7 best pressure washers in 2026 – as actually tested by our experts

• Jump to our 3 top-rated pressure washers
• Jump to our 2 top-rated pressure cleaners

I know it's the done thing these days to let it all hang out and go for the natural look in your garden – but for me, there are certain aspects of the 'neat-and-tidy' approach that still really work – a nice clean patio, deck or path is not only pleasing, it helps the plants around it in borders and pots to really pop and look their best.

Enter the pressure washer – your best pal when it comes to cleaning up the patio and other parts of your plot, especially after a grimy, wet winter. But how do you get the right one for your needs? Relax – I am here to help.

My colleagues and I on the GW Reviews Team have been busy testing, testing, and testing literal shedloads of pressure washers and pressure cleaners over the years, and this page is where we've collated our absolute favourites across a number of price points and specifications.

What's more, we've been keeping abreast of things and have also been testing the new wave of cordless pressure washers and pressure cleaners – the coming thing in this product category, and we're betting the only type anyone will want in two or three years' time. AND, we've put together a buyer’s guide filled with advice on key features to look out for, the different sizes available, and suggestions on which models are best for cleaning a car and a patio. Oliver Parsons

Our best pressure washers and cleaners to buy at a glance

Our 3 top-rated pressure washers

• 4.8/5 stars: Our best pressure washer all round – Bosch Universal Aquatak 135 Pressure Washer £135
• 4.8/5 stars: Our best compact pressure washer – Nilfisk Core 140 £179.98
• 4.8/5 stars: Our best pressure washer for tough cleaning jobs – Stihl RE110 Plus £270

Our 2 top-rated cordless pressure cleaners

• 4.8/5 stars: Our best lightweight pressure cleaner – Worx 20V Powershare Hydroshot WG620E £130
• 4.5/5 stars: Our best pressure cleaner for tough cleaning jobs – Ryobi RY18PWX41A-140 £179.99

Also recommended: pressure washers

• 4.5/5 stars: Our best budget pressure washer – AVA Go P40 large bundle £149.99
• 4.5/5 stars: Our best lightweight pressure washer – Black and Decker BEPW2000 £159.95

Comparison table: best pressure washers and pressure cleaners

Jump to the best pressure washers and cleaners:

• Our 3 top-rated pressure washers
• Jump to our 2 top-rated pressure cleaners

Jump to pressure washer advice:

• How to choose the best pressure washer
• Pressure washers vs pressure cleaners
• What's the best pressure washer for a patio?
• What's the best pressure washer for cars?
• What to wear when pressure washing
• How we tested pressure washers and pressure cleaners
• Meet our testing panel

Our 3 top-rated pressure washers

1: Bosch Universal Aquatak 135

Our best all-round pressure washer

RRP: £184

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Amazon (£135) and Tooled Up (£163.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Simple, with no nozzles to swap
• Comfortable to use
• Powerful, effective cleaning
• Excellent stability

Reasons to avoid:

• Accessories expensive

Some simple assembly of the Bosch Universal Aquatak 135 Pressure Washer is needed, but it doesn't take long as the parts just need to be clicked into place. I found the washer strong and robust, with no vibrations in use and a fairly quiet engine. The single lance and nozzle means you don't need to undo and replace the pencil, jet and fan nozzles every time you change job, which saves time. Just twist and click when you need a change of spray, and each one delivers powerful cleaning.

