Craftsman Electric Cold Water Pressure Washer

When I first got my hands on the Craftsman Electric Cold Water Pressure Washer CMEPW1900, I was eager to see how it would perform on various outdoor cleaning tasks. With a maximum pressure of 1,900 PSI and a flow rate of 1.2 GPM, it promised to be a handy tool for maintaining my car, driveway, and other surfaces around the house.

First Impressions and Assembly

The assembly process was straightforward and intuitive. The pressure washer comes with a 15° nozzle, a 40° nozzle, and a turbo nozzle, which are easily attached to the wand. I appreciated the included 25 ft. kink-resistant hose and the 35 ft. power cord, which provided ample reach without needing an extension cord. The onboard storage for the hose, cord, and wand was a thoughtful touch, making it convenient to keep everything organized.

Performance and Usability

Starting with my car, I found the pressure washer to be quite effective. Coupled with a foam cannon, it generated a rich, thick foam that covered the entire vehicle, making the cleaning process much more efficient. The turbo nozzle was particularly useful for removing stubborn dirt and bugs. It had enough power to handle typical car washing tasks without causing any damage to the paintwork.

Next, I moved on to my driveway and sidewalk. Here, the turbo nozzle again proved to be a valuable asset. It tackled grime and dirt effectively, leaving the surfaces noticeably cleaner. However, I did notice that for more stubborn stains or larger areas, a higher PSI machine might be more efficient. The 1900 PSI was adequate but not exceptional for heavy-duty tasks.

Soap Dispensing and Other Features

One area where the pressure washer could improve is the soap dispensing mechanism. The integrated soap tank is a convenient feature, but I found that the soap was either dispensed too quickly or not at all, depending on the nozzle used. This inconsistency meant that I had to refill the soap tank more frequently than I would have liked.

On the plus side, the machine is relatively quiet, only making noise when the trigger is pulled. This is a significant improvement over older, noisier models. The 8-inch wheels made it easy to maneuver the machine around my yard, even on uneven surfaces.

Durability and Build Quality

In terms of build quality, the Craftsman pressure washer feels solid and well-constructed. The weight of 29.4 lbs is manageable, and the unit's compact dimensions (14.4 inches in height, length, and 13.6 inches in width) make it easy to store when not in use. The 3-year limited warranty also provides some peace of mind, although I did encounter some issues with the hose. It tended to kink if not handled carefully, and in one instance, developed a hole after a few hours of use. This is something to be mindful of, as it could affect the overall durability of the unit.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Easy to assemble and use
- Quiet operation
- Effective for light to medium-duty tasks
- Compact and easy to store
- Long hose and power cord for extended reach
- Onboard storage for accessories
- 3-year limited warranty

Cons:
- Inconsistent soap dispensing
- Hose can kink and may not be very durable
- Not powerful enough for heavy-duty cleaning tasks

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Craftsman Electric Cold Water Pressure Washer CMEPW1900 is a solid performer for light to medium-duty cleaning tasks. It's user-friendly, relatively quiet, and comes with useful features like onboard storage and a long power cord. While it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty cleaning, it excels in maintaining vehicles, driveways, and other common surfaces around the home.

Given its reasonable price point and the convenience it offers, I would recommend this pressure washer for homeowners who need a reliable tool for regular maintenance tasks. Just be mindful of the hose's tendency to kink and the soap dispenser's quirks. For those needing more power for larger or more stubborn cleaning jobs, investing in a higher PSI model might be a better option.