Pressure washers are usually sold with a set of interchangeable colored nozzles or a wand tip that adjusts to different settings. The most powerful setting is zero degrees and is usually a red nozzle. Consumer Reports is particularly concerned about zero-degree nozzles because they concentrate all of that power and pressure into a single pinpoint blast.
Consumer Reports no longer recommends pressure washers that come with nozzles or adjustable wand tips that produce sprays of less than 15 degrees.
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Consumer Reports is asking manufacturers to make products without the zero-degree setting. The Pressure Washer Manufacturers' Association says the instruction manuals and markings on the products show how to use them safely, and it stands by the use of zero-degree nozzle for tough jobs and for reaching longer distances.
If you're buying a pressure washer, Consumer Reports recommends the $190 electric one from GreenWorks GPW1951.
If you already own a pressure washer, Consumer Reports recommends that you get rid of the red zero-degree nozzle if it has one. And if you have a spray tip with a zero-degree setting, don't use it.
And no matter which type of spray nozzle you are using, wear safety goggles and protective shoes. And never point it at a person or pet.