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In a nutshell

Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World magazine Best Buy award, this powerful but compact pressure washer is in the top price bracket of the models we tested. Simple to use, it has three power settings and two nozzles, (one for gentle and one for rough cleaning), which can tackle a wide range of domestic jobs. The helpful trolley-style design and six metre hose make it easy to manoeuvre around a good-sized garden. It comes with a two year warranty.

What we tested

  • Set up/storage
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Performance
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Value for money
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Responsive trigger gun
  • Compact design for easy storage
  • Solid and sturdy

Cons

  • Limited accessories

What are the main features of the Nilfisk Core 140 Pressure Washer?

140 bar max power, which makes cleaning fast and efficient; an aluminium pump for reliability (other brands use plastic); and ability to cope with delicate surfaces or blast grime up to 40 m2 per hour. The award-winning Scandinavian design is evident in the practical storage features: an integral reel for the hose, and moulded clips and pockets for the accessories, including the lance, foam sprayer, mains cable and nozzles; as well as sturdy wheels and handle, which make it conveniently portable. A brand new range within the Nilfisk pressure washer family, they have improved the power control dial, making it simple to adjust the pressure while cleaning, as well as making the instruction booklet more comprehensible, which ensures quick assembly.

What’s the Nilfisk Core 140 pressure washer like to use?

Assembly is straightforward - although you will need a screwdriver to attach the handles and some of the accessory holders. Once you’re up and running, the nozzles simply click into place - if you’re unsure whether to use the gentle or rough fixture, suggestions are helpfully written on the main body of the machine: gentle - bike, paintwork, car, and rough - wheelbarrows, brickwork and tools. In addition, the housing for both these accessories removes the risk of misplacing them if you need to switch nozzles mid-clean. A six metre, flexible hose and a long lance means less bending and makes it easier to get into nooks and crannies, while the trigger gun mechanism, which activates the stop/start feature, is comfortable to grip and doesn’t vibrate. The three settings on the power dial deliver variable pressure, which helps control the overall cleaning performance. The patio cleaner and brush, which don’t come as standard, are easy to clip in and use, as is the foam spray bottle. Given its size and design, it’s easy to move around the garden, whether carrying or wheeling into place. They’ve struck the balance between manoeuvrability and sturdiness well, as it doesn’t topple over during use, even if you have the hose at full stretch. Tidies away efficiently with an internal reel storage system. It also comes with nozzle-cleaning tools, which are stored on the machine.

What situations is the Nilfisk Core 140 Pressure Washer most suitable for?

140 bar max pressure puts it in the top range models, and, as expected, it copes well with grime and dirty surfaces. It was put through its paces in a range of garden and household jobs, from cleaning patio slabs and decking, to patio furniture and cars. The gentle setting was ideal for cleaning painted wooden greenhouse shelving.

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Is the Nilfisk Core 140 Pressure Washer good value for money?

This sits with the top range and semi-professional models given the combination of 140 bar water pressure and 2000 kW motor wattage. Prices for this category range from £200 to £700, so as it’s at the entry level price, but delivers a comparable mid-range motor wattage and water pressure for this group, it’s great value for money.

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