Best Tried & True Brand: Westinghouse WPX 3200 Gas Pressure Washer

Let’s talk pressure washers.

As you can see from the picture at the top of this article, pressure washers are excellent at cleaning—and driveways are just the start. We love how our pressure washer can clean patio furniture, sidewalks, decks . . . you name it. Once you start using a pressure washer, it’s hard to stop.

Yes, there are two types of pressure washers: gas and electric. Electric pressure washers are less expensive but have one major drawback: less power. If you need more cleaning power (a grimy garage floor just won’t come clean, for example), a gas pressure washer may be worth the investment.

After looking at a dozen different models, trying out some ourselves and gathering feedback from our parent readers, we pick this model by Westinghouse as a best bet—a tried and true brand with a good track record for reliability . . . and it is easy to use.

What We Liked

• Sized right for most home cleaning projects.

• Simple to assemble (yes, there is some basic assembly).

• Plenty of water pressure.

• 5 quick-connect nozzles are easy to use.

• Oil included.

• Wheels don’t go flat.

• Affordable price.

What Needs Work

• Heavy at 63 lbs.

Best Fully Assembled: SIMPSON Cleaning CM61083 Clean Machine

Some gas power washers require assembly—this model by Simpson is fully assembled right out of the box. Yes, you have to attach the handle and hoses . . . but this is much less than other models we researched for this article. 

The 3400 PSI of this model is excellent—great for most cleaning projects. And we loved the 10″ pneumatic wheels, which can go over just about any gravel or rough surface. Excellent quality, albeit at a slightly higher price than comparable models with the same PSI.

What We Liked

• Plenty of power.

• Great spray, with 4 nozzle tip.

• Wand (16″) is easy to use.

• Maintenance free crankcase doesn’t require oil changes.

• Starts easily.

• Stores nicely in compact spaces.

• Wheels are beefy.

What Needs Work

• A bit pricey.

• Air-filled wheels can go flat.

Best Budget-Friendly: Westinghouse WPX2700 Gas Pressure Washer

Gas power washers can definitely get pricey. If you are on a tight budget, this less-expensive model by Westinghouse still has plenty of power and features. It basically has the same design (pros and cons) as the first model in this article, with a couple of differences: a bit less pressure (2700 PSI vs 3200 PSI), and one fewer nozzle (a total of 4). Other than that, it is basically the same—and can handle most cleaning jobs like sidewalks and driveways. See the review above for the WPX 3200 for the pros and cons. 

Best Premium Engine: SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot 3200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer

The engine on a power washer is what you are paying the serious bucks for—and if want a premium engine with an excellent long-term track record, this Simpson model is our pick. Yes, it has a Honda GC190 engine, which is top of the line. This would be our pick if you plan to use your washer on an intensive basis . . . and expect it to last for years.

What We Liked

• Honda engine.

• Starts and runs well.

• Excellent instructions.

• Easy to crank.

• Excellent power (3200 PSI) for most cleaning jobs.

• Easy to move around.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!