Best Pressure Washers for Washing Cars at Home
The best pressure washers for washing cars at home include the Westinghouse ePX3100v for a detachable foam cannon in a compact frame, the Westinghouse ePX3100 for 2300 max PSI and an onboard soap tank, and the Greenworks 2100 PSI for a soap applicator and three nozzles.
On this page (9 sections)
- The 7 best pressure washers for washing cars at home in detail
- Side by side: max PSI, flow and weight for seven washers
- How we picked these 7 pressure washers
- What PSI and GPM mean for washing a car
- Which pressure washer fits your car washing routine?
- Hose, cord and what comes in the box
- Foam cannon and soap options on these washers
- Mistakes to avoid when you buy a pressure washer for a car
- Which pressure washer for washing cars to pick
The best pressure washer for cars at home gives you enough flow to rinse fast, a hose that reaches the whole car and a size you can store. Peak PSI matters less than that mix, and every washer here is corded electric.
We compared seven washers in the order shown, from entry models to stronger ones. 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 7 best pressure washers for washing cars at home in detail
The ePX3100v ranks first because it pairs a detachable foam cannon with 1.76 max GPM in a frame only 11 in tall. The K1700 ranks last, since its 1700 max PSI and 1.2 max GPM trail most of the group.
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. Westinghouse backs it with a 3 Year Limited Warranty, and the pump stops when the trigger is released.
Pros
- Detachable foam cannon
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
- Only about 11 in tall, so it fits on a low shelf
Cons
- Rated figures of 1800 PSI and 1.2 GPM sit below the max numbers
The ePX3100v is for a car owner who wants foam without a second purchase. Westinghouse describes the cannon as detachable, and the washer runs at 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM, the same flow as the other two Westinghouse models here.
Westinghouse also gives rated figures of 1800 PSI and 1.2 GPM, and says the pump stops when the trigger is released. A pro-style steel wand, a set of nozzle tips and a built-in carry handle come with it.
At about 18 lb and 11 in tall, it is one of the two shortest washers here and easy to lift. Westinghouse backs it with a 3 Year Limited Warranty, and our Westinghouse ePX3100v review has the full rundown.
Skip it if you want a built-in soap tank, which the ePX3100 and ePX3500 carry. Keep the cannon with the washer between jobs so the parts stay together.
Westinghouse ePX3100
- 2300 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM
- 20 oz onboard soap tank
- Five quick-connect nozzles including a soap applicator
- Four quick-lock wheels with an anti-tipping design
It adds a 20 oz soap tank and anti-tipping wheels to 2300 max PSI. Westinghouse also gives rated figures of 1900 PSI and 1.24 GPM.
Pros
- 20 oz onboard soap tank
- Pro-style extendable steel wand
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
Cons
- Soap goes through a tank and tip, not a foam cannon
- About 19 lb, a little heavier than the ePX3100v
The ePX3100 is for a car owner who wants more pressure than the ePX3100v and a soap tank on the washer. Westinghouse gives it 2300 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM, with rated figures of 1900 PSI and 1.24 GPM.
A 20 oz soap tank sits on the unit, and the 17.5 in steel extendable wand takes five quick-connect tips: 0, 15 and 25 degrees, turbo and a soap applicator. A 25 ft hose adds reach.
Westinghouse says the four quick-lock wheels with 360 degree steering and a low center of gravity are engineered to resist tipping. It stands about 16.5 in tall and weighs about 19 lb.
Westinghouse backs it with a 3 Year Limited Warranty. Skip it if you want a cannon in the box, since soap goes through the tank and soap tip instead, and use the 25 degree tip rather than the narrow ones on paint.
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
It comes with a soap applicator and three spray nozzles. Greenworks adds a 35 ft GFCI cord, a telescoping handle 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 five of the other six washers here
- 1.2 max GPM is less flow than the Westinghouse washers
The Greenworks 2100 PSI is for a car owner who wants a ready kit and a long cord. It makes 2100 PSI and 1.2 max GPM, and the box holds a gun, a soap applicator and 25 degree, 40 degree and turbo nozzles.