There's a long hose reach of 7m and, in my opinion, it's the ideal washer for bigger gardens. The sturdy wheels and two handles made it easy to move around the garden as I cleaned. I was pleased to see the upright handle folded down for easy storage. It's a well thought out washer with great cleaning power and it has a two-year warranty. Additional accessories such as a wash brush or patio cleaner can be bought, although they are a little expensive. Kay Maguire

Read the full Bosch Universal Aquatak 135 Pressure Washer review

• Buy the Bosch Universal Aquatak 135 Pressure Washer from Amazon (£135) and Tooled Up (£163.95)

2: Nilfisk Core 140

Our best compact pressure washer

RRP: £185.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Toolstation (£213.98) and Amazon (£186)

Reasons to buy:

• Easy to assemble
• Responsive trigger gun
• Compact design for easy storage
• Solid and sturdy

Reasons to avoid:

• Limited accessories

This is a fast, efficient pressure washer, which tackled my patio, decking, furniture and car with ease. I found the assembly straightforward, though I did need a screwdriver to attach the handles and some of the accessory holders. Once it's up and running, the nozzles simply click into place. A 6m flexible hose and long lance makes it easier to get into nooks and crannies, and the trigger gun mechanism that activates the stop/start feature is comfortable to grip and doesn’t vibrate.

Three different power levels, combined with two nozzles, provide plenty of variation to suit delicate tasks as well as those tougher jobs. It combines impressive manoeuvrability and sturdiness, and doesn’t topple over during use, even if you have the hose at full stretch. It also tidies away easily with an internal reel storage system. Small and compact, this pressure washer has great storage features, while the sturdy wheels and handle make it conveniently portable. Kay Maguire

Read the full Nilfisk Core 140 Pressure Washer review

• Buy Nilfisk Core 140 Pressure Washer from Toolstation (£213.98) and Amazon (£186)

3: Stihl RE110 Plus

Our best pressure washer for tough cleaning jobs

RRP: £329

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: MowersUK (£270)

Reasons to buy:

• Lots of features, including a winding hose reel
• Good onboard storage
• Excellent cleaning performance
• Good stability

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavy

Getting this pressure washer set up was so easy. All it took was attaching the crank handle to the hose reel and slotting the cable, lance and nozzles into place, and it’s a very well-designed piece of kit. Both the 7m hose and the 5m cable are good lengths, and this pressure washer has a sturdy handle and large wheels that help make moving it around the garden and into place easy. At 20kg, it is heavy, though, so getting it up and down steps might be an issue for some. It has very well-designed onboard storage, with a wind-up reel for keeping the hose stored away, a compartment for the cable and nozzles, and the handle is telescopic, so it takes up less room in the shed.

It comes with a detergent bottle and two nozzles – a rotary jet nozzle and an adjustable fan jet – and the lance has a soft-grip handle, so I found it comfortable during prolonged use. Even at the highest setting, when the lance pushed against my hand, it didn’t vibrate like some models. Performance-wise, this is a very reliable machine. With an operating pressure of 110 bar, it tackled all my outdoor cleaning jobs well and blasted away the stubborn stains on our patio with relative ease. This is a well-thought-out and consistently performing machine. Accessories for cleaning the car and patio are available to buy for this pressure washer, and it comes with a three-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Stihl RE11o Plus from MowersUK (£270)

Our 2 top-rated cordless pressure cleaners

1: Worx 20V Powershare Hydroshot WG620E

Our best lightweight cordless pressure cleaner

RRP: £99.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Argos (£130) and Very (£140)

Reasons to buy:

• Easy to assemble and store
• Multi-spray nozzle
• Comes with an extension lance
• Good run time
• Battery level indicator display

Reasons to avoid:

• Limited accessories
• 3-5 hours charge time
• Unsuitable for jobs requiring very high pressure

I'd say this cordless pressure cleaner from WORX is a super option if you don’t have an outside tap for a garden hose or would find a portable pressure cleaner useful. It has an impressive ability to self-prime, meaning it can draw water from a bucket, pool or river rather than requiring a mains supply – it has a water inlet filter on the end of the hose to prevent debris from clogging up the system. It comes with a multi-spray nozzle, which features five settings - 0°, 25°, 40°, shower and mist, an extension lance, as well as a 6m hose.

