Best Electric & Battery Pressure Washers of 2026, Tested by Experts
These top-performers start instantly, clean efficiently, and weigh less than gas models
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These days, many electric pressure washers, which you plug into an outlet, can clean as well as gas-powered models. We’re starting to see more battery-powered models perform just as well, too.
But there’s a catch: Many of these pressure washers lack the power generated by gas models, so tasks may take a bit longer to complete.
The most powerful gas machines often work up to twice as fast as electric or cordless models, making gas the better choice if you’ve neglected outside surfaces for years. But you can always rent a powerful gas model to deep-clean, then invest in an electric or battery-powered model for maintenance.
How to Pressure-Wash Your Deck
You can consult our pressure washer buying guide for more advice on what type to purchase and whether you actually need one. Not all surfaces are safe to clean with a pressure washer, and sometimes it makes more sense to rent one instead of buying it.
CR members can compare models in our pressure washer ratings, and see below for our picks of the best electric and battery-powered pressure washers of 2024, based on testing by our experts.
Best Electric Pressure Washers
Below, we highlight six electric pressure washers and focus on what makes each one special. These are designed for common household tasks, such as maintaining a patio or walkway. All earn high ratings for cleaning, and half do very well in terms of noise.
Best Battery-Powered Pressure Washers
It’s hard to beat battery-powered pressure washers for convenience. Like their electric counterparts, battery-powered pressure washers—sometimes referred to as cordless models—start instantly, and you don’t have to deal with or store a power cord. However, these models can be significantly more expensive than gas and electric pressure washers. Additionally, the batteries may not provide full power throughout a larger job, so you may need to recharge or replace a battery before completing it. Consumer Reports now recommends six models that earn commendable scores for both cleaning and power. Several also earn high marks for noise.
How CR Tests Pressure Washers
Power: We assess how much pressure each model can produce in pounds per square inch (psi). Those with a higher psi earn a higher score. We then time how long it takes for each pressure washer to strip paint from painted plastic panels. Models with a higher pressure output tend to perform better on this test.
Noise: Even though electric and cordless pressure washers tend to be quieter than gas-powered washers, using them still requires hearing protection, such as earplugs or an earmuff-style headset. So we measure noise for those models, too.
Cleaning: We assess the effectiveness of a pressure washer in cleaning a range of surfaces. Better performers have multiple spray patterns that can cover a range of cleaning chores, from light cleaning to deep cleaning of concrete and other hard-to-clean surfaces.
Ease of use: This reflects how easy the machine is to use, assessing factors such as maneuverability and cord storage, and how easy it is to swap out the nozzles.
If you’re unsure what type of pressure washer is right for you, our pressure washer buying guide provides more details about how different types differ in terms of features and capabilities. It also explains when you might be better off renting a pressure washer instead of buying one. CR members can explore our comprehensive pressure washer ratings to compare various models across all categories, based on CR’s exhaustive testing.
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