Best Pressure Washer For Driveway of 2024: Top 6 Picks

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-04-09

To get the best result in cleaning your driveway, you should choose a high-quality pressure washer that can flow powerful water. But before making a purchase, there are three main things to consider: the type, pressure output, and pressure nozzle.

Here are the best pressure washers for driveway you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall (Electric): Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM Pressure Washer
  • Lightweight (Electric): PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI
  • Durable (Electric): Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 PSI TruPressure
  • Best for Stubborn Area (Electric): mrliance 3500PSI Electric Pressure Washer
  • Best Overall (Gas): Simpson Cleaning MSH3125
  • Energy-Efficient (Gas): TACKLIFE Gas Pressure Washer 3300PSI at 2.6GPM 6.5 Peak HP
  • Powerful (Gas): WEN PW3100 3100 PSI 2.5 GPM 208cc Gas Pressure Washer
  • Durable (Gas): PowerBoss 3100 MAX PSI Pressure Washer
8 Best Pressure Washers for Driveway
Best Overall
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM Pressure Washer
  • Electric
Lightweight
PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI
  • Electric
Durable
Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 PSI TruPressure
  • Electric
Best for Stubborn Area
mrliance 3500PSI Electric Pressure Washer
  • Electric
Best Overall
Simpson Cleaning MSH3125
  • Gas
Energy-Efficient
TACKLIFE Gas Pressure Washer 3300PSI at 2.6GPM 6.5 Peak HP
  • Gas
Powerful
WEN PW3100 3100 PSI 2.5 GPM 208cc Gas Pressure Washer
  • Gas
Durable
PowerBoss 3100 MAX PSI Pressure Washer
  • Gas

Best Overall (Electric): Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM Pressure Washer

Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM Pressure Washer
Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Powerful and versatile - two 0.9L onboard detergent tanks & 14.5-amp/1800-Watt motor
  • Save energy and increase the pump’s lifespan - Total Stop System
  • Work quietly
Cons
  • Wish the instructions were better

Upon using this pressure washer, we were surprised by its incredible performance.

It has plenty of power for any jobs I would need it for, such as cleaning out driveways, sidewalks, and garage door. The two 0.9L onboard detergent tanks that can keep a wide range of detergents allow you to remove years of buildup and gives instant results.

Regardless, the unit works very quietly.

A big bonus is in case the trigger isn’t engaged, it will automatically shut off for longer pump lifespan as well as to save energy.

Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM Pressure Washer Specifications

Maximum Pressure (PSI)

2030 PSI

Flow Rate (GPM)

1. 76 GPM

Cord Length

35’

Hose Length

20’

Highlight Features

two 0.9L onboard detergent tanks & 14.5-amp/1800-Watt motor; Total Stop System;

Verdict

With the top-notch performance across the board in our tests, the Sun Joe SPX3000 thoroughly impressed us and won our Best Overall Pressure Washer Choice Award.

Lightweight (Electric): PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI

PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI
PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI
Pros
  • Super-lightweight – only 23.5 pounds
  • Very powerful to meet numerous small home projects - 2150 PSI in maximum pressure
Cons
  • A bit loud
  • The pressures hose was clogged a little

If you want a compact design, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, the PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI is highly recommended.

While other electric units weigh around 40 pounds or heavier, this is only 23.5 pounds, which is ideal for women to carry around. It doesn’t have a lot of kickback even when a small kid is using it.

And, don’t let its modest silhouette fool you, the machine is 2150 PSI - powerful enough to work great on all small home projects: fences, bricks, and chairs.

We love the adjustability of the spray nozzle, the quick push-pull of the end of the nozzle, and the addition of adjusting the angle of attack. A great purchase to be proud of.

PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI Specifications

Maximum Pressure (PSI)

2150 PSI

Flow Rate (GPM)

1.85 GPM

Cord Length

33 ft

Hose Length

26ft

Highlight Features

2150 PSI in maximum pressure; the weight of 23.5 pounds;

Verdict

The PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI is our all-time favorite when it comes to a lightweight yet powerful pressure washer for driveway.

