Best Electric Pressure Washers for Car Detailing
The best electric pressure washers for car detailing include the Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO for a foam-ready setup with a 25 ft hose, the Greenworks 2000 PSI for a soap tank on a 2000 PSI washer, and the Greenworks 2100 PSI for a 35 ft cord and a telescoping handle.
On this page (9 sections)
- The 6 best electric pressure washers for car detailing in detail
- Side by side: max PSI, flow and weight for detailing
- How we picked these 6 electric pressure washers
- What detailers look for in an electric pressure washer
- PSI, GPM and nozzle choices for paint
- Hose, cord and portability
- Foam cannon and soap accessories for detailing
- What you need besides the washer
- Which electric pressure washer for car detailing to pick
For car detailing, flow and reach count for more than peak PSI in an electric pressure washer. Detailing means rinsing suds fast and working around wheels, mirrors and trim, so the hose and the water volume do most of the work.
We compared six corded electric washers on flow, reach, weight and what ships in the box. For the full routine, read the Pressure Washer for Car: The Complete Home Wash Guide.
Our picks at a glance
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The 6 best electric pressure washers for car detailing in detail
The PM2000 PRO ranks first because it pairs the most flow with a 25 ft hose and casters. The Craftsman 1700 PSI ranks last, since its 1700 max PSI and 1.2 max GPM trail most of the group.
Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO
- 2030 PSI and 1.77 max GPM
- 25 ft flex hose and 35 ft GFCI cord
- 360 degree casters and cable management
- Takes foam cannons without adapters
It has the most flow of the six washers here, at 1.77 max GPM. Chemical Guys says it takes foam cannons without adapters, though no cannon is in the box.
Pros
- Most flow here at 1.77 max GPM
- 360 degree casters for moving around a car
- 25 ft hose and 35 ft GFCI cord
Cons
- No foam cannon in the box
- Its 30 day warranty is the shortest stated here
The PM2000 PRO is for a home detailer who rinses often and wants the most water moving. It makes 2030 PSI and 1.77 max GPM, the highest flow in this roundup.
A 25 ft hose, a 35 ft GFCI cord and 360 degree casters let you work around a car without dragging the washer. Chemical Guys says the motor runs at a fraction of the noise of a gas washer.
Its standard connections take foam cannons without adapters, so foam is an easy add-on. Our Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO review goes deeper on this model.
Skip it if you want a cannon in the box, since none comes with it. The only stated warranty is 30 days, so read the terms before you buy.
Use the widest tip you have for the first pass, and keep any narrow tips off the paint.
Greenworks 2000 PSI
- 2000 PSI and 1.2 max GPM
- On-board soap tank with a soap tip
- 25 ft hose
- 14-amp motor with push button start
An on-board soap tank draws detergent when you switch to the soap tip on the wand. Greenworks says the unit suits medium duty jobs, including vehicles.
Pros
- Soap tank draws detergent through the soap tip
- 3 year warranty
- Motor shuts off when the wand isn't engaged, Greenworks says
Cons
- Heaviest washer here at 12.6 kg, about 28 lb
- 1.2 max GPM is less flow than the PM2000 PRO and ePX3100v
The Greenworks 2000 PSI is for a car owner who wants soap built into the washer. Switch to the soap tip on the wand and the unit draws detergent from its on-board tank, so there is no bucket to fill.
It makes 2000 PSI and 1.2 max GPM with a 14-amp motor and push button start. Greenworks says the motor switches off when the wand isn't engaged, which saves energy and helps the pump last.
A 25 ft hose adds reach, and Greenworks backs the unit with a 3 year warranty. Greenworks says it is rated to PWMA standards, and our Greenworks 2000 PSI review covers the rest.
At 12.6 kg (about 28 lb) it is the heaviest washer here, so plan where it lives before you buy. Skip it if you want thick cannon foam, since the tank feeds soap through the soap tip instead.
Use only car wash soap in the tank, as the label says.
Greenworks 2100 PSI
- 2100 PSI and 1.2 max GPM
- 35 ft power cord with GFCI plug
- Telescoping handle
- Soap applicator with 25, 40 and turbo nozzles
A 35 ft GFCI cord and a telescoping handle set it apart. Greenworks includes a soap applicator, three nozzles and a 3 year limited warranty.
Pros
- Soap applicator and three nozzles in the box
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
- Telescoping handle collapses for storage
Cons
- At 22 lb it is heavier than four of the other five washers here
- 1.2 max GPM is less flow than the PM2000 PRO and ePX3100v
The Greenworks 2100 PSI is for a car owner who wants long reach and a handle that pulls out. It makes 2100 PSI and 1.2 max GPM, and the 35 ft power cord has an integrated GFCI plug.
