DeWalt 2800 PSI 1.0 GPM Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer w/ Axial Pump

Why I reached for this electric washer

I had a stretch of projects that spanned a little bit of everything—siding with a light film of mildew, a composite deck that needed a refresh, a two‑car driveway with some winter grime, and a dusty SUV. I wanted something quieter and easier to live with than a gas unit, but still capable of real cleaning. That’s what pushed me to the DeWalt 2800 PSI electric pressure washer. On paper, it’s an intriguing mix: a 120 V brushless induction motor, a professional axial cam pump rated for 500 hours, and a compact, wheeled frame. In use, it largely hits the notes I hoped for, with some clear limits anybody coming from a higher‑flow gas machine should understand.

Setup, build, and first impressions

Out of the box, assembly was quick—attach the handle, wheels, hose, and wand, and it’s ready. The frame is stout and stable, and at 42.5 lb it’s light enough to lift into a trunk but hefty enough not to skate around when you squeeze the trigger. The 7.5 in never‑flat wheels roll fine across grass and gravel; they’re not oversized, but the balance is good.

Most electric washers in this class use universal motors that whine and feel buzzy. This one runs a brushless induction motor, and the difference is obvious. It’s smoother, notably quieter, and much less fatiguing to stand next to for an hour. The GFCI plug is built in, and you get a 35 ft power cord matched to a 35 ft high‑pressure hose—70 ft of reach before you even pick up an extension cord. The polyurethane hose is kink‑resistant and had minimal coil memory after a couple of uses.

The included accessories are basic but complete: 0°, 15°, and 40° quick‑connect tips, plus a low‑pressure soap nozzle, a lance, and a built‑in detergent tank. The gun feels middle‑of‑the‑road; not premium, not flimsy. Trigger pull was light enough for longer sessions.

Performance: pressure vs. flow, and what that means

The headline numbers are 2800 PSI at 1.0 GPM. That’s a lot of pressure for a 120 V tool, but the low flow rate tells the real story. Cleaning speed is as much about how fast you can flush debris as it is about how hard the water hits. Against a gas machine at 2.3–2.5 GPM, this unit cleans more slowly, even if the spray has good bite.

• Driveway: With the 15° tip, it lifted grime and algae staining on broom‑finished concrete with steady, patient passes. Pre‑treating greasy spots helped, but oil staining and deeply embedded mildew remained a multi‑pass affair. If you’re expecting to restore a heavily neglected driveway in a single afternoon, you’ll wish for more flow. A rotary/turbo nozzle (not included) would be a smart add‑on here.

• Decking: This is a sweet spot. With the 40° tip and the pressure held 12–18 inches off the surface, it cleaned composite boards and weathered cedar without chewing up fibers. The built‑in soap tank is handy for a mild detergent pre‑wash; just understand the soap nozzle switches to low pressure, so it’s for application rather than agitation.

• Siding: Vinyl and fiber cement siding came clean quickly with the 40° tip. The lower flow is actually a positive here—it’s easier to avoid forcing water behind laps or into gaps. I kept the wand angled down and worked from the bottom up for detergent, top down for rinse.

• Vehicles: With the 40° tip, it’s excellent for a rinse and a basic wash. The onboard soap tank won’t give you foamy “shaving cream” suds; it’s a simple low‑pressure draw. If thick foam is a priority, an aftermarket foam cannon will work but will be flow‑limited.

The 0° tip has more than enough cutting power to etch wood and mark concrete if you get too close. I only used it for pinpoint work on rust staining and tight corners.

Ergonomics, noise, and runtime

The induction motor is the star for user experience. Noise is low enough that you can have a conversation while working, and there’s very little vibration transmitted through the wand. I ran it for extended sessions without trips or thermal cutouts. The 35 ft hose is a nice quality‑of‑life upgrade compared to the 20–25 ft hoses you often get; less dragging the machine around the yard.

Hose management is better than average: the polyurethane jacket resists kinks and lays flat after a few uses. I’d still love a swivel on the gun end to keep the hose from twisting—an easy upgrade later.

Electrical realities

At roughly 15 amps under load, this washer is near the limit of a standard 120 V, 15 A household circuit. A dedicated circuit is ideal. If you must use an extension cord, make it a heavy 12‑gauge (short as practical) to avoid voltage drop. The integrated GFCI adds necessary protection but is bulkier at the plug; plan for that if your outdoor outlet is covered.

One nice side effect of the 1.0 GPM draw: your water supply isn’t heavily taxed, and you won’t outrun a marginal spigot. For folks on wells or with older plumbing, that can be a real advantage.

Durability and maintenance

The professional axial cam pump is rated for 500 hours, which is generous for a homeowner tool. Axial pumps are typically lower‑maintenance than triplex designs—fewer adjustments, less to tinker with. There’s no gas, no oil changes for an engine, and far fewer consumables. The 3‑year limited warranty covering the motor, pump, and frame is better than many electrics and fits the “serious homeowner” positioning.

What it’s best at

• Regular maintenance washes on decks, patios, and siding
• Rinsing vehicles and equipment without a lot of noise or fuss
• Homeowners who value plug‑and‑go convenience and low maintenance
• Work in noise‑sensitive neighborhoods or times of day when a gas unit would be intrusive

Where it falls short

• Stripping old finishes or blasting heavy oil/grime from porous concrete
• Large surface restoration where higher flow (2.0–2.5+ GPM) dramatically speeds coverage
• Users expecting the sheer pace of a mid‑range gas unit

Small misses and nice touches

Nice touches:
- 35 ft hose and 35 ft cord give real reach
- Built‑in detergent tank keeps the footprint clean
- Stable, compact frame that stores easily

Misses:
- No turbo nozzle in the box, which would improve concrete and masonry cleaning speed
- A swivel at the gun would reduce hose twist
- The soap system is strictly low‑pressure; adequate, not luxurious

Tips for best results

• Pre‑treat concrete stains with a degreaser and let chemistry work before washing.
• Use the 15° tip for most hard‑surface cleaning; reserve 0° for spots.
• Keep a safe standoff on wood—let the detergent and dwell time do the heavy lifting.
• If you add accessories, match them to 2800 PSI and a 1.0 GPM flow rating.
• Avoid long, light‑gauge extension cords. If you need one, use 12‑gauge.

The bottom line

The DeWalt 2800 PSI electric pressure washer strikes a thoughtful balance: high pressure for a 120 V tool, a quiet and smooth induction motor, a pump with a credible runtime rating, and user‑friendly reach and storage. It’s not a gas replacement for heavy restoration work, and the 1.0 GPM flow puts a ceiling on how quickly you can move through big, dirty surfaces. But for routine home maintenance, it’s capable, civilized, and easy to live with.

Recommendation: I recommend this washer for homeowners who prioritize convenience, low noise, and minimal maintenance, and who plan to tackle routine cleaning on decks, siding, patios, vehicles, and lightly soiled concrete. If your work involves stripping paint, rehabilitating neglected driveways, or moving fast over large, heavily stained surfaces, a higher‑flow gas model will be a better fit. For everyone else, this DeWalt delivers a well‑built, quiet, and capable experience that rewards patience with clean results.