Description
Portable pressure washing without mains power or an outside tap
The STIHL RCA 20 cordless pressure washer kit is a compact handheld cleaner for smaller jobs at home, in the garden and while travelling. It is particularly useful when a conventional pressure washer would be too large or when you do not have convenient access to mains electricity and an outside tap.
The supplied five-metre filtered suction hose allows the RCA 20 to draw clean water from the included 20-litre portable container, a suitable bucket, water butt or another appropriate source. It can also be connected to a suitable domestic water supply when one is available.
This complete Masseys kit includes the RCA 20, two STIHL AS 2 batteries, an AL 1 charger, the standard cleaning accessories and a carry bag.
Browse the complete STIHL pressure-washer range or compare all pressure washers available from Masseys.
STIHL RCA 20 at a glance
- Compact cordless handheld pressure washer
- Maximum pressure of 24 bar
- STIHL AS System battery platform
- Two STIHL AS 2 batteries included
- One STIHL AL 1 charger included
- Up to approximately 15 minutes per fully charged AS 2 battery
- Up to approximately 30 minutes of potential combined use across two charged batteries
- Four spray patterns in one rotating nozzle
- Two power levels, including Eco mode
- STIHL Constant Power electronics
- Five-metre suction hose with integrated filter
- Twenty-litre portable water container
- Spray-lance extension
- Detergent spray set
- Battery charge-level display
- Carry bag for the machine and accessories
- Approximately 1.3kg without a battery
- Approximately 1.5kg with one AS 2 battery fitted
Who is the STIHL RCA 20 best suited to?
The RCA 20 is best suited to quick, targeted cleaning where portability is more important than the pressure and water flow of a full-size machine.
It is particularly useful for:
- Bicycles and suitable e-bike components
- Garden tools and wheelbarrows
- Boots and outdoor footwear
- Garden furniture
- Plant pots and suitable garden equipment
- Camping and outdoor equipment
- Caravans, campervans and motorhomes
- Vehicle wheels, steps and targeted pre-rinsing
- Outdoor toys, bins and storage containers
- Allotments and locations without an outside tap
- Customers who already own STIHL AS System tools
Consider a larger pressure washer when:
- You need to deep-clean a large patio or driveway
- You regularly remove moss or ingrained dirt from paving
- You need extended continuous operation
- You require higher water flow for cleaning large areas quickly
- You frequently clean substantial vehicles or machinery
- You need a dedicated patio-cleaning attachment
Why Masseys recommends the STIHL RCA 20
At Masseys, we recommend the RCA 20 to customers who need a genuinely portable washing solution rather than a smaller version of a conventional mains pressure washer.
Its strongest feature is not simply the 24-bar maximum pressure. The real advantage is that the machine, batteries, filtered suction hose, portable water container and cleaning accessories can all travel together in the supplied bag. That makes it particularly useful for bikes, campsites, caravans, allotments and equipment stored away from an outside tap.
This kit includes two AS 2 batteries. Each battery provides up to approximately 15 minutes under suitable conditions, so you can replace the first battery with the second when required. The batteries do not operate simultaneously and the changeover is manual.
We also like the 4-in-1 nozzle because the spray pattern can be changed without carrying several separate nozzles. The fan jet is useful for general rinsing, while the rotary and narrow settings provide more focused cleaning on suitable robust surfaces.
The main limitation is cleaning capacity. At 24 bar, the RCA 20 is much more manageable and portable than a large machine, but it is not the right choice for restoring a heavily stained driveway or cleaning a substantial patio. Customers requiring stronger cordless performance should compare the STIHL REA 60 PLUS or STIHL REA 100 PLUS.
Masseys product assessment: prepared by the Masseys garden-machinery team in Woodville, Swadlincote. Product information checked July 2026.
Four spray patterns in one nozzle
The RCA 20 is supplied with a rotating 4-in-1 multi-nozzle. Turning the nozzle selects the spray pattern that best suits the cleaning task.
Fan jet
The fan jet creates a wider spray for general rinsing and normal surface dirt. It is the best starting setting for bicycles, garden furniture, tools and many painted or coated surfaces.