The telescoping handle collapses for storage, and push button start keeps the routine simple. Greenworks also points out that there's no gas, oil, spark plugs, air filters or pull cord to maintain.
The box holds a soap applicator, a gun, and 25 degree, 40 degree and turbo nozzles. Greenworks describes the 40 degree nozzle as gentle cleaning and the turbo nozzle as heavy duty, so keep the turbo off the paint.
At 22 lb it is heavier than four of the other five washers here. Its 1.2 max GPM also means slower rinses than the PM2000 PRO or ePX3100v, so skip it if rinse speed is your top priority.
Westinghouse ePX3100v
- 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM
- Detachable foam cannon
- Pro-style steel wand and nozzle tips
- Built-in carry handle
The foam cannon detaches from the washer. At 1.76 max GPM it has the second-most flow here, after the PM2000 PRO.
Pros
- Detachable foam cannon
- Pro-style steel wand
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
Cons
- Rated figures of 1800 PSI and 1.2 GPM sit below the 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM
The ePX3100v is for a car owner who wants a detachable foam cannon and a pro-style steel wand. It makes 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM, the second-most flow here after the PM2000 PRO.
Westinghouse also gives lower rated figures, 1800 PSI and 1.2 GPM, so judge it by both sets of numbers. A built-in carry handle helps you move it from the garage to the driveway.
Westinghouse says the pump stops when the trigger is released, which saves energy and helps the pump last. A 3 Year Limited Warranty comes with it, and our Westinghouse ePX3100v review covers the details.
At about 18 lb it is lighter than the PM2000 PRO, K1700 and both Greenworks models, and a hair heavier than the Craftsman. Confirm the cannon is in the kit and the hose length is right before you order, and coil the hose after each wash so it doesn't kink.
Karcher K1700
- 1700 PSI and 1.2 max GPM
- Never-flat wheels
- On/off foot switch
- 0.5 gal detergent tank
Never-flat wheels and an on/off foot switch make it easy to move and run. Karcher says the unit stops when you release the trigger.
Pros
- Never-flat wheels for rolling it out
- Foot switch, which Karcher calls back-friendly
- Karcher says it is CETA certified
Cons
- Tied for the lowest max PSI here at 1700
- No foam cannon in the box, only a detergent nozzle and tank
The K1700 is for a car owner who wants a foot switch and wheels that never go flat. Karcher says the on/off foot switch is back-friendly, and the unit stops when you release the trigger.
It makes 1700 PSI and 1.2 max GPM, and Karcher says it is CETA certified. A 0.5 gal detergent tank feeds soap through the detergent nozzle, and no foam cannon comes in the box.
Karcher names a 15 degree, a turbo and a 65 degree nozzle, plus the detergent nozzle for soap. Use the widest fan nozzle in your kit for paint, and keep the 15 degree and turbo nozzles off the finish.
At 20.7 lb it is heavier than the PM2000 PRO, ePX3100v and Craftsman, and Karcher gives it a 2 year limited warranty. Skip it if you want the highest pressure or a longer warranty.
Craftsman 1700 PSI
- 1700 max PSI and 1.2 max GPM
- 20 ft kink-resistant hose
- Soap applicator bottle
- 35 ft power cord
At 17.5 lb it is the lightest washer in this roundup. It includes a soap applicator, a 40 degree nozzle and a turbo nozzle.
Pros
- Lightest washer here at 17.5 lb
- Kink-resistant 20 ft hose
- 3 year limited warranty
Cons
- Tied for the lowest max PSI here at 1700
- 1.2 max GPM is less flow than the PM2000 PRO and ePX3100v
The Craftsman 1700 PSI is for a car owner who wants the lightest washer here and puts it away after every wash. It makes 1700 max PSI and 1.2 max GPM, and at 17.5 lb it is the lightest in this roundup.
Onboard storage keeps the nozzles, hose, cord and wand together, and Craftsman says the 20 ft hose resists kinks. A 35 ft power cord adds reach around the car.
The kit includes a soap applicator bottle, a 40 degree nozzle and a turbo nozzle. Craftsman says the washer is CETA certified and backs it with a 3 year limited warranty.
Its 1700 max PSI is tied with the K1700 for the lowest here, so it suits lighter dirt more than heavy buildup. Skip it if you want a foam cannon or the most flow.
Use the 40 degree nozzle for most car panels, and keep the turbo nozzle off the paint.