Lightweight, weighing just 1.7kg, it operates at 22 Bar pressure, which delivers 120 litres per hour water flow rate. It uses a 20V 2AH MAX lithium-ion battery, and I like the fact that there’s a battery level indicator to show how much charge is left. While it doesn’t come with the range of accessories that the WORX WG629E.1 and the Yard Force Aquajet do, it’s part of the WORX Powershare family, which means the battery can be used across the other power tools in this range. It comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

Read the full Worx Pressure Cleaner WG620E review

• Buy Worx Pressure Cleaner WG620E from Argos (£130) and Very (£140)

2: Ryobi RY18PWX41A-140

Our best cordless pressure cleaner for tough cleaning jobs

RRP: £179.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Ryobi (£179.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Maximum 41 bars of pressure
• Three power levels to choose from
• Comfortable grip ergonomics

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavy and chunky design
• Maximum of 22 minutes runtime at full power
• Proprietary accessories are not compatible with other brands

If you’re looking for a pressure cleaner that provides plenty of power while staying completely off grid, the Ryobi RY18PWX41A is an excellent choice. As I’ve come to expect from Ryobi tools, the grip shape is well designed with an ergonomic handle and plenty of rubberised sections to hang on to. The rubberised section in front of the grip makes two-handed operation comfortable. And that’s a good thing, because weighing in at 2.65 kg with the long lance and battery in place, this is the heaviest cordless pressure cleaner I’ve tested so far. It’s a rather chunky piece of kit, mainly thanks to the rather large waterproof battery enclosure on the bottom of the tool.

It’s pleasant to see a nice little range of accessories included in the box. There’s a handy adapter designed for two-litre bottles- allowing for proper off-grid washing, a siphon hose with filter for taking water from a bucket, and even a little net bag to keep everything together. The only thing I don’t like is that most pressure cleaners share “push and twist” accessories, whereas Ryobi have their own system. It’s worth bearing in mind if you want to buy aftermarket lances or brushes.

The spray nozzle only includes three modes, but one of them is a rotating “turbo” nozzle that is ideal for stubborn dirt and grime. The other two are a happy-medium 15° nozzle and a rinse nozzle tip for cleaning up at the end. Bundled with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger, it takes roughly two hours to recharge it fully. That’s important to know, because you only get just over 20 minutes of power washing at full power.

Another thing that I like about this pressure cleaner is that you can select from three different power levels. Controlled by a little button on the back of the tool, it means you can dial in the right pressure for the job and get the most out of each battery. A capable and versatile pressure cleaner, this chunky beast of a tool is a pleasure to use, even if it’s a little bit on the heavy side. Harry Duncton

• Buy the Ryobi RY18PWX41A-140 from Ryobi (£179.99)

Also recommended: pressure washers

AVA Go P40 Large Bundle

Our best budget pressure washer

RRP: £149.90

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Amazon (£164.90), Robert Dyas (£149.99) and Wickes (£149)

Reasons to buy:

• Light and easy to pick up and carry
• Simple to use with good features
• Excellent for storage
• Powerful

Reasons to avoid:

• No instructions
• It can be tricky to slot on the nozzle
• The telescopic lance gets stuck

This pressure washer has no wheels, but it's nice and compact, and I found it light enough to pick up and carry around the garden with me. It has a strong, steel-reinforced hose and comes with a detergent bottle and two nozzles – 'turbo' and 'vario'. It also has a telescopic ‘zoom’ lance for reaching into corners and higher spots, although this did get stuck a few times in use in my test. It was also sometimes tricky to get the nozzles on and off, which I found frustrating, but when both these things were working well, this was a great little pressure washer.

