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If you’re a tool enthusiast staring down a dirty driveway or a muddy bike, you’re probably weighing the Makita DHW180Z 18V Li-ion LXT against the Westinghouse ePX3100v. The Makita runs on batteries and delivers just 35 PSI, while the Westinghouse plugs into an outlet and cranks out 2100 max PSI.
This comparison is for anyone who already owns Makita LXT batteries or wants serious corded cleaning power. The real trade-off here is portability versus raw pressure, and I’ll help you figure out which one fits your garage. Stick with me because the difference is bigger than you think.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Westinghouse ePX3100v
Massive 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM for real cleaning power — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Makita DHW180Z
Ultra-light 2.2 kg cordless design perfect for on-the-go jobs — Check Price →
Here’s the spec sheet I put together so you can see exactly how these two pressure washers stack up side by side.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Makita DHW180Z 18V Li-ion | Westinghouse ePX3100v Ele |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Makita | Westinghouse |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | AC |
| Color | Blue | Black |
| Item Weight | 2.2 kg | ✅ 17.6 lb |
| Hose Length | 4 cm | ✅ 25 ft |
| Product Dimensions | ✅ 16.5×3.9×9.41 in | 15×8.5×11 in |
| Maximum Flow Rate | ✅ 2.5 L/min | 1.76 GPM |
| Maximum Pressure | 35 psi | ✅ 2100 psi |
| GTIN | 00197050006370 | ✅ 00850032657563 |
| UPC | ✅ 197050006370 | — |
| Specification Met | — | ✅ ETL |
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging through the specs and customer feedback for both of these washers to give you my honest take on each one.
Makita DHW180Z 18V Li-ion LXT Pressure Washer
Battery Powered | 35 PSI | 2.5 L/min | 2.2 kg
- Makita DHW180Z Washer
- 40 degrees centigrade maximum feed water temperature
- Trigger lock function
The Makita DHW180Z is a totally different beast — it’s a cordless, battery-powered washer that weighs just 2.2 kg, making it incredibly easy to carry around. The catch is the 35 PSI max pressure, which is more like a strong spray than a pressure washer — it’s meant for gentle cleaning like rinsing bikes, garden tools, or muddy boots. If you’re already invested in Makita’s 18V LXT system, this slots right into your existing battery collection, though batteries and charger aren’t included. I’d recommend this for quick touch-ups and light rinsing jobs where you don’t want to drag a hose and cord around, but don’t expect it to blast away grime.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-light at 2.2 kg — easy to carry anywhere
- Cordless design works with Makita 18V LXT batteries
- Self-priming function with absorption connector
- Trigger lock function for safety
❌ Cons
- Only 35 PSI — not enough for tough cleaning jobs
- Batteries and charger sold separately — extra cost
Westinghouse ePX3100v Electric Pressure Washer
2100 Max PSI | 1.76 Max GPM | 25 ft Hose | 17.6 lbs
- Delivers 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM (at lowest pressure), and 1800 rated...
- Super compact and lightweight at 18 pounds for convenient storage and...
- Easy-coil nylon braided 20’ hose; Detachable foam cannon to add...
The Westinghouse ePX3100v is the clear winner for anyone who actually wants to clean things. With 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM, it has the muscle to strip grime off driveways, fences, and patio furniture. It’s compact at 17.6 pounds with a built-in carry handle, and the 25-foot hose gives you solid reach without moving the unit constantly. The detachable foam cannon is a nice bonus for applying soap, and the pump auto-stops when you release the trigger to save energy. The only downside is it needs an AC outlet, so you’re tethered to power — but for heavy-duty home cleaning, that’s a trade-off I’d happily make.
✅ Pros
- Huge 2100 max PSI for serious cleaning power
- 1.76 max GPM moves water fast
- 25-foot hose gives great reach
- Detachable foam cannon included
❌ Cons
- Requires AC power — not portable for remote jobs
- Heavier than the Makita at 17.6 pounds
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both of these washers in my head a hundred times, and honestly, they serve completely different purposes. Your choice comes down to whether you value cordless portability or raw cleaning muscle.
Makita DHW180Z 18V Li-ion LXT is right for you if…
- You already own Makita 18V LXT batteries and want a lightweight 2.2 kg washer for quick rinsing jobs
- You need to clean in remote spots without access to an AC outlet — the cordless design frees you up completely
- You’re doing gentle tasks like rinsing muddy bikes, garden tools, or patio plants where 35 PSI is plenty
Westinghouse ePX3100v Electric is right for you if…
- You want serious cleaning power with 2100 max PSI to blast grime off driveways, fences, and patio furniture
- You have a standard outdoor outlet nearby and don’t mind the 25-foot hose reach for most jobs
- You want the detachable foam cannon and 3-nozzle set for versatile cleaning around the house and car
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re tackling heavy commercial jobs or need to clean large surfaces like a full house exterior or a big deck regularly, both of these might feel underpowered. For that kind of work, you’d be better off with a gas-powered unit that delivers 3000+ PSI and doesn’t need an outlet or battery charging.
