The best compact pressure washers for your car and garden

Written by Alex Boyd Updated: 28 August 2024

When you’re looking for cleaning equipment you might not immediately think about compact pressure washers, but if you’re interested in buying a pressure washer then downsizing may have several benefits.

We get it, you may be worried that a compact unit may not be as effective as their full-sized siblings, but these smaller appliances pack a mighty punch. You don’t have to go further than the specifications to understands that looks may be deceiving, and good things really do come in small packages.

There are several benefits of a compact pressure washer. To start with, they’re far more portable than regular pressure washers, making them ideal for more mobile jobs. Storage is one of the aspects where you’ll find the biggest difference since a smaller cleaner will be easier to put away when it’s not in use. If you’re worried that they won’t be powerful enough for most domestic chores, then rest assured—we’re here to tell you they are.

Best compact pressure washers at a glance:

Editor’s choice: Bosch EasyAquatak 120 – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best all-rounder – Kärcher K 4 Classic Pressure Washer – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best value: Yard Force EWU13 Washer – Buy now from Amazon UK

There are cost savings to be had as well, just like with most budget pressure washers the compact machines generally consume less power than full-size ones. That’s a relief in the current financial climate, and your wallet will surely thank you for it. On the subject of climate – a pressure washer can be kinder to the environment as it will often consume less water in comparison to an ordinary garden hose doing the same job.

Best compact pressure washers

How we choose

All of these pressure washers have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching pressure washers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in. Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a pressure washer and a pressure cleaner?

Pressure washers and pressure cleaners generally refer to the same type of device, the only difference being regional terminology. Here in the UK, we tend to use pressure washers, while in the USA and Australia, they are referred to as pressure cleaners. Although there may be some branding differences, for most practical purposes, you can consider them the same unless specified by a manufacturer.

What’s the best pressure washer for cars?

That really depends on what you are looking for and what kind of use the pressure washer will get. If you think you will only use it very occasionally to remove stubborn dirt, there’s no point in going for a top-of-the-range option. Our Editor’s choice, the Bosch EasyAquatak 120, is a good all-rounder with plenty of accessories for home and garden use, too.

How dangerous are pressure washers?

Pressure washers are perfectly safe if used in accordance with the manufacturer’s safety advice and user instructions. If used incorrectly, the high-pressure water stream can cause extremely serious skin wounds, and the powerful spray can dislodge debris and send it flying, resulting in eye injuries. Wearing protective eyewear is crucial.

Are electric pressure washers better than petrol?

Once again, it depends on usage. Petrol pressure washers invariably supply more pressure to tackle larger jobs and fight tougher stains and are generally used in professional situations. An electric pressure washer is usually more than capable of tackling most domestic cleaning jobs.

Do you need an outside tap to use a pressure washer?

Although access to an outside tap is usually the best solution for using a pressure washer, it’s not always necessary. You can still effectively use a pressure washer by connecting it to alternative water sources, such as indoor taps or water barrels/tanks.

What is the best PSI for a pressure washer?

In this article, we have been measuring the water pressure output in BAR, which is the metric measurement, and PSI is the imperial equivalent. Most domestic units operate between 90 and 140 BAR, that is, between 1300 and 2000 PSI which is suitable for most car and household tasks.

Can you use detergent in pressure washers?

Most compact pressure washers will include an on-board detergent tank, which will allow the detergent to be fed into the water spray.

What safety precautions should you take when using pressure washers?

Ensure you have read and understood all of the manufacturer’s instructions and safety recommendations.
Always wear protective goggles, as the high-pressure spray can cause debris to fly into the air.
It is recommended that other items of safety clothing are worn, such as closed toe shoes or boots, long trousers, gloves and hearing protection.
Make sure the pressure washer is sitting on a flat surface.
Never point the spray at another person or animal. The high pressure can easily cut through flesh and cause very serious injuries.

Some things to consider when buying a compact pressure washer:

Pressure and flow rate: Look for a pressure washer that provides sufficient pressure and flow rate for your cleaning tasks. Higher pressure and flow rate typically result in more effective cleaning. Generally speaking, pressure washers under £100 will provide less power.

Portability and size: Consider the weight and size, especially if you need to move it frequently or have limited storage space. Look for compact and lightweight models that are easy to manoeuvre and store.

Hose length: Check the length of the hose. A longer hose allows for greater reach and flexibility, especially when cleaning larger areas or hard-to-reach spots. If the hose length really is too short, you might want to consider getting an outdoor, waterproof extension cable.

Nozzle attachments: Different nozzle attachments and other accessories for pressure washers provide various spray patterns, such as a narrow jet for stubborn stains or a wide fan for broader coverage.

Build quality and durability: While a budget-friendly pressure washer may not have the same level of durability as more expensive models, look for one that is built with quality materials and has positive customer reviews regarding its durability and longevity.

Why choose a compact pressure washer?

If space or storage is an issue for you, a compact pressure washer will provide the cleaning power you need, and it won’t take up too much room when it’s not in use. These pressure washers will skip over massively long hose reels, plethora of attachments, and extra styling torches, all in the name of saving space. These small pressure washers will also be lighter than traditional units, which is good news for anyone with a bad back.

Are compact pressure washers less powerful than regular examples?

Yes and no. It’s unlikely you will get an industrial-strength power washer in a compact design, but most compact power washers will provide a more than adequate output for the majority of domestic purposes, car cleaning included. Anything more than 120 bar will begin to wander into potential paint damage territory, and these pressure washers will rate in underneath this figure.

Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at CAR and Parkers and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.

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