Skip to content
We independently pick everything we recommend. We earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more ›

Pressure Washer vs Power Washer: Which One Should You Buy?

Pressure washers and power washers are often the same machines under different names, compared here by power source, pressure, flow and nozzles.

Pressure Washer vs Power Washer: Which One Should You Buy?
On this page

Top picks at a glance

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  1. 1JANZ 24 in Stainless Steel Pressure Washer Surface CleanerJANZ 24 in Stainless Steel Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner9.8/10View on Amazon
  2. 2Simpson PowerShot 4400 PSI Gas Pressure WasherSimpson PowerShot 4400 PSI Gas Pressure Washer9.6/10View on Amazon
  3. 3Simpson Aluminum Series 4200 PSI Gas Pressure WasherSimpson Aluminum Series 4200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer9.6/10View on Amazon
  4. 4Sun Joe Pressure WasherSun Joe Pressure WasherView on Amazon
  5. 5Pressure WasherPressure WasherView on Amazon
  6. 6Kärcher K 3 Power Control Pressure Washer: Clever App SupportKärcher K 3 Power Control Pressure Washer: Clever App SupportView on Amazon
  7. 7CRAFTSMAN Electric Pressure WasherCRAFTSMAN Electric Pressure WasherView on Amazon
  8. 8Pressure Washer Extension WandPressure Washer Extension WandView on Amazon
  9. 9TOOLCY Pressure Washer Pump 3/4" Shaft HorizontalTOOLCY Pressure Washer Pump 3/4" Shaft HorizontalView on Amazon

A driveway stained by seasons, a patio with algae on the slabs and a fence that needs a wash before paint all call for the same tool: a machine that sprays water at pressure to lift dirt from hard surfaces. Pressure washer vs power washer? In the listings here, the two names are used for the same kinds of machines, not for two different machine types. The differences that matter are power source, pressure and flow, and nozzles, not the label on the box.

Other machines to compare

AcreMowerLab earns a commission when you shop through links here. It never changes your price.

Pressure washer vs power washer: what the names mean

All four listings use the name pressure washer. Two listings also use the name power washer for the same kinds of machines: MZK calls its machine both a pressure washer and a power washer, and EasyWox calls its machine both an electric pressure washer and a cordless power washer. That overlap is why the label alone does not tell a buyer what a machine will do; the power source, the stated pressure and flow, and the nozzle list do.

Name used Listings that use it Power sources in those listings
Pressure washer All four listings Gas, corded electric, battery
Power washer MZK and EasyWox listings Corded electric, battery

Greenworks and Goodyear listings use only the name pressure washer, while MZK and EasyWox listings use both names. A buyer who searches for either name can therefore land on the same MZK and EasyWox listings, with the figures stated in those listings.

The gear: four washers from the listings

The four washers below are the gear for this guide, listed in the order discussed here.

Goodyear GYG34VT gas pressure washer

The Goodyear title lists a gas pressure washer with 3400 PSI and 2.6 GPM from a 212cc engine, a turbo nozzle, a built-in detergent tank and 10-inch wheels. The listing states six nozzles in total: four quick-connect spray nozzles in 0, 15, 25 and 40 degree patterns, plus a soap nozzle and a turbo nozzle. A 1-1/4-inch tubular steel frame, a stainless steel wand and a thermal relief valve are stated, with a hose length of 25 feet and a weight of 63 pounds. Note two wording differences: the title names Goodyear, while the spec table names Pulsar as brand and manufacturer, and the spec table item type says electric pressure washer while the title and power source say gas; the title and power source are the safer guide here. A warranty of 3 Year Limited is stated.

Greenworks 3000 PSI electric pressure washer

The Greenworks listing states a 14 Amp TruBrushless motor with 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM, a 25-FT hose, a metal gun, and 15, 25 and 40 degree tips plus soap and turbo nozzles. The listing states its PSI and GPM claims were verified by an independent lab, and lists CSA as specification met, a maximum inlet water temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), and a tank volume of 1 gallon. The spec table lists hose length as 300 inches, alongside the 25-FT hose figure in the bullets. Note the cleaning units figure: the listing states 3300 cleaning units alongside 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM, so check the listing wording for how that figure is stated. No warranty term is stated for this listing, and the weight is listed as 23 kg.

