Craftsman Cold Water Pressure Washer

A pressure washer can be an invaluable tool for a variety of cleaning tasks, from scrubbing down your patio to giving your car a thorough wash. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out Craftsman's CMCPW1500N2 cold water pressure washer, and I was keen to see how it would perform both at home and on the go. This compact, cordless pressure washer boasts a range of features designed to make cleaning easier and more efficient. Here's my detailed review based on my hands-on experience.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this Craftsman pressure washer was its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just 32.5 pounds, it's significantly lighter than many other models on the market. The unit is equipped with wheels and a telescoping handle, making it easy to maneuver around various cleaning sites. This portability is a huge plus, especially if you need to transport the washer to different locations, such as an RV park or a boat dock.

The unit also features onboard storage for accessories, which helps keep everything organized and within reach. The construction feels solid and durable, with the Weatherguard technology providing added protection against moisture and dust. Overall, the design is user-friendly, and the build quality inspires confidence that this tool will stand up to regular use.

Performance

Performance-wise, the Craftsman CMCPW1500N2 delivers a maximum pressure of 1,500 PSI and a flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute. While this might not be the most powerful pressure washer available, it’s more than adequate for most household tasks. I used it to clean my car, wash down my patio, and even tackle some stubborn grime on the exterior of my house. In each case, the washer performed admirably, cutting through dirt and grime with ease.

One of the standout features is the brushless motor, which not only enhances performance but also extends the tool's runtime. I found that the two included 9.0Ah batteries lasted around 60 minutes on a full charge, which was sufficient for most of my cleaning tasks. The boost button, which provides an extra eight minutes of high-pressure cleaning, was particularly useful for tackling tougher jobs. However, it’s worth noting that the boost mode does require a cooldown period before it can be used again.

Versatility

One of the most impressive aspects of this pressure washer is its versatility. The self-priming feature allows you to draw water from any fresh water source, such as a lake, pond, or even a bucket. This makes the tool incredibly versatile, especially if you’re working in areas without easy access to a garden hose. I found this feature particularly useful when cleaning my RV and boat dock, where a traditional water supply wasn’t available.

The pressure washer comes with four spray tips, a high-pressure hose, a suction hose, and a soap bottle. The quick-connect system for the spray tips makes it easy to switch between different nozzles, allowing you to adjust the spray pattern and pressure to suit the task at hand. I found the soap bottle to be particularly effective when used with a foam cannon for car washing.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Craftsman pressure washer was a breeze. It was nearly ready to use right out of the box, and the manual was straightforward and easy to follow. The inclusion of two chargers for the batteries is a thoughtful touch, as it allows you to charge both batteries simultaneously, minimizing downtime.

Operating the pressure washer is equally simple. The controls are intuitive, and the unit starts up quickly with the push of a button. The lack of a power cord eliminates the risk of electrocution and makes the tool even more convenient to use. I appreciated the relatively quiet operation compared to gas-powered models, making it more pleasant to use for extended periods.

Limitations

While the Craftsman CMCPW1500N2 has many strengths, it’s not without its limitations. The 1,500 PSI pressure is sufficient for most household tasks but may fall short for more demanding jobs. I noticed a drop in performance when trying to clean surfaces at higher elevations or over large areas, such as my pool deck. The boost mode helps, but its limited runtime and cooldown requirement can be a bit of a hindrance.

Another minor inconvenience is the battery compartment lid, which doesn’t stay open on its own. This makes it a bit tricky to install or remove the batteries, especially if you’re in a hurry. However, these are relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of things and don’t significantly detract from the overall functionality of the tool.

Conclusion

In summary, the Craftsman CMCPW1500N2 cold water pressure washer is a versatile, easy-to-use, and highly portable cleaning tool. Its compact design, brushless motor, and self-priming feature make it a standout choice for a variety of household and off-grid cleaning tasks. While it may not have the highest pressure on the market, it strikes a good balance between power and convenience.

I would highly recommend this pressure washer for anyone looking for a reliable and portable solution for their cleaning needs. Its versatility and ease of use make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from car washing to patio cleaning and beyond. If you’re in the market for a pressure washer that combines performance, portability, and convenience, the Craftsman CMCPW1500N2 is certainly worth considering.