Durable (Electric): Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 PSI TruPressure

Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 PSI TruPressure
Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 PSI TruPressure
Pros
  • Durable and long-lasting - a heavy-duty frame and all-metal hose connections
  • Convenient and multifunctional – many accessories included
Cons
  • The tube is short

Despite not being the quietest or most powerful pressure washer, this unit from Karcher persuasively brings home our Best Buy Award for Durability.

It features a heavy-duty frame and all-metal hose connections that hardy get rustic to hence last for years come. On the other hand, it does an excellent job without complication for cleaning the trucks, cat litter boxes, pavements, gutters, and houses.

The provided accessories are awesome. It comes in hose extensions, surface cleaners, wash brushes, and foaming soap applicators.

Overall, this gives you industrial power for a Regular-Joe price point.

Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 PSI TruPressure Specifications

Maximum Pressure (PSI)

1700 PSI

Flow Rate (GPM)

1.2 GPM

Cord Length

35 feet

Hose Length

20 ft.

Highlight Features

a heavy-duty frame and all-metal hose connections; hose extensions, surface cleaners, wash brushes, and foaming soap applicators

Verdict

If you’re searching for the most durable pressure washer that can last you a lifetime, then the Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer 1700 PSI TruPressure is our top recommendation.

Best for Stubborn Area (Electric): mrliance 3500PSI Electric Pressure Washer

mrliance 3500PSI Electric Pressure Washer
mrliance 3500PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Very powerful - 3500PSI max pressure and 2.0 flow rate
  • Easy to handle or store – compact and small design
  • Allow for customizing the cleanup on specific projects or surfaces – include various accessories
Cons
  • Short spray hose

This model gives you 3500PSI max pressure and 2.0 flow rate, which is extraordinarily powerful.

It can cover a wide range of surfaces, such as cars, windows, and garden furniture as well as average home projects, like a concrete garage floor, doing the siding, or washing the car.

With such amazing performance, it’s able to clean off even the most stubborn grime and dirt.

The small and compact design allows you to easily handle with comfort or store somewhere without cramping up space.

For custom cleanup, it also provides you with numerous accessories. The fixed brush and soap dispenser are two of our most favorite. They hugely enhance the cleaning capabilities.

mrliance 3500PSI Electric Pressure Washer Specifications

Maximum Pressure (PSI)

3500PSI

Flow Rate (GPM)

2.0GPM

Cord Length

33 ft

Hose Length

26ft

Highlight Features

3500PSI max pressure and 2.0 flow rate; include various accessories

Verdict

Overall, the mrliance 3500PSI Electric Pressure Washer is one of our favorite pressure washers and is a good choice if you want a powerful model for stubborn areas.

Best Overall (Gas): Simpson Cleaning MSH3125

Simpson Cleaning MSH3125
Simpson Cleaning MSH3125
Pros
  • Able to handle heavy-duty tasks – HONDA engine
  • Customizable and adjustable - 5 Quick connect nozzle tips
  • No water leakage when running - an escape valve for the water
Cons
  • The gun could be higher in quality
  • The pressure hose is a bit short

This gas pressure washer is from Simpson Brand but has the HONDA engine. So, despite a residential machine, it is still able to handle heavy-duty tasks like Auto Detailing.

The machine was very easy to use during our tests. It always turned on the first time we pulled the cord after turning it on and besides, our testers rarely have to pull back the trigger to put it on choke to turn it on.

The biggest selling point is no water leakage during the use.

Unlike other counterparts we’ve tried, this features an escape valve for the water to prevent the hose from ripping if you keep running it so it doesn’t require turning on/off.

Besides, the nozzle tips are able to be adjusted with 5 settings: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40° and soap.

Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 Specifications

Maximum Pressure (PSI)

3200 PSI

Flow Rate (GPM)

2.5 GPM

Hose Length

25’

Peak Horsepower

5.2 HP.

Highlight Features

HONDA engine; 5 Quick connect nozzle tips; an escape valve for the water

Verdict

By offering superb performance at a much more reasonable price tag, the Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 is the best overall option for most people.

