Top-Rated and Tested: 6 Best Pressure Washers for Patios & Driveways

Last updated on November 28th, 2023

Over the years, I’ve owned a number of pressure washers from smaller portable pressure washers (not great for the patio but perfect for bikes and garden furniture), petrol washers when I used to do a lot of landscaping and garden maintenance and around the family nursery and probably my preferred type, electric pressure washers.

I’d say 90% of my pressure washer experience was with cleaning patios and driveways and the rest probably cleaning by car. Even now, I use my pressure washer to mainly clean my Indian Stove patio as well as my Resin driveway although I do also clean my mum’s and dad’s extensive pattern imprinted concrete driveway too. It’s fair to say I’ve done a fair bit of patio cleaning over the years with all types of pressure washers, but I would say that for most people, electric is the way to go.

I’ve even tested apply and walk away type of patio cleaners which I documented here. That was interesting and a good alternative to pressure washing in some situations but certainly not a replacement.

Previously, I updated my review of the best Karcher pressure washers. I think from experience and over 3 years of use that my Karcher K5 Premium Pressure Washer pictured above is probably the best pressure washer for patios and driveways for most people. When you consider the power (145 bar), the build quality which is excellent, features such as the built-in hose reel, the longer 10-meter hose and the T5 surface cleaner. I think it’s a great bit of kit.

You can get cheaper alternatives like the Nilfisk C120 and Ryobi RPW150XRB both of which I recommend and review further down, but they’re only really suitable for smaller gardens. The thing is, they all have a smaller hose, usually around 5-6 meters and less power, not to mention, the surface cleaners are usually smaller too. For me, the K5 is what I would get, and I’ve owned the k2, K3, K4 and now the K5 and my brother has the larger K7 too. The K7 is great, however, unless you have the budget to pay more for not a lot more power, I don’t think it’s worth the extra money and the hose length is still only 10 meters like on my K5 which is obviously more affordable. When you take price into consideration, I think the K5 is the best value for the money and hard to beat.

What I will say is, I did like my Nilfisk C120 7-6 Patio and Brush Pressure Washer which included everything you need. However, I prefer a longer hose now I’ve had one and it’s a little short at 6 meters for larger patios. If you have a smaller patio to clean though, then this is a good choice and more budget-friendly so don’t let me put you off.

I recommend this Karcher K5 Premium Pressure Washer which I have now been personally using for over 3 years now. You get more pressure with 145 bar, that 25 bar more than the Nilfisk C120 and more 15psi more than the smaller Karcher K4. What I really like about the Karcher K5 over most other models is that it’s super reliable as it has a water-cooled motor. This makes a big difference and is often overlooked.

Another reason the K5 is my go-to pressure washer is the long 10-meter-long hose, and if you get the Premium version, you also get the hose reel which means winding in the hose is much easier. When you have owned pressure washers without a hose reel, you do appreciate how much it helps.

Now for cleaning driveways, the longer 10 meter hose makes life much easier. Combine this with the large T5 surface cleaner I’m using below which came with the pressure washer as a set, and it truly is a killer pressure washer for cleaning patios.

Combine this with the vario lance which has two spray options, fan and dirt blaster and it can practically clean anything, not just your patio.

Now if your thinking what about the Karcher K7 pressure washer. It has more power, 35 bar more I think but the hose is not any longer, and it’s a lot more expensive. There is not much in it between the K5 and K7 and I think the k5 hits the sweet point on power, reliability, hose length and features and of course price.

The K5 model I have is this Karcher K5 model with Smart Control, but any of the K5 models is a good choice as they all have the water-cooled motor, longer 10-meter hose and the power needed for cleaning stubborn stains, moss, algae etc.

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PATIO PRESSURE WASHER REVIEWS

1. Karcher K5 Premium Smart Full Control Home Pressure Washer

BEST PICK

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

The Karcher K5 Premium Smart Pressure Washer offers an incredible 2100 watts of power, generated by a superior water-cooled motor instead of the usual air-cooled motor most other models use.

This patented cooling system minimises wear and tear and maximises the life of the pressure washer which is why Karcher can offer a longer-than-usual 5-year warranty on this premium model.