With an operating pressure of 120 bar, it cleans powerfully and well, tackling grubby patios and cars with ease, and I couldn't feel any vibrations in my hand as I worked. Once you’ve finished cleaning, there’s a dedicated space to store both the hose and cable and the nozzles and lance, even on a machine as small as this. It's also very good value and comes with a 10-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy AVA Go P40 Large Bundle from Amazon (£164.90), Robert Dyas (£149.99) and Wickes (£149)

Black & Decker BEPW2000

Our best lightweight pressure washer

RRP: £169.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Amazon (£157.99) and Tooled Up (£155.95)

Reasons to buy:

• Light and compact in use and storage
• Ready to use
• Powerful cleaning
• Self-priming with additional hose

Reasons to avoid:

• Vibration in the hand after only a short time
• Handle slips down

This neat little model cleans surprisingly powerfully and efficiently. Pleasingly, it was almost ready to use straight out of the box – it just needs the hose, cable and lance attaching, and it requires no extra tools. I found the telescopic handle made it easy to tuck away in storage, and at just over 8kg, it’s light and easy to move around, though the handle did slip down occasionally when I was using it. It has a 6m hose and comes with two nozzles – a rotating turbo nozzle and an adjustable fan nozzle – and a detergent bottle.

There’s only one power level, but you can adjust the spray with the nozzles, and with 150 bar pressure, it cleaned my patio, garden furniture and caravan well. Tackling a stained patio took a little longer than some of the others in the test, but it's definitely powerful enough to get the job done. There’s also space on board for storage of the cable and nozzles once you’re finished. The only issue I had with this pressure washer is that after a while, I felt the vibrations quite strongly in my hand. Otherwise, this washer is easy to use and store, small, light and quiet and comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Black and Decker BEPW2000 from Amazon (£157.99) and Tooled Up (£155.95)

The best of the rest pressure washers and pressure cleaners

Although some models didn't quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

WORX Nitro Hydroshot WG633E Portable Power Cleaner

RRP: £199.99 (including 4.0 Ah battery and charger)

Our rating: 4/5

Available from: Amazon (£179.95) and Homebase (£199.00)

Reasons to buy:

• 56 bars of pressure is impressive
• Several useful accessories are included
• Five nozzle patterns

Reasons to avoid:

• Eco mode is not very powerful
• Drains batteries quickly on full power

Building on previous Hydroshot innovations, WORX have increased power and made the new Hydroshot even more powerful and versatile. The onboard brushless motor can produce 56 bar of pressure, which I think is extremely impressive for a handheld device like this.

One of the downsides that leapt out while I was testing this pressure cleaner was its weight. While it's not all that bad at 2.3kg, it was not made any easier to deal with by a complete lack of other handles on the chassis. This made it a bit tiring to use. However, this pressure cleaner makes up for this minor comfort setback with impressive amounts of power at the nozzle end.

It feels like a solid and well-made tool, with a large orange rubberised grip and a large plastic trigger. The trigger guard is a bit on the small side if you have large hands like mine, though. The battery is housed in a clever waterproof compartment that should stop any dust or water ingress

Attaching the long lance to the motor end is a simple push and twist fit, like the other cleaners on this page, but WORX have included a quality brass fitting on the end, which is nice to see. At the nozzle end, there are five different spray patterns available: 0°, 15°, 25°, and 40°, as well as a sprinkler mode for rinsing.

The Hydroshot features an “eco” mode that drops the pressure to save batteries, but I didn’t find it very useful except for rinsing or watering plants. Compared with the impressive pressure on full power, it seems a bit weak.

I really liked that there were a fair few accessories included with the pressure cleaner. There’s a handy adapter that screws onto a standard two-litre drinks bottle, for example, meaning that you can keep this in the back of your car for cleaning muddy equipment. Or you can use the hose attachment with its filtered pickup sock and take water from just about anywhere. There’s no bag for keeping the accessories together, though.