The 35 ft power cord has an integrated GFCI plug, and a telescoping handle pulls out for transport and collapses for storage. Greenworks says there's no gas, oil, spark plugs, air filters or pull cord to maintain.
Greenworks describes the 40 degree nozzle as gentle cleaning and the turbo nozzle as heavy duty, so keep the turbo off the paint. The 3 Year Limited Warranty covers defects in materials, parts or workmanship under normal use.
At 22 lb it is heavier than five of the other six washers here. Its 1.2 max GPM also means slower rinses than the 1.76 GPM Westinghouse models, so skip it if you wash a full-size truck.
Sun Joe SPX3000
- 2500 max PSI, with 2030 PSI under PWMA
- Two 0.9 L detergent tanks
- 34 in stainless steel lance with brass fittings
- Five quick-connect tips, including soap
Two 0.9 L detergent tanks let you keep two soaps ready. Sun Joe calls it a 2500 max PSI washer and gives it a PWMA rating of 2030 PSI.
Pros
- Two detergent tanks for separate soaps
- 34 in stainless steel lance with brass fittings
- Five quick-connect tips, including soap
Cons
- Heaviest washer here at 24.3 lb
- 2 year warranty is shorter than most models here
The SPX3000 is for a car owner who wants two soaps ready at once. Two onboard 0.9 L detergent tanks let you load separate solutions and switch between them for different jobs.
Sun Joe leads with 2500 max PSI and also gives a PWMA rating of 2030 PSI. Flow is the number to confirm on the exact model before you order.
A 34 in stainless steel lance with brass fittings and a 20 ft hose set the reach. Five quick-connect tips (0, 15, 25 and 40 degrees, plus soap) swap in fast, and the 0 and 15 degree tips stay off the paint.
At 24.3 lb it is the heaviest washer here, and Sun Joe gives it a 2 year warranty, shorter than most models in this roundup. Our Sun Joe SPX3000 review covers it in full, and Westinghouse ePX3100 vs Sun Joe SPX3000 sets it against the ePX3100.
Westinghouse ePX3500
- 2500 max PSI and 2000 rated PSI
- Four quick-lock wheels with 360 degree steering
- 20 oz onboard soap tank
- 25 ft hose and five-nozzle set
Its 2500 max PSI ties the SPX3000 at the top of this roundup. Westinghouse rates it at 2000 PSI and 1.2 GPM, with a 20 oz soap tank.
Pros
- 2500 max PSI, the top of this roundup
- Anti-tipping design with quick-lock wheels
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
Cons
- No foam cannon in the box
- Rated 2000 PSI and 1.2 GPM sit below the max figures
The ePX3500 is for a car owner who wants the top of the pressure range in a stable frame. Westinghouse gives it 2500 max PSI, tied with the SPX3000 at the top here, plus 1.76 max GPM and rated figures of 2000 PSI and 1.2 GPM.
The rated 2000 PSI is the number to weigh against the other washers, since the max figures are the peak. It shares the ePX3100's anti-tipping wheels, 20 oz soap tank and five-nozzle set.
It weighs 19 lb, stands about 16.5 in tall and has a 25 ft hose. Westinghouse backs it with a 3 Year Limited Warranty covering service, labor and parts.
No foam cannon comes with it, so soap goes through the tank and the soap tip. Skip it if you want a cannon in the box, and use the 25 degree tip rather than the narrow ones on paint.
Craftsman 1700 PSI
- 1700 max PSI and 1.2 max GPM
- 20 ft kink-resistant hose
- Soap applicator bottle
- 35 ft power cord and CETA certification
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, with a 3 year limited warranty.
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 Westinghouse washers
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 of the seven.
