DeWALT DWPW2400 Review

Performance Comparison

Cleaning

Pressure washers are meant to clean things with minimal fuss, so each washer's scores in this metric account for 45% of their total score. To test the cleaning power of each machine, we measured their cleaning units, tested their strength by pushing a bocce ball out of a chute using, and examined how well they cleaned a charcoal-covered carpet.

Measuring the pressure, these washers exert starts with an inline pressure gauge, which reads how much pressure the water exerts per square inch (PSI). Then we measure how many gallons of water it expels in a minute (GMP). Multiplying those numbers gives you the washer's cleaning units, telling you both how much power it has and how much water it provides to wash the dirt away.

The DeWalt did not impress, despite its three high-quality nozzles, which spray with 15, 25, and 40-degree spreads. The smaller the degree, the more focused and powerful the water spray.

Its 15-degree nozzle has a PSI of 1900. Its GPM is 1.08. That comes out to 2,053 cleaning units, which is about average for the test. But the best units are almost three times higher. (The 25 and 40-degree nozzles have a PSI of 1,100 and also shoot out about 1.1 gallons a minute for 1,210 Cleaning Units.)

As a second check of each machine's power, we used each to power a bocce ball up a 24-degree wooden ramp (using the 15-degree nozzle). The DeWalt managed to muscle the bocce ball 4 feet up the ramp. That's about average for the testing fleet but is just over half as powerful as the top options we tested.

We also tested how well it cleaned an activated charcoal-covered carpet. We weren't impressed. Though we appreciate the high-quality nozzles, the machine just doesn't have the power to clean quickly. It took us longer than most of the other models to finish the job.

If you want to add soap, there is a moderately sized onboard container that is easy to fill. We like it better and find it simpler to use than nozzle attachments. Overall, we find the DeWalt DWPW2400's cleaning prowess underwhelming compared to top performers. It's not the worst, but it's definitely not the best.

Portability

Among the washers we've reviewed, the DeWalt is slightly more portable than average. Its two large, treaded rubber wheels and a well-placed handle make it easy to pull around on any terrain you're likely to encounter.

That's a big plus since many options we tested come with plastic wheels, which are often less capable, durable, and have less traction than rubber. The handle is situated at a convenient height, and the machine is just as easy to push as it is to pull. (Though we prefer pulling it.)

On the downside, at just over 50 pounds, it is heavy. We do not like lifting this machine. That makes it less enticing to heft into your car for mobile jobs — or if you need to store it somewhere like a basement. So, despite how easy it is to roll around, Its weight drug down its overall portability performance.

We also don't appreciate that the wand refuses to stay put in its built-in storage clip. We constantly put it back in its place as we rolled the washer around. And while this electric machine is smaller than the gas-powered options, it's still larger than average among the options we tested. Still, with its vertical orientation, handy kickstand, and easy-to-roll tires, we don't struggle to find a corner to stash it.

Noise

These machines make a lot of noise, and this one is no exception. It's one thing to say this machine is loud; it's another to measure the decibel levels that register in the human ear (dBas) and compare them to the other washers. To do this, we set up a sound pressure level (SPL) meter right beside each machine while it was running, and then again 25 feet away.

When you stand directly beside this machine, you'll hear 84.8 dBa. From 25 feet, you'll register 66.9 dBa. Both results are about average for the test. But 85 dBa is loud. Seventy is equivalent to a vacuum cleaner, and the best options register around 70 dBa close up and nearer to 60 dBa, or about as loud as a conversation from 25 feet away. Trust us; it's a meaningful difference.

That said, the compressor stops running when it's not in immediate use. This is common among electric models, presumably to save battery power. We appreciate how much that does to save our hearing as well.

Ease of Use

The DeWalt earns its highest marks in this metric, coming in respectably above average. Since this metric is worth a scant 10% of the final score, its skill here didn't pull it up by much in the rankings. After all, if it doesn't clean very well, it doesn't matter much how easy it is to use.

The washer doesn't include any quick connect fittings, which are adapters that allow you to plug the pressure washer's hose into the machine. They also reduce wear and tear on connection points, which reduces leaks over time. That said, the garden hose connection point is easy to access on the side of the machine, which is a big win.

The pressure washer's hose is 25 feet, 4 inches long. It's stiff and somewhat unruly, which is common among the hoses that come standard with these machines. It comes with a velcro loop to keep it stored on the pack of the machine, which works to keep the hose secure and out of the way.

The 35-foot, 4-inch long power chord gives you a good amount of room to work within, and there is a storage space to wrap it around within the body of the machine. The wrap is a little loose, but it works.

Where all of the electric models shine, is in their relative lack of maintenance needs. Whereas gas-powered machines need oil, gas, oil changes, and tune-ups, you just have to plug this one in.

Value

In our opinion, the DeWalt DWPW2400 does not offer a great value. It comes with a top-tier price tag without the performance to match. There are better options for less money.

Conclusion