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Haven’t gotten your hands on a pressure washer yet? These handy devices, which are also known as “power washers,” help you rid your home’s exterior of stubborn dirt and stains using a high pressure stream of water. They deftly and efficiently spray away dirt, debris and other gunk from all manner of outdoor surfaces—and the best pressure washers on the market require minimal effort on your end, which means the cleaning experience can actually be enjoyable. “Every home owner should have a small power washer or be willing to hire someone to power-wash their home,” says Tom Hodgson, founder of house painting and power washing company Color World. “It helps preserve the house and cleans off patios, front porches and sidewalks. It also removes bug nests.”

The Ryobi 3100 Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer can handle driveways, patios and more.

If you’re ready to give your sidewalk, driveway, decking and siding new life, you’ll want to shop carefully for the perfect pressure washer for your needs. The machines, after all, come in a range of types and sizes, and you can even choose between electric and gas options. There are pressure washers that are specially designed to tackle grime that builds up on cars and ones that are more ideal for concrete. And, like many devices, there are a variety of different price tiers from which to choose.

Still, most people don’t have a real understanding of what to look for in a pressure washer. To find the best devices out there, we looked at dozens of top-rated machines across a range of categories, then narrowed down the field to a handful of truly exceptional models. Specifically, we looked at special features, ease of use and overall value. Ahead, find our final picks to help make cleaning your outdoor space that much easier.

This pressure washer from Ryobi is powered by a Honda gasoline engine—yes, really—which churns out some serious power. To be exact, you’re looking at 3100 PSI of force with this model. Use it to clean up bigger areas around your place: The driveway, deck and patio might be in need of that sort of deep clean. This device is heavy, but it’s easy to transport, thanks to 12-inch wheels. Its 35-foot hose is also longer than many other machines offer, allowing you to move the actual washer less as you get to work. There’s also a 5-in-1 nozzle that allows you to quickly flip between settings to find just the right spray, and an on-board detergent tank lets you add soap to your job, too. The whole thing has an impressive three-year warranty (and a two-year warranty on the engine alone).

Pros: High pressure, excellent for larger projects

Cons: Soap dispenser takes time to figure out

Like the Ryobi 3100, the Simpson MegaShot is powered by a Honda engine that delivers intense pressure and results. This washer packs enough punch to tackle decks, patios, siding and outdoor furniture, but it’s lightweight and small enough to move around on its 12-inch wheels. A steel, powder-coated frame helps to prevent corrosion over time so you can focus more on cleaning with your pressure washer, rather than cleaning the machine itself. This particular model also comes with several different nozzle tips and soap, so you’ll be able to work through all kinds of cleaning tasks.

Cons: Spare nozzles tend to fall out of holder

Greenworks has built up a solid reputation for creating quality home equipment, and its brushless power washer is no exception. This washer is made for medium-level projects, like hosing down patio furniture, grills, sidewalks and even cars. If you want something that will spray down your home’s siding, though, you may need to look elsewhere. Easy-to-use digital controls allow you to flip between power and runtime, while the brand’s JettFlow technology helps you spray items from as far back as 20 feet. Flip between four different spray nozzles for that just-right finish. Oh, and the whole thing is quiet—a nice perk that contrasts with the many other noisy pressure washers on the market.

Pros: Good power, long hose

Cons: Not ideal for bigger projects

Karcher’s K4 has all the tools you need to get your car clean—including those hard-to-reach spots like tire rims. A 1900 PSI capability delivers just enough power to blast off mud and grime without taking off your paint job. Meanwhile, the machine’s pressure-regulating “Vario Power” spray helps you take on lighter gunk issues, and its “Dirt Blaster” spray wand is at the ready for tougher jobs. An onboard removable detergent tank makes it easy to add soap to the mix (there’s also an adjustable flow dial so your car won’t end up a soapy mess). This pressure washer works well on other surfaces, too, like decks, sidewalks and fences.

Pros: Ability to do lighter pressure, works well on all surfaces

Cons: Less power than some other models

Not everyone needs a hefty pressure washer that’s capable of blasting dirt into oblivion—and that’s what this Ryobi option is designed to accommodate. It still packs an impressive 1800 PSI of power, but it’s better for smaller tasks such as patio furniture, bikes and patios vs. siding and windows. Its compact shape also makes this pressure washer easy to tote around your yard (it’s roughly the size of a lunch box). Flip between a 15 degree nozzle and a turbo nozzle to take on more or less stubborn stains.

Cons: Not designed for bigger projects

If you’re looking for a quality pressure washer at an affordable price, this Sun Joe option is it. It delivers 2030 PSI of water flow—plenty of power to tackle things like your sidewalk, car and patio—and has two onboard detergent tanks to allow you to take on different cleaning chores at once. Sun Joe’s SPX3000 features a total stop system that automatically shuts off the pump when you’re not using the trigger to help save energy. At $159, it’s also a lot cheaper than many other pressure washers on the market, while still boasting plenty of power to get the job done. Choose between five different nozzles to help you get the right level of spray.

Pros: Affordable, can tackle most everyday needs

Cons: Can be heavy for some to tote around

Concrete can be a particularly stubborn surface to clean, which is why most homeowners dealing with the material opt for a pressure washer with some serious power behind it. This Generac model—which boasts an impressive 3100 PSI of power—is up for the task, to say the least. It features a specialized power dial that lets you turn up the pressure quickly and easily, so you can seamlessly go from spraying down your walkway and driveway to tackling windows and siding. An ergonomic spray gun is easy on your fingers, while four quick-change nozzle tips allow you to customize your spray type to the surface you’re tackling.

Pros: Tough on stains, serious power

Cons: Can be too much pressure for some jobs

Looking for a pressure washer with professional-level power, but without the commercial-grade price? This Dewalt pressure washer is what you need. With 3600 PSI of power and a Honda motor, this machine can do some serious damage on hard-to-remove dirt buildup and stains. Enjoy five different nozzle tips to help you get that just-right spray while taking on decks, concrete and even graffiti. Maneuver your pressure washer around your place on handy 10-inch wheels. A steel frame with powder-coated finish keeps the whole thing from getting rusty.

Pros: Commercial-grade power, five nozzle tips

Pressure washers are basically ultra-strong hoses powered by a motor of some sort, and they’re intended to tackle tough dirt and stains—mostly in the exterior of your home. They typically connect to a water supply (such as a garden hose), and they’re powered by gas or electricity. Many washers are also equipped to use detergent or soap, but it’s not always necessary, Hodgson says.

It depends. Typically, a wider spray nozzle is better for larger surfaces like driveways, patios and walkways, Hodgson says. “You can get a nice, even look,” he points out. But a zero-point tip will also leave lines when the water dries, especially if you try to use it on a larger surface. Instead, this sort of nozzle is best for “getting isolated pressure in one area,” he says, like when you want to clean a particularly stubborn stain.

Not necessarily. Many pressure washers pack enough power to tackle things with water alone. Using standard detergent can potentially harm surrounding greenery, so you’ll want to proceed with caution or use special environmentally-friendly soaps, Hodgson says.