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Tired of looking at your weathered deck or riding around in your dingy car? A pressure washer is the perfect tool to get things clean and looking like new. However, finding the best pressure washer within your budget can be a lot of, well, pressure. They are complicated, nuanced tools with often expensive price tags. If you don’t know exactly what you want or need, you may end up wasting time and money. But don’t worry! We did the hard part and researched everything you need to know so you end up with the best electric pressure washer under $200.
Electric Pressure Washers vs. Gas Pressure Washers
Finding the best pressure washer for you comes down to one simple question: Should you go for gas or electric? Gas pressure washers tend to be more powerful, but they’re also more costly to fuel and difficult to start. Not only are electric pressure washers less expensive, but they also leave a smaller carbon footprint. So unless you are going into the car-washing business, go for an electric pressure washer. (However, either way they make for very satisfying power washing videos.)
How much pressure (PSI) do you need?
Before you make any purchase, one of the most important things to do is to find out how much water pressure you need. Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM). If you don’t have the right pressure for what you are trying to clean, you are going to have a tough time getting the job done.
Most pressure washers will operate somewhere around 1,200 to 2,000 PSI and 1.2 to 1.6 GPM. For a frame of reference, the faucet in your kitchen probably sprays at 50 PSI and 2.5 GPM. A higher GPM is great for pressure washers, but the PSI is more important. For cars and decks, anything above a 1,500 PSI electric pressure washer should get the job done. Houses and driveways take a bit more, but water pressure higher than 1,800 PSI can clean them with some work. Get a 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer if you want to clean the side of your home, boat, or all-terrain vehicle. If you want to strip paint, remove graffiti, or clean industrial equipment, you need a 4,000 PSI electric pressure washer.
That begs the question: What do you need to wash? If you’re only looking to clean your deck, anything on this list will work for you. If you’re trying to clean your car, the Karcher K1800 ($169, Walmart) will get the job done. If you’re looking to clean your house and driveway, scroll to the bottom to see which model can ultimately meet most everyday household needs.
Best Pressure Washers Under $200
Just like picking one of the best pool vacuums, selecting a pressure washer can be time-consuming because different jobs require different features, and each model comes with its own set of technical details. Keep scrolling to check out some of the pressure washers we reviewed and find the best electric pressure washer for you today.
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.
Best Electric Pressure Washer Under 200 Yard Force
If budget is your No. 1 concern, you can’t go wrong with the Yard Force 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM All-in-1 Electric Power Pressure Washer. Available for just over $100, this is easily one of the best electric pressure washers on the market today. Pushing out 1,600 PSI at 1.2 GPM, the Yard Force is powerful despite its small size. It’s also flawlessly designed so everything you need to operate the Yard Force can be stored inside, making it easy to keep all the pieces together. This is especially important because the washer comes with several pieces, including a nozzle, hose, power cord, and spray gun. Also, there’s a built-in soap tank. With this hyper-efficient electric pressure washer, you can easily move from cleaning your car to your deck. If your decision is solely based on cost, this is your choice. The Yard Force will stick with you for the long haul.
Despite its many features, there are some negatives. The Yard Force’s high-pressure hose can sometimes deteriorate, rendering it difficult or impossible to attach to the washer. Fortunately, this part is easily replaceable. Some customers don’t like that the Yard Force cannot be used with Clorox products, which helps prevent it from freezing. Despite a few shortcomings, it’s easy to recommend the Yard Force as one of the best electric pressure washers on a budget. Whether you need to clean your molding, your deck, or your car, the Yard Force will get it done.
Pros
1. Very budget friendly
2. Works for every type of job
3. Easy and convenient to store
Cons
1. Incompatible with Clorox cleaning products
2. The hose is susceptible to wear and tear
3. May freeze up in cold weather
If you are on a really tight budget, you can't beat the Sun Joe SPX200E 1350 PSI 1.45 GPM 10-Amp Electric Pressure Washer. It isn’t the best electric pressure washer, but it’ll get basic jobs done. It's ideal for cleaning cars and decks, but not the best choice for cleaning the exterior of your house. Pushing out water at 1,350 PSI and 1.45 GPM, the Sun Joe SPX200E is a powerful tool with a low price tag. It’s also considered one of the most electricity-efficient pressure washers on the market. Its efficiency is tied only with other Sun Joe products due to their Total Stop Systems (TSS). When the trigger isn’t pulled, this system completely shuts off the pump, making the battery last longer. The Sun Joe SPX200E also offers a lot of versatility; with an adjustable spray wand and twist nozzle, controlling water pressure is exceptionally easy.