I have been testing this new premium smart k5 since it was released

With the smart control APP capability with Bluetooth connectivity and the extra features that now come with the newest K5 Premium Smart Control setup, (the model I have actually been testing since it came out). I find it now hard to not recommend this model over other alternatives, especially when deciding between other Karcher models.

Why I recommend the K5 over both the K4 AND K7

So why is it better you ask?

First off, the cheaper K4 just doesn’t compare anymore, smaller hose (8 meters is simply too short) and less pressure. Whilst the K7 is better I don’t this, it’s probably only marginally better, but it is much more expensive than the K5 and for that, you don’t get much more power and no extra features when compared to this Karcher K5 premium model.

What I like about the new premium K5 with Smart Control

What I like about this new premium model with smart control is not the app like you might think. I actually don’t make use of the app, but I’m sure some people will find it useful, it’s just not for me.

It’s the extra-long 10-meter hose which you can actually get right around a large car or clean a large patio without having to move the pressure washer every 5 minutes. The built-in hose reel makes winding and unwinding the hose so easy and let’s not forgetting the BOOST model for that extra power, now that’s one of the features I make use of often more than you would think.

So when it arrives, there are a few parts you need to assemble, but it only takes around 15-20 minutes. So here’s a little tip that will save you a lot of time and help you get it set up in half the time.

I will start off by saying you don’t need to use the app and I personally don’t use it either, but you do need to install the app on your smartphone the first time you use it to get the LCD lance to work which lets you adjust the pressure manually. Once you have connected it up, you can forget about the app, but I will talk more about the app later on.

So if you install the app first before assembling, it will guide you through the process of assembly step by step with nice colour pictures as shown above. I made the mistake of assembling it first before installing the app. That was a mistake.

Anyway, once assembled, all you need to do is connect the app through Bluetooth, and it’s done. This is simple enough, again, the app with guide you through this process.

You basically make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, then hold the + and – buttons on the lance together until the Bluetooth icon shows on the LCD screen and it will connect. That’s it, it’s up to you if you use the app or not.

So what is the app for and why don’t I use it?

So the app can do two things, you can simply set the pressure rating of the pressure washer on the app. However, I really don’t see the point in doing that as you can just adjust it on the lance itself as shown below using the + and – button.

After all, who is going to adjust the pressure using their mobile whilst washing their car or cleaning the patio? I know I never will.

Now, something the app can do that may be helpful to some people, for example, if you are not experienced in using a powerful pressure washer. You can use the app to select what you’re going to clean as shown below.

Then it will set the correct pressure on the lance and tell you what lance setting to use such as fan, dirtblaster to detergent mode. It will also tell you what accessories you need and if you have them such as the T5 surface cleaner and patio detergent as shown below.

It will then guide you step by step through the best process of cleaning what you have selected on the app, ie a driveway, car, wall, furniture.

As mentioned, I don’t use the app as I have plenty of experience with what pressure is best and which lance mode to use depending on what I’m using it to clean.

Let’s talk about performance and features

With the app out of the way, let’s talk about performance and how I have found using it. First off, it’s powered by a 2100W water-cooled motor, far superior to most cheaper alternatives, which use air-cooled motors. The main advantage is that they are much more durable and last much longer. Hence you get a 5-year warranty, and they are designed to last.

So in terms of pressure, it has a rating of 20 to 145 bar. This isn’t bad for a domestic pressure washer but what I really like and have used many times is the new BOOST mode which gives you an extra 15 bar to really get in there and give it a deep clean.

I have used this to remove stubborn stains and thick moss as it gives you that extra power needed. The only downside is that it only lasts around 20 seconds before it goes to normal full power which is still powerful. You then need to wait around 20-30 seconds before BOOST mode can be activated again.

If you buy the premium home version, you get the T5 surface cleaner, and patio cleaner included which I love

So, something else that’s included is the T5 surface cleaner as shown above cleaning my resin drive. This works well and will clean a large driveway or patio quickly, much quicker than just using the Vario lance.

I have also used it on my Indian stone patio, and it brings it up very clean. What I really like is that you don’t get all the splashback you get when using just the lace so it’s just more pleasant to use. It also stops you from splashing dirt up the walls and my wooden raised planters.