Onboard storage keeps the nozzles, hose, cord and wand together, and Craftsman says the 20 ft hose is kink-resistant. A 35 ft power cord adds reach around the car.
The box 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.
At 1700 max PSI it ties with the K1700 for the lowest pressure here, so it suits lighter dirt more than heavy buildup. Skip it if you want a foam cannon or the most flow, and use the 40 degree nozzle for most car panels.
Karcher K1700
- 1700 PSI and 1.2 max GPM
- On/off foot switch
- 0.5 gal detergent tank
- Never-flat wheels and CETA certification
An on/off foot switch starts and stops the washer. Karcher calls the operation back-friendly and says the unit stops when the trigger is released.
Pros
- Foot switch that Karcher calls back-friendly
- Never-flat wheels
- Karcher says it is CETA certified
Cons
- Tied for the lowest max PSI here at 1700
- 2 year limited warranty is shorter than most models here
The K1700 is for a car owner who wants to start the washer with a foot and roll it across a driveway. 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. Never-flat wheels and a 0.5 gal detergent tank round out the setup.
Karcher names a 15 degree, a turbo and a 65 degree nozzle, plus a detergent nozzle for soap. Use the widest fan nozzle in your kit on paint, and keep the 15 degree and turbo nozzles off the finish.
At 20.7 lb and about 33 in tall, it takes more storage room than the compact Westinghouse and Craftsman models. Karcher gives it a 2 year limited warranty, so skip it if you want the highest pressure or a longer warranty.
Side by side: max PSI, flow and weight for seven washers
| Product | Best for | Max PSI | Max GPM | Weight | Our score |
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| Westinghouse ePX3100v | a detachable foam cannon in a compact frame | 2100 | 1.76 | About 18 lb | 9.2 |
| Westinghouse ePX3100 | 2300 max PSI and an onboard soap tank | 2300 | 1.76 | About 19 lb | 9.0 |
| Greenworks 2100 PSI | a soap applicator and three nozzles | 2100 | 1.2 | 22 lb | 8.8 |
| Sun Joe SPX3000 | two detergent tanks and a 34 inch lance | 2500 | N/A | 24.3 lb | 8.6 |
| Westinghouse ePX3500 | anti-tipping wheels and 2500 max PSI | 2500 | 1.76 | 19 lb | 8.5 |
| Craftsman 1700 PSI | a kink-resistant hose and a soap applicator | 1700 | 1.2 | 17.5 lb | 8.2 |
| Karcher K1700 | a foot switch and a 0.5 gal detergent tank | 1700 | 1.2 | 20.7 lb | 8.0 |
The table covers max PSI, flow and weight, and the cards list the foam cannon and soap options. Three Westinghouse washers share 1.76 max GPM at the top of the flow column, so weight, soap setup and storage decide between them.
How we picked these 7 pressure washers
We compared the specs and features the makers publish, including max PSI, flow, weight, warranty and what comes in the box, then scored each washer against a basic home car wash rather than a heavy-duty job. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Flow, reach, a soap or foam option and a manageable weight count for more than the top PSI number. Where a maker gives both max and rated figures, we kept both.
If you're still deciding which spec matters most, read how to choose an electric pressure washer for cars.
What PSI and GPM mean for washing a car
Max PSI is the peak pressure a washer reaches, and GPM is the water it moves each minute. For a car, flow matters about as much as pressure, because rinsing and foam both depend on water moving across the paint.
Pressure washers for washing cars: PSI and GPM in plain words
Westinghouse lists max and rated figures for its models. The rated PSI is 1800 on the ePX3100v, 1900 on the ePX3100 and 2000 on the ePX3500, and those lower numbers are the ones to compare.
When two washers look alike, compare GPM first, then weight, then warranty. Our best PSI for washing a car guide goes deeper on the number to aim for.
Why more PSI isn't always better on paint
Max PSI is a ceiling, not a setting you must use. The tip and your distance set how hard the water hits the paint.
