DeWalt 2100 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer

Why I reached for the DeWalt 2100

I picked up the DeWalt 2100 because I needed a compact, no-fuss washer I could toss in a hatchback, store on a shelf, and roll around a tight patio without wrestling a gas engine. On paper, 2,100 psi at 1.2 gpm isn’t headline-grabbing, but after a few weekends cleaning a deck, pavers, vinyl siding, and a couple of cars, it’s clear this little electric unit is built around practicality rather than raw muscle.

Setup and first use

Out of the box, assembly is straightforward: attach the high-pressure hose, click in a nozzle, connect a garden hose, and you’re in business. One note on the connections: they’re tight and a little particular. If you rush the threads or don’t line up square, you’ll feel resistance that can turn into a cross-thread or a stubborn fitting. Take the extra second to seat the fittings properly, and you’ll avoid most headaches.

The 25 ft hose is kink-resistant, which is true in use, but it has some coil memory when new. After a couple of sessions laid flat in the sun, it relaxed and behaved. The 35 ft power cord is generous and spared me from running an extension cord in most scenarios.

Portability and storage

Portability is where the DeWalt 2100 stands out. At roughly 24 lb, it’s light enough to one-hand off a shelf. The retractable handle and small wheels make it easy to tow, and there are multiple grab points that make lifting in and out of a trunk a non-event. The self-contained frame stacks cleanly and stores either vertically or horizontally. I was able to tuck it under a workbench and also stack bins on top without fuss.

Onboard storage is genuinely useful. The wand, hose, and cord all have dedicated spots, and the nozzles snap into a holder. If you’re rolling across bumpy ground, the spare nozzles can shake loose, so I usually pocket the ones I’m not using or tuck them deeper into the storage to be safe. Still, the “everything-in-one-box” concept is executed well.

Nozzles and detergent

You get four nozzles: 15°, 40°, soap, and a turbo nozzle. The turbo nozzle is the one I reach for on concrete and pavers—it turns the stream into a rotating point for faster cutting. It worked well on my driveway, but it’s sensitive to pressure consistency. If you feather the trigger or your water supply fluctuates, the spin can stall and shoot a straight stream. Keep the trigger pinned and water supply steady for best results.

The removable soap tank is simple and effective. I like that it’s integrated and easy to pull off, rinse, and stash. For vehicles, I used the soap nozzle to lay down detergent, then followed up with the 40° tip. It’s not a foam cannon, but for general cleaning it’s perfectly serviceable and, importantly, didn’t leak.

Cleaning performance

Numbers rarely tell the whole story, but they set expectations: 2,100 psi at 1.2 gpm means you’re getting decent pressure with modest flow. In practical terms:

• Decking: Using the 15° tip, I lifted gray weathering and algae without shredding softwood fibers. On stubborn spots, a second pass was needed, and the turbo nozzle sped things up on high-traffic areas.
• Pavers and concrete: The turbo nozzle cut a clean path, though your pace is slower than with higher-flow machines. For a one-car driveway or a set of steps, it’s great. For a four-car driveway, you’ll get there—just plan for more time.
• Siding: The 40° tip kept things under control, and the lower flow reduces the chance of forcing water where it doesn’t belong. It’s a smart match for vinyl and painted surfaces.
• Vehicles: Plenty of pressure for pre-rinse and general washing. The limited flow means rinsing takes longer than with a higher-gpm unit, but it’s safe and predictable.

The motor cycles on only when you squeeze the trigger, so idle time is quiet and stress on the pump is reduced. I didn’t experience pressure fade over typical 30–40 minute sessions, though like most consumer axial-cam pumps, it’s happiest with intermittent duty rather than hours-long continuous blasting.

Ergonomics and noise

The spray gun and wand feel solid, with a trigger that’s smooth and not fatiguing. Overall balance is good. Noise is a strong point: it’s considerably quieter than a comparable gas washer, and conversation-level work is realistic. Neighbors won’t hate you.

The wheels are small—fine on patios, decks, and paved drives, but they’ll chatter on gravel. The handle locks in place securely and retracts smoothly. There’s a bit of play in the telescoping mechanism, which I could feel when dragging it up a couple of steps, but nothing that affected use.

Build quality and care

The frame feels sturdy, and the layout protects the pump and fittings fairly well. The water inlet protrudes just enough that you can bump it if you’re careless; I treated it gently and added a quick-connect at the garden hose to reduce thread wear and stress. That’s my usual move with any washer and worth doing here.

Maintenance is simple: purge pressure after use, drain the hose, clear the nozzle or inline screen if you see a pressure drop, and store the machine dry. If you live where it freezes, run pump saver or at least ensure the pump is fully drained before winter storage.

What I liked

• Compact, stackable form factor that genuinely saves space and transports easily
• Useful onboard storage for the hose, wand, cord, and nozzles
• Long 35 ft power cord plus a manageable 25 ft hose
• Quiet operation with on-demand motor; easy to use around the house
• Good nozzle set, including a turbo tip that meaningfully boosts cutting on concrete
• Removable soap tank that’s simple to fill and clean
• CETA certification and a 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind

Where it could be better

• The turbo nozzle is sensitive to pressure fluctuations; it works best at full, steady trigger with a good water supply
• Threaded connections are fussy if you rush them—take care to avoid cross-threading
• Small wheels aren’t ideal off pavement
• Nozzle holders can let spares rattle out during transport; stash them before rolling over rough ground
• The hose is kink-resistant but has coil memory when new

Who it’s for

If you’re a homeowner with decks, patios, pavers, siding, or vehicles to clean, and you value compact storage and low noise, the DeWalt 2100 hits a sweet spot. It’s especially appealing if you need to transport it in a small vehicle or store it in a tight space. If you routinely strip huge driveways, refurbish fences by the acre, or need commercial-duty runtime and flow, you’ll want a higher-gpm unit—often a gas washer—in the 2.3–2.8 gpm range.

Value

You’re paying for a well-thought-out package more than headline specs. The combination of stable pressure, a practical nozzle set, quiet operation, and genuinely smart storage/transport features makes it easy to live with. The 3-year limited warranty and CETA certification add confidence.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 2100 for homeowners and light-duty jobsite users who prioritize portability, storage, and low-noise operation over maximum speed. It’s compact, thoughtfully designed, and capable of tackling the common exterior cleaning tasks most people face—decks, pavers, siding, and vehicles—without the hassle of gas engines or bulky frames. If your workload is occasional to moderate and you value a tidy, all-in-one package that’s easy to stow and move, this is a smart, reliable choice. If you need to cover large areas quickly or want heavy-duty, all-day performance, step up to a higher-flow machine; otherwise, this one gets the job done with far less drama.