What Makes A Good Electric Pressure Washer?

A good electric pressure washer typically has a high PSI (pounds per square inch) rating and a high GPM (gallons per minute) rating, which indicates the pressure and volume of water flow respectively. A higher PSI rating means more force to clean dirt and grime, while a higher GPM rating means more water to rinse the dirt away.

The construction quality of the pressure washer is also important, as a durable build will ensure the machine lasts longer and can withstand regular use.

Portability and ease of use are also factors to consider, especially for DIY car detailing. A pressure washer that is easy to maneuver and transport will be more convenient to use, and features such as adjustable nozzles or interchangeable tips can make it easier to switch between cleaning tasks.

Finally, price is a consideration, as electric pressure washers can range from budget-friendly options to more expensive models with advanced features. It's important to find a balance between affordability and quality, and choose a pressure washer that meets your needs and budget. Let’s start off our top 5 best electric pressure washers with #5:

#5 Karcher K1700 1700 PSI 1.2 GPM

Price: $124 as of time of writing

link: https://amzn.to/42C3GMW

Rated #5 due to it’s lower quality design, but it still packs a great punch for the price. Will get any car done in a decent amount of time and you will be able to use a snow foam cannon. This is a great choice for an entry point into DIY car detailing.

#4 RYOBI RY1419MTVNM 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Cold Water

Price: $159

link: https://amzn.to/3LQy5kM

Rated #4 for it’s higher PSI rating that will be able to knock more dirt off, faster. This is still a cold water system, so it won’t be able to compete there, but for the price and the size, it’s perfect for when you need portability. It even comes with wheels if you want, but it also works great just when carrying. It made the list for it’s inexpensiveness, portability, and higher PSI rating of 1900 PSI that makes it easier to wash your car.

#3 Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM

Price: $169 as of time of writing

link: https://amzn.to/3ZgqEWX

This system is probably the top of the budget electric pressure washers. This will be great for washing larger vehicles so if you want to wash your full size truck at home, this would be a great option. It is still relatively cheap, so unless you have a warranty on it, I wouldn’t want to use it for too much commercial work. This will work much faster than the Ryobi or Karcher due to it’s higher PSI rating and 1.76 gallons per minute rating which will allow more water to penetrate the dirt and grime. For the price and quality, this electric pressure washer is the best bang for your buck! As far as the best electric pressure washer, it ranks #3.

#2 AR Blue Clean Pro AR630 1900 PSI 2.1GPM Cold Water

Price: $701 as of time of writing

link: https://amzn.to/40BBOH8

This is the best cold water electric pressure washer you will be able to buy on a consumer level. Many commercial setups use this as well, so while it is more expensive, it is still reachable for many. This is great for professionals wanting to upgrade their detailing rig or if you are an enthusiast car detailer for your own collection, I would recommend this as well mainly because it will last you a long time due to its higher quality construction. You won’t have to worry about this breaking down on you while you’re trying to get your car collection looking nice for a show the next day, and you definitely won’t have to worry about this machine slowing you down due to it’s higher PSI rating and high GPM rating.

#1 AR Blue Clean Pro AR630 1900 PSI 2.1 GPM Hot Water

Price: $1,058 as of time of writing

link: https://amzn.to/3lGqIlb

This system will take you even farther than the cold water version. This system will allow you to clean mud and dirt off an offroad vehicle with ease and will allow you to perform 2 step touchless washes. This can you save you countless hours of time over the couse of detailing your car and if you are a professional, it will get your foot in the door for low quantity fleet washing. This machine will save you time and money either way with its superior cleaning ability and solid construction so nothing will be a headache.

The Bottom line

We discussed the top 5 electric pressure washers for DIY car detailing, ranging in price from the Karcher K1700 at a lower price point to the AR Blue Clean Pro AR630 hot water system at a higher price point. The Karcher K1700 and Ryobi RY1419MTVNM are both good entry-level options for small vehicle washing, while the Sun Joe SPX3000 is suitable for washing larger vehicles. The AR Blue Clean Pro AR630 cold water system is recommended for professional detailers or enthusiasts, while the AR Blue Clean Pro AR630 hot water system is ideal for cleaning off-road vehicles and low quantity fleet washing.