By MyAwesomeBuy Research Team · Updated April 8, 2026 · Our Methodology
4 models compared7,449+ reviews analyzed
No manufacturer paid for placement. Rankings based on verified buyer review data.
Quick Answer
The CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 ($119.00) is the best pressure washer under $200 — 1700 PSI provides the right home-use power for decks, driveways, and vehicles, with a complete 5-tip kit and CRAFTSMAN's reliability. For budget-first shoppers, the Greenworks GPW1501 at $109.89 delivers capable 1500 PSI at a slight discount.
CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 1700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer provides 2040 Cleaning Units (PSI × GPM) — sufficient for driveways, concrete patios, deck boards, siding, and vehicles. The 25-foot high-pressure hose reaches across a full driveway from a single outlet position. Five quick-connect spray tips (0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, soap) are included. Onboard storage for tips and hose. CRAFTSMAN's track record for tool reliability applies here.
Full Specs & Measurements
Upc
885911675000
Asin
B085285X4J
Color
Black, Red
Brand Name
CRAFTSMAN
Unit Count
1.0 Count
Hose Length
20 Feet
Item Weight
17.51 Pounds
Tank Volume
1.2 Gallons
Manufacturer
CRAFTSMAN
Model Number
CMEPW1700
Power Source
ac
Item Type Name
Pressure Washer
Maximum Pressure
1700 Pound per Square Inch
Best Sellers Rank
#5,749 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #35 in Pressure Washers
Greenworks GPW1501 1500 PSI delivers 1.2 GPM for 1800 CU of cleaning performance. The 20-foot hose and 35-foot power cord provide adequate reach for driveway and patio cleaning. Five quick-connect tips included. Greenworks backs the motor with a 2-year warranty. The 10% lower PSI vs. CRAFTSMAN is negligible for most home cleaning tasks — choosing between these two comes down to brand preference and current price.
Full Specs & Measurements
Asin
B09W4VQX7Z
Color
Black, Lime
Brand Name
Greenworks
Manufacturer
Greenworks
Model Number
GPW1501
Power Source
Corded Electric
Customer Reviews
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
(41)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Maximum Pressure
2000 Pound per Square Inch
Maximum Flow Rate
1.2 Gallons Per Minute
Worth Considering
LWQ Portable Power Washer with 4 Quick-Connect Nozzles
$99
at Amazon
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who need a portable pressure washer for occasional light outdoor cleaning without committing to $130-$150
“The LWQ is the best budget portable pressure washer — acceptable performance for casual seasonal cleaning at the lowest price point.”
LWQ Portable Power Washer is battery-powered, making it the only fully cordless option on this list. The battery unit eliminates the outlet requirement that restricts other models — clean a vehicle in a parking lot, a boat at a marina, or camping equipment far from power. Four quick-connect nozzles cover vehicle washing and general cleaning. Lower PSI than corded electric units but sufficient for surfaces that do not require heavy-duty treatment.
#435 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #2 in Pressure Washers
Maximum Flow Rate
2.5 Gallons Per Minute
Specification Met
Some Industry Standards Met
Manufacturer Part Number
S5-01
Item Dimensions L X W X H
18"L x 13.7"W x 11"H
Worth Considering
Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer 1500 PSI 1.1 GPM with Foam Cannon
$79
at Amazon
Best for: Budget homeowners wanting a 1500 PSI electric pressure washer
“Best for apartment residents and small-patio homeowners who need light-duty car washing and surface rinsing — not a substitute for a full-power pressure washer on driveways.”
Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer comes with a foam cannon, four quick-connect nozzles, and detergent reservoir integration — a more complete kit than most entry-level models. The included foam cannon makes vehicle washing significantly more effective by pre-soaking surfaces before pressure rinsing. At $79.97, it is the lowest-cost complete home pressure washing kit on this list. Suitable for vehicles, outdoor furniture, and light patio maintenance.
Full Specs & Measurements
Upc
842470142459
Asin
B0GG7695FG
Color
black
Brand Name
Sun Joe
Customer Reviews
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
(1)
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank
#263,527 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
#1,143 in Pressure Washers
Global Trade Identification Number
00842470142459
Pressure Washers Under $200 Buying Guide
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels
Great for: Homeowners replacing aging appliances, anyone upgrading from a laundromat, and households doing 5+ loads per week
Not ideal if: You're renting short-term or live in a building with shared laundry — a personal machine rarely makes sense
CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 1700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer — The most portable option for routine deck and fence maintenance. Best for annual.... At $119, it offers the best overall value. [See today's price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085285X4J?tag=myawesomebuy2-20).
