Pressure washer deals

Buying advice

First, look at the motor type and the water supply options. Machines with an induction motor run more quietly and are built for longer sessions, while universal motors are lighter and cheaper but louder and usually suited to shorter runs. It also matters whether the unit can draw water from a container or rain barrel, in case you do not always have a tap nearby. Check how detergent is fed in as well: an integrated tank or a suction hose is more convenient than foam bottles you attach to the lance separately. Pump materials and spare parts availability decide whether a repair after a few years is worth it at all.

Entry-level machines for bikes, bins and the occasional car wash mostly cost around 80 to 150 euros. For regular work on patios, driveways and garden furniture, the mid range of roughly 150 to 300 euros is common; there you often get better hoses, sturdier lances and usable accessories included. Above that, from about 300 to 600 euros, you mainly find units with an induction motor, a metal pump head and a longer service life, which pays off on large surfaces or with frequent use. Professional machines with hot water cost considerably more and are rarely needed at home.

You can spot a good deal when the price is clearly below the usual level of recent weeks, not just below a crossed-out manufacturer recommendation. Previous-year models from brands such as Kärcher or Bosch are often barely changed technically and noticeably cheaper after a model update. Typical promotion periods are the start of the garden season in spring and the end of the season in late summer. Factor in follow-up costs: surface cleaner, pipe cleaning kit, extension hose and replacement nozzles can raise the price considerably, so bundles are often worth more than the bare base unit.

What to look for

• Pressure and flow rate together determine performance; for patios and cars, the mid-range class is usually enough.
• A surface cleaner attachment saves a lot of time on patios and prevents splashes on walls and windows.
• A hose reel, accessory holders and a long high-pressure hose matter more in everyday use than a few extra bar of pressure.