Many car washers use a washer in the 1,200 to 2,000 PSI class with a 25 or 40 degree fan nozzle, and no number is safe for every paint job.
Chipped, peeling, loose or poorly repainted paint can be damaged by a pressure washer, so skip those spots. Follow the washer maker's manual and the car maker's care guide.
Which pressure washer fits your car washing routine?
Your routine and your space decide the pick: a light weekly rinse needs less washer than a muddy truck, and a tight garage needs a short frame. Start with the vehicle you wash most.
Sedans and small SUVs
A smaller vehicle rinses quickly, so a 1.2 max GPM washer with a 20 ft hose can cover most of the work. Weight and storage often decide between two models that both fit the job.
The Craftsman is the lightest at 17.5 lb and about 11 in tall, and the K1700's never-flat wheels help it roll across a driveway. For a tighter budget, see Best Budget Electric Pressure Washers for Washing a Car.
Quick weekly rinses
For a light weekly rinse, the Craftsman 1700 PSI and the K1700 are the simpler picks. Both run at 1700 max PSI and 1.2 max GPM, which suits light dust and road film better than caked-on mud.
A quick rinse removes loose grit before you foam or soap the car. Keep that first pass gentle, with a wide fan tip held well back from the paint.
Heavier buildup
Heavier grime asks more of the washer. The ePX3500 and SPX3000 reach 2500 max PSI, and the ePX3100 reaches 2300.
Max PSI is only the peak, so compare the rated numbers and the flow before you expect the top figure on every pass. More pressure also means more care with the tip and the distance.
Trucks and big SUVs
A full-size truck has more surface to rinse, so the 1.76 max GPM Westinghouse washers save time. With a 1.2 max GPM washer, plan on a longer session for the same vehicle.
If you want a washer built around foam cannons and casters, our Chemical Guys PM2000 PRO review covers a model outside this list.
Garage and driveway space
Measure the space before you buy. The ePX3100v is about 11 in tall and the Craftsman about 11.25 in, while the SPX3000 is about 22 in, the K1700 about 33 in and the Greenworks 2100 PSI about 36 in.
A short washer fits under a shelf or in a tight corner, and a tall one needs floor space. Check the cord and hose lengths too, so the unit sits where you can reach the car.
Hose, cord and what comes in the box
Hose and cord length set how far you can reach around a car before you move the washer. The ePX3100 and ePX3500 each have a 25 ft hose, while the SPX3000 and Craftsman have 20 ft hoses.
Cord reach and portability
The Greenworks 2100 PSI and Craftsman each come with a 35 ft power cord. Follow the maker's manual for power and cord setup.
The ePX3100 and ePX3500 roll on four quick-lock wheels, the K1700 has never-flat wheels, the Greenworks 2100 PSI has a telescoping handle and the ePX3100v has a built-in carry handle.
Pick the one that matches how you move the washer, since a wheeled frame helps on a long trip and a carry handle helps on a short one.
What comes in each box
Each of these washers ships with its own set of tips and soap parts:
- Westinghouse ePX3100v: a detachable foam cannon, a pro-style steel wand and a set of nozzle tips
- Westinghouse ePX3100: a 20 oz soap tank, a steel extendable wand and five quick-connect nozzles
- Greenworks 2100 PSI: a gun, a soap applicator, and 25 degree, 40 degree and turbo nozzles
- Sun Joe SPX3000: five quick-connect nozzles, a garden hose adapter and a needle clean-out tool
- Westinghouse ePX3500: a 20 oz soap tank, a steel wand and five nozzles
- Craftsman 1700 PSI: a soap applicator bottle, a 40 degree nozzle and a turbo nozzle
- Karcher K1700: a turbo nozzle, a 15 degree nozzle, a detergent nozzle, a spray wand and a trigger gun
Check the list against the way you wash. If you want foam, only the ePX3100v starts you off with a cannon.