For most tool enthusiasts, though, I’d point you toward the Westinghouse ePX3100v — it’s the one that actually gets tough jobs done. The Makita DHW180Z is a great niche tool if you’re already in the Makita ecosystem, but the Westinghouse’s 2100 PSI wins the day for real-world cleaning power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cleaning a car — the Makita DHW180Z or Westinghouse ePX3100v?
For car washing, I’d actually lean toward the Makita DHW180Z despite its low 35 PSI. The gentle spray is perfect for rinsing soap off paint without risking damage, and the cordless design means you can walk around the whole vehicle without fighting a hose. The Westinghouse’s 2100 PSI is overkill for a car — you’d need to be very careful not to strip wax or force water into seals. If you’re washing cars regularly, the Makita’s soft touch is a feature, not a flaw.
Is the Westinghouse ePX3100v worth buying over the Makita for driveway cleaning?
Absolutely — there’s no contest here. The Westinghouse delivers 2100 max PSI compared to the Makita’s 35 PSI, which is roughly 60 times more pressure. For blasting oil stains, algae, or caked-on grime off concrete, the Westinghouse will actually get the job done while the Makita would just wet the surface. If driveway cleaning is your main task, the Westinghouse is the only sensible choice of these two.
Which pressure washer is more portable for taking to different locations?
The Makita DHW180Z wins this one hands down at just 2.2 kg — that’s about 4.8 pounds. You can toss it in a backpack and carry it anywhere without a second thought. The Westinghouse weighs 17.6 pounds and needs an AC outlet, so you’re limited to wherever power is available. If you’re cleaning at remote job sites, a cabin, or anywhere without electricity, the Makita’s battery-powered design is the clear winner.
Does the Makita DHW180Z come with batteries and a charger?
No, it doesn’t — that’s one of the biggest catches with this unit. The DHW180Z is sold as a bare tool, so you’ll need to supply your own Makita 18V LXT batteries and charger. If you already own Makita tools, this isn’t a problem since they share the same battery platform. But if you’re starting from scratch, factor in the extra cost of batteries before you commit to this washer.
Can the Westinghouse ePX3100v handle tough outdoor cleaning like fences and patios?
Yes, and that’s exactly what it’s built for. With 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM, it has the flow and pressure to strip years of grime off wooden fences, patio stones, and garage floors. The detachable foam cannon lets you apply cleaning chemicals first, and the 25-foot hose gives you solid reach without moving the unit constantly. For any serious outdoor cleaning project, the Westinghouse is the workhorse you want.
Which pressure washer is better for a tool enthusiast on a budget?
If you’re watching your wallet, the Westinghouse ePX3100v is the better value — it’s a complete package with hose, nozzles, foam cannon, and 3-year warranty all included. The Makita DHW180Z might seem cheaper upfront, but once you add batteries and a charger, the total cost climbs significantly. Plus, the Westinghouse actually delivers real cleaning power at 2100 PSI. For most tool enthusiasts, the Westinghouse gives you more bang for your buck.
My Final Verdict
The Westinghouse ePX3100v is my clear winner here. With 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM, it actually cleans things — driveways, fences, patios, cars — while the Makita DHW180Z tops out at just 35 PSI, which barely qualifies as a rinse. The Makita is a great niche tool for light touch-ups if you’re already in the 18V LXT ecosystem, but for real cleaning power, the Westinghouse wins every time.
If you’re stuck deciding, ask yourself one question: do you need to blast away grime or just gently rinse stuff off? If it’s the former, stop overthinking and grab the Westinghouse. The Makita is only worth it if you already own Makita batteries and value cordless convenience over actual cleaning muscle.
Winner: Westinghouse ePX3100v Electric Pressure Washer
- Delivers 2100 max PSI and 1.76 max GPM (at lowest pressure), and 1800 rated...
- Super compact and lightweight at 18 pounds for convenient storage and...
- Easy-coil nylon braided 20’ hose; Detachable foam cannon to add...
For anyone who wants to actually clean driveways, fences, and patios with 2100 max PSI and a 25-foot hose. This is the real deal for home cleaning projects.
Runner-Up: Makita DHW180Z 18V Li-ion LXT Pressure Washer
- Makita DHW180Z Washer
- 40 degrees centigrade maximum feed water temperature
- Trigger lock function
For Makita LXT battery owners who need a lightweight 2.2 kg cordless option for gentle rinsing tasks. Perfect for bikes, tools, and light cleanup where 35 PSI is enough.
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