So inside the surface cleaner, it has 3 rotating jets, and you can adjust the pressure by turning the knob on the top of the cleaner which basically moves the nozzles closer to the ground to get more pressure.

I have found that the best process is to use the surface cleaner, usually on full power and then use the lance on the fan setting on low to rinse the drive off afterwards and it comes up like new without splashing dirt everywhere.

I love the new Vario lance; it’s so easy to use and switch between lance setting

So the lance that comes with the K5 is now the Vario lance, which means you can rotate the lance head to switch between the three lance types as shown above. The one I use most is the fan lance setting shown in the picture below.

However, if you need to do an actual deep cleaning, the dirtblaster option is something else. The power is simply incredible. Again I just turn the lance to the dirtblaster setting as shown below and it will produce a very high-pressure jet of water that rotates. It really is a fantastic feature and one that is very effective.

And check out the cleaning performance of these flags that have not been cleaned since before I purchased my house over 8 years ago.

Whilst discussing cleaning, I will also mention that I also like the ‘plug n clean’ system, you simply insert the bottom into the top of the pressure washer and it actually takes the detergent and mixes it with the water. No more knocking over the detergent bottle or having to fill a separate tank as I use to.

You obviously have to select the detergent mode on the lance, you can also alter the pressure on the lance which controls how much detergent it uses. The higher teh pressure, the more detergent it mixes with the water.

I really like the longer 10-meter hose, 2 meters longer than other models except for the K7 which also had a 10 meter hose

Finally, another advantage is that the premium version also comes with a longer 10-meter hose. Those two extra meters make such as difference, especially if you’re cleaning a large car as you can get right around it without having to move the pressure washer around.

This has made my life so much easier, previously, I always had to move the pressure washer around while cleaning as the hose was simply too short but not anymore.

The premium version also features a built-in hose reel that makes rewinding the hose reel back so much easier. I do need to straighten the hose up a little so it winds in easy and smooth but it’s still much more manageable than coiling it by hand and then trying to hook it onto the pressure washer. The hose reel also makes it easier to store and keeps it all neat and tidy too.

PROS

• Premium pressure washer for those looking for a serious pressure washer with the extra features of the premium models.
• Built-in smart app control with Bluetooth connectivity that lets you set the pressure and guides you through the best pressure setting and cleaning procedure.
• 3 in 1 lance means you can switch between fan, dirtblaster and detergent mode without changing the actual lance.
• Built-in hose reel with longer 10 meter hose perfect for large wide patios and driveways.
• The premium pressure washer with the home set includes the T5 surface cleaner and patio and path cleaner.
• Offers convenient on-board storage for lances and hose, therefore, there’s no need to disconnect everything and fit them back next time.
• Easy to manoeuvre on the job due to a convenient lift up handle and wheels.
• Features a patented cooling system for increasing the life of the motor.
• Has LED display for checking and adjusting the selected power level manually.
• Easy replacement of detergent due to a simple click n clean design.
• Five-year warranty for full peace of mind.

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Final Conclusion

I have been a fan of the Karcher K5 for a few years now, but I’m really liking this latest version. Now the app control is not that useful for me, but I can see how some people may find it helpful to ensure you’re using the correct lance and pressure for the job.

It might just stop you from stripping the paint off your car or garden furniture by acidently using the dirt blaster instead of the fan lance.

I really love the longer 10-meter hose. The previous K5 models only had 8 meters, and that extra 2 meters really does make a difference when I come to clean my car or my patio and drive for that matter. The longer, the better!

Overall I think this is probably one of the best pressure washers worth considering. As mentioned previously, it’s much more affordable than the K7, and the only real difference is the K7 has a little more power. Other than this, the K5 premium still gives you the built-in hose reel and a longer hose and the 3-in-1 lance as well as all the smart features and pressure regulation at the tip of your fingers. If I were to recommend just one pressure washer for cleaning patios, this would be it.

Looks for a pressure washer for professional and commercial use? – Check out my guide here

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2. Nilfisk C120 7-6 Patio and Brush Pressure Washer

The Nilfisk C120 7-6 Patio and Brush Pressure Washer is another compact patio cleaning appliance. It comes with a range of accessories that suit cleaning and maintenance tasks around the home. Like the title suggests, this model gives a maximum pressure of 120 bar and an impressive flow rate of 440l/h, making it perfect for cleaning flagstones, paths, patios, drives, bikes and vehicles.