Side by side: max PSI, flow and weight for detailing
| Product | Best for | Max PSI | Max GPM | Weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO | a foam-ready setup with a 25 ft hose | 2030 | 1.77 | 19.8 lb | 9.2 |
| Greenworks 2000 PSI | a soap tank on a 2000 PSI washer | 2000 | 1.2 | About 28 lb | 8.9 |
| Greenworks 2100 PSI | a 35 ft cord and a telescoping handle | 2100 | 1.2 | 22 lb | 8.7 |
| Westinghouse ePX3100v | a detachable cannon and a pro-style wand | 2100 | 1.76 | About 18 lb | 8.6 |
| Karcher K1700 | never-flat wheels and a foot switch | 1700 | 1.2 | 20.7 lb | 8.3 |
| Craftsman 1700 PSI | a kink-resistant hose and a soap applicator | 1700 | 1.2 | 17.5 lb | 8.0 |
The table covers max PSI, flow and weight, and the cards list the hose, cord and nozzle details. The Greenworks 2000 PSI is the heaviest at about 28 lb, so check that against your storage space before you buy.
How we picked these 6 electric pressure washers
We compared the specs and features the makers publish, including max PSI, flow, weight and what comes in the box, then scored each washer against what a car detailer needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
We looked at flow and reach first, then a soap or foam option, then how easy the washer is to move. For detailing, those count for more than the top PSI number.
For a smaller option, see Best Compact Electric Pressure Washers for Car Detailing. For a broader list that covers basic home washing, see Best Pressure Washers for Washing Cars at Home.
What detailers look for in an electric pressure washer
Flow, reach and control matter more than peak PSI when you detail your own car. Peak PSI still counts, but flow decides how fast suds leave the paint, and reach decides how often you stop to move the washer.
An electric washer also has no engine to service, which keeps the routine simple. The trade-off is a cord, so you work within its length.
Electric pressure washer for car detailing: flow first
The PM2000 PRO has the most flow here at 1.77 max GPM, and the ePX3100v is close at 1.76. The other four list 1.2 max GPM, which means longer rinses on the same car.
Westinghouse says its 1.76 max applies at the lowest pressure, and it also gives 1.2 rated GPM. In everyday use the gap to the 1.2 GPM washers is smaller than the max figure suggests.
Reach and control
A car is bigger than it looks, and a short hose or cord means you stop and move the washer again and again. Think through the whole route, from the spot where the washer sits to the far side of the car.
Control comes from the tip and your distance to the paint, not the number on the box. Keep the wand moving instead of holding it on one spot.
Matching the washer to your routine
If you rinse and foam every week, flow and reach save the most time, which points to the PM2000 PRO or the ePX3100v. If you wash once a month in a tight space, weight and storage matter more, which points to the Craftsman or the ePX3100v.
If simple soap matters more than thick foam, the Greenworks 2000 PSI and the K1700 run soap through a tank. If you want real foam, plan on a cannon, which the ePX3100v includes and the PM2000 PRO accepts.
PSI, GPM and nozzle choices for paint
For paint, a 25 or 40 degree fan nozzle is the usual starting point. The narrow 0 and 15 degree tips and the turbo nozzles stay off the finish.
The six washers here run from 1700 to 2100 max PSI, a narrow band, so tips, distance and flow shape the result more than the number on the box.
Nozzle choices in each box
The Greenworks 2100 PSI includes 25 degree, 40 degree and turbo nozzles, and the Craftsman includes a 40 degree and a turbo nozzle. Karcher names a 65 degree fan for the K1700, and Westinghouse includes a set of nozzle tips with the ePX3100v.
Wider fan tips spread the water over more paint, which is why the 25 and 40 degree fans are the usual starting point.
Max PSI, rated PSI and flow for a detailing rinse
Max PSI is the peak a washer reaches, and some makers also give a lower rated figure. Westinghouse lists 1800 rated PSI for the ePX3100v, so compare rated figures where a maker gives them.
Our best PSI for washing a car guide goes deeper on the number to aim for. A higher max PSI doesn't make a rinse better for paint.
Chipped, peeling, loose or poorly repainted paint can be damaged by a pressure washer, so skip those spots. Try the wide tip on a small, low area first, such as a lower rocker panel, and check the car maker's paint care guide and the washer's manual.
Hose, cord and portability
Hose and cord length decide how far you can reach around a car before you move the washer. The PM2000 PRO and the Greenworks 2000 PSI have 25 ft hoses, and the Craftsman has a 20 ft hose.
Electric pressure washer hose and cord reach
The PM2000 PRO, Greenworks 2100 PSI and Craftsman each come with a 35 ft power cord. A 25 ft hose gives the most room, while a 20 ft hose means a few more moves around a large vehicle.
Follow the maker's manual for power and cord setup.
