CRAFTSMAN 1700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer Review for Cars Patios Driveways and Home Cleaning
Why This Product Is Worth a Look
For washing cars, patio furniture, siding, and smaller outdoor surfaces, a compact electric pressure washer can be more convenient than a larger gas powered machine. The CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 is worth considering because it combines moderate cleaning power with a lightweight, stable design that is easy to carry and store.
Product Overview
The CRAFTSMAN Electric Pressure Washer CMEPW1700 is a corded cold water pressure washer intended for light duty residential cleaning. Its 13 amp motor runs on a standard 120 volt household electrical supply and produces up to 1,700 PSI at a maximum flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute.
This level of output is appropriate for cleaning vehicles, outdoor furniture, small patios, garage areas, siding, and similar surfaces. It can also handle localized dirt on concrete or stone, although its relatively modest water flow makes it less efficient for large driveways, commercial work, paint removal, or heavy degreasing.
The package includes the pressure washer, a 20 foot high pressure hose, a trigger gun, a wand, a 40 degree nozzle, a turbo nozzle, and a soap applicator. It also comes with a 35 foot power cord featuring built in ground fault protection. The product is CETA certified, meets CSA requirements, and is covered by a three year limited manufacturer warranty.
Design, Build, and Everyday Feel
The CMEPW1700 has a compact horizontal body measuring approximately 18.33 inches long, 10.43 inches wide, and 11.25 inches high. At about 17.5 pounds, it is light enough for most adults to carry between a garage, driveway, patio, and storage area using the integrated top handle.
Its low profile is one of the more practical aspects of the design. Instead of standing upright on wheels, the machine sits close to the ground. This lowers its center of gravity and makes it less likely to tip when the pressure hose is pulled across grass, gravel, or uneven pavement. The tradeoff is that it must be carried or allowed to slide rather than rolled on wheels.
The red and black polymer housing surrounds the motor and pump, while the roll cage style frame provides a degree of protection during transportation and storage. Built in locations are provided for the wand, nozzles, cord, and hose. The arrangement is useful but basic. Since there are no storage reels or strong retention straps, the long cord and coiled hose may still look untidy when stored together.
The spray gun has a contoured grip and a mechanical trigger lock. Standard M22 hose fittings and a quarter inch nozzle quick connector also make the machine compatible with many commonly available replacement accessories.
Key Features
Compact 1,700 PSI cleaning system
The 13 amp electric motor delivers up to 1,700 PSI with a maximum flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute. This provides enough cleaning force for common household tasks without the maintenance requirements of a gasoline engine. The limited flow rate, however, means that large concrete areas will take longer to clean and rinse.
Automatic motor control
The Total Stop System turns the motor on when the trigger is pressed and stops it when the trigger is released. This reduces noise during pauses, lowers unnecessary electricity use, and limits the amount of time the pump runs without active spraying. Rapid cycling may occur if the incoming water supply is inconsistent or a nozzle becomes partially blocked.
Two nozzle options
The included 40 degree nozzle produces a broad fan suitable for relatively delicate surfaces such as vehicle exteriors, treated decking, outdoor furniture, and some types of siding. The turbo nozzle produces a concentrated rotating stream for unpainted concrete, stone, and masonry. There is no intermediate 15 degree or 25 degree nozzle in the standard package, leaving a noticeable gap between the gentle fan and the aggressive turbo spray.
Extended cord and hose reach
A 35 foot power cord and 20 foot pressure hose provide reasonable reach for small residential projects. The power cord includes built in GFCI protection for added electrical safety. The pressure hose is described as kink resistant, but its vinyl construction may retain curls or kink at sharp angles. Its 20 foot length can also feel restrictive when moving around a large SUV or truck.
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What It May Be Like to Use
Based on the available product information, setup should be relatively straightforward. The garden hose connects to the water inlet, the high pressure hose attaches to the machine and spray gun, and the selected nozzle locks into the wand.
Before turning on the motor, the water supply should be opened and the spray trigger held for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. This allows trapped air to leave the system and helps protect the pump from cavitation and unnecessary wear. Once a steady stream of water exits the wand, the pressure washer can be switched on.
In typical daily use, the 40 degree nozzle should provide a manageable spray for removing road film, bird droppings, loose brake dust, and general outdoor dirt. It may not remove every bonded contaminant without detergent or contact washing, but it offers a sensible balance for routine vehicle care when used at an appropriate distance.
The turbo nozzle should clean harder surfaces more aggressively, but it requires caution. Its rotating concentrated stream should not be used on automotive paint, window seals, soft wood, painted siding, or delicate furniture. Reports of the rotating mechanism occasionally sticking also suggest that users should stop and inspect the nozzle if the spray changes into a narrow stationary jet.
The included soap applicator can distribute detergent, although it is more likely to produce a thin soap mixture than dense, clinging foam. Users who regularly wash vehicles may eventually prefer a compatible aftermarket foam cannon.
What Works Well
The low horizontal body offers better resistance to tipping than many tall wheeled pressure washers.