To complement the handy size of this pressure washer, the model weighs around 10kg. Its light weight works along with its fitted with wheels to make it easy to transport or move along within the work area.

The nozzles have a click and clean system, which makes nozzle changing quick and easy, whilst an integrated swivel function assists in quick connection of the hose. The machine also uses a standard Nlifisk bayonet coupling, which guarantees compatibility to all Nilfisk ranges of consumer accessories.

There are two dedicated attachments. The first is a Click and Clean compact patio cleaner for paths, patios, drives, decks and other large areas. The other one is a Click and Clean soft-bristled brush for cleaning cars, caravans, conservatories and greenhouses. Online reviewers, however, report that the patio attachment is not very effective at deep cleaning, so be sure to clean your patio regularly.

The C120 7-6 comes with a range of standard accessories including 1 x 6m high-pressure nozzle, click and clean foam sprayer nozzle and bottle, 1 x 5m mains supply cable, 1 nozzle jet cleaning tool, and 1 hose connector. It also provides onboard storage for some supplied add-ons such as the gun, extension lance, nozzles and electrical cable. 

This pressure washer comes with a dependable and long-lasting 1400W Air-cooled universal motor. It also features an auto start/stop function, which ensures the unit only operates when needed. One major benefit of this unit is that it can also be operated from a standing water source.

PROS

• Electric pressure washer with a compact footprint and light weight so even kids can use it easily.
• Fitted with wheels and fully movable handle for easy movement around the job area.
• Supplied with a range of attachments which ensures you have the proper attachment for the right task.
• Compatible with a wide range of Nlifisk accessories.
• Two-year warranty for full peace of mind.

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Final Conclusion

The Nilfisk C120 7-6 Patio and Brush Pressure Washer has a compact design and we especially love it because of its lightweight and quality sturdy build. We also like the fact that it offers a patio cleaner and a soft-bristled brush to tackle different spaces.

However, we found that you’ll benefit more from using the brush than the patio cleaner. It still does the job anyway. You’ll also appreciate the onboard storage for keeping a few accessories. With that said, the Nilfisk C120 7-6 Patio and Brush Pressure Washer is a well-priced pressure washer ideal for cleaning outdoor items that have a fair amount of dirt or mess.

if you clean your outside surfaces on a regular schedule and don’t let the dirt and grime build-up to a thick layer, this is a great compact pressure washer to consider.

Read next: Best Water fed Window Cleaning Poles

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3. Bosch AQT 37-13 Plus High Pressure Washer

The Bosch AQT 37-13 Plus High Pressure Washer is a powerful cleaning tool and is a middle of the range model from the Bosch pressure washer range. This 37-13 model is fitted with a powerful 1700W motor. It boasts a water flow rate of 370 litres per hour and a maximum pressure of 130 bar, making it efficient for day to day cleaning tasks. This machine comes with a two-year warranty and the guarantee period can be extended to three years by registering the tool on the manufacturer’s site (MyBosch-Tools). The included attachments are perfect for removing dirt from cars, garden furniture, patio cleaning and more.

To increase the efficiency and longevity of the machine, the pump features an auto-stop system. This automatically halts operation when not in use, delivering power, and hence water flow, only when needed.

Another very useful feature of this pressure washer is the ‘Click and Go’ system, which makes for easy setup and lets you use the machine straight out of the box. The quick and easy connect fittings ensure that minimal assembly is required, so you don’t have to be skilled at DIY to set up this unit.

A range of accessories accompany this pressure washer and they are each meant for particular applications. There’s a 3-in-1 nozzle that offers a high-pressure fan for general cleaning and a patio cleaner intended for cleaning driveways and patios.

As you would expect for a well-reviewed patio cleaner, it also has a patio cleaner attachment which does a great job at bringing up your patio like new. 

A very useful 90-degree nozzle helps in removing dirt from wheel arches or roof gutters without you having to stretch or bend uncomfortably. A detergent nozzle allows easy application of detergent. The package also includes a wash brush for cleaning vehicles, a drain cleaner nozzle and a suction nozzle. An integrated accessory storage is available for packing the essentials neatly when not in use.

