Why We Don’t Recommend Battery-Powered Pressure Washers (5 Disadvantages)

At first glance, battery-powered pressure washers seem like a smart choice. No cords. Lightweight. Easy to move around.

But here’s the truth: they’re not built for serious cleaning.

As professionals who’ve been power washing homes and driveways in Morris County for over 50 years, we’ve tried them all—gas, electric, and battery. And when it comes to real cleaning power, battery models just don’t measure up.

Let’s break it down.

1. They Cost More Than You’d Expect

Battery-powered pressure washers often cost $250 to $400, especially if you need extra batteries or a fast charger.

Meanwhile, good electric models cost less—and deliver better results.

🧾 Real Example:

One of our team members bought a cordless washer on sale for $250. After adding a second battery and charger, the final cost hit $425.

That’s more than a solid electric washer—and close to the price of a commercial-grade gas unit.

2. The Battery Dies Fast

Most cordless pressure washers run for 20 to 45 minutes per charge. That might be fine for washing a bike or lawn chair, but not your driveway or siding.

Charging takes 2 to 4 hours unless you pay extra for a fast charger. And even then, you’ll need a spare battery to finish bigger jobs.

🔋 One Local Story:

A homeowner in Randolph tried to clean her patio. Halfway through, the battery died. She waited two hours for a recharge—then gave up and called us.

3. They Don’t Clean Deep Dirt

Battery-powered models usually have 800 to 1,500 PSI (pounds per square inch). That’s fine for rinsing off light dust—but not for:

• Mold or mildew on siding

• Grease on driveways

• Dirt in brick or concrete

By comparison:

• Electric models: 1,800 to 2,800 PSI

• Gas models: 2,500 to 4,000+ PSI

We tested a cordless unit side-by-side with our pro equipment. The battery model barely cleaned a fence panel. Ours cleaned the whole fence in 10 minutes.

4. You’ll Deal With Battery Wear and Maintenance

Over time, batteries lose strength. Most last 500–1,000 charges—and replacements cost $70 to $150.

Plus, these washers still need:

• Nozzle cleaning

• Hose checks

• Pump care

So while they seem “low maintenance,” they’re not worry-free.

5. They’re Not Always Safe or Durable

Storing batteries in hot places like sheds or garages can ruin them. Wet conditions can also lead to shock risks if the washer isn’t sealed properly.

🔧 What We’ve Seen:

One Denville customer’s washer wouldn’t turn on after summer. The battery had overheated in storage—making it unsafe to use.

Battery units are also mostly plastic. Drop it once, and you could crack the housing or damage the motor.

Quick Comparison: Battery vs Electric vs Gas

Feature	Battery	Electric (Corded)	Gas
Pressure (PSI)	800–1,500	1,800–2,800	2,500–4,000+
Run Time	20–45 mins	Unlimited	Unlimited
Maintenance	Medium	Low	High
Weight	Light	Medium	Heavy
Ideal Use	Light rinses	Home cleaning	Heavy-duty cleaning

Who Should Use a Battery Pressure Washer?

They can be useful if:

• You live in an apartment or condo

• You only clean small items like bikes or grills

• You need something lightweight and portable

But for most Morris County homeowners? Battery-powered units just don’t cut it.

If you want to clean:

• Driveways

• Decks

• Siding

• Stone or brick

...you’ll need more pressure and longer run time than a cordless unit can give.

Already Own One? Here’s How to Make It Work

If you already have a battery-powered washer, follow these tips:

• Buy a spare battery to avoid delays

• Use narrow nozzles (15°–25°) to increase pressure

• Work in small sections to save battery life

• Store batteries inside, away from heat

• Recharge before they fully die to protect lifespan

What Morris County Homeowners Say

Jim from Parsippany told us:

“I tried using a battery washer on my driveway. Didn’t work. I had to rent a gas one the next day.”

Sara in Morristown said:

“It’s fine for my patio furniture. But for the big jobs, I call Burrini and Sons.”

Our Honest Recommendation

Battery pressure washers may look great on the shelf—but they’re limited in real-world use.

If you:

• Only clean light dirt

• Need something lightweight

• Have a small space

Then they can work—just know the tradeoffs.

But if you want a powerful, lasting clean? Go with a strong electric unit or leave it to the pros.

Need a Professional Clean? Call Us.

At Burrini and Sons, we’ve helped families across Morris County for over 50 years. We use commercial-grade pressure washers that remove mold, dirt, grease—you name it.

No weak sprays. No battery delays.

We show up ready to get the job done right—the first time.

So, if you're tired of charging batteries and getting half-results, give us a call. We'll handle the mess so you can enjoy the clean.

Burrini and Sons – Trusted for Pressure Washing in Morris County.

Because sometimes, cleaning should be simple. Contact Us Now.