Ultimate UK Guide to Pressure Washers: Best Stores, Top Models & Buying Tips

Why a pressure washer can transform your home and garden

Ever stood on your patio, staring at stubborn stains and thought, “There’s got to be a faster way”? A pressure washer is like a power-packed broom and scrubber rolled into one — it blasts away grime in a fraction of the time and effort. Whether you’re rejuvenating decking, blasting moss off driveways, or cleaning the grime from garden furniture, a pressure washer will often cut jobs down from hours to minutes. Think of it as giving your outdoor surfaces a fresh haircut: precision, speed, and a neat finish.

Where to buy pressure washers in the UK

Picking the right pressure washer often starts with where you shop. From big-box DIY chains to specialist tool outlets and online marketplaces, each store offers different advantages — from hands-on demos to deep catalogues and specialist accessories. Below are UK stores that consistently stock a wide range of pressure washers, from budget electric models to heavy-duty petrol machines.

B&Q

B&Q is a go-to for homeowners looking for accessible options and well-known brands. Their range often includes compact electric machines for light cleaning and higher-powered units for patios and driveways. You’ll find models with wand extensions and basic detergent tanks — ideal if you want to tackle everyday garden grime without complicated setup. Prices typically suit DIY budgets, and seasonal sales can make a mid-range unit very affordable.

Screwfix

Screwfix is where many tradespeople and serious DIYers shop. Expect a strong range of commercial and semi-professional pressure washers, including petrol-driven units with higher psi and flow rates. Screwfix stocks accessories like professional nozzles, reels, and long-reach hoses that are measured in feet, so you can cover larger gardens without moving the machine constantly.

Halfords

Halfords may be better known for cars and bikes, but they also carry portable pressure washers suited for vehicle cleaning and small outdoor jobs. If you’re planning to use the unit primarily on cars, bikes, or caravan exteriors, Halfords often stocks compact models with foam cannons and adjustable lance heads for gentle to strong sprays, measured in psi ranges suitable for paint-safe cleaning.

Wickes

Wickes is another DIY heavyweight with a sensible selection aimed at home improvement projects. Their pressure washers tend to focus on value and usability, with plastic-bodied electric models that are lightweight and easy to store. Wickes often lists flow rates in gallons per minute and gives clear indications of recommended uses, like patio cleaning or house exterior washing.

Argos

Argos is convenient for shoppers who want quick availability and a wide selection of household brands. Their pressure washer range spans budget electrics to mid-range petrol units, plus popular accessories such as extension hoses and turbo nozzles. Argos’s catalog approach makes it easy to compare specs like psi and hose length at a glance.

Homebase

Homebase targets homeowners looking to spruce up outdoor living spaces. Their pressure washers skew toward electric models for decks, patios, and garden furniture. Homebase often bundles cleaning attachments and detergent systems with machines, giving good starter kits for seasonal maintenance without needing a bunch of separate purchases.

Toolstation

Toolstation focuses on tools for trades and serious DIYers, so you’ll find robust, no-frills pressure washers and trade-grade accessories. Their units may include higher-pressure petrol options with long hose reels measured in feet that suit larger jobs. Toolstation’s product choices typically prioritize performance and durability over flashy extras.

Amazon UK

Amazon UK offers the broadest selection, from household names to niche brands. The upside is massive choice and customer reviews to weigh pros and cons, while the downside is sifting through listings to find genuine models. Amazon is a great place to compare specs like psi and gallons per minute, and often you’ll spot accessories like surface cleaners and foam lances sold alongside the main unit.

Robert Dyas

Robert Dyas carries a curated range of garden and home appliances. Expect compact electric pressure washers suitable for homeowners who want a balance of power and simplicity. Robert Dyas often emphasizes easy storage and user-friendly features like foldable handles and short hoses measured in feet for small to medium gardens.

Machine Mart

Machine Mart targets serious DIYers and tradespeople looking for heavy-duty performance. If you need a petrol-powered unit with higher psi ratings for industrial grime or large surface areas, this is a place to check. They also stock durable steel frames and commercial fittings for long-term, rugged use.

Top pressure washer brands you’ll see in the UK

Stores sell pressure washers from several reputable brands, each with strengths. Choosing the right brand often comes down to intended use and personal preference — do you want a compact electric for occasional jobs or a petrol workhorse for heavy-duty cleaning? Below are brands you’ll commonly find across UK retailers.

Kärcher

Kärcher is almost synonymous with pressure washing and is widely available across UK shops. Their models range from lightweight electric units with around 1,500 to 2,000 psi for home use, up to more powerful petrol units. Kärcher often bundles useful accessories like patio cleaners and rotary nozzles that can make cleaning large flat areas much quicker.

Bosch

Bosch offers reliable electric pressure washers that balance efficiency and user-friendly features. Expect compact designs with foldable handles and hose reels in many models. Bosch machines typically serve homeowners who want consistent performance without extensive maintenance.

Ryobi

Ryobi is popular for battery-powered and electric options. If you want portability without a cord, Ryobi’s battery pressure washers can be handy for quick jobs, though they usually have lower psi ratings compared to mains-powered machines. Ryobi also produces mid-range units with detergent tanks and adjustable nozzles for flexible cleaning.

Nilfisk

Nilfisk leans toward robust build quality and higher-performance machines, often aimed at heavy-duty home or trade use. Nilfisk models might offer higher psi and better flow rates, plus accessory compatibility that suits frequent or large area cleaning tasks.

