Pressure Washers
Pressure washers are sized by two numbers: PSI (how hard the water hits) and GPM (how much water comes out). Multiply them together and you get 'cleaning units,' a rough proxy for how fast a machine will strip grime off a surface.
Electric pressure washers are quieter, need no gas or oil, and are plenty strong for cars, patio furniture, and smaller decks and driveways. Gas models trade the convenience for meaningfully more cleaning power, which matters for large driveways, two-story siding, or stripping old deck stain.
What to look for
Match PSI to the surface, not the biggest number
Too much pressure can gouge wood, strip paint, or damage vehicle finishes. Most home tasks are well served by 1,300–2,300 PSI on electric units; save 3,000+ PSI gas models for concrete and masonry.
Nozzle tips matter as much as the pump
A washer's rated PSI is measured with the widest nozzle. Narrower tips concentrate pressure into a smaller area — that's what actually strips paint or damages siding, so always start wide and test in an inconspicuous spot.
Gas means more maintenance
Gas pressure washers need fuel stabilizer if stored over winter and are noisier and heavier than electric models — factor that into upkeep, not just sticker price.