Despite its attractive price and unique features, the Sun Joe SPX200E is not flawless. According to some, the product occasionally malfunctions early in its life or arrives with broken or missing parts. This is not unexpected since many items that cost less don’t last as long as higher-end items. However, each unit is certified and guaranteed for two years, meaning you can send it back if anything goes wrong and get a new one within days. It's also important to understand the limitations of the Sun Joe SPX200E before you purchase it. This electric pressure washer is made for cleaning cleaning cars and decks, not home exteriors or diesel trucks.
Pros
1. Extremely affordable
2. Functional
3. Conserves energy by shutting down if the trigger isn’t pulled
Cons
1. Reports of product being received with missing or broken parts on Amazon
2. Reports of malfunctioning
3. Better suited for small cars and decks than houses and driveways
3. Best Electric Pressure Washer for the Busy Body
No one wants to waste a Saturday afternoon or their day off messing around with a pressure washer that isn’t easy to use. Greenworks understands that and has an electric pressure washer that is simple to start — the Greenworks 1600 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer GPW1602. It doesn’t require cord pulling to get the motor going, so you can simply pick it up and start moving. This electric pressure washer is fitted with a 20-foot hose and a 35-foot power cord, making it easy to walk around and use. Additionally, the machine has a built-in soap applicator, so it's simple to administer soap wherever it’s needed.
Blasting water out at 1,600 PSI and 1.2 GPM, Greenworks offers the best pressure washer for many jobs. The flexibility of the Greenworks electric pressure washer is also a major selling point. Use it horizontally or vertically to clean your siding, deck, and car without ever putting the Greenworks electric pressure washer away. The stable build of the pressure washer means that it rarely malfunctions and, because you don’t have to rev the motor, you can grab it and go whenever you need.
Unfortunately, customers have reported issues with the power nozzle, but this is a fairly common complaint with electric pressure washers in general. Despite a few problems, many customers are very happy with the Greenworks electric pressure washer because it easily cuts down chore time by 75 percent.
Pros
1. Very easy to start and use
2. Operable in several positions, providing flexibility
3. Gets jobs done very quickly
Cons
1. Power nozzle has been known to break
2. Individual parts are expensive to replace
3. Bulky, making it difficult to use
If you want to feel all-powerful while cleaning your house — and for a low price — the Realm BY02-VBP-WTR, Electric Pressure Washer, 2000 PSI, 1.60 GPM, 13 Amp is the electric pressure washer for you. Realm has built this machine to wash “all types of vehicles, boats, patios, home, siding, driveways, outdoor furniture, and more,” by getting rid of “dirt, grime, gunk, oil, rust, sand, and other tough spots.” Put simply, this is a strong pressure washer. Besides being extremely powerful for the price, this is one of the best electric pressure washers Amazon has to offer because of its ease of use. Much like the Greenworks electric pressure washer, the Realm BY02 can be used vertically or horizontally, increasing mobility. The Realm BY02 is also extremely easy to install (Realm claims it takes less than a minute to install and a minute longer to get the nozzle set up.)
When it comes to energy efficiency, the Realm BY02 is a great choice because it's designed to use less electricity than other washers on the market. The hose’s slick design helps to keep water pushing through, so less water is wasted. Though users agree that the Realm BY02 is a powerful tool, many complain about its clunky size. It is heavy, making it difficult to move seamlessly from one job to another. But even with its minor size issues, the Realm BY02 remains one of the best electric pressure washers for cars, houses, decks, and anything else.
Pros
1. Powerful water pressure for the cost
2. Powerful soap application
3. Conserves energy and water with cutting-edge technology
Cons
1. Can be heavy and hard to carry
2. Louder than other washers
3. Not very flexible with attachments
Pumping water out at 1,800 PSI and 1.2 GPM, the Karcher K1800 Electric Power Pressure Washer 1800 PSI TruPressure is a great tool to have on hand. Forget about cord ripping or fighting to get the K1800 started. At $159, this user-friendly machine turns on and off with a foot switch. The K1800 also comes with a foldable handle, making it easy to break down into a compact box for easy storage. For convenience, keep other tools and necessary attachments in its removable bin.
