A pressure washer can be transformative for your home maintenance routine—cutting through grime on driveways, restoring your deck’s natural color, and revitalizing outdoor furniture and vehicles. But if you’re in the market for one, the number of options can be overwhelming. From gas vs. electric to PSI ratings and nozzle types, understanding what to look for will help you invest in the right tool for your deep-cleaning needs!
In this blog, we’re breaking down four key considerations you should keep in mind when buying a new pressure washer.
Is a pressure washer the same as a power washer?
Nope! Although both pressure washers and power washers use high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime from exterior surfaces, the added heat in power washers can be more effective for removing tough stains from certain surfaces (like concrete). Bottom line: Power washers use hot water for cleaning while pressure washers mostly use cold water. However, some pressure washer models have a burner system to heat water in the case of removing extremely stubborn grease and oil stains.
1. Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers
The first major decision you'll face is whether to go with a gas or electric pressure washer. Both types have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on what you’re planning to clean and how often.
Electric Pressure Washers
Electric models are lightweight, quiet, and easy to maintain—perfect for small to medium tasks like washing cars, patios, patio furniture, or siding. They’re also environmentally friendly with no emissions and require less upkeep than gas engines. Most electric models range from 1300 to 2000 PSI (pounds per square inch), providing enough cleaning power for routine household use. However, Greenworks models offer up to 3000 PSI, making these heavier-duty pressure washers ideal for tackling tougher cleaning tasks like concrete driveways.
Gas Pressure Washers
If you're removing oil stains or prepping a house for paint, a gas pressure washer delivers the muscle you need. These machines often range from 2,800 to 4,000+ PSI, making them a solid choice for industrial-level jobs. They may offer better mobility and longer runtime since you're not tethered to a power outlet or battery life—but they do require fuel, more maintenance, and tend to be louder than their electric counterparts.
Greenworks Pro Tip: Residential homeowners who only pressure wash a few times per year prefer the ease of use and lower maintenance requirements of an electric pressure washer. Is this you? Shop Greenworks Pressure Washers now. For commercial projects, gas-powered pressure washers are often preferred because they tend to offer higher PSI and GPM compared to their electric counterparts.
2. Choose the Right Cleaning Power
Once you've narrowed down whether you want a gas or electric pressure washer, the next step is choosing the right level of cleaning power. There are two key specs to keep in mind:
- PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Measures the pressure. Higher PSI = more force.
- GPM (Gallons per Minute): Measures the water flow. Higher GPM = more cleaning efficiency.
When you combine PSI and GPM, you get Cleaning Units (CU), which gives you an overall picture of a pressure washer’s capability.
Cleaning Task |
Recommended PSI |
GPM Range |
Light (cars, furniture) |
1,300–2,000 PSI |
1.2–1.6 GPM |
Medium (siding, decks) |
2,000–2,800 PSI |
1.8–2.5 GPM |
Heavy (driveways, paint prep) |
2,900–3,300+ PSI |
2.5–4.0 GPM |
Greenworks Pro Tip: Choose a pressure washer with power tailored to your most frequent tasks. Going too high can damage delicate surfaces, while underpowered models may not cut it for tougher jobs. Looking for the best electric pressure washer on the market? Shop the #1 rated 3000-PSI 2.0 GPM Electric Pressure Washer for 2x the cleaning power!
3. Pick a Pressure Washer Nozzle
Think of a pressure washer nozzle as the steering wheel of your pressure washer—it controls the water flow and spray angle, which directly impacts cleaning efficiency and surface safety.
Most pressure washers come with quick-connect spray tips that are color-coded to indicate spray angle:
- Red (0°): A laser-focused stream for tough stains or spot cleaning (use with caution).
- Yellow (15°): Ideal for heavy-duty tasks like removing paint or cleaning concrete.
- Green (25°): The go-to for general cleaning around the house and yard.
- White (40°): A gentle spray for washing vehicles or windows.
- Black (65°): Low-pressure soap nozzle for applying detergents.
Turbo nozzles are a great optional upgrade—these spin a narrow spray in a circular motion to increase cleaning power without upping the PSI.
Greenworks Pro Tip: Always start with the widest spray angle to avoid damaging surfaces, then work your way down if needed. Shop Pressure Washer Universal Spray Tip Nozzles compatible with all Greenworks pressure washers.
4. Pressure Washing Accessories and Tools
Want another top pressure washer buying guide tip? Your pressure washer is only as effective as the accessories and tools you pair it with! The right add-ons can improve performance, safety, and efficiency.
Here are a few must-haves:
- Surface Cleaners : These circular attachments are designed to clean large flat areas like driveways and patios evenly and quickly, preventing streaks.
- Extension Wands : Essential for reaching high siding, gutters, or second-story windows without a ladder. Ours is paired with a surface cleaner to handle tough cleaning jobs more efficiently.
- Foam Cannons : Ideal for washing cars, these mix detergent with air and water to create thick, clinging foam.
- High-Pressure Hose : A high-pressure hose is crucial for any pressure washer because it’s designed to handle the intense water pressure generated by the pressure washer pump.
- Detergents: Use pressure-washer-safe soaps and cleaners for specific tasks—deck cleaner, degreaser, vehicle wash, etc.
Many pressure washers, including the Greenworks 2500 PSI Pressure Washer , also allow for on-board storage of tips and accessories, which is a handy feature if you like to keep your gear streamlined.
Pressure Washer Buying Guide Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pressure washer doesn't have to be complicated. Start by assessing your typical cleaning tasks and environment. If you just want to rinse off patio furniture or wash your car, a compact electric model with a mid-power PSI will serve you well. Greenworks Pick: 1800 PSI 1.1 GPM Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer.
If you’re planning to strip paint or clean concrete regularly, lean into the power of a high-PSI model. Greenworks Pick: 80V 3000-PSI 2.0 GPM Electric Pressure Washer.
And don’t overlook the importance of the right nozzle and accessories—they can make all the difference in getting a job done faster and with better results. Investing in the right pressure washer means you’ll not only save time, but also prolong the life of your home’s exterior, your tools, and even your vehicles!
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
