Choosing a pressure washer is harder than it should be. Every listing shouts about PSI — 3000, 4800, 7000 — as if a bigger number is always better. It isn't. Real cleaning power comes from PSI and flow rate working together. Our pressure washers start from $140, ship from our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, and dispatch within 1-2 business days.
How do I choose the right pressure washer?
Match the machine to the dirtiest job you'll do regularly, not the biggest job you might do once. A 1500-2200 PSI electric pressure washer handles cars, outdoor furniture and small patios. A 2500-3500 PSI petrol pressure washer handles decks, render, fences and driveways. Anything over 3500 PSI is commercial pressure washer territory and will strip paint, gouge timber and crack render if pointed at the wrong surface. The best pressure washer for an Australian home is rarely the most powerful one.
What's the difference between PSI and flow rate?
PSI is the force of the water hitting the surface. Flow rate (litres per minute) is how much water arrives per second. A high pressure washer needs both, and you can calculate the result: Cleaning Units (CU) = PSI × L/min ÷ 1000. A 4800 PSI machine pushing 8 L/min gives 38.4 CU. A 3000 PSI machine pushing 12 L/min gives 36 CU — almost the same, with less fuel use and far less risk to your render. Most homeowners over-buy PSI and damage the surface they meant to clean.
| Use case |
PSI range |
Flow rate |
Cleaning Units |
| Cars, bikes, outdoor furniture |
1,500-2,000 |
6-7 L/min |
9-14 CU |
| Decks, fences, small patios |
2,000-2,500 |
7-9 L/min |
14-22 CU |
| Driveways, render, paths |
2,500-3,500 |
9-11 L/min |
22-38 CU |
| Commercial cleaning, large concrete |
3,500-4,800 |
11-15 L/min |
38-72 CU |
Electric vs petrol vs cordless pressure washers — which one?
An electric pressure washer suits most homeowners. A petrol pressure washer suits anyone cleaning more than 100sqm at a time or working far from a power point. A cordless pressure washer (also called a portable pressure washer) suits quick jobs where dragging a cord is the bigger hassle. A hot water pressure washer is mostly for grease, oil and food prep areas, and runs at commercial prices.
| Type |
Typical PSI |
Best for |
Watch out for |
| Electric pressure washer |
1,500-3,000 |
Home use, cars, small decks |
Needs a power point within 10m |
| Petrol pressure washer |
2,500-4,800 |
Driveways, large jobs, rural blocks |
Heavier, noisier, needs fuel and oil |
| Cordless / portable pressure washer |
500-1,000 |
Quick rinses, car pressure washer jobs, camping |
Lower pressure, short runtime |
| Hot water pressure washer |
2,000-3,000 |
Grease, oil, food prep areas |
Pricier, mostly commercial |
What PSI do I need around the house?
Most homes never need more than 2,500 PSI from a high pressure washer. Going higher than the surface can handle will damage it.
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Cars and bikes: 1,500 PSI maximum. Anything more strips clear coat.
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Timber decks: 1,500-2,000 PSI with a 25° nozzle. Higher pressure splinters softwood.
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Rendered walls: 2,000 PSI maximum. Aggressive PSI cracks render and forces water behind it.
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Concrete driveways: 2,500-3,500 PSI. This is where higher pressure earns its keep.
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Colorbond fences: 1,500-2,000 PSI. Higher pressure dents thin sheet metal.
Quick buyer's checklist
- Match PSI to your dirtiest regular job, not your worst-case job
- Check the flow rate (L/min) — pressure washer water pressure means nothing without it
- Pick an electric pressure washer for under 100sqm, petrol for anything bigger or rural
- Look for a metal pump head if you'll use it weekly
- Check the pressure washer hose length — 8m is short, 15m+ is comfortable
- Confirm the pressure washer gun has at least three nozzle tips (0°, 25°, 40°)
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a pressure washer on my car?
Yes, but keep the pressure under 1,500 PSI and use a 25° or 40° nozzle. Hold the wand 30cm from the paint. A car pressure washer above 2,000 PSI held too close will lift clear coat and damage rubber trim.
How long does delivery take?
We dispatch within 1-2 business days from our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses. Capital city addresses arrive in 3-5 business days. Perth and Adelaide take 5-8 days. Regional and Tasmanian addresses take 5-12 days.
Can I pay with Afterpay or Zip?
Yes. We accept Afterpay, Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4. A $279 electric pressure washer works out to four fortnightly payments of $69.75 with Afterpay. A $560 petrol pressure washer works out to $140 a fortnight.
What's your returns policy?
We offer 15-day returns on unused items in original packaging. Pressure washers come with a 12-month manufacturer warranty against defects. See our return policy for full details.
Do pressure washers come with hoses and a gun?
Every washer in this collection ships with a pressure washer hose, a spray gun and at least one nozzle. Petrol units typically include 8-15m of hose. We stock pressure washer hose extensions separately if you need longer reach.
Complete your outdoor cleaning kit
A pressure washer handles the wet jobs. For the rest of the yard, pair yours with a lawn mower, a leaf blower for paths and driveways once they're clean, and a BBQ for the patio.
Why buy your pressure washer from Simple Deals
We're a family-run Australian business, trading since 2018. We hold stock in our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, dispatch in 1-2 business days, and back every unit with a 12-month warranty and 15-day returns. Real people answer the phone on 1300 456 786, Monday to Friday. Over 50,000 Australian customers; 4.66★ from 5,363 verified reviews.
