Complete Guide to Buying a Pressure Washer

A man pressure washing a stone patio wearing gray pants and brown shoes. The patio has two stone planters with green bushes and a blurred out green background

Do you want to make outdoor cleaning projects faster and easier? Using a pressure washer does just that, but how do you know what kind of washer to get? With many options out there, it’s hard to choose what’s best for you and your next job, so we’ve put together some things to consider when looking for a pressure washer.

How Does a Pressure Washer Work?

Pressure washers are simple. They use pumps, either gas or electric, to amplify water pressure. Water enters the machine from a garden hose through a low-pressure connection, then runs through the machine's high-pressure hose that connects to a pressure washer wand and is sprayed out through a nozzle.

What is a Good PSI for a Pressure Washer?

Two colorful illustrated pressure gauges showing PSI and GPM

A pressure washer’s power is measured by the pressure output or pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM). The higher the rating the better and faster the pressure washer will clean. Consider your projects at hand to determine how powerful of a washer you need.

What Type of Power Washer Should I Buy?

A gray, red and black gas pressure washer on a residential driveway attached to a green garden hose. The owner is pressure washing a wooden bench in the background.

Light-duty (Consumer):

Usually rated between 1300 and 1900 PSI at 2 GPM, are best for smaller, more delicate jobs around the house. Ideal for cleaning the car, patio furniture, and grills. Electric pressures are best for this kind of work.

Medium-Duty (Semi-Pro):

Rated between 2000 and 2800 PSI at 2-3 GPM. These washers tend to be gas powered, they are studier and more powerful making it easier to clean siding, fences, decks and driveways.

Heavy-Duty (Professional):

Rated 2800 or higher PSI at 3-4 GPM, are built with a stronger, more durable engine and pump, for everyday use. Use this type of washer for large-scale jobs like cleaning a 2 story building, removing graffiti or stripping paint.

Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers

Electric Pressure Washers

A young woman washing off her wooden adirondak chair with a electric pressure washer on her back patio

Electric washers are best for smaller projects that require less pressure. Electric washers are quiet and lightweight and require little upkeep. They are easy to store and easy to start. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plugging electric washers into extension cords.

Here are some popular electrical pressure washers at Do it Best:

Gas Pressure Washers

Man using a gas pressure washer to wash his car on a hot sunny day. The car is covered in soap and the driveway is wet.

Gas powered pressure washers tend to be more powerful than electric washers. They are noisier and heavier and require more maintenance. It is best to wear ear protection while using a gas-powered washer. Gas powered washers also give you more mobility for larger jobs, like cleaning siding, sidewalks and patios.

Here are some popular gas pressure washers at Do it Best:

Cord Length

The length of the power cord on a pressure washer affects mobility and use. The typical cord size is 35 feet, but there are longer (40-50 feet) and shorter (20-30 feet) options. A shorter cord may require an extension cord if you’re using it for larger spaces, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid electrical hazards. A longer cord to reduce the need for repositioning while maintaining consistent power.

Nozzles

Many pressure washers come with extra nozzles or tips for different kinds of cleaning. These interchangeable tips range from 0 degrees to 65 degrees. The lower the degree the more powerful, concentrated the spray will be.

0-Degree (Red Tip) – Delivers a powerful jet of water. Best for stubborn stains, caked-on mud, and tough debris on hard surfaces like concrete.
15-Degree (Yellow Tip) – Delivers a narrow but less aggressive spray. Great for removing paint, mildew, and heavy grime from driveways, sidewalks, and metal surfaces.
25-Degree (Green Tip) – Delivers a wider spray for general cleaning tasks, such as washing decks, patios, outdoor furniture, and vehicles.
40-Degree (White Tip) – Delivers a gentle, wide spray. Ideal for cleaning windows, siding, and soft surfaces without causing damage.
65-Degree (Black Tip) – Also known as the soap nozzle, this low-pressure tip is used for applying detergents and cleaning solutions before rinsing.

Accessories

A man using a cement pavement pressure washer accessory to wash his sidewalk that is lined with colorful flowers

There are different kinds of attachments you can get for your pressure washer to help with specific types of cleaning:

Surface Cleaners (pictured above) – These feature spinning jets that provide deep cleaning on driveways, sidewalks, decks, and patios.
Brushes – These help scrub away dirt and grime without damaging delicate surfaces like cars, boats, and windows.
Angled Wands – Designed for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, like gutters, wheel wells, and under vehicles.
Foam Cannons – For applying thick layers of soap or detergent. Perfect for washing cars, siding, and outdoor furniture.
Extension Wands – Increase reach, making them useful for tall houses, second-story siding, and roofs without needing a ladder.
Water Brooms – WIth multiple nozzles in a row, water brooms help quickly clean large flat surfaces like garage floors, driveways, and patios with consistent pressure.

Cost Considerations

Pressure washer prices vary based on power, features, and brand. Light-duty electric models are the most affordable, while high-powered gas models cost significantly more due to durability and performance. It’s important to know your budget and projects you’ll need your pressure washer for to select the best model for you. If you need accessories like longer hoses, extra nozzles, and surface cleaners, that will add to the overall expense as well.

Cordless Pressure Washers

Cordless pressure washers are also an option if you don’t need something heavy-duty or your budget doesn’t cover a gas or electric pressure washer. Cordless power washers run on rechargeable batteries, making them portable and easy to use without outlets. They are ideal for light cleaning tasks like washing bikes, or surface-level dirt, but typically have lower PSI and shorter run times compared to electric or gas-powered models.

Here are some popular cordless pressure washers at Do it Best:

Choosing the right pressure washer can make outdoor cleaning tasks faster, easier, and more effective. Whether you need a light-duty electric model for small household jobs or a heavy-duty gas-powered washer for tackling large surfaces, understanding these key components will help you make the best choice for your needs.

At Do it Best, we carry a wide selection of pressure washers, nozzles, and accessories to help you tackle any cleaning project with confidence. Shop online or visit your local Do it Best store today to find the perfect pressure washer for you.

Complete Guide to Buying a Pressure Washer

How Does a Pressure Washer Work?

What is a Good PSI for a Pressure Washer?