Alfred Harper
Blast grime, not your wallet — which pocket‑sized washer wins under £100?
Blast grime, not your wallet. I want a washer that’s compact, simple and actually cleans. No fuss, no giant storage footprint.
I tested compact, trolley and cordless options against real jobs — cars, patios and fences. I’ll show which machines give the most cleaning power and the easiest experience for under £100.
Top Picks
Bosch EasyAquatak 110 Compact Washer
Well balanced between power, size and price; it cleans cars, fences and patios effectively without taking up much space. The accessory storage and detergent nozzle are practical touches that speed up real tasks.
Why I like it
I value the Bosch EasyAquatak 110 for its balance of performance and convenience. It’s one of the better compact models I’ve used — powerful enough for most domestic tasks while remaining easy to store and set up.
Features that matter
Practical insights and common feedback
Users routinely praise how quick it is to get running and how effective the pressure is on everyday dirt. One consistent caveat is with the round patio cleaner — it can flip on uneven surfaces because the whole unit is lightweight. If you mainly need a washer for cars, fences or occasional patio cleaning, this model hits a very practical sweet spot.
Final thoughts
I recommend this if you want a compact, reliable washer with useful detergent features. For regular heavy-duty cleaning, step up to a larger machine, but for the majority of domestic cleaning needs this is a sensible and well-rounded choice.
Nilfisk C110.7-5 Mini Power Washer
A compact, well-made washer that feels robust for home use and is particularly handy for car cleaning and patios. The trolley style makes moving it around straightforward and the accessory range is useful.
What it’s best for
I consider this Nilfisk model a dependable home washer: compact enough for storage, but with build quality that leans towards longer life compared with some budget alternatives. It’s a solid pick for car owners and homeowners who want a reliable mid-strength cleaner.
Features worth noting
Practical experience and cautions
Feedback and my own use suggest it’s effective and durable, but as with many electrically-driven washers, motor brushes can wear over long periods — a repair that’s possible but worth considering for heavy users. Users sometimes want longer hose/cable lengths; if you have large gardens, plan for extension solutions.
Bottom line
I’d recommend this Nilfisk model for anyone seeking a robust, easy-to-use home pressure washer that balances mobility and performance well, and who prefers established build quality in their equipment.
Kärcher K3 Classic Standard Washer
A reliable option if you want more capability than the smallest models without paying for professional equipment. The longer hose and familiar Karcher accessories make many jobs simpler.
Who should consider it
I recommend this unit to homeowners who want a dependable all-round machine for regular domestic cleaning — cars, decking and patios — but don’t need professional-grade power. It sits neatly between the smallest entry-level washers and more powerful home models.
Useful features
Limitations and user tips
If you expect heavy, frequent commercial use you should look at more powerful or commercial-grade machines. Also, some connectors are plastic and can be fragile; I advise treating connections carefully and keeping spare clips or connectors on hand. For typical domestic workloads this unit is a practical, user-friendly choice.
Practical note
If you value a recognizable brand and easy-to-source accessories, this model offers a strong combination of performance and convenience.
Kärcher K2 Classic Compact Washer
A compact, user-friendly machine that handles light garden and car cleaning tasks with surprising efficiency. It’s ideal if you need a low-cost, easy-to-store washer for occasional use.
Overview
I find this unit to be a very practical option if you want a no-fuss, small pressure washer for occasional jobs. It targets light-to-moderate dirt on patios, garden furniture and cars without the bulk or cost of larger machines.
Key features and how they help
Real-world use and limitations
I used this style of compact washer for patios and vehicle cleaning and it performed well for those tasks. Because it’s aimed at occasional users, you should expect plastic clips and connectors that can be more fragile than those on professional units — treat them gently during assembly and connection. A common user workaround is to add an extra metre or use a longer lance if you find yourself bending too much during cleaning.
Verdict and practical tips
I recommend this if you need a reliable starter washer that won’t dominate your shed space. For best results, ensure a steady water supply and avoid over-tightening plastic fittings; consider a straight coupling adaptor if you want to extend reach or replace fragile connectors before heavy use.
Kärcher K3 Classic Home Kit Washer
This model brings longer hose length and a surface cleaner in a compact package, making it better suited to larger domestic areas. It’s a solid mid-range unit but costs more than other budget washers.
Positioning and purpose
I see this as a practical upgrade from the smallest entry-level washers: it’s designed for homeowners who want a more capable tool for patios, driveways and vehicle cleaning without stepping up to heavy prosumer equipment.
Notable kit items and benefits
Limitations and user considerations
Although it’s more capable than entry-level units, this model is priced higher than many of the other washers typically classed under £100. I’d advise buyers to weigh the extra reach and included accessories against the increase in cost. Like many household pressure washers, small plastic parts (pins/clips) can feel vulnerable — handle with care and keep spares in mind.