Its 17.5 pound weight and integrated handle make it relatively easy to carry and store.
The 40 degree nozzle provides a useful spray pattern for cars, siding, outdoor furniture, and other surfaces that require a gentler approach.
The Total Stop System limits motor noise and operation to periods when the trigger is being pressed.
The 35 foot power cord provides good outlet reach for a compact residential machine.
Standard M22 hose connections and a quarter inch quick connector make compatible replacement parts and accessories easier to find.
The compact dimensions are well suited to garages, sheds, and homes with limited storage space.
Things to Consider
The 1.2 gallon per minute flow rate is the main performance limitation. It can clean small concrete sections, but covering and rinsing an entire driveway may be slow.
The 20 foot pressure hose may be too short for comfortably circling a large vehicle without moving the base. It may also retain its coiled shape during use.
The soap applicator is functional but is not designed to create the thick foam associated with a dedicated foam cannon.
Only a 40 degree nozzle and a turbo nozzle are included. Buyers who want an intermediate spray pattern may need to purchase another compatible nozzle.
Cord and hose storage is basic, with no reels to keep everything tightly organized.
The plastic surrounding the water connections should be handled carefully. Cross threading, overtightening, or forcing a seized fitting could cause damage.
As a light duty electric model with a universal motor, it is not intended for uninterrupted commercial use. Long sessions in hot weather may place additional thermal stress on the motor.
Who Is This Product For?
The CMEPW1700 is best suited to homeowners, renters, and vehicle owners who want a portable machine for occasional cleaning. It should work well for washing cars, patio furniture, small decks, siding, garage areas, and modest sections of pavement.
It may also be a practical choice for someone who values compact storage and easy carrying more than maximum cleaning speed. The stable frame is particularly helpful in areas where an upright washer might tip as the hose is moved.
This model is less suitable for professional contractors, frequent large driveway cleaning, paint stripping, heavy industrial grease removal, or extended operation in demanding conditions. Buyers focused mainly on large concrete surfaces should consider a machine with higher pressure and, more importantly, a higher flow rate.
Helpful Tips Before You Buy
Confirm that a nearby outdoor outlet can support the 13 amp motor and keep all electrical connections away from standing water. The built in GFCI adds protection but does not replace proper electrical precautions.
Always connect the water supply and purge trapped air before starting the motor. Do not operate the pump without an adequate water supply.
Use the 40 degree nozzle for vehicles and other relatively delicate surfaces. Begin from a safe distance, generally around 12 to 18 inches, and move closer only if the surface can tolerate it.
Reserve the turbo nozzle for durable, unpainted masonry or concrete. Keep it moving to reduce the chance of leaving cleaning lines or damaging the surface.
Align threaded connections carefully and avoid overtightening them. A small amount of compatible silicone grease or suitable anti seize product may help prevent binding, but it should be used only as directed.
If an extension cord is unavoidable, use an outdoor rated, properly grounded cord with an adequate wire gauge. A 14 gauge cord may be suitable for shorter runs around 25 feet, while a 12 gauge cord is generally safer for runs approaching 50 feet. Consult the product manual and local electrical requirements before use.
Before winter storage, drain the hoses and remove as much water as possible from the pump. A pressure washer pump protector can help reduce the risk of corrosion and freezing damage.
Common Questions
Is the CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 suitable for washing cars?
Yes. Its 40 degree nozzle and moderate output make it appropriate for routine vehicle washing when used at a safe distance. Avoid the turbo nozzle on paint, trim, seals, and decals.
Can it clean a driveway?
It can clean smaller sections of concrete, but the 1.2 gallon per minute flow rate makes large driveways time consuming. It is better suited to spot cleaning or modest paved areas.
Does it include a soap system?
Yes. A detachable soap applicator is included. It applies detergent but may not produce thick foam like a dedicated foam cannon.
Does the motor run continuously?
No. The Total Stop System switches the motor off when the spray trigger is released and restarts it when spraying resumes.
Can the original hose be replaced?
The machine uses common M22 connections, so compatible replacement hoses may be available. Fitting dimensions and pressure ratings should be verified before purchasing.
Is it easy to store?
The compact body is easy to fit into a garage or shed, and it has onboard accessory storage. However, the lack of reels or retaining straps can make the cord and hose difficult to organize neatly.
Final Thoughts
The CRAFTSMAN CMEPW1700 is a practical light duty pressure washer built around portability, stability, and simple operation. Its low profile frame, manageable weight, long power cord, automatic motor control, and compatibility with common accessories are meaningful advantages for routine household cleaning.
Its limitations are equally important. The modest water flow, short and somewhat stiff pressure hose, basic soap applicator, and limited nozzle selection make it less capable for large or demanding projects. It should be viewed as a compact residential washer rather than a replacement for higher flow or commercial equipment.
For cars, outdoor furniture, siding, garage areas, and smaller patios, the CMEPW1700 offers a sensible balance of cleaning performance and convenience. Buyers who understand its light duty role and follow proper startup, electrical, nozzle, and winter storage practices should find it a useful option for occasional home maintenance.
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