Energy-Efficient (Gas): TACKLIFE Gas Pressure Washer 3300PSI at 2.6GPM 6.5 Peak HP

TACKLIFE Gas Pressure Washer 3300PSI at 2.6GPM 6.5 Peak HP
TACKLIFE Gas Pressure Washer 3300PSI at 2.6GPM 6.5 Peak HP
Pros
  • Energy efficient – offer 80% higher cleaning power than many electric pressure washers
  • Easy to reach higher or further spots - the 30-foot hose
  • Safe to use - a safety lock switch on the spray p
Cons
  • Not have an adjustable throttle

Generating 2.6 GPM of water flow and 3300 PSI of water pressure, the TACKLIFE Gas Pressure Washer is undoubtedly a powerful machine. It is also specifically built to capably burn all the fuel to deliver 80% higher cleaning power than many electric pressure washers.

Therefore, it is versatile enough to handle a variety of cleaning tasks and you’ll never be frustrated with wire entanglement.

A big bonus for the 30-foot hose. It allows you to reach higher or further spots more easily.

Aside from powerful and convenient performance, the machine is designed with safety in mind. It has a safety lock switch on the spray pun so when the trigger isn’t engaged, its pump will be auto-shutoff.

TACKLIFE Gas Pressure Washer 3300PSI at 2.6GPM 6.5 Peak HP Specifications

Maximum Pressure (PSI)

3300PSI

Flow Rate (GPM)

2.6GPM

Hose Length

30’

Peak Horsepower

6.5 HP

Highlight Features

safety lock switch on spray gun; 30ft high-pressure hose; efficient fuel conversion

Verdict

The TACKLIFE Gas Pressure Washer is powerful and energy efficient that allows you to handle more cleaning tasks in a shorter time than the electric pressure washers.

Powerful (Gas): WEN PW3100 3100 PSI 2.5 GPM 208cc Gas Pressure Washer

WEN PW3100 3100 PSI 2.5 GPM 208cc Gas Pressure Washer
WEN PW3100 3100 PSI 2.5 GPM 208cc Gas Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Shorter cleaning time & versatility in cleaning tasks - a powerful 208 cc 4-stroke OHV engine
  • Full of controls - numerous bright-colored switches and oil fill plugs
  • Easy to use - 5 adjustable nozzles along with a guideline chart
Cons
  • A bit pricey
  • Confusing instructions
  • The pins holding the wheels in place are prone to fall off

One of our Top Pick winners is the powerful WEN PW3100.

It emphasizes a 208 cc 4-stroke OHV engine that can generate 3100PSI max pressure and 2.5GPM flow rate. It can clean deck wood, tile, vinyl, concrete, and metal without you spending a whole of effort or time on them. The cleaning time is also significantly shorter.

Coming in numerous bright-colored switches and oil fill plugs, it gives you full of controls with superb ease of use, such as engine on/off switch, choke, and gas on/off

It also has 5 adjustable nozzles as well as a useful chart to find out which application they are used for.

WEN PW3100 3100 PSI 2.5 GPM 208cc Gas Pressure Washer Specifications

Maximum Pressure (PSI)

3100 PSI

Flow Rate (GPM)

2.5 GPM

Hose Length

30’

Highlight Features

a powerful 208 cc 4-stroke OHV engine; numerous bright-colored switches and oil fill plugs; 5 adjustable nozzles along with a guideline chart

Verdict

Our testers appreciate this thoughtfully powerful pressure washer from WEN as it’s not only able to handle different cleaning tasks but also allows you to do that with ease.

Durable (Gas): PowerBoss 3100 MAX PSI Pressure Washer

PowerBoss 3100 MAX PSI Pressure Washer
PowerBoss 3100 MAX PSI Pressure Washer
Pros
  • Long-lasting durability - HONDA GC190, 187cc Engine, and PVC-coated hose
  • Reliable – a 2-year warranty provided
  • Powerful – startup from the first cord pull and give 3100 MAX PSI Pressure
Cons
  • Expensive

Power aside, if durability is another of your biggest concerns, then we suggest trying this PowerBoss 3100 MAX PSI Pressure Washer.

