A patio cleaner attachment is not a pressure washer. If you own no machine, start with a mains washer that can maintain useful flow across the whole terrace. For most UK homes, the Kärcher K4 Home kit is the sensible middle ground. If a working K-series washer is already in the shed, buy the T 5 attachment instead.
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Best patio pressure washers: quick picks
Best overall
Kärcher K4 WCM Flex Home
Enough pressure and flow for a typical UK patio, with the T 5 surface cleaner included.
Around £229
Best for large patios
Kärcher K5 Power Control Flex
More water flow, a longer hose and a faster clean across larger paved areas.
Around £340
Kärcher T 5 T-Racer
The economical choice if you already own a compatible K2–K7 Home & Garden washer.
Usually £55–£65
Kärcher T 7 Plus
A wider surface head with an additional edge-cleaning jet, intended for K4–K7 machines.
Usually from £75
Patio pressure washer comparison
| Model | Best for | Pressure / flow | Reach | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kärcher K4 WCM Flex Home | Most UK patios | Up to 130 bar / 420 L/h | 8 m hose | Washer, lances and T 5 surface cleaner |
| Kärcher K5 Power Control Flex | Large patios and driveways | Up to 145 bar / 500 L/h | 10 m hose | Washer and lances; confirm whether the selected kit includes a T 5 |
| Kärcher T 5 T-Racer | Existing K2–K7 owners | Uses the connected washer | 280 mm working width | Surface-cleaner attachment only |
| Kärcher T 7 Plus | Edges and larger paved areas | Uses the connected washer | 288 mm working width | Surface cleaner with edge and rinse jets |
1. Kärcher K4 WCM Flex Home: best overall
The K4 sits at the useful centre of the Kärcher range. It has enough flow to rinse loosened dirt away instead of repeatedly moving it around the slabs, while remaining easier to store and manoeuvre than a larger K5 or K7.
The Home package is the important detail. It pairs the washer with a T 5 surface head, keeping the rotating jets at a consistent distance from the stone and reducing splash against walls and doors. The 8 m flexible hose is long enough for most terraces if the machine starts near one corner.
Buy it for
- A normal small-to-medium UK patio
- One machine for slabs, furniture and cars
- A complete kit without buying a separate surface head
Skip it if
- You already own a working K4 or K5
- Your main job is a very large drive
- You have no outdoor tap or socket
2. Kärcher K5 Power Control Flex: best for large patios
The K5 earns its extra cost through water volume and reach. On a large terrace, 500 L/h clears dirty water more quickly and the 10 m hose reduces how often the machine needs moving. That matters more in practice than chasing the highest pressure number.
The standard Flex package may not include a surface cleaner, so compare it with the Home bundle or add a T 5 separately. If the same machine will also tackle a long paved drive, the upgrade becomes easier to justify. See our Kärcher K4 vs K5 comparison for the full trade-off.
Buy it for
- A large, shaded or heavily weathered patio
- A patio and a substantial driveway
- Longer reach with fewer machine moves
Skip it if
- Your patio is a small square or courtyard
- You only clean hard surfaces occasionally
- The K4 Home package already covers every job
3. Kärcher T 5 T-Racer: best if you own the washer
The T 5 uses two rotating flat jets beneath a plastic hood. It does not create pressure: it controls water from the washer you already own. That makes it the sensible purchase when a compatible Kärcher is already available.
A K2 can operate the head, but it will clean a green patio more slowly than a K4 or K5. Adjust the nozzle height for the surface and keep the head moving. Use a lance only for stubborn isolated patches, not as a pencil jet along every mortar joint.
4. Kärcher T 7 Plus: best for edges
The T 7 Plus adds a front jet for borders and awkward edges, reducing the strip that often needs finishing with a lance. It is useful on larger shaped patios but is not compatible with the smaller K2 and K3 machines.
Do not buy both T-Racers speculatively. For most patios, the T 5 is enough. Pay extra for the T 7 only when edge cleaning is a recurring nuisance or when its wider coverage materially shortens the job.
How much pressure does a patio need?
For patio cleaning, controllable pressure, adequate flow and a surface-cleaner attachment matter more than the largest bar figure printed on the box. Around 120–145 bar is ample for most domestic paving. More pressure does not compensate for a short hose, low flow or poor technique.
- Concrete and sound block paving: tolerate firmer cleaning, but avoid lingering over joints.
- Sandstone and older slabs: start gently and test an inconspicuous area.
- Porcelain: use controlled pressure and a suitable detergent; avoid damaged grout.
- Decking: reduce pressure and work with the grain. See our decking guide.
How to clean without damaging the patio
- Sweep away loose grit and move furniture before connecting the washer.
- Test the pressure on an inconspicuous slab.
- Work in overlapping passes with the surface head; do not hold it stationary.
- Keep a concentrated jet away from loose pointing and jointing sand.
- Rinse dirty water towards a drain rather than back over the cleaned area.
- Allow the paving to dry before deciding whether joints need refilling.
For setup, nozzle choice and winter storage, read how to use a pressure washer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best pressure washer for a patio?
For most UK homes, the Kärcher K4 Home is the best balance of flow, reach, price and included equipment. Choose a K5 for a substantially larger patio or driveway.
Is a patio cleaner attachment worth buying?
Yes, particularly for regular slab cleaning. It keeps the jets at a consistent height, reduces splash and is easier to use evenly than a narrow lance.
Will a surface cleaner remove weeds between slabs?
It cleans the face of the paving but is not a dedicated joint-weeding tool. Remove established weeds separately and avoid blasting loose pointing out with a concentrated jet.
Can I use a cordless pressure washer on a patio?
A cordless washer can rinse furniture and light surface dirt, but most handheld models lack the sustained pressure and flow required for a weathered patio. See our cordless pressure washer guide.
Is a K2 powerful enough for patio cleaning?
It can clean a small, lightly soiled area, particularly with a compatible surface head. A K4 is noticeably quicker and better suited to a typical full-size patio.
Related buying guides
Prices are indicative and can change. Check the retailer’s current package contents, compatibility and price before ordering.