Rotary jet
The rotary jet provides more concentrated cleaning action for stubborn dirt on suitable robust surfaces.
Keep the rotary nozzle at least 10cm from the surface. Starting too close may cause debris to rebound into the nozzle and can damage delicate materials.
Narrow jet
The narrow jet produces a concentrated line of water for targeted rinsing and dirt removal.
Begin from a safe distance and move closer only where the material can withstand the focused jet. Do not direct it at delicate paint, seals, electrical parts, bearings or vulnerable joints.
Watering mode
Watering mode delivers water at very low pressure. It is useful for gentle rinsing and applications where high-pressure cleaning is unnecessary.
Two power levels with Eco mode
The RCA 20 has two selectable power settings.
Full power provides the maximum available cleaning force. Eco mode reduces output for lighter rinsing and helps extend the available battery working time.
STIHL Constant Power electronics help the machine maintain consistent performance during the usable battery charge rather than allowing the cleaning output to gradually decline.
Cleaning without a fixed water connection
The five-metre suction hose allows the RCA 20 to draw clean water from several suitable sources:
- The supplied 20-litre portable water container
- A clean bucket
- A suitable water butt
- Another clean open water container
- A suitable domestic water connection
A filter integrated into the hose helps protect the pressure washer from dirt and debris in the water source.
Only use suitably clean water. Do not allow the end of the suction hose to draw sediment, leaves or contaminants from the bottom of a container.
Portable 20-litre water container
The flexible water container holds up to approximately 20 litres. It can be filled and sealed for transport, allowing the RCA 20 to be used at a campsite, allotment, bike trail, storage location or another place without a convenient water connection.
Follow the STIHL instructions when filling, transporting and using the container. Empty and dry it after use rather than leaving water stored inside for extended periods.
What is included with this RCA 20 kit?
- 1 × STIHL RCA 20 cordless handheld pressure washer
- 2 × STIHL AS 2 lithium-ion batteries
- 1 × STIHL AL 1 battery charger
- 1 × 4-in-1 multi-nozzle
- 1 × Spray-lance extension
- 1 × Five-metre suction hose with integrated filter
- 1 × Twenty-litre portable water container
- 1 × Detergent spray set
- 1 × Carry bag
- Operating and safety information
Additional genuine STIHL AS 2 batteries and replacement STIHL AL 1 chargers are available separately.
Battery runtime
A fully charged AS 2 battery provides up to approximately 15 minutes of working time under suitable operating conditions.
Because this kit includes two batteries, it provides up to approximately 30 minutes of potential combined use when both batteries are charged. You must stop and manually replace the first battery when it becomes depleted.
Actual working time depends on:
- The selected power level
- The chosen spray pattern
- The water source and suction conditions
- The type and severity of dirt
- Battery temperature and condition
- How continuously the trigger is operated
Lightweight handheld design
The RCA 20 weighs approximately 1.3kg without a battery. With one 0.22kg AS 2 battery fitted, the operating weight is approximately 1.5kg.
Its compact design makes it easier to carry and store than a conventional wheeled pressure washer. The spray-lance extension adds reach where required while retaining the option of using the unit in a shorter handheld configuration.
Part of the STIHL AS System
The included batteries are part of the compact STIHL AS System.
The same AS 2 battery can be used across compatible compact STIHL tools for pruning, trimming, inflation, spraying and cleaning. It cannot be used in STIHL AK or AP System products.
Explore the wider STIHL cordless-machinery range to compare the AS, AK and AP battery platforms.
Where does the RCA 20 work best?
Bikes and e-bikes
The RCA 20 is well suited to rinsing loose mud and surface dirt from bicycle frames, wheels and suitable components.
Begin with the fan jet. Avoid directing concentrated water at bearings, electrical connections, motors, displays, control units and charging ports.
Garden furniture
Use the fan jet to remove dust, pollen, bird mess and light surface dirt from suitable outdoor furniture.
Test an inconspicuous area before cleaning painted, coated, aged or delicate materials.
Garden tools and equipment
The machine can rinse soil, loose grass and surface dirt from hand tools, wheelbarrows, plant pots and suitable machinery surfaces.
