Which is The Best PSI for Pressure Washer

They say the best pressure washers are those that have the right pressure settings. If you don’t know the PSI rating of your tool it’s hard to say if it can cut through the types of hard stains you want to wash.

This is why we recommend choosing a pressure washer based on PSI ratings. The higher the pressure rating the more powerful and effective it will be.

Hunting for a washing tool? Check out the list below and choose a pressure washer with the best PSI based on your needs.

• STANLEY SHP1600
• AR Blue Clean AR383
• Stanley SHP2150
• Simpson Cleaning MSH3125
• Champion Pro 100790
• Northstar Gas Model #1571493

Are you in a hurry? Choose one of these top-rated pressure washers that fall in the PSI range of 1,600 to 5,000.

What is the Best PSI for a Pressure Washer?

Before we get down to the detailed reviews of our top 13 pressure washers, let’s first clear out some basic definitions and concepts. Knowing about them will help you make a better purchase. More so, you can see through all the glittery marketing copy with lofty numbers that some manufacturers and retailers peddle online.

What is PSI?

Pounds per square inch (PSI) is the unit with which water pressure is measured. In other words, it is a measure of the force with which water is guzzled out of a hose, faucet, or nozzle. A typical garden hose has a PSI of between 40 and 60 vs an electric pressure washer that can amplify it up to 60x.

The higher the PSI the faster the cleaning process.

What is GPM?

Gallons per minute (GPM) is a measure of the amount of water being guzzled out. If PSI denotes the force, GPM denotes the volume. As you can guess, a higher GPM means more water is splashed onto the surface, giving you more cleaning power. GPM in cold pressure washers usually falls in the range of 1 and 5.

What are Cleaning Units (CU)?

Cleaning Units (CU) are a product of PSI and GPM. In the pressure washer industry, it’s a figure used to showcase the “cleaning power” of a tool. For example, if the PSI and GPM of a pressure washer are 2,000 and 2 respectively, the CU will be 4,000.

We don’t recommend measuring a washer’s worth by CU numbers. Instead, focus on pressure, GPM, and other metrics individually.

PSI versus GPM

Both PSI and GPM denote two different things. Therefore, they are both equally important.

PSI is a figure influenced by the motor and pump being used. On the other hand, GPM depends on the motor, pump, and the cross-section of the hose and nozzle. However, it can be said that they are interrelated. If you find a pressure washer with a decent PSI, it will naturally have a decent GPM rating.

This is why we recommend balancing them out. But, if you still had to choose between the two, focus on PSI as that will tell you how strong the motor and pump are.

How Do You Choose the Best PSI for Your Pressure Washer?

Choosing a pressure washer with the ideal PSI for your needs comes down to the following parameters. Check your pick against these points to make a wise purchase.

• Type of use – homeowner vs professional (commercial use)
• Type of operation – gas-powered vs electric
• Type of water – cold vs hot pressure washer

As you can guess, commercial use will require more power to cut through harder stains (e.g.: industrial washing). Such heavy use will also demand a gas-powered pressure washer that can provide higher PSI (up to 5,000). Such high-powered tools are not ideal for home use as they require more care and precautions. In comparison, electric washers have lower PSI.

What PSI Pressure Washer Do I Need?

Based on your cleaning requirements, you can go with any of these three ranges:

• Up to 2,000 PSI – Light-duty tasks such as washing dirt off patio, deck, walls
• 2,000 to 3,200 PSI – Medium-duty tasks such as washing the grime off car tires, mildew off walls
• 3,200 to 5,000 PSI – Heavy-duty tasks such as washing oily surfaces, grime, garage grunge

In America, the best pressure washer PSI for cleaning equipment is between 2,000 and 3,000. For cars, it can be slightly lower as there’s always the risk of chafing the paint off the surface.

Most professional pressure washer manufacturers provide a sample set of eligible tasks in their user manual. We recommend going through it once.

Best Pressure Washers by PSI Review

Now that we have a fair idea of the concepts, let’s dive deep into the top pressure washer models currently ruling the US market. For your convenience, we have categorized them by PSI.

#1 - Best 1450 PSI Pressure Washer: Sun Joe SPX1000

Snow Joe, the parent brand of Sun Joe, started as a snowblower manufacturer in 2004. Since then, it has diversified into pressure washers with this model here being one of its bestsellers.

Pressure Washer Review

We love the compact design of this best light-duty pressure washer that ejects a decent amount of water at a maximum pressure of 1,450 PSI.

You can carry it anywhere as long as there is a power outlet nearby. It can cut through most types of dirt on surfaces such as concrete, deck, windows, siding, and driveway. The TTS system that shuts off the pump when the trigger is not pressed will save power and extend the lifespan.