Wheels, casters and handles
The PM2000 PRO has 360 degree casters, the K1700 has never-flat wheels, and the Greenworks 2100 PSI has a telescoping handle. The ePX3100v has a built-in carry handle, which helps when you move it between the garage and the driveway.
A heavier washer isn't worse on its own. If it stays near the car, wheels matter more than weight, and if you carry it up steps, every pound counts.
Storage footprint
Check height before you buy, because the Greenworks 2000 PSI is about 31.7 in tall, the K1700 is about 33 in, and the Greenworks 2100 PSI is about 36 in. The ePX3100v and Craftsman are only about 11 in tall, so they are the easiest to tuck away.
The PM2000 PRO is about 17.6 in long, so it needs floor space more than height.
Care between washes
Coil the hose loosely and hang the cord instead of stuffing both in a bin, so neither kinks. Pour out leftover soap from a tank or applicator and rinse it with clean water.
The Craftsman's onboard storage keeps the nozzles, hose, cord and wand together, which makes that routine quicker. Whatever you own, keep the nozzles in one spot so they don't go missing.
Foam cannon and soap accessories for detailing
Only the ePX3100v has a foam cannon among these six, so the others need a separate cannon for foam or a tank or applicator for soap. Chemical Guys says the PM2000 PRO takes foam cannons without adapters, and it suggests its TORQ Professional Foam Cannon.
For the steps, see how to use a foam cannon on a car.
Soap tanks, applicators and detergent nozzles
The Greenworks 2000 PSI has an on-board tank, the K1700 has a 0.5 gal detergent tank, and the Greenworks 2100 PSI and Craftsman come with soap applicators. Use car wash soap as the label says, and never mix chemicals into a tank, cannon or applicator.
Rinse the applicator after each use so soap doesn't dry inside it.
Foam and the rinse order
Apply foam from the top of the car down, then rinse in the same direction. Work one section at a time so the foam doesn't dry on the paint.
Rinse the cannon or tank with clean water after each wash, so dried soap doesn't block the next use.
What you need besides the washer
A washer alone doesn't finish a car, so plan for car wash soap, a wash mitt, a bucket and drying towels. The washer handles the rinse, and the rest handles the contact wash and the drying.
Soap, mitts and buckets
Use car wash soap as its label says rather than a household cleaner. Two buckets help, one for soap and one for rinsing the mitt, so grit stays out of the soap.
Drying after the rinse
Drying towels keep water spots off the paint after the final rinse. Fold the towel often so you don't drag grit across the finish.
Keep the towels clean and dry between washes, so they're ready for the next car.
A simple order for the session
Rinse the loose dirt first, foam or soap the car next, wash by hand with the mitt, rinse from the top down, then dry. For the full steps, read how to pressure wash a car at home.
Work in the shade and one section at a time, so soap doesn't dry on the paint before you rinse it.
Which electric pressure washer for car detailing to pick
The best electric pressure washer for car detailing is the one whose flow, reach and weight fit how you wash. Use these rules to choose:
- Pick the Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO if you want the most flow and casters, and you'll add a cannon yourself.
- Pick the Greenworks 2000 PSI if you want a soap tank built into the washer and can store about 28 lb.
- Pick the Greenworks 2100 PSI if a 35 ft cord and a telescoping handle matter most.
- Pick the Westinghouse ePX3100v if you want a detachable cannon with 1.76 max GPM.
- Pick the Karcher K1700 if a foot switch and never-flat wheels matter most.
- Pick the Craftsman 1700 PSI if you want the lightest washer with a soap applicator.
If you're between two models, pick the one whose reach and weight fit your driveway, since you'll use it every time. To check your fit before you buy, read how to choose an electric pressure washer for cars.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best pressure washer for car detailing?
The Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO is the best pick in this roundup for car detailing, with 2030 PSI, 1.77 max GPM and a 25 ft hose. If you want a soap tank on the washer, check the Greenworks 2000 PSI next, then add the extras you want.
Is an electric pressure washer good enough for detailing?
Yes for most home detailing rinses, as long as it moves enough water and the hose reaches the whole car. Use a wide fan tip on paint, skip any chipped or peeling spots, and follow the maker's manual for power and cord setup.
How much PSI do you need for car detailing?
There is no single number for every car, and the six washers here run from 1700 to 2100 max PSI. Start with a 25 or 40 degree tip, compare flow before pressure, and check the car maker's paint care guide before your first wash.
What do you need besides the washer?
Plan for car wash soap, a wash mitt, a bucket and drying towels, plus a foam cannon if you want foam. Only the ePX3100v comes with a cannon here, and the PM2000 PRO takes one without adapters, so follow each soap label.