If you're looking for an easy setup, this is the electric pressure washer for you — it takes less than five minutes. Expect a little bit of feedback from the pressure washer, as its heavy metal case makes it hard to pick up. In terms of durability, though, it can't be beaten. A heavy metal case and all metal hose connections ensure that this electric pressure washer will almost never break. A removable soap and detergent tank is connected in much the same way. In addition to durability, the K1800 gets high marks for flexibility. It’s packaged with three nozzles: a detergent nozzle for shining your car, a turbo nozzle for the most powerful cleaning, and a 15-inch all-purpose nozzle. If you ever decide you want to move away from these attachments, you’ll rest easy knowing you can use any standard attachment with the K1800.
A few factors prevent the K1800 from being named the absolute best. It is a bit loud and many users suggest earplugs during use. It should be noted that you need to store the K1800 inside because rain or snow may melt the metal connectors. Its cords are also shorter than other washers on the market, so don’t expect to reach the top of your home’s siding or the lowest part of your driveway. Despite a few flaws, the K1800 is hands-down the best electric pressure washer for cars.
Pros
1. Powerful water pressure provides a deep clean
2. Heavy-metal casing keeps the pressure washer safe
3. Great for cars because it’s built to imitate a car wash
Cons
1. Very heavy, sometimes difficult to carry
2. Better suited for cars and decks than houses and driveways
3. Extremely loud — get earplugs
6. The Best All-Purpose Electric Pressure Washer for Under $200
The best electric pressure washer on this list by far is the Ford FPWEF2.1-1800 1800 PSI. Beyond being the best electric pressure washer under $200, it functions at an optimum level. At 1.6 GPM, 1,800 PSI, and a price tag of $169.99, the Ford FPWEF will certainly get the job done. That's not the only thing that sets it head and shoulders above the competition. This electric pressure washer also boasts a 25-foot hose and a 35-foot power cord, making it easy to reach anything that needs cleaning. An onboard, removable soap tank is fantastic at getting the dirt out of any nook or cranny and off of any surface, while four separate nozzles also help get the job done.
Another bonus? The Ford FPWEF's power cord can be easily wrapped on the back of the machine, and the washer uses ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) technology to prevent any interruptions. You may need to plug your ears while using this pressure washer because it is a bit noisy, but you can be sure it will get any household job done because it is used commercially.
Pros
1. Very flexible and easy to store
2. Can reach anywhere
3. Uses ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, technology to prevent power interruptions
Cons
1. Slightly higher price
2. Loud
3. Is more suited for commercial jobs
If you are looking for the best pressure washer, you're probably looking for the best pressure washer accessories, too. Any of these pressure washer accessories could be considered the best, but each of these is special in their own way. With that in mind, here are a few accessories you might want to pick up.
The Rain Bird P2A Water Pressure Test Gauge's low price is only a bonus, as this is easily the best water pressure test gauge on the market. With the Rain Bird P2A, you can check the pressure of water as it pumps out of your pressure washer. The Rain Bird P2A is made to last, with materials hand-picked for a long life. If you are concerned about the effectiveness of your pressure washer, this is the best way to check it.
2. Sun Joe SPX-PCA10 10-Inch Surface, Deck, and Patio Cleaning Attachment for SPX Series Pressure Washers
If you’ve decided that the best pressure washer for you is a Sun Joe, you might consider the Sun Joe SPX-PCA10. This 10-inch surface cleaner attaches to the end of your Sun Joe pressure washer, improving its ability to wash many surfaces. This is one of the best pressure washer accessories on the market because of its sheer numbers of uses. The Sun Joe SPX-PCA10 can help clean porches, patios, driveways, decks, boats, pavers, bricks, and BBQs.
This 15-inch surface cleaner easily attaches to any pressure washer, and immediately improves efficiency. Karcher boasts that their surface cleaner will increase the speed of your washing fourfold. Compatible with both gas and electric pressure washers, the Karcher is perfect for driveways, patios, decks, and sidewalks. Using a fixed height nozzle, the Karcher 15-Inch Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner prevents streaks from showing up when the job is done.
If you’ve been looking for the best pressure washer for your car or driveway, then this is absolutely the best pressure washer accessory for you. The Dusichin SFL-001 Pressure Washer Jet Wash is an adjustable snow foam lance that attaches to your pressure washer. The foam that the Dusichin SFL-001 shoots helps loosen any dirt that might be stuck in a surface. Created with brass connectors, the Dusichin SFL-001 holds on tight and will rarely, if ever, become rusted. Designed for professional use, it comes at a price point that is still easily acceptable for the home.
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