Greenworks PW-1800 1800 PSI 13 Amp 1.1 Gpm Electric Review

The Greenworks PW-1800, while not being our highest performing model, is nonetheless a consistent performer. More than anything else, we really like this model's emphasis on hose and cord storage, a welcome addition amidst a surprising lack from some other models.

Performance Comparison

Cleaning

Our cleaning metric constitutes 45% of our total scoring as cleaning capabilities are a fundamental aspect of a pressure washer. That being said, the Greenworks PW-1800 is not a high performer in this metric, offering up just passable results across our tests. These tests range from stained carpet cleaning to our homemade bocce ball test, which measures concentrated force, and our cleaning unit calculations.

When confronted with the job of cleaning our activated charcoal-stained carpet, the Greenworks PW-1800 got the job done, but unfortunately at a significantly slower rate than much of the competition. Both carpet cleanings took northward of eight minutes, a process exacerbated by the weak water force, which required a slow-and-steady spray across the carpet. Our bocce ball test shows the Greenworks PW-1800 capping out its strength, suspending the ball at only the two feet mark. The root of many of these results can be traced back to the pressure washer's low cleaning units. A device's cleaning units are a product of the measured pounds per square inch (1350) and gallons per minute (0.99). The resulting cleaning units of 1336.5 fall remarkably short of our tested model's average of 2153.

Portability

The Greenworks PW-1800 performs much better under our portability metric, which accounts for 30% of our total score. Benefited by a remarkably lightweight and two medium-sized wheels, this pressure washer suffers somewhat from a cumbersome size.

Falling much more on the lighter side of our testing models, the Greenworks PW-1800 is a remarkably portable device. The pressure washer comes equipped with two wheels which worked well across our tested surfaces, suffering only slightly on a more grass-heavy environment. While we wish the handle was a little higher, it is by no mean an uncomfortable experience to maneuver the washer for those on the taller side.

While the Greenworks PW-1800 is not the biggest model we tested, it is nonetheless fairly large. While the width or length cannot be helped, there are thankfully two ways to make the pressure washer height more amenable to storage. First, although the wand sticks out from the holster, it can be easily moved or set on top of the washer. Second, the ability to remove the handle shaves off about sixteen inches from the height, but that separated handle nonetheless remains a bit obtuse due to the attached wands.

Noise

Our noise metric, which constitutes 15% of our final score, is another place where the Greenworks PW-1800 performs acceptably. We measure each model's decibel output from immediately beside the washer and from twenty-five feet away.

The Greenworks PW-1800 falls below the decibel average of our tested models. From directly alongside the pressure washer, we received an average decibel count of 78.4; from twenty-five feet away, we recorded an average of 66.6 decibels. For reference, standing next to a vacuum cleaner produces the experience of hearing about 70 decibels. Although the Greenworks PW-1800 is a quieter model, our testing shows that the device does emit a high-pitched whine, which we found rather grating after extensive testing.

Ease of Use

The Greenworks PW-1800 performs best in our ease of use metric, which constitutes the last 10% of our final score. Being an electric pressure washer keeps the Greenworks PW-1800 from many of the frustrations of engine maintenance, and it offers a variety of onboard storage options for the hose and storage situation. However, the situation of a faulty connection did dampen the experience somewhat.

Hose and cord storage, which shockingly is not universal, is a great feature of the Greenworks PW-1800. The included 25-foot hose has a secure hook and loop strap that can be adjusted conveniently. Similarly, the 35-foot power cord has two plastic hooks of its own, one of which rotates to allow easy removal. The large onboard soap container does get in the way a little bit, but there is still more than enough room. The pressure washer's nozzle storage holds three nozzles, all of which slip on and off easily and conveniently don't get in the way. Lastly, with a wide base, the Greenworks PW-1800 securely remains in place, even after we yanked it around for a bit.

Poor hose connections really do the Greenworks PW-1800 a disservice. With no quick connections, the situation starts poorly and is exacerbated by cramped connection locations. To take on/off the pressure hose, we fumbled around at the back of the bottom of the pressure washer. The garden hose connection, while a little more comfortable, also suffers from the frame and pump housing cramping the space. Furthermore, while the Greenworks PW-1800 does come equipped with an onboard soap container with a large fill opening, its solid black exterior provides no way of knowing the amount available.

Value

The Greenworks PW-1800 is a lower-performing device, but that does not mean it cannot get the job done. Although it may require more time and effort, this device still performs all the necessary roles for which a pressure washer is required. We would be remiss in not pointing out that some of our other models performed better for lower prices, but likewise we would be at fault for not acknowledging that this washer still performs okay for many home and yard tasks.

Conclusion

While the Greenworks PW-1800 will most likely not be winning any awards, it is nonetheless a solid pressure washer on all accounts. The specific attention to hose and cord storage was a much-appreciated addition, and the convenience of an electric pressure washer cannot be understated. If you feel comfortable putting in the extra time and effort, the Greenworks PW-1800 will meet any around-the-house jobs.