Between the high-pressure cleaning of a pressure washer and the effectiveness of a hose nozzle, there is a new class of power tools emerging – the power cleaner. Finding the best electric cleaner for your needs can be a matter of prioritizing factors like stress levels, value for money, or compatibility with your existing batteries. In this article, we will explore the top options available in the market, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What Makes a Powerful Vacuum Cleaner?
A powerful vacuum cleaner is a tool that provides higher pressure than a standard hose or nozzle can achieve. It typically consists of a small, battery-operated pump similar in size to a pressure washer gun. The best electric cleaner models can use either a standard garden hose or a siphon hose (often included) to draw water into the system. Additionally, they come with a multi-position swivel nozzle, allowing you to choose the spray pattern that best suits your cleaning needs. One of the significant advantages of these cleaners is their ability to work without a pressurized water source.
Strong Cleaners vs. Pressure Washers
It is important to note that an electric vacuum cleaner is not meant to replace a pressure washer. While power cleaners typically have a pressure range of 300 – 600 PSI, pressure washers operate within a higher range of around 1500 – 4000 PSI. Similarly, power cleaners have a lower flow rate, with our recommended model having a rate of approximately 1 gallon per minute. However, this moderate pressure makes them less likely to cause damage to surfaces or injury, making them ideal for a variety of tasks.
What Can You Clean with a Power Cleaner?
Power cleaners are particularly useful in situations where a pressure washer might be too powerful and could potentially cause damage. Here are some examples of tasks that can be accomplished with an electric cleaner:
- Cleaning Wicker Furniture
- Car Wash
- Cleaning Around the Pool Deck
- Cleaning Up Fallen Birds
- Cleaning Windows
- Clearing Dirt From Mountain Bikes
- Cleaning Camping Gear
- Washing Off Muddy Boots
The Overall Best Strong Cleaner: DeWalt 20V Max 550 PSI Cordless Power Cleaner DCPW550
The DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Power Cleaner takes the top spot thanks to its high pressure and flow rate, as well as its professional design. With a 15° nozzle producing 550 PSI, this model offers more than double the water flow of other cleaners. It also features a single nozzle design and the option to store it directly on the tool. Running on a 20V Max battery, this cleaner is compatible with a wide range of DeWalt cordless products.
- Maximum Pressure: 550 PSI
- Maximum Water Flow: 2.2 GPM
- Nozzle Settings: 4 (independent nozzles)
- Overall Length: 40.5 inches
- Weight with Battery: 7.4 lbs (with 5.0Ah battery)
- Price: $219 (kit with 5.0Ah battery)
The Best Value Electric Cleaner: Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless EZClean RY121850
Ryobi has upgraded its original EZClean electric cleaner with an HP brushless model, increasing the pressure from 320 PSI to an impressive 600 PSI. With three useful settings, including Turbo, 15°, and Rinse, this cleaner is versatile and effective. Additionally, Ryobi offers various accessories to enhance your cleaning experience, making it a great value for money.
- Maximum Pressure: 600 PSI
- Maximum Water Flow: 0.7 GPM
- Nozzle Settings: 3
- Weight with Battery:
- Price: $119 (bare), $159 (kit with 4.0Ah battery)
Other Trusted Heavy-Duty Cleaners
Craftsman V20 Cordless 350 Max PSI Power Cleaner Kit CMCPW350
The Craftsman V20 Power Cleaner offers a maximum pressure of 350 PSI and a flow rate of 0.5 GPM*. While its flow rate may seem low, it is calculated at maximum PSI using the 15° nozzle. When using a wider nozzle setup, the flow rate will be higher. The kit comes with two wand lengths, extra accessories, and is compatible with the entire Craftsman V20 system.
- Maximum Pressure: 350 PSI
- Maximum Water Flow: 0.5 GPM*
- Nozzle Settings: 5
- Weight with Battery: 5.4 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Price: $149.99
Hart 20V Pressurized Car Cleaner HGPC011
Although labeled as a cordless car cleaner, the Hart electric cleaner is suitable for light-duty cleaning tasks. It comes with a wheel brush and soap suds, making it ideal for cleaning vehicles. The Hart 20V system compatibility and additional accessories make it a versatile and convenient option.
- Maximum Pressure: 320 PSI
- Maximum Water Flow: 0.8 GPM
- Nozzle Settings: 3
- Weight with Battery:
- Price: $98
Kobalt 600 PSI Rubber Pressure Washer Spray Gun Kit KPC 2040-06
Kobalt’s electric cleaner offers a high-pressure option with a maximum pressure of 600 PSI. It comes with a 5-in-1 nozzle and soap applicator, offering great versatility. While it is not compatible with Kobalt’s 24V cordless power tools, it is a valuable addition to their 40V lawn care line.
- Maximum Pressure: 600 PSI
- Maximum Water Flow: 0.8 GPM
- Nozzle Settings: 5
- Weight with Battery: 5.3 lbs
- Price: $179 (kit with 2.0Ah battery)
Worx 40V (2x20V) PowerShare Hydroshot Portable Power Cleaner WG644
Worx’s WG644 Hydroshot offers a balance of price and performance, with a pressure rating of 450 PSI and a flow rate of 0.9 GPM. This model utilizes two 20V batteries to generate 40V of power and is compatible with all 20V Worx tools and lawn care products. With a 4-in-1 nozzle, it provides great flexibility for various cleaning tasks.
- Maximum Pressure: 450 PSI
- Maximum Water Flow: 0.9 GPM
- Nozzle Settings: 4
- Weight with Batteries: 6.63 lbs (with two 2.0Ah batteries)
- Price: $179.99 (kit with two 2.0Ah batteries)
At Pro Tool Reviews, we take pride in offering honest and unbiased reviews based on our real-life experiences with the tools we test. Our team of professional reviewers works in various industries, including construction, automotive, and lawn care, ensuring that our recommendations are grounded in expertise and experience. We test and review over 250 products each year and consult with innovators and industry experts to gain a broader understanding of tool technology and design. Additionally, we collaborate with specialty contractors across the U.S. who provide valuable insights gained from real job site testing.
Now that you have all the information you need, go ahead and choose the powerful cleaner that best suits your requirements. Happy cleaning!