At 6.5kg, this machine is very lightweight for its size and power, yet compact, making it easy to transport and store away. It has an adjustable handle which makes it ideal for users of any height, thus reducing strain on your back and arms. In addition, it has wheels for easy manoeuvring within the work area. However, at 6m, the hose length is shorten than the average 8m length found in most other pressure washers.

PROS

• Electric pressure washer with ergonomic features for your comfort and convenience.
• Easy to transport and store due to its lightweight and compact design.
• Requires little assembly through an easy ‘click and go’ system.
• Has wheels for easy manoeuvring within the job location.
• Can be handled with users of different heights thanks to an adjustable handle.
• Comes with a two-year warranty and the period can be extended to 3 years.

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Final Conclusion

The Bosch AQT 37-13 Plus High Pressure Washer is such a neat product with a great design and compact dimensions. You’ll find it incredibly easy to store away after every use, also thanks to its low weight. Furthermore, the appliance provides compartments for storing some vital accessories, so there’s little chance that misplacing your favourite parts if you’re diligent.

The powerful performance is due to a powerful motor (1700W), 130 bar pressure and impressive water flow rate figure (370l/hr). Set up is super easy as everything just clicks into place out of the box. However, we feel the hose could be a little longer because as it stands, you are forced to move with the machine when cleaning large are, especially driveways.

Nonetheless, the Bosch AQT 37-13+ offers an all-in-one solution to most outdoor cleaning challenges. We think its a great choice for someone looking for an more affordable model, though with fewer features, than the K5 which is our ‘Best Pick’.

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4. Kärcher K7 Premium Full Control Plus Home Pressure Washer

The Kärcher K7 Premium Full Control Plus Home Pressure Washer is similar to the Karcher K5 model (our Best Pick) in terms of design and appearance. However, the K7 model is a heavyweight pressure model capable of washing any patio, decking, garden furniture, stonework, cars, and other surfaces in record time. This machine has probably the highest pressure washing levels of up 160 bar plus a maximum flow rate of 600 litres per hour. This flow rate is 100 litres more per hour than our ‘Best Pick’, the Karcher K5. The Karcher K7 is capable of tackling the toughest cleaning jobs that you can throw at it. It’s the best choice for someone looking for a serious machine to tackle the largest of patios and driveways.

At 20.8kgs, of course, it’s a heavier model than most others but then it certainly outweighs many on performance. Even with the hefty weight, this model is easy to move, thanks to two highly robust wheels and a convenient adjustable handle for easy pulling. Combined with a 10m, hose which is 2 meters longer than our Best Pick, you can tow this unit anywhere you need it.

Like all Karcher pressure washers, the K7 is accompanied with a range of accessories for special purposes. It comes with a Dirtblaster nozzle which produces a powerful rotating point jet for blasting away stubborn dirt.

You regulate the water pressure from a fine spray to a high-pressure jet using a Vario Lance, while a T450 T Racer Surface Cleaner cleans walls, garage doors and any other vertical surfaces. To ensure high cleaning performance, the product includes 1L stone and façade detergent with 3-in-1 formula. This unit also offers on-board storage for the accessories, including a place to keep the power gun during cleaning breaks.

The Full Control spray gun features an LED display which lets you check the power you selected for a particular task. For information, this machine generates 2800 watts of power. A patented cooling system increases the life of the motor.

The K7 also comes with a suction hose to ensure that you can use the washer from a harvested source or a static source such as a water tank or butt. This product comes with a five-year warranty, which in some way justifies its quality.

PROS

• Electric pressure washer delivers unmatched performance for any cleaning and washing task outside your home.
• Has LED display on Full Control spray gun for checking the selected power level.
• Can be easily moved on robust wheels.
• Has a long 10m hose to reach every part of your garden.
• Comes with a five-year warranty, much longer than with many other models.

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Final Conclusion

Well, if you think the Karcher K5 Full Control lacks the power and size needed to tackle your cleaning jobs, then the Kärcher K7 Premium Full Control Plus Home Pressure Washer is the perfect upgrade and probably the best model you will find.

