so wheels and a pull handle help. The Bosch EasyAquatak and WORX WG625E have no wheels but are light enough to carry.
Spray Gun, Motor And Pump
Trigger guns have improved a lot, and the Karcher K4 and K7 have LED displays that show which mode you're in. A comfortable, non-slip grip and easy attachment connections also matter on a long job. Inside the machine, you'll find universal, induction or water-cooled motors, which differ in noise and how long they can run, and wobble, axial or triplex pumps. Induction motors, like the one in the Nilfisk P150, cope best with long sessions.
Pressure Washer Questions We Get Asked
What bar pressure do I need to clean a patio?
A pressure washer with 130 bar or more cleans most patios well, especially with a rotary nozzle or patio cleaner attachment. The Karcher K4 at 130 bar gave ample performance for general cleaning in our testing. Higher flow rates speed things up on large areas, and a patio cleaner like the Karcher T450 gives a more even finish than a bare lance.
Is a pressure washer safe to use on a car?
A pressure washer is safe on a car if you use a wide spray pattern, keep the nozzle well back from the paintwork and use a moderate pressure of around 110 to 120 bar. Never use a narrow jet or a petrol machine on paintwork. A snow foam lance loosens dirt first, so you can rinse it away gently.
Can you use a pressure washer on a fence?
You can use a pressure washer on a fence to remove green algae and dirt, but turn the pressure down and use a wide fan to avoid splintering the timber. Work along the grain from top to bottom and keep the nozzle moving. Let the fence dry fully before applying any stain or paint.
Is a Karcher K4 or K7 better?
The Karcher K7 is better for large areas and regular use, with 145 bar, a 500 l/h flow, a 10 metre hose, an app and a T450 patio cleaner included. The Karcher K4 is better value for average gardens, with 130 bar and a 6 metre hose. In our testing, the K4 gave ample performance for general cleaning jobs.
Is the Nilfisk P150 a better buy than the Karcher K7?
The Nilfisk P150 is the better buy for long sessions on a big driveway, as its induction motor keeps up a high output without straining. Nilfisk quotes 150 bar and 610 litres an hour, the highest flow of the electric machines here. The Karcher K7 adds the smartphone app, an LED trigger and the T450 patio cleaner in the box.
Is the app on the Karcher K7 actually useful?
Yes, it turned out to be far more useful than we expected in testing. The K7's smartphone app lets you choose settings and send them to the machine, and the LED display trigger gun makes switching modes simple. You get a lot of features for the premium, though a smaller garden is well served by the cheaper Karcher K4.
Is the WORX WG625E strong enough for a patio?
No, the WORX WG625E is too gentle for patio or driveway cleaning. It runs on a 20V battery, weighs 1.7 kg and draws water from a bucket or butt, which suits bikes, boots, garden furniture and wheel arches. WORX quotes up to 30 minutes of running. Patios need a mains machine such as the Karcher K4.
Is a petrol pressure washer worth it for a driveway?
A petrol machine like the Wilks TX625 is worth it only for large driveways, yards and farm buildings, especially without mains power. Wilks quotes 272 bar and a 20 metre hose. It's too powerful for cars and soft surfaces, the engine needs fuel and servicing, and the warranty is one year. For a normal home an electric machine is easier.
Which Pressure Washer We'd Choose
The Karcher K7 is the pressure washer we'd buy for a home with plenty of paving. It has the power and hose length for big areas, the patio cleaner comes in the box, and the five year warranty backs it for the long haul. For most gardens, the Karcher K4 handles patios, fences and cars for much less.
If you need cordless cleaning for light jobs, the WORX WG625E is the one to go for, and the Wilks TX625 is the petrol choice for heavy-duty work away from mains power.
Richard has spent years renovating properties and turning them into rentals and Airbnbs. Like a lot of people he started out as a beginner, and these days there isn't much DIY he won't take on.