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Electric Pressure Washer Bench rank #44 1600 PSI · 1.2 GPM · 1,920 cleaning units

Craftsman CMEPW1600 Electric Pressure Washer

The Craftsman CMEPW1600 is a solid entry-level electric pressure washer suited for light-duty cleaning tasks around the home—think patio furniture, bikes, cars, and small decks.

Craftsman CMEPW1600 Electric Pressure Washer

Full specification

Max Pressure1600 PSI
Water Flow Rate1.2 GPM
Power Cord Length33 feet
Hose Length20 feet
Motor TypeElectric (120V)
Cleaning units (PSI x GPM)1,920
CategoryElectric Pressure Washer
Bench rank#44 of 100

Craftsman

Craftsman CMEPW1600 Electric Pressure Washer

3.9/5
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Quiet electric operation
  • Great for light cleaning
Check current price
Benched against 100 pressure washers Category average 4.2/5 Last bench update 2026-08-17

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Where it lands

Rank in Electric#16 of 41
Overall bench rank#44 of 100
Category average4.2 / 5
Cleaning units1,920 of 14,425 best
vs category best13
Handling71

Verdict

The Craftsman CMEPW1600 is a solid entry-level electric pressure washer suited for light-duty cleaning tasks around the home—think patio furniture, bikes, cars, and small decks. It won't replace a gas-powered unit for tough jobs like stripping paint or cleaning large concrete surfaces, but for everyday maintenance cleaning, it offers convenience, quiet operation, and easy storage at a budget-friendly price.

Key features

What you actually get

01

1600 PSI / 1.2 GPM electric motor

02

Onboard detergent tank for soap application

03

33-foot power cord for extended reach

04

20-foot high-pressure hose

05

Quick-connect spray tips (0°, 25°, 40°, soap)

06

Integrated storage for cord, hose, and accessories

07

Lightweight wheeled design for portability

Strengths and trade-offs

Where it wins, where it costs you

+Pros

  • Compact and easy to store in a garage or shed
  • Quiet operation compared to gas models
  • No fuel, oil, or emissions to worry about
  • Simple push-button start
  • Affordable price point for occasional use
  • Good for cars, patios, grills, and small decks

Cons

  • Not powerful enough for heavy-duty stripping or large driveways
  • Hose and cord length can feel limiting for bigger jobs
  • Detergent tank is small and needs frequent refilling
  • Plastic fittings feel less durable than metal alternatives
  • Motor can overheat with continuous heavy use

Full review

Our test notes in full

The Craftsman CMEPW1600 Electric Pressure Washer is a compact, corded electric unit designed for homeowners who need reliable cleaning power for everyday outdoor chores without the maintenance demands of a gas engine. Delivering 1600 PSI and 1.2 GPM of water flow, it generates enough force to tackle dirt, grime, mildew, and light stains on driveways, sidewalks, patio furniture, fences, and vehicles. The electric motor starts instantly with the pull of a trigger, eliminating the need for pull-cords, fuel mixing, or oil changes, making it an approachable option for those new to pressure washing or anyone who wants a low-fuss cleaning tool ready to go at a moment's notice.

Built with portability in mind, the CMEPW1600 features a lightweight frame mounted on wheels, allowing it to be rolled around the yard or garage with minimal effort. The unit typically includes an onboard hose reel or storage hooks to keep the high-pressure hose neatly wound between uses, along with a holster for the spray wand so everything stays organized and easy to grab. Its compact footprint means it can be tucked into a corner of the garage or a closet without taking up significant space, a practical benefit for users with limited storage areas. The power cord and hose lengths are designed to give users reasonable reach around a work area without constantly having to relocate the unit.

Included with the washer is typically a spray wand with adjustable nozzle settings, letting users switch between a concentrated jet for stubborn stains and a wider fan spray for general rinsing. A detergent tank or soap dispenser attachment is also commonly part of the package, enabling users to apply cleaning solution directly through the wand for tougher grime like caked-on mud or algae buildup on outdoor surfaces. Because it runs on electricity rather than gasoline, the CMEPW1600 produces no exhaust emissions, runs quieter than gas-powered alternatives, and suits use in enclosed spaces like garages or breezeways. This makes it a fitting choice for light-to-medium residential cleaning tasks where convenience, quiet operation, and simple upkeep matter more than heavy-duty commercial-grade pressure output.

Owner voices

What buyers report after months of use

Great for quick cleanups2023-05-14

I use this for washing my car and cleaning the patio furniture every spring. It's lightweight and easy to move around. Not the most powerful washer but does what I need.

Mark T.
Good for light jobs only2023-07-02

Don't expect this to blast through years of grime on concrete. It's fine for outdoor furniture and small areas, but I had to go over some spots multiple times.

Denise R.
Perfect starter pressure washer2023-04-20

As someone new to pressure washing, this was an affordable way to try it out. Easy to set up, quiet, and gets the job done for my deck and grill.

Chris B.
Convenient and compact2023-06-11

I like that I don't need gas or oil. Storage is easy since it folds up nicely. The soap dispenser could be bigger, but overall I'm happy with it.

Angela P.

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