#2 - Best 1500 PSI Pressure Washer: WORX WG601

Worx is that friendly neighborhood brand but based out of China. It focuses on simple tools that make the task at hand a lot easier, as opposed to advanced machines that sometimes make it harder. This 1,500 PSI pressure washer is a fair example of its tech marvel.

Pressure Washer Review

Compared to the Sun Joe machine, this one is a tad lighter and compact. While that may be because of the cheaper material used to build it and its plugs, it does pack a lot of power.

With a max PSI of 2,000, it can cut through most types of dirt at a faster rate than most entry-level pressure washers.

We also like the Turbo nozzle that provides a 360-degree washing mechanism that can be used across home surfaces such as walls, patio, driveway.

Pro Tip – Register your tool on the Worx website to get an additional year of warranty.

#3 - Best 1600 PSI Pressure Washer: STANLEY SHP1600

Pioneer of tape rule, utility knife, carbide blade, and several mechanical tools that are ubiquitous today, Stanley Tools began its operations in 1943 in Connecticut, USA. It’s one of the oldest manufacturers in the business.

Pressure Washer Review

The feature that stands out in this Stanley portable pressure washer is the variable turbo nozzle. You don’t have to replace the nozzles every time you want a different flow/angle of spray. Just twist the nozzle and you are done.

Although this 1,600 PSI pressure washer boasts of a detergent tank, we are not too impressed with the way it works. Setting up the soap dispenser is a lot of work, plus the wand just sputters the liquid instead of constant soapy water. Not really efficient for car washing but will get other tasks done.

Pro Tip – Open your faucet all the way to get the maximum pressure.

#4 - 1800 PSI Pressure Washer: Cat Electric Pressure Washer

Who doesn’t recognize the CAT (Caterpillar) brand? If you don’t, just know that CAT is a leader when it comes to putting technology and high-precision engineering together to produce smart tools. This 1,800 PSI pressure washer is a great example.

Pressure Washer Review

Of all quality pressure washers under 2,000 PSI that you have seen, this one will be slightly different.

Evidently, CAT has a very different approach. It has a large detergent bottle that provides constant soapy water for foamy cleaning.

It also has a stronger pump that can jet spray up to 2 gallons of water per minute. This will ensure that even larger surfaces are cleaned in less time. The metal wand and tips will last for years, and definitely longer than the plastic ones that are more common these days.

Instead of TSS, it has a push button interface. This is not exactly power efficient.

Note – CAT 1800 is marketed as a tool with 3,600 units. As we noted before, it’s just a product of PSI and GMP.

#5 - 1900 PSI Pressure Washer: AR Blue Clean AR383

AR Blue Clean is a sister brand of the world-renowned Annovi Reverberi (AR). The brand is known for innovation and easy-to-use tools as this 1,900 PSI pressure washer will prove.

Pressure Washer Review

This AR Blue Clean tool is a good pressure washer for car, home use, and entry-level commercial purposes. This is because it does not have many fringe features and instead focuses on a high-powered pump that guzzles water and ejects it out at a faster rate. The 1,900 max PSI with 1.5 GPM is enough to cut through dirt on most surfaces.

The highlight is that it has two different wands for your convenience. If one malfunctions, you have a backup. No need to replace the entire unit.

#6 - Best 2000 PSI Pressure Washer

Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer

Another Stanley tool, this one is a good pressure washer for home use.

Pressure Washer Review

The best part of this 2,000 PSI electric pressure washer is its high rating. Everything else is similar to the other tools we have seen above.

The detergent bottle, as an exception, produces foam with equal pressure. But we have noticed the pressure is not constant when you use liquid soap.

As the pressure setting and price increases, you get better benefits too such as a longer hose.

Westinghouse WPX2700 Pressure Washer

Westinghouse has been around for over 130 years. Like Stanley, it is also a pioneer in the mechanical engineering industry, credited with the invention of the rotary steam engine, air brake, industrial alternating current (AC) system, and more.

Pressure Washer Review

This 2,700 PSI pressure washer has more power thanks to its gasoline-driven 4-stroke motor. Although it makes some noise during operation, you get a lot more pumping power than pulls a lot of water and jets with more pressure and flow. It has a GPM of 2.3, the highest so far on this list.

That’s not all; the steel body is heavy-duty and strong enough to last for years. Plus, the four-nozzle set makes all your tasks – from washing your patio to the floor of a greasy garage. This is a top pressure washer for decks, greasy floors, paved floors, and blocks of any materials including stone.

#7 - Best 3000 PSI Pressure Washer

Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer

Simpson Cleaning is a local brand owned by the FNA Group. It is best known for innovative designs as you can see in this pressure washer for vinyl siding.

Pressure Washer Review

Two things that set this 3,000 PSI gas pressure washer are its Honda engine and its sturdy steel body. Together, they will serve you for years to come, and in return you get 100% washed patios, decks, walls, etc.

