Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World magazine Best Buy award, this powerful but compact pressure washer is in the top price bracket of the models we tested. Simple to use, it has three power settings and two nozzles, (one for gentle and one for rough cleaning), which can tackle a wide range of domestic jobs. The helpful trolley-style design and six metre flexible hose make it easy to manoeuvre around a good-sized garden. It comes with a two year warranty.
What are the main features of the Nilfisk Core 140 Pressure Washer?
Part of a brand new range within the Nilfisk pressure washer family, this washer has 140 bar pressure, which makes cleaning fast and efficient; an aluminium pump for reliability (other brands use plastic); and the ability to cope with delicate surfaces or blast grime at up to 40 m2 per hour. The Scandinavian design includes practical storage features such as an integral reel for the hose and moulded clips and pockets for the accessories, which include the lance and two nozzles, a foam sprayer and the mains cable. Plus, it has sturdy wheels and a carry handle, which make it conveniently portable. The power control dial is new and improved, so it's simple to adjust the pressure while cleaning, and the instruction booklet is also clear and easy to follow, so assembly is quick and simple. It comes with nozzle-cleaning tools, which are stored on the machine.
What’s the Nilfisk Core 140 pressure washer like to use?
Assembly is straightforward - although you will need a screwdriver to attach the handles and some of the accessory holders. Once you’re up and running, the nozzles simply click into place - if you’re unsure whether to use the gentle or rough fixture, suggestions are helpfully written on the main body of the machine: gentle - bike, paintwork, car, and rough - wheelbarrows, brickwork and tools. In addition, the housing for both these accessories removes the risk of misplacing them if you need to switch nozzles mid-clean. A six metre, flexible hose and a long lance means less bending and makes it easier to get into nooks and crannies, while the trigger gun mechanism, which activates the stop/start feature, is comfortable to grip and doesn’t vibrate. The three settings on the power dial deliver variable pressure, which helps control the overall cleaning performance. The patio cleaner and brush, which are sold separately, are easy to clip in and use, as is the foam spray bottle. Given its size and design, it’s easy to move around the garden, whether carrying or wheeling into place. They’ve struck the balance between manoeuvrability and sturdiness well, as it doesn’t topple over during use, even if you have the hose at full stretch. It also tidies away efficiently with an internal reel storage system.
What situations is the Nilfisk Core 140 Pressure Washer most suitable for?
140 bar max pressure puts it in the top range of pressure washer models, and, as expected, it copes well with grime and dirty surfaces. It was put through its paces in a range of garden and household jobs, from cleaning patio slabs and decking, to patio furniture and cars and it cleaned all of them quickly and efficiently. The gentle setting was ideal for cleaning painted wooden greenhouse shelving.
Is the Nilfisk Core 140 Pressure Washer good value for money?
Given the combination of 140 bar water pressure and 2000 kW motor wattage this pressure washer offers top range power and performance at an entry level price. It comes with less accessories than some in our test but has a two year warranty and we think it's good value for money.
Looking for some tips about cleaning your garden? Watch these video guides to find out the best way to clean decking, while Monty Don shows you how to clean a greenhouse.
Our experts have tested some great kit to give you a helping hand if you're tidying the garden, too. Our round up of the best pressure washers and best leaf blowers and leaf vacuums might be of use, and if you need a garden hose, check out our reviews of the best garden hoses and best garden hose spray guns. For the ultimate eco-friendly option, why not install a water butt to use with your portable pressure cleaner?
For more cordless garden tools, read our best hedge trimmers, best cordless mowers and best robotic mowers guides.