It is constructed from HONDA GC190, 187cc Engine, which is arguably the most durable product line of HONDA and claimed to capably last a lifetime. Besides, the entire hose is made of high-quality materials with PVC coating.

For souped-up reliability, the manufacturer also provides this line with a 2-year warranty.

Regardless, it starts up like a champ and the performance of this pressure washer is satisfying. It cleans to the new look on most surfaces and materials, like concrete, vinyl, and tile.

PowerBoss 3100 MAX PSI Pressure Washer Specifications

Maximum Pressure (PSI)

3100 MAX PSI

Flow Rate (GPM)

2.4 GPM

Peak Horsepower

6 HP.

Hose Length

25’

Highlight Features

Hose Material: PVC Coated; HONDA GC190, 187cc Engine

Verdict

The PowerBoss 3100 MAX PSI Pressure Washer is a powerful, durable, and easy to use a pressure washer for the driveway.

How To Choose The Best Pressure Washer for Driveway?

#buying_guide_intro

Types

You can use both electric and gas pressure washer to clean your driveway. However, you should know the difference between them to get the most suitable device.

The electric pressure washer is more likely for light to medium-duty tasks because it can only reach a maximum of 2000 PSI compared to 4000 PSI of gas pressure washer.

If you also want to clean dirty patios, sidewalks, or decks, pick a powerful gas pressure washer.

Although electric pressure washers are harder to move, it’s often lighter than a gas one. It doesn’t make much noise, so it is friendly for families with babies.

Electric pressure washers can be used the best for indoor use when it causes no harmful fumes. Users can also heat the water for a more effective cleaning result.

If your family budget is limited and you’re finding a pressure washer to use your whole life, a gas pressure washer is the best choice. It is made from durable materials and has a stable machine to ensure a long lifespan.

Pressure Output

PSI and GPM are two main pressure outputs to notice before buying a pressure washer.

PSI is the power of a pressure washer. It means the higher PSI is, the cleaner the pressure washer gives. If you want to clean heavy-duty jobs without losing your breath, choose a high-PSI pressure washer.

GPM decides how long it could take to clean your driveway. Buying a high-GPM pressure washer means you can finish your cleaning jobs faster than the low-GPM device.

Pressure Nozzle

It’s important why you should choose a pressure washer with suitable pressure nozzles. Because a wrong nozzle can damage the mortar of your driveway, costs it more money for maintenance.

Pressure washers usually have 2 to 5 different nozzles. You can use a gentle 40-degree nozzle first to remove dirt on the surface. Then use a 25-degree nozzle device which is the best pressure washer for the driveway to clean the whole area.

To ensure the best nozzle for your driveway, always test with low mode first before continuing to a stronger nozzle.

Which Brands Make The Best Pressure Washer for Driveway?

Sun Joe

Sun Joe has lots of top-selling outdoor tools in the market because of the innovative and high-quality products at an affordable price.

WEN PRODUCT

Founded in 1951, WEN has been one of the pioneers to bring electricity into power tools. Through years, WEN made its record with 50 million consumer units sold and continues to win customer’s hearts by expanding product lines.

Karcher

Karcher is a world-leading family-based manufacturer of home and garden tools. They also hold thousands of patents and product models that build their prestige.

FAQs

Can I use hot water in my pressure washer?

No. Using hot water in a cold water-design pressure washer can ruin the pump and shorten the lifespan.

What psi do you need to pressure wash a driveway?

3000 PSI suits the best for driveway cleaning.

How long do gas and electric pumps last?

The pumps usually last 100,000 to 200,000 miles.

Can you power wash driveway?

Use a medium instead of the strongest nozzle to avoid mortar removal.

Can you damage concrete by power washing?

Yes. Be careful of using the highest power for zero damage.

Conclusion

The only way to clean the driveways without sweeping away the mortar is to use a pressure washer with a suitable nozzle.

Besides, consider your needs of cleaning to choose an electric or a gas pressure washer. The flow rate of water and pounds per square inch are two next priorities to buy a pressure washer.

We hope these tips can give you useful information to save your time and choose the best pressure washer for driveway.

I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


Related Articles