Best Budget Pick: Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer 1500 PSI 1.1 GPM with Foam Cannon ($79.97)
Best for Best Budget: Greenworks GPW1501 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer — The safest beginner pressure washer for car washing. 1500 PSI....
CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 1700 PSI Electric Pressure Was...
Electric pressure washers in the $100-200 range are capable of every residential cleaning task that doesn't require a commercial gas unit. Understanding PSI and GPM helps match the tool to your cleaning needs.
PSI (pressure) vs. GPM (flow rate). PSI measures water pressure — how hard the water hits the surface. GPM measures water volume — how much water flows per minute. Both matter: high PSI with low GPM blasts hard but may not rinse debris effectively. The product of PSI × GPM = Cleaning Units (CU), which is a better total-performance metric. For home use, look for at least 1500 CU.
1300-1600 PSI range. Suitable for washing vehicles, outdoor furniture, grills, and removing light mold from decks. Light-duty for concrete and driveways — adequate for maintenance cleaning but may struggle with heavy staining.
1700-2000 PSI range. The sweet spot for home use — handles driveways, concrete patios, deck boards, house siding, and vehicle washing effectively. Most homeowners will never need more than 1800 PSI for regular maintenance.
2000+ PSI. Needed for heavy-duty grease removal, heavily stained concrete, and stripping old paint. Overkill for most home use and can damage wood surfaces, vehicle paint, and window seals if used carelessly.
Accessory importance. The quality and variety of included tips determines how versatile the pressure washer is. A 0-degree "turbo" tip concentrates full pressure into a pencil beam for stubborn stains. A 25-degree fan tip handles general cleaning. A 40-degree wide fan is gentle enough for vehicles. Soap tips apply detergent at low pressure. Look for units that include at least 4-5 tips in the kit. Not sure what PSI you actually need or which nozzle to use for each job? See everything you can clean with a pressure washer — it covers every surface from concrete to car paint with the right PSI and technique for each.
LWQ Portable Power Washer with 4 Quick-Connect Noz...
If budget is the priority, go with the Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer 1500 PSI 1.1 GPM with Foam Cannon; if you want the best overall, choose the CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 1700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer; if you need best budget, the Greenworks GPW1501 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer is your pick.
What PSI pressure washer do I need for a driveway?
For regular maintenance cleaning of concrete driveways, 1500-1800 PSI is sufficient. For removing heavy oil stains, accumulated grime, or stripping old sealer, 2000-2500 PSI is more effective. Always start with a wider fan tip and step closer to increase effective pressure rather than immediately using the most concentrated tip.
Can an electric pressure washer damage my car?
Yes, if used incorrectly. Never use a 0-degree tip on a vehicle — it will strip paint. Use a 25-40 degree fan tip from at least 2 feet away. Electric pressure washers in the 1500-1800 PSI range are safe for vehicle washing at correct distance. Gas pressure washers above 2500 PSI require extra caution on vehicles.
What is the difference between electric and gas pressure washers?
Electric pressure washers are quieter, require no engine oil changes, emit no fumes (usable in enclosed spaces), and start with a trigger pull. Gas pressure washers provide higher pressure (2500-4000 PSI) for heavy-duty professional use but require engine maintenance, produce exhaust, and are louder. For home use, electric models in the 1500-2000 PSI range handle all common tasks.
Do I need to use soap with a pressure washer?
Soap is optional but significantly improves cleaning results on grease, mold, mildew, and organic stains. Most pressure washers have a soap compartment or use a downstream injector to mix cleaning solution at low pressure. Apply soap first (using the low-pressure soap tip), let dwell for 2-5 minutes, then rinse with a higher-pressure tip.
How do I store a pressure washer between uses?
After use, run clean water through the system for 30 seconds to clear any soap or debris. Disconnect hoses and allow them to dry before storage to prevent mildew in the hose interior. For winter storage in cold climates, use pump saver antifreeze solution to prevent pump damage from freezing water. Store upright in a dry location.
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