Summer is close, and if you're in the market for a new pressure washer, there's no better time to start looking. But are cordless pressure washers worth it?
When it comes to finding the best pressure washer for your space, it can be hard to know where to start. Corded or cordless? Compact or heavy duty? This time, we thought we'd take a look at whether or not cordless models are a reliable option.
To do that, we checked in with home improvement experts to weigh the pros and cons of cordless pressure washers and help you decide if this model type is right for you.
Advantages of cordless pressure washers
To start with, we're taking a look at the benefits of owning a cordless pressure washer...
1. They're easy to use
So, are cordless pressure washers worth it? If you’re after convenience and ease of use, they’re definitely worth considering.
‘Cordless pressure washers are far more convenient and portable than corded models as they can be used in any area and aren’t restricted to a power socket,’ says Max Ledsham, manager at Kingfisher Direct.
This type of pressure washer certainly removes any limitations that you’d encounter with a corded model, but they’re also easier to position.
‘Cordless pressure washers are definitely worth it if you value mobility and flexibility,’ agrees Henrique Conceicao, area manager at Total Clean. ‘Imagine cleaning your car or patio without dragging around a mains cord. The convenience can't be overstated for those hard-to-reach spots.’
You'll just need to watch out for the things you should never clean with a pressure washer.
2. They're lighter
Cordless pressure washers might be worth the investment if you struggle with mobility or simply want a lightweight product.
‘For those who are older or struggle with strenuous activities, it may be best to invest in a cordless pressure washer, as they are often far lighter than traditional pressure washers,’ says Max.
In fact, when we reviewed the Worx 20V Hydroshot Cordless Pressure Washer, our favourite cordless pressure washer on the market, we loved that it weighed just 1.5kg (without accessories).
3. They're quieter
If you’re looking for a quieter model, cordless pressure washers produce less noise than heavier-duty corded models.
‘Cordless models are typically much quieter than traditional pressure washers, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting neighbours when pressure washing during the day,’ says Max.
Disadvantages of cordless pressure washers
We’ve established that cordless pressure washers are generally easier to use, more convenient and quieter than their corded counterparts – but are there any drawbacks?
‘Nothing's perfect,’ says Henrique. ‘Cordless pressure washers often lack the punch of traditional washers; you might not get the grime off your concrete path with the same ease.’
That’s because cordless models are generally less powerful than corded pressure washers, and they might not be the best choice for heavier jobs. That said, some of the better models on the market still do a good job of keeping on top of regular cleaning.
There’s also the battery to think about. ‘If you’ve ever used a tool with a low battery light blinking, you’ll empathise with this – they don’t last as long as you might hope,’ says Henrique.
Cordless pressure washers can take several hours to charge, so it’s worth considering that although they’re convenient, you’ll need to factor in charging time. You'll also need to think about how much water a pressure washer uses – but that's a variable you'll need to consider with corded models, too.
Where to buy cordless pressure washers
Our tried and tested favourite, we think this cordless pressure washer is excellent for all sorts of outdoor cleaning tasks, especially if you're lacking an outdoor plug and/or tap.
The KHB 4-18 is a battery-operated medium-pressure washer for fast cleaning of everything from flower pots to bicycles, with a water pressure of 22 bar. Connect it up to your garden hose or even a bucket of water and you are ready to go.
We recently reviewed the Flymo Easiclean Li Plus pressure washer and were impressed by its lightweight portability. It's a reliable grab-and-go option.
So, are cordless pressure washers worth it? If you’re looking for an easy-to-use model for lighter jobs, absolutely. You might need to mull heavier jobs over before you make the investment, but we think cordless pressure washers are brilliant all-rounders for general outdoor use.