One such feature you benefit from the K7 is the hose length, which is 2m longer than the K5’s. Of course, the K7’s power is unrivalled and so is the flow rate and maximum pressure. With the LED display on spray gun, you can easily select the ideal power level for gentle car washing or strongly removing dirt on stubborn surfaces.

Overall, this pressure washer is a diverse powerhouse ideal for cleaning tasks on large patios, decking or car wash and with five years of warranty, you have full peace of mind.

One feature we nearly forgot to mention is that this model also comes with the integrated hose reel on the back which makes packing the hose away super easy.

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5. Wilks Genuine USA TX625 Petrol Pressure Washer

The Wilks Genuine USA TX625 Petrol Pressure Washer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a petrol pressure washer that is powerful but affordable. There are two features with this model that instantly stand out; it has a 7HP 210cc petrol driven engine and the vigorous steel frame, which is unlike your standard streamlined, domestic patio pressure washer.

The use of petrol is one of the reasons to purchase this model since it offers a different approach and maximum power. While the price of this Wilks petrol pressure washer is on par with the cost of an average electric pressure washer, its performance is on par with that of high-end electric washers which cost nearly three times more.

This machine gives a pressure of 272 bar (3950psi) when it’s operating at maximum power. With several power settings, you can select the right one to match the application. The pressure range is perfect for tough domestic tasks such as removing tough stains from garage doors or preparing an outdoor wall for painting or simply cleaning a large driveway or patio.

It has a flow rate of 720l/hr, which is very good. This ensures there’s plenty of water for cleaning as well as washing away removed dirt. The 7HP engine complements the flow rate and pressure very well and keeps the pressure working at full power on the toughest tasks.

Also featured on this machine is a detergent suction tube, which allows the pressure washer to eject detergent before you deal with dirt with clean water. This is very useful when cleaning cars, motorcycles, bikes and anything that needs the application of detergent first. The detergent suction tube can also be used for cleaning grease stains on garage floors and driveways, and cleaning plastic furniture.

The machine is supplied with five quick fit nozzle attachments designed to give different kinds of sprays. The pencil spray is the strongest spray and narrows the water flow to a small area, while the jet spray is lighter and ideal for larger areas. The fan spray is soft and ideal for larger delicate areas and the detergent spray lets you spray detergent before cleaning. It also includes a straight lance, curved gutter lance, nozzles, turbo nozzle and self-propelled drain cleaner, something most models don’t.

For mobility around the job, the Wolf pressure washer has large all-terrain wheels and they are perfect on most terrains. The machine weighs 32kg so is certainly not light and has a 8 meter high pressure hose, but an additional 12 meter hose is also included. It goes without saying that the model is easy to set up; initial setup especially takes little time even for those who have no experience of setting up a petrol pressure washer.

Simply fuel up, add the oil, set the choke and pull the cord, once the engine starts, turn the choke off and you’re good to go. However, as with all petrol machines, it’s fairly loud because of the petrol motor and needs maintenance to maintain the engine.

PROS

• Petrol pressure washer that’s more powerful than most electric pressure washers.
• Comes with five nozzle attachments to help tackle various jobs.
• Includes a straight lance, curved gutter lance, nozzles, turbo nozzle and self propelled drain cleaner.
• Mounted with wheels for easy mobility around the job area or even moving from job to job.
• Includes a low level shut down, which lets you know when the oil level gets too low.
• Easy to set up even for inexperienced people.

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Final Conclusion

The Wilks Genuine USA TX625 Petrol Pressure Washer offers great value for money at a fraction of the price for a comparable electric model such as the Karcher K7 or a professional grade petrol model like the Danau 3000A Petrol Pressure Washer, our Professional Best Pick.

It has an excellent mix of pressure and flow rate, enough for tackling most domestic jobs with ease. You’ll benefit greatly from the five different nozzles in jobs such as washing cars, removing stubborn grease from garage doors and cleaning patios.

As expected, petrol machines are a lot louder compared to electric ones, so the noise might be disturbing if you are noise sensitive. With that said, this Wilks petrol model is quite a versatile solution to cleaning challenges at home and is a great affordable option for anyone looking for a powerful jet wash at a reasonable price.