The only drawback of this high-powered pressure cleaner is that it drains batteries quite quickly on full power. I managed a little under 25 minutes of cleaning with the included 4.0 Ah battery. It’s fine for smaller jobs, but the two-hour recharge time means you want to get the most out of each charge. Harry Duncton

• Buy the WORX Nitro Hydroshot WG633E Portable Power Cleaner from Amazon (£179.95) and Homebase (£199.00)

Stihl RCA 20 Cordless Pressure Cleaner

RRP: £204 (with 2 x AS batteries and charger) , £154 (tool only)

Our rating: 3.8/5

Available from: Just Lawnmowers (£194.00)

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight and ergonomically designed
• Handy canvas bag to hold all the accessories
• Supplied with a 20-litre water container
• Useful detergent bottle attachment

Reasons to avoid:

• Operating pressure of just 22 bar
• Maximum 15-minute working time per battery

I was impressed by the brilliant design and incredible flexibility of the Stihl RCA 20, which allows you to pressure clean “off grid” without access to mains power or even a water source. Although it’s not powerful enough for patio cleaning, its real value lies in its lightweight, portable design. Powered by the small, lightweight AS battery system, this pressure cleaner is easy to hold thanks to its large, rubberised handle. Above the handle is a battery charge level indicator, and in front is a hose connector with an inline filter

With the battery attached and the long spray lance in place, it still only weighs 1.7kg. This lightweight quality makes it ideal for almost anyone to use comfortably. One drawback of the lightweight AS battery is that it’s small. In fact, it is tiny. With just over 2.0Ah to play with, you’ll need to have spare batteries to make up for the 15-minute runtime. It’s a good thing that the RCA 20 set comes with two batteries to get you started.

I was able to extend the runtime from the basic 15 minutes with “eco” mode – this was pretty handy, but probably won't be much good when you're trying to tackle stubborn dirt. Full power runs at 22 bars, which isn’t huge, but it’s enough to clean off garden furniture or a muddy bicycle without making too much noise.

The spray nozzle has four modes: a fan-jet shape for cleaning, a rotary “turbo” for stubborn dirt, a narrow jet for maximum pressure, and a 'pouring' mode that’s perfect for watering plants or rinsing soap off a car. I really liked that this kit comes with a quality canvas-style bag to keep all the accessories together. The accessories include a length of hose with a two-step filter on the end, as well as a clip to keep it in a bucket or other container. There’s also a soap bottle for applying detergent and a soft 20-litre water bowser for proper off-grid cleaning capabilities.

OK, this isn’t the most powerful cordless pressure cleaner available, but on my test, it really conveyed a strong feeling of quality, which is nice when you're parting with £200. It also comes with well-thought-out accessories that make it useful for a wide range of garden tasks. Harry Duncton

• Buy the Stihl RCA 20 Pressure Cleaner from Just Lawnmowers (£194.00)

Makita DHW180 Cordless Pressure Cleaner LXT

RRP: £141.60 (bare tool)

Our rating: 3.8/5

Available from: Tooled Up (£109.95) and Amazon (£109.99).

Makita DHW180 Cordless Pressure Cleaner LXT

Reasons to buy:

• Runs for up to an hour on one charge
• Comfortable grip shape and front handle
• Five different nozzle settings to choose from

Reasons to avoid:

• Few accessories provided
• Heavier than some of the competition

Makita know a thing or two about making the best cordless power tools. The DHW180 might not come with all the accessories, but it did a great job for me, blasting grubby garden furniture and cleaning up mucky brickwork. Ergonomically, it was brilliant to use: the huge trigger is very easy to grip, and the rubberised grip is comfortable to hold. I also like the rubberised front grip for two-handed use, which makes this cleaner comfortable to use over longer periods.

In front of the trigger section is a standard UK push-fit hose connector that contains a handy inline filter. A useful safety addition is the waterproof enclosure that keeps the battery away from both dust and water ingress.

I found it a really easy-to-use, well-designed tool, which is a good thing because it’s pretty heavy in the hand, weighing just over 2.4kg with the long lance and a 5.0Ah battery in place. However, with the large-capacity battery in place, it will run for half an hour on high and over an hour on low-flow mode.

You can choose from a whopping five different spray patterns built into the nozzle on this pressure cleaner. Although it doesn’t include a rotating nozzle, you get 0°, 15°, 25°, and 40° nozzles as well as a “shower” nozzle for rinsing garden furniture. It even comes with a clever cleaning pin to keep the jets free of debris.

