Price paid or typical price.

This overall score is made up of cleaning performance (60%) and ease of use (40%).

Each cleaner is tested on a sandstone path. This is a tough test, allowing our tester to rate how well the pressure cleaners clean the path. He uses each cleaning nozzle supplied and times how long it takes to clean with each. The fastest time is used as the basis of the cleaning performance score. 

We rate ease of manoeuvring, taking into account hose length, unit weight and ease of wheeling. We also assess ease of cleaning; checking the length of the handle/lance, vibrations and trigger comfort.

We measure the noise of the cleaner at the user's position, approximately one metre from the unit. The noise produced by each nozzle is measured and we publish the highest noise level here.

We recommend pressure cleaners that score at least 80% overall.

These are the nozzles supplied with the unit. They control the spray of water and each are ideal for cleaning different surfaces.

Whether the pressure cleaner comes with a detergent bottle. This is used to hold the cleaning detergent which the pressure washer mixes with water before dispersing. When we test performance, we only test using water in order to provide directly comparable results, but a detergent may help for some types of stubborn stains.

Whether the pressure washer can store the various tools/accessories

Useful attachment for paths and patios, sometimes an optional extra.

Due to a change in test conditions, models are comparable according to year tested. We may retest models from previous tests to bring results in line with current conditions.

The measured weight, including the hose, gun, lance and attachments that are stored/attached to the unit.

The distance from power point to nozzle tip at full stretch.

The length of the hose from the pressure cleaner's body to the nozzle.

How much water the pressure cleaner delivers per minute.

Manufacturers' claimed water consumption. We state the 'working' figures (not the 'maximum' figures) as noted in the manufacturers manuals. These figures can also be referred to as 'rated' or 'nominal'.

The manufacturer's claimed water pressure at the nozzle, in bar. We don't measure this. We state the 'working' figures (not the 'maximum' figures) as noted in the manufacturer's manuals. These figures can also be referred to as 'rated' or 'nominal'. 

The manufacturer's claimed water pressure at the nozzle, in psi (if we don't have this figure, we convert the claimed operating pressure in bar to psi). We state the 'working' figures (not the 'maximum' figures) as noted in the manufacturer's manuals. These figures can also be referred to as 'rated' or 'nominal'.