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6. Ryobi RPW150XRB Corded Pressure Washer

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The Ryobi RPW150XRB Corded Pressure Washer is an electric washer that puts out a significant 2,200W of power. This is more than enough force to drive the four wands you receive with your purchase: the 30cm surface clearer, a rotary brush, a vario lance and a turbo lance. None of your external surfaces stands a chance against this combined cleaning ability. And it’s also on a par with the power from our Best Pick selection.

As for numbers, they’re impressive too. The motor delivers a maximum of 150 bar pressure and a maximum flow of 420l/hour of water. This makes it a worthy competitor to any of the non-heavy duty washers in our review.

This Ryobi comes with a standard length 8m hose, but this one is flexible and steel-armed. These characteristics prevent the hose from kinking and curling up, common problems with pressure washer hoses. Think of the time and irritation you save by not having to stop and straighten out of the hose every so often.

And for those who like to use detergent in their patio washing, this Ryobi model has an integrated detergent tank. Just use the on-demand detergent function handily located on the handle of the detergent wand to dispense the soap when you need it.

And for tidiness during operation and in storage, the hose reel situated within the washer handle evenly and neatly extends and retracts the hose as you need it. And don’t worry about having hurting your back or shoulders lugging this washer around to where you need it; it’s on wheels that smoothly roll across a variety of textured and smooth surfaces.

PROS

• Electric high-performance pressure washer delivers 2,200W of power for all your outdoors cleaning duties.
• Flexible 8m hose is steel-armed that reduces kinking so you don’t have to keep uncurling it.
• Hose reel sits between the sides of the handles for easy and even retraction of the hose.
• Detergent tank is built-in so you can fill it and forget about it for a while.
• Attachments provided included the surface cleaner, the rotary brush and the turbo lance for a variety of surface cleaning.
• Has wheels so not a chore to move it around the area you’re cleaning.

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Final Conclusion

The Ryobi RPW150XRB Corded Pressure Washer is a high-powered electric washer with performance to match. It comes with the four wands that are more generally used, but other attachments are available at extra cost. The 1L built-in detergent tank holds the soap and you easily dispense a squirt of detergent from the control on the handle of the detergent wand. The hose reel is a handy feature that’s not even available on our Best Pick, the Karcher K5.

If you like the idea of a fully featured pressure washer that’s less expensive than our Best Pick, take a look at this Ryobi RPW150XRB Corded Pressure Washer.

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BUYER’S GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST PRESSURE WASHER FOR YOUR PATIO

Buying a pressure washer for your patio (and beyond) boils down to one basic decision – whether to go electric or petrol powered. Other features to look out for fall out from this one choice. And that’s why we spend some time in this Buyer’s Guide giving you information to make your best choice.

Electric pressure washers

Electric models are perfect for home outside cleaning jobs such as cleaning garden furniture, cleaning patios, bikes, cars, paths, walls… the list goes on. You start an electric pressure washer with the simple flip of stitch after plugging it into an outside electric outlet. These pressure washers are generally maintenance free and easy to use. Some electric cords, however, are quite short and you might need to use an extension cord; be sure to buy a waterproof extension cord.

Electric pressure washers are also lightweight, usually compact, quiet and generally run clean due. They can even be used in ventilated areas such as basements and garages. The major downsides of electric pressure washers is that they need to be near a power source and they have slightly lower power compared to petrol models. However you can get some powerful models now such as the Karcher K5 (our Best Pick), which is on par with some petrol pressure washers now.

Petrol pressure washers

Petrol pressure washers are ideal for dirtier cleaning jobs, small or large, such as cleaning external walls of buildings, agricultural machinery, garage floors, large patios and large drives. If you have long-term grime or moss layers on your surfaces or pressure wash professionally, consider the power of a petrol washer.

Petrol pressure washers offer greater mobility options due to the fact there are no power cords involved. These units are usually started with a manual pull cord though some models have an electric on/off switch for easier starting but these are usually the more expensive models.

As you expect, petrol engines are quite noisy and heavy. They also emit fumes, and should only be used outside or in extremely well ventilated areas. The engines and other parts require frequent maintenance such as checking air filters, oil and refuelling. On the plus side, petrol washers provide extra power at a lower cost. For example a good petrol pressure washer costs around £240 and produces 200 bar of pressure while a similar electric model would cost double this at over £400.