It’s a shame this pressure cleaner doesn’t come with a case; it only includes a pickup hose with a filter sock and a bucket clip. Other accessories are available, such as a bottle attachment and a soap dispenser, but they’re not included here. However, it’s a powerful, versatile, and good-value pressure cleaner that works off-grid when you need it. Harry Duncton

• Buy the Makita DHW180 Cordless Pressure Cleaner LXT from Tooled Up (£109.95) and Amazon (£109.99)

Makita HW111 Pressure Washer

RRP: £200

Our rating: 4/5

Available from: Amazon (£199) and Tool Den (£209.36)

Reasons to buy:

• Cleans well
• Compact and stable
• Handy hose reel

Reasons to avoid:

• Lacks accessories
• Lance feels short

The Makita HW111 is compact, stable and has wheels to help make manoeuvring easy despite its weight. I think it's a good option for cars, fences and driveways. The pressure washer is relatively simple but cleans well, and it's supplied with a choice of sprays, an integrated hose reel and a foam sprayer. Kay Maguire

• Buy from the Makita HW111 Pressure Washer from Amazon (£199) and Tool Den (£209.36)

Our experts have also tested the best leaf blowers and leaf vacuums, which come into their own when you're tidying up the garden, as will the best strimmers and the best hedge trimmers. And if you need to update your watering kit, check out our tests of the best garden hoses and best garden hose spray guns.

For more cordless garden tools, read our best cordless mowers and best robotic mowers guides, or take a look at the best cordless drills and best multi-tools.

Buying a pressure cleaner - video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

How to choose the best pressure washer or cleaner

Good cleaning performance is essential, but there are several factors to consider before buying your pressure washer or cleaner.

• Think about what you need to clean, how often and how dirty it will get. The higher the pressure that a washer produces, the more power it has to shift stubborn dirt. Pressure is measured in bars, so the higher the bar number, the heavier-duty the washer. The size of the motor, measured in watts, and the water flow rate also indicate high performance.
  However, although a more powerful machine can lift heavy dirt quickly, a cheaper, lighter-duty washer will still do the job – it will just take longer. A low power and flow rate are ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces like decking, fencing and block paving, so a smaller machine would suffice. Otherwise, choose a gentle nozzle on a more powerful washer to avoid damage. For larger surfaces, look for a higher bar rating and flow rate to tackle the job quickly
• All washers come with a standard nozzle, sometimes two, but specialist attachments will help you get specific jobs done properly. Work out the main jobs you’ll be doing and choose a washer with the relevant accessories – or check they’re available to buy later, at not too high a price. A brush is handy for cleaning furniture, cars and greenhouse glazing, while a patio cleaner will make very light work of surfaces without spraying dirt and grime everywhere. Some washers have an integrated detergent tank, others have a bottle that you fill with diluted detergent and attach between the lance and the nozzle
• The amount of assembly required varies – some simply need the lance and hose attaching, but others have to be practically built from scratch, with screwdrivers and Allen keys required. Check what's needed before you buy
• Pressure washers differ considerably in weight. Make sure a larger model has wheels to help you move it around the garden. Carry handles in the right places are essential if you have a lot of steps or need to lift the washer up onto a shelf for storage. If you have a large garden, check the hose length to ensure you can reach everything you need to clean. An extension lead suitable for outdoor use will also extend your working area –just make sure you protect it from the sprays

What's the difference between a pressure washer and a pressure cleaner?

The main difference between the two is that pressure cleaners are portable, so they don’t need to be attached to the mains water supply. Instead, they're self-priming and draw water via a suction hose from any source, including a bucket, pool or even a river. However, most pressure cleaners also feature a hose adapter, which can be connected to the mains tap, offering the best of both worlds. They’re also cordless and powered by lithium-ion batteries, so you will be limited by their run time, but the batteries are usually part of a wider range of power tools within the brand’s range, which can save you money.