With the MegaShot, you can get each and every nook of your household or commercial establishment cleaned without worrying about harming the surfaces.

Although the brand rates it safe for vinyl and other similar surfaces, we recommend proceeding with caution. While the pneumatic wheels make it easier to move around in any terrain (including in slopy areas), the easy connect nozzles are a treat to use and operate on.

Generac 7122 SpeedWash Pressure Washer

Generac was founded in 1959 as a power generator brand. Today, it is a leader in the US for all household and commercial power equipment. It focuses on sustainable solutions.

Pressure Washer Review

The biggest highlight of this Generac 3,200 PSI pressure washer is its power broom. Just attach it to the wand and turn your floors sparkling clean. If you are going to deal with a lot of dirt and grime, use the soap blaster and tackle every type of dirt there is. This is what makes it ideal for both home and commercial use.

Moreover, the power dial spray that changes the flow setting according to the surface (car and wood, for example) is another great feature that we love. Despite the shortcomings, this pressure washer for deep cleaning packs a punch.

#8 - Best 4000 PSI Pressure Washer

Champion Pro 100790 4200-PSI Pressure Washer

Champion is one true American brand. Established in 2004, it has soon become a household name in the country, thanks to its affordability and high quality.

Pressure Washer Review

This is a truly remarkable commercial-grade pressure washer that checks all the boxes. A nearly 400-cc powerful Champion engine that pumps water like it’s boring a well.

You get a high pressure of 4,000 PSI with a clocking of 4 gallons per minute. If that is not sufficient for your commercial cleaning work, we don’t know what is. Because 4 GPM is a lot of water.

Plus, with all the free accessories that it comes with – nozzles, detergent hose, detergent bottle – you get complete value for your money with this pressure washer for cleaning concrete, stones, hard dirt, grease, and more.

SIMPSON Cleaning ALH4240 Aluminum Gas Pressure Washer

Another Simpson tool, this time a pressure washer for gritty driveways and other uses.

Pressure Washer Review

For slightly better performance than the Champion tool above, get this Simpson heavy-duty pressure washer. It boasts of a Honda engine and a CAT industrial pump. Together, they provide a max pressure of 4,200 PSI and 4 GPM – enough to take care of all commercial-grade requirements. Wash dirt on concrete surfaces or give your greasy garage a new look, this Simpson top-quality pressure washer is capable of everything.

We also like the additional extensions such as the long hose, extra nozzles, and soap-specific nozzle for easy grime cleaning. There is really something sweet about a truly capable 4,000 PSI pressure washer. This is it.

#9 - Best 5000 PSI Pressure Washer

Northstar Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer, Model #1571493

Around since 1981, Northern Tools focuses on efficiency, power, and usability. It’s a family-owned American business and is perhaps one of the top brands for belt drive pressure washers.

Pressure Washer Review

The USP of this industrial high pressure washer is the belt drive technology. The pump uses this tech to run smoothly as compared to the standard mechanism that is bound to be louder and crankier. Supported by the Honda engine, this NorthStar makes for a smoother ride, giving you ears the rest they need while you work.

The steel frame and flat-free tires further contribute to its performance, making us rate it as the best 5,000 PSI pressure washer in the market right now.

SIMPSON Cleaning WS5050H WaterShot Gas Pressure Washer

Last on our list is a commercial pressure washer with so much power you will fall in love with power washing.

Pressure Washer Review

You could also say this professional pressure washer is an extension of the 4,000 PSI version by the manufacturer above. But it’s a lot more powerful than that.

The Honda engine and the Comet industrial pump are the highlights here that can deliver a strong current of water to treat any surface. Use the soap dispenser to get rid of the grimiest dirt, but do care to not keep the wand too close to the surface.

This is as good and powerful as it gets.

Best PSI for Pressure Washer FAQs

Still have questions? Check out these frequently answered questions (FAQs) about pressure washers, PSI settings, and more.

Conclusion

The hunt for the best PSI for pressure washer can end here as we have given you everything that you need. From a rundown of the concepts such as PSI and GMP to some of the top pressure washers in the US market right now.

Whatever tool you choose, make sure that it aligns with your requirements. As we have noted before, a very high PSI does not necessarily mean it’s ideal for your requirements. Check out the applications and the overall ratings to choose your pick. In any case, going through our list of tools and their reviews will give you a better idea.

If you’re still wondering what PSI pressure washer you need, just scroll up to explore the buying guide. Or go with our top five picks:

• STANLEY SHP1600 Electric Pressure Washer
• Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer
• Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
• Champion Pro 100790 4200-PSI Pressure Washer
• Northstar Model #1571493 Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer

Let us know which you choose in the comment section below.