Practical tip
If you frequently clean larger areas, the extended hose and surface cleaner will save time. If you only do occasional light cleaning, you may not notice the benefit enough to justify the higher price.
Litheli 20V Cordless Portable Washer
Convenient cordless operation makes this a good solution for quick washes and locations without a garden tap. Battery life and water supply management are the two aspects to plan for when using it.
Why choose a cordless washer
I see cordless washers like this one as convenience tools — ideal when mains water or a long hose is impractical. They’re particularly useful for motorbikes, small cars, balconies or remote garden areas.
What the unit offers
Practical considerations from use
Battery life is the key constraint: on high-power modes runtime is noticeably shorter, so I often use a lower setting to stretch a charge and complete tasks. Also, if you’re using bucket-fed water, keep the feed line secured to prevent floating or air ingestion — simple clips or clamps work well as user-supplied fixes.
Final assessment
I recommend this if you prioritise portability and convenience over raw power. For spot jobs and occasional mobile cleaning it’s very helpful; for heavy-duty regular cleaning you’ll want a mains-powered unit instead.
Makita-Compatible 18V Cordless Handheld Washer
A handy, lightweight cordless option if you already own Makita batteries or want a small handheld washer. Users report good short-term performance but occasional nozzle failures under heavier use.
Why this appeals
I like this type of Makita-compatible washer for quick, mobile cleaning tasks — for example, washing a car on a driveway without a long hose run, or cleaning garden furniture. If you have Makita batteries already, it’s a low-cost way to gain cordless capability.
Functional highlights
Reliability and user experience
There are positive reports about convenience and cleaning performance, but some users note the nozzle can break after moderate use. I suggest treating plastic threaded parts with care, avoid over-tightening and keep spare nozzles in mind if you plan regular use.
Who should buy
If mobility and compatibility with an 18V platform are priorities, this is a sensible buy. For heavy-duty or frequent tasks you’ll want a more robust, mains-powered machine.
1600W Portable High-Pressure Jet Washer
Delivers strong pressure for a low price, making it attractive for tougher dirt removal. However, reports of early failures mean you should check warranty and returns policies before purchase.
What it aims to be
This model pitches aggressive specifications at a budget price, offering higher wattage and pressure figures than many other units in the same price bracket. I appreciate the value proposition, but quality consistency is the deciding factor.
Notable inclusions and appeal
Durability and buyer cautions
Some buyers report excellent performance, while others experienced failures on first use. For that reason I advise confirming the seller’s returns policy and warranty before committing. If you do buy, test the washer thoroughly within the returns window and keep packaging in case a return is needed.
Practical recommendation
If you want maximum power for a tight budget and are prepared to accept some risk, this could be a good short-term solution. If you’d rather a more reliable long-term machine, consider more established brands even if they cost a bit more.
24V Dual-Battery Cordless Pressure Washer
Extremely affordable and highly portable — good for quick cleaning jobs, mobility scooters and remote use. Don’t expect strong pressure for heavy-duty cleaning and check battery reliability on arrival.
Position and intended use
I regard this as a budget cordless tool aimed at light, portable cleaning tasks — things like mobility scooters, garden furniture, or quick car rinses when mains water isn’t convenient. The included dual batteries are attractive for the price point.
What you get and how to use it
Limitations and practical notes
Expect modest pressure and flow compared with mains washers; if you need to remove deeply embedded dirt or clean large areas, this unit will be slow. Some users reported a faulty battery in the pack — check batteries on first charge and keep spare cells in mind if you plan multiple sessions.
Overall view
I recommend this only if you need the absolute minimum investment for portable cleaning and accept the performance trade-offs. For light, occasional jobs it’s a cost-effective option, but for regular or heavy cleaning look at stronger mains-powered alternatives.
Final Thoughts
I recommend the Bosch EasyAquatak 110 Compact Washer as my top pick. It offers the best balance of power, size and practical extras (accessory storage and a detergent nozzle). If you need a small, efficient machine that handles cars, fences and patios without taking up much space, go Bosch — it delivers reliable cleaning and neat storage.
If you prioritise mobility around the house, choose the Nilfisk C110.7-5 Mini Power Washer. Its built‑in trolley and robust feel make it easier to move between the car, patio and garden taps. I pick Nilfisk as the runner‑up for users who value effortless transport and a slightly more rugged build.
Both choices give strong cleaning for typical domestic jobs and represent the clearest value among the compact washers in this roundup.
Curious — does anyone know the actual hose length on the Karcher K 3 Classic Home? I’m considering it for deck cleaning but not sure if the hose will reach around the whole patio without moving the machine.
Also, for decks, would you use the dirt blaster or invest in a surface cleaner attachment? I’ve read surface cleaners make a huge difference for even results.