As with pressure washers, pressure cleaners also come with multi-spray nozzles. Depending on the model, they can be bought with a range of accessories, like a foldable bucket, brush and soap bottle, or these can be purchased separately. Pressure cleaners offer a moderate flow rate, around 120L per hour, with 22 bars of pressure from 20V power.

Types of pressure washer

Budget pressure washers

A basic, lower-powered machine is best for smaller garden tasks such as cleaning gardening equipment and washing down bikes. If you’re planning to tackle a lot of built-up grime on rough surfaces, this isn’t the machine for you.

For a lower-powered, budget model, you’ll be looking at a lower flow rate plus:

• Motor wattage – 1200 to 1600 watts
• Water pressure – 90 bar or under

Mid-range pressure washers

These pressure washers are ideal for most households. Machines in this range should be able to cope with cleaning paving, garden furniture, and cars.

For a medium-powered model, you’ll be looking at a reasonable flow rate plus:

• Motor wattage – 1600 to 2000 watts
• Water pressure – 90 to 130 bar

Top-of-the-range and semi-professional pressure washers

If you’ve got a large commercial area to clean or some seriously built-up grime, you’ll need a high-powered pressure washer. These pressure washers should be able to clean large areas of paving and vehicles, such as 4x4s and caravans.

For a top-of-the-range machine, you’ll want a high flow rate plus:

• Motor wattage – 2000 to 2500 watts
• Water pressure – 130 to 150 bar

What's the best pressure washer for a patio?

To clean a paved patio, you’ll need at least a mid-range, medium-power pressure washer, though a lower-pressure machine is better suited to block paving or wooden decking. The three pressure cleaners we tested will also cope well with this type of task; just bear in mind their battery run time. To make cleaning larger areas easier, look for a long hose that's kinder on your back and opt for a washer with specific patio-cleaning attachment tools. Similar to an indoor floor cleaner, the brush head and rotating jets diffuse the pressure across the surface to clean flat surfaces evenly, rather than concentrating the water in a single stream at a time, as a hose would.

What's the best pressure washer for cars?

For a standard car, a mid-range pressure washer should do the job. 4x4s that see a lot of heavy-duty use, caravans or commercial vehicles may need a higher-end model. All the pressure cleaners we tested are designed to clean cars, camper vans, and bikes when you’re out and about. You will need to keep the runtime in mind and possibly charge more for larger vehicles.
Specific car-cleaning attachments are also available, including angled tools for reaching beneath the car and brushes for softly cleaning the bodywork.

What to wear when pressure washing

Before you begin pressure washing in the garden, consider what you’re wearing. You might be surprised at how much water and muck can get thrown up whilst using these tools. Wear wellies and waterproof trousers to stop your clothes and feet getting soaked. Goggles are essential to protect your eyes from the dirt and grit that may be blown up in the spray, and you might also like to wear ear defenders when using noisier models, or if you’re working for a long period of time. For more clothing inspiration whilst you’re gardening, take a look at our selection of the best clothes for gardeners.

How we tested pressure washers and pressure cleaners

We tested a range of pressure washers and pressure cleaners, putting them through their paces on a range of surfaces. They were assessed according to the following criteria, with equal marks attributed to each:

• Set up and storage. Assessed how easy the pressure washers and cleaners were to assemble, how long this took and if any extra tools were needed, and how easy the instructions are to use. We also looked at size, any storage features, how quick it was to charge the batteries for the pressure cleaners and how easy it was to store
• Handling. Looked at weight, balance and how easy it was to move around the garden and use, its grip, including features like a safety button, the battery runtime, and noise levels
• Performance. Focused on cleaning power and how well and quickly the pressure washer cleaned. We assessed how they dealt with different surfaces, such as paving, furniture, brick, and cars and tested different nozzles, water pressure levels, and different areas of the garden
• Value for Money. Considered all of the above, plus any special features, RRP and warranty

For more information on our testing process, see How we review

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

This review was last updated in March 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.