Stihl

Stihl typically focuses on petrol-driven, professional-grade machines. They shine where durable metal components and high-pressure output are necessary — for farms, large estates, or contractors. Stihl units are built to be workhorses over long periods.

Electric vs petrol: which pressure washer is right for you?

Choosing between electric and petrol pressure washers comes down to power needs, noise tolerance, portability, and maintenance. Let’s break it down so you can think in practical terms rather than specs alone.

Electric pressure washers

Electric machines are quieter, lighter, and easier to start — often just a click of a switch. They’re ideal for small to medium tasks like cleaning cars, garden furniture, and patios. Typical electric models range from about 1,000 to 2,500 psi and deliver roughly 1 to 2.5 gallons per minute. If your garden is compact and you prefer plug-and-play convenience, an electric washer is a smart choice.

Petrol pressure washers

Petrol models pack more punch and suit large driveways, heavy grime, and trade work. Expect higher psi — often 2,500 psi and above — and greater flow rates that translate to faster cleaning over big areas. They’re portable without needing a power outlet, but they’re louder, require more maintenance, and are heavier to move around. Think of petrol washers as the muscle car of outdoor cleaning — powerful and built for heavy lifting.

Understanding PSI and flow rate: the real factors that matter

Shop descriptions throw around big numbers, but the two metrics that matter most are psi (pressure) and flow rate (gallons per minute or gpm). Together they determine cleaning power, often expressed as cleaning units when multiplied, but you can think of them like water speed and volume working together to dislodge dirt.

What PSI means in everyday tasks

PSI describes the force of the spray. For delicate tasks like washing painted surfaces or cars, look toward the lower end — roughly 1,000 to 1,500 psi. For patios and driveways with heavy staining, mid-range machines around 2,000 to 2,500 psi work well. If you’re stripping paint or dealing with industrial grime, you’re usually in petrol territory where values climb higher. A handy rule: higher psi equals faster removal, but also more risk of surface damage if used incorrectly.

Why gallons per minute (gpm) matters

Flow rate in gallons per minute tells you how much water the machine pushes. A higher gpm rinses dirt away faster — it’s the difference between a gentle trickle and a flood that carries debris off the surface. For household jobs, 1.2 to 2.5 gpm is common. For heavy or commercial cleaning, look for 3 gpm and above. When comparing models, a modest increase in both psi and gpm can significantly reduce cleaning time.

Essential accessories that make a big difference

Accessories turn a capable machine into a versatile cleaning system. A few well-chosen add-ons can save time and give professional-level results.

Surface cleaners

A surface cleaner is a circular attachment that spins two jets underneath a housing. Imagine a steamroller for grime — it cleans patios evenly and quickly, preventing streaks that a single wand might leave. It’s measured in inches for diameters, and a good one can halve the time for large flat areas.

Nozzle types and turbo nozzles

Nozzles control spray angle and force. Wide-angle nozzles are gentler for delicate tasks, while narrow-angle nozzles focus power for stubborn stains. Turbo nozzles add rotary action to multiply cleaning action; they’re excellent for stonework and concrete but should be used with care on softer surfaces.

Foam lances and detergent tanks

Foam lances let you apply cleaning solution in a thick blanket, sticking to vertical surfaces and lifting dirt before rinsing. Some machines include onboard detergent tanks, which is handy if you don’t want to mix and attach bottles every time.

Maintenance tips to extend the life of your pressure washer

Like any mechanical tool, a pressure washer will last longer with basic care. Treat it like a garden companion: clean it after use, store it properly, and do small checks before every run.

Winter storage and freeze protection

If temperatures drop where you live, protect your pump from freezing by running an anti-freeze solution through the system or storing the unit drained and indoors. Frost can crack seals and ruin the pump overnight, so a little pre-winter care goes a long way.

Routine checks

Inspect hoses, fittings, and nozzles for wear or cracks. Replace worn seals promptly and clean filters so the impeller and pump don’t struggle. If your machine has a recoil start (common on petrol models), check the cord and housing for damage to avoid surprises when you need it most.

Safety tips: how to use your pressure washer without drama

Pressure washers are powerful tools and require respect. Treat the spray like a high-pressure stream — it can cut through skin, damage surfaces, and fling debris like tiny missiles.

Personal protective equipment

Wear eye protection, sturdy shoes, and gloves. Keep bystanders, pets, and plants at a safe distance. If you’re working at height or on ladders, consider alternatives; direct spray and ladders don’t mix well.

Maintain the right distance

Start with the nozzle several feet away from the surface and move closer slowly until you find the sweet spot between cleaning power and surface safety. Too close and you risk gouging wood or striping paint; too far and you’ll waste time.

Where to find the best deals and when to buy

Timing matters if you want to score a bargain. Sales happen during spring clean-up season and during big retail events. Specialist stores sometimes clear last year’s models to make room for new stock, which can be a great time to buy a well-built machine for less money.

Consider seasonal needs

If you clean your driveway once a year, a mid-range electric unit might be the most cost-effective. If you maintain several properties or do frequent heavy jobs, invest in a durable petrol model from a specialist store to save time and reduce long-term wear.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pressure washer in the UK comes down to matching power to purpose, understanding psi and flow rates, and picking a retailer that offers the right balance of range, advice, and price. From B&Q and Wickes for DIYers to Screwfix, Toolstation, and Machine Mart for trades and heavier use, the market has options for every need and budget. Equip your machine with the right nozzles, a surface cleaner, and a little maintenance know-how, and you’ll have a tool that feels like a time machine for outdoor cleaning — turning back the clock on dirt and grime with every pass.