MZK lightweight electric pressure washer

The MZK listing states a water flow of up to 2.0 GPM, a weight of 9.9 lbs, a 21 FT hose and a 17 FT power cord, a foam cannon and a one-button start system. No PSI figure is stated for this listing, so do not compare it on PSI with the other washers here. Note the nozzle wording: the title says 4 nozzles, while the bullets describe an adjustable nozzle with four spray ranges of 0 degrees, 15 to 25 degrees, 25 to 60 degrees and 60 to 120 degrees. Surfaces named include driveways, patio furniture, cars, concrete, pavement, patios, decks, sidewalks, RVs, boats and fencing. No warranty term is stated for this listing.

EasyWox portable cordless pressure washer

The EasyWox listing states a maximum pressure of 290 PSI with a 2L/min flow rate, a 3.2 gallon tank, and a weight of 4.4 lbs. Three 2000mAh rechargeable batteries with Type-C charging are stated, with a full charge in about 3 hours and a runtime of 25 to 55 minutes of continuous cleaning or up to 90 minutes of intermittent use. A 4-in-1 nozzle and a 25 degree brush head are stated, with a 6.5 ft outlet hose, a foldable height of 4.3 inches tall, and IPX4 stated. Uses named include camping, bike, garden and car wash, and a warranty of 1 Year Manufacturer is stated.

Power source: gas, corded electric or battery

Gas, corded electric and battery washers all appear in the listings here, and the power source decides where a washer can run. The Goodyear gas washer states a 212cc engine and is listed for tough outdoor cleaning on driveways, concrete and patios; gas units are for outdoor use only. See the gas pressure washer guide for gas options. Corded electric washers in the listings state a hose length: MZK states a 21 FT hose and a 17 FT power cord, and Greenworks states a 25-FT hose. The battery washer here states a 3.2 gallon tank, no outlet needed, and a charge time of about 3 hours. See the cordless pressure washer guide for battery options.

Pressure, flow and nozzles

Stated pressures here are 3400 PSI for the Goodyear gas washer, 3000 PSI for the Greenworks electric washer, and 290 PSI for the EasyWox portable washer, while MZK states no PSI figure. Stated flows are 2.6 GPM for Goodyear, 2.0 GPM for Greenworks, up to 2.0 GPM for MZK, and 2L/min for EasyWox, in the units each listing states. Nozzle lists differ by washer: Goodyear states 0, 15, 25 and 40 degree patterns plus soap and turbo nozzles, Greenworks states 15, 25 and 40 degree tips plus soap and turbo nozzles, MZK states four spray ranges, and EasyWox states a 4-in-1 nozzle plus a 25 degree brush head. Match the nozzle list to the surface named in the listing, and never spray at people or animals.

Safety

Never spray at people or animals, and use gas washers outdoors only. Keep children and pets away from the work area, and follow the manual for the washer chosen. Check the nozzle and the hose connections before starting. Listings state leak-resistant connections for MZK and a thermal relief valve for Goodyear.

FAQ: mowing large lots

What is the difference between a pressure washer and a power washer?

In the listings here, there is no separate machine type behind the two names. MZK and EasyWox listings use both names for the same kinds of machines, while Greenworks and Goodyear listings use only the name pressure washer. Compare power source, stated pressure and flow, and the nozzle list, not the label.

How does an electric pressure washer work?

Electric listings here state a motor, a hose and nozzles, with water flowing through the hose and out the nozzle. MZK states an electric power source with a 21 FT hose and a 17 FT power cord, Greenworks states a 14 Amp motor with a 25-FT hose, and EasyWox states battery power with a 3.2 gallon tank and no outlet needed.

Which washer here is listed for driveways?

MZK and Goodyear listings name driveways among the surfaces for cleaning. Greenworks states 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM without naming surfaces in the bullets, so check the listing wording for the surfaces it covers.

Are electric pressure washers safe?

Use the washer as the listing states: never spray at people or animals, and use gas units outdoors only. Greenworks lists CSA as specification met, and EasyWox lists IPX4 stated. Follow the manual for the washer chosen.

Do I need a gas or electric pressure washer?

Goodyear gas states 3400 PSI and 2.6 GPM for tough outdoor cleaning, Greenworks electric states 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM, MZK electric states up to 2.0 GPM with no PSI figure stated, and EasyWox battery states 290 PSI with a 3.2 gallon tank and no outlet needed. Choose by power source and the stated pressure and flow, not by the name on the box.

More mowing guides

See the pressure washers guides.

More buying guides