The pressure cleaner (also known as a pressure washer or water gurney) uses the water pressure of your garden hose to help you with tough cleaning tasks around the home and yard. Is there a model that is better than others?
This page:
- Expert testers
- What we test
- What we test for when testing pressure cleaners
- Test criteria explained
Expert testers
When reviewing pressure cleaners, our experts look beyond the hype. They use pressure cleaners to test their performance and ease-of-use in real life situations to compare the models when it comes time to clean dirt and stains.
What we test
Electric, battery and petrol pressure cleaners are available. In our review we will focus on the electric and battery models, which are most commonly used in homes.
Our product research team surveys manufacturers to determine the latest models, along with specifications like pressure levels and flow rate. We include models and brands that are available in mainstream hardware stores and specialty shops like Bunnings and Mitre 10.
What we test for when testing pressure cleaners
Cleaning performance
From 2021, tests have been performed on a stained concrete pathway. Our experts can use this test to determine how well professional pressure cleaners in Gold Coast. The experts use the cleaning nozzles provided and measure how long each takes to clean.
The cleaning performance is based on the time taken to clean. The noise levels are also measured by measuring each nozzle. We publish the loudest noise level to let you know what to expect.
To provide results that are directly comparable, we only test with water. We don’t test water with detergent on models that have a bottle of detergent.
Prior to 2021, tests were performed on a sandstone pathway stained with rust.
Easy of Use
The following are the factors that our experts consider when assessing the ease of use of the pressure washer.
- Ease of manoeuvring the pressure cleaner: The pressure cleaner’s ease of use is determined by the following factors: the length of hose, weight and the ease of wheeling the unit. We assess the ease of carrying the unit if it does not have wheels.
The pressure cleaner should be easy to use. We look at the length of the handle/lance and the vibrations.
Test scores - Ease of using the pressure cleaner: Every year, we test pressure cleaners in realistic scenarios. Results from different years cannot be directly compared due to the differences in test conditions. We include the year of testing in our table of product comparisons.
Manufacturer Specifications
We publish the “working” figures, not the maximum figures. These figures are also known as rated or nominal.
Test criteria explained
The Elite Property Wash Expert Score (or total score) is composed of:
- Cleaning performance (60%)
- Easy of use (40%).
The ease of use factor is a combination of the ease of maneuvering the unit, and the ease of using cleaners (both weighted equally). We also note any stability or use issues that may impact how easy it is to operate the cleaner.