Foam cannon and soap options on these washers
Only the ePX3100v includes a foam cannon here, so the other six rely on soap tanks or soap applicators. A tank keeps detergent on the washer, while a cannon makes a thicker layer of foam.
Foam cannon on the ePX3100v
The cannon detaches from the washer, so you can take it off when you only need a rinse. Use car wash soap as the label says, and never add other chemicals to the cannon.
For the steps, see how to use a foam cannon on a car. If you want foam on every wash, the ePX3100v is the only washer here with a cannon.
Soap tanks and applicators on the rest
The ePX3100 and ePX3500 each have a 20 oz onboard tank, and the SPX3000 has two 0.9 L tanks. The Greenworks 2100 PSI and Craftsman use soap applicators, and the K1700 has a 0.5 gal detergent tank.
Two tanks on the SPX3000 let you keep two soaps ready. Follow each soap label for the mix, and never combine soaps or chemicals to make a stronger batch.
Mistakes to avoid when you buy a pressure washer for a car
The biggest mistake is buying on max PSI alone. For a car, flow, reach and the right tip matter as much as pressure.
Buying on max PSI alone
The ePX3500 and SPX3000 both reach 2500 max PSI, but Westinghouse rates the ePX3500 at 2000 PSI and Sun Joe gives the SPX3000 a PWMA rating of 2030 PSI. Compare rated numbers and flow, not only the top figure.
Using the wrong soap
Household cleaners aren't made for pressure washers or cannons. Use car wash soap as its label says, and never mix in chemicals.
Use each soap only in the tank, cannon or applicator it's made for, and rinse the tank after each wash.
Skipping the paint check
Look over the whole car first, including the lower panels and the wheel arches, where chips and peeling paint often hide. Skip those areas, start with a wide tip and follow the car maker's care guide.
Ignoring size and reach
Check the dimensions and the hose and cord lengths against the spot where you will use the washer. A longer hose gives more reach but adds weight and coil to store, so think about both.
Follow the maker's manual for power and cord setup.
Which pressure washer for washing cars to pick
The best pressure washer for cars is the one that fits your vehicle, your space and the way you like to apply soap. Use these rules to choose:
- Pick the Westinghouse ePX3100v if you want a detachable foam cannon in a compact frame.
- Pick the Westinghouse ePX3100 if you want 2300 max PSI and a 20 oz soap tank.
- Pick the Greenworks 2100 PSI if a soap applicator, three nozzles and a 35 ft cord matter most.
- Pick the Sun Joe SPX3000 if two detergent tanks and a long stainless lance matter.
- Pick the Westinghouse ePX3500 if you want 2500 max PSI with anti-tipping wheels.
- Pick the Craftsman 1700 PSI if you want the lightest washer here, at 17.5 lb.
- Pick the Karcher K1700 if a foot switch and never-flat wheels matter most.
Each pick fits a different car, space and budget, so read its card before you decide. For the wash steps themselves, read how to pressure wash a car at home.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best pressure washer for washing a car at home?
The Westinghouse ePX3100v is the top pick here, with 2100 max PSI, 1.76 max GPM and a detachable foam cannon. If you want a soap tank on the washer instead, the ePX3100 and the ePX3500 each carry a 20 oz tank.
What PSI is best for washing cars?
Many car washers use a washer in the 1,200 to 2,000 PSI class, and the seven here run from 1700 to 2500 max PSI, so flow and the tip matter as much as the number. Start with a 25 or 40 degree fan tip, and follow the washer maker's and the car maker's instructions.
Is an electric pressure washer enough for a car?
Yes, an electric washer is enough for many home car washes, as long as it gives enough GPM for rinsing and a hose long enough to reach the whole car. Electric models are corded, so follow the maker's manual for power and cord setup.
What size pressure washer for a car?
Size means both the frame and the reach, so check the weight, the height and the hose and cord length. The Craftsman at 17.5 lb is the lightest here, while the Sun Joe SPX3000 at 24.3 lb is the heaviest.