Features and numbers

Power output

This is an important part of the machine, especially with electric models. Generally, the more powerful the motor (the more watts), the higher the pressure and flow rate. Most machines range from 900W to 2800W. If you have larger areas to cover or plan to use the machine on a frequent basis, going for higher power is the best option. If you only need to use a pressure washer once a while or for smaller jobs, then a 1400W unit or slightly above is just ideal, while a 900W model is suitable for smaller patios.

Maximum pressure

Pressure is usually measured in bar which refers to the pressure of water from the unit. A higher pressure means easier removal of stubborn stains. The maximum pressure usually ranges from 110 bar to 180 bar, depending on the model. Entry-level pressure washers will have 110 bar to 130 bar, making them ideal for lighter jobs such as cleaning cars or bikes. If you want to clean patios and driveways, anything from 140 bar and above will go a long way towards making a major cleaning difference.

Flow rate

This the speed of delivering water to an area with the pressure washer and is usually measured in litres per hour (l/h). A higher flow rate will translate to using more water, allowing you to cover greater areas quickly. Most budget models have a flow rate of around 350l/hr, mid-range machines around 420l/hr and high-end units will range from 500 to 600l/hr. For covering large areas of patio or driveways, a mid-range to high-end model will make the job quite easy.

Weight

Pressure washers differ considerably in weight, beginning at a reasonable 4kg up to a hefty 20kg. Most machines come with wheels but keep in mind that some budget models do not s and might need to be carried or left stationary. And remember that if you’re washing a large area, you may move the washer around a lot.

Attachments

Figure out what you plan to use the pressure washer for and what attachment you need to do that. Pressure washers with many accessories may be enticing, however, can you justify the additional cost versus how frequently you will utilise them? If need be, you can always purchase extra accessories later since most parts are easily interchangeable between brands. For patio cleaning, the major accessory you should consider is a dedicated patio cleaner. It saves considerable time on larger patios compared to using a conventional lance.

Price

With pressure washers for patios, prices can vary significantly. As such, it’s important to consider the features and specifications that you really need in order to get the best value pressure washer. Look for a model that meets your needs regardless of the price, while focussing on how often you’ll be using the machine and for what tasks. As we’ve said, some attachments can be bought later when needed. With that in mind, you may realise that an inexpensive model delivers what you need.

Warranty

A manufacturer’s warranty gives you peace of mind should anything go wrong with the washer or should it become faulty. In general, a good model comes with at least a two-year domestic warranty, with more expensive models coming with three- and five-year warranties. If a model only has a one-year warranty ask yourself why?

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Final Conclusion

After many hours of testing over the last few years and when taking into consideration performance, the hose length, storage features, the build quality and of course cost, I would have to choose the Karcher K5 Premium Full Control Home Pressure Washer. I’ve just been so impressed by it and after at least 3 years of testing (maybe longer, can’t quite remember), it’s never let me down. It’s just a great pressure washer and that longer hose is a game-changer for patios!

Should you choose petrol?

When it comes to petrol pressure washers, I’ve used them for years but mainly professionally as part of my landscaping business. The thing is, they’re noisy and take more maintenance, oil changes, spark plugs, general engine maintenance as I do with all of my petrol garden tools, then there refuelling and storing petrol. However, when you compare raw power, electric can’t even come close, even with my Karcher K5, which is incredibly powerful for an electric pressure washer. However, for most domestic jobs, the electric models are more than powerful enough and have many more built-in features. storage for the lances etc. This simply. is not the case for most petrol pressure washers and there bulky, heavier and take up more space in the garage.

If you’re hooked on buying a petrol patio pressure washer and need the extra power they give, check out my Best Petrol Pressure Washers for Domestic and Professionals review.

If you’re picky about washing your car, dive into my review of the Best Pressure Washers for Car Cleaning. However, because of the extra power and longer hose and less power needed, it’s no surprise the Karcher K5 is also my pick when it comes to cleaning cars and vans, after all you need to be careful not to strip the paint off.

I also have a guide for those who are not sure how to go about cleaning their patio with a pressure washer here.

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Last update on 2024-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API