Remove batteries from powered equipment before cleaning and follow the equipment manufacturer’s water-cleaning guidance.
Cars and vans
The RCA 20 is useful for vehicle pre-rinsing, wheels, steps and targeted cleaning where a fixed water supply is not available.
Use the fan jet on painted bodywork. Do not use concentrated spray close to paint, tyres, seals, cameras, sensors, badges or electrical equipment.
Caravans and motorhomes
The independent water container and battery-powered design make the RCA 20 useful for steps, wheels, external equipment and targeted rinsing at campsites or storage locations.
Camping and outdoor activities
Use it to rinse suitable outdoor equipment, muddy footwear, storage containers and other washable items before packing them away.
Can the RCA 20 clean patios and driveways?
The RCA 20 can rinse loose mud, surface debris and light dirt from a small hard-surface area.
It is not intended to replace a conventional pressure washer for deep-cleaning large patios, block paving, driveways or heavily contaminated outdoor surfaces. Its principal advantages are portability and the ability to operate away from mains services.
For regular patio and driveway work, compare the wider range of pressure washers at Masseys.
Using detergent
The kit includes a detergent spray set for applying a suitable compatible cleaning agent.
Only use products approved for the washer, surface and intended application. Follow all dilution, safety and environmental instructions supplied with the detergent.
Do not use aggressive chemicals that could damage the machine, the cleaned surface, nearby plants or the wider environment.
Cleaning and storage
- Run clean water through the system where appropriate.
- Disconnect and drain the suction hose.
- Empty and dry the portable water container.
- Remove the battery.
- Wipe the washer clean.
- Allow the nozzle, hose and accessories to dry.
- Place the dry components in the carry bag.
- Store the machine and batteries in a dry, secure and frost-free location.
Do not allow water to freeze inside the pressure washer, nozzle or suction hose.
STIHL RCA 20 technical specifications
| Manufacturer | STIHL |
|---|---|
| Model | RCA 20 |
| Product type | Cordless handheld pressure washer kit |
| Battery platform | STIHL AS System |
| Battery | STIHL AS 2 lithium-ion |
| Batteries included | Two |
| Charger included | STIHL AL 1 |
| Maximum voltage | 12V |
| Maximum pressure | 24 bar |
| Tool weight without battery | Approximately 1.3kg |
| Approximate weight with AS 2 | Approximately 1.5kg |
| Working time per battery | Up to approximately 15 minutes |
| Combined potential runtime | Up to approximately 30 minutes across two charged batteries |
| Power settings | Two, including Eco mode |
| Nozzle | 4-in-1 rotating multi-nozzle |
| Spray patterns | Fan, rotary, narrow jet and watering mode |
| Suction hose | Five metres with integrated filter |
| Water-container capacity | Twenty litres |
| Detergent application | Detergent spray set included |
| Battery indicator | Integrated charge-level display |
RCA 20 or a larger pressure washer?
| Choose the RCA 20 when | Choose a larger washer when |
|---|---|
| You need highly portable cleaning | You need maximum cleaning performance |
| There is no convenient outside tap | You regularly clean large patios or drives |
| You clean bikes, tools or camping kit | You remove ingrained dirt, moss or algae |
| Compact storage is important | You need longer continuous operation |
| You already use STIHL AS batteries | You need higher pressure and greater water flow |
The STIHL REA 60 PLUS is a stronger cordless option for wider home and garden cleaning. The STIHL REA 100 PLUS is designed for larger and more demanding cordless applications.
Frequently asked questions
Does the STIHL RCA 20 require an outside tap?
No. It can draw clean water through its filtered suction hose from the supplied container, a suitable bucket, water butt or other appropriate source. It can also connect to a suitable domestic water supply.
Does this kit include batteries and a charger?
Yes. The Masseys kit includes two STIHL AS 2 batteries and one AL 1 charger.
How long does each battery last?
Each fully charged AS 2 provides up to approximately 15 minutes under suitable operating conditions. Actual runtime depends on the power setting, nozzle mode and cleaning task.
Does it automatically switch between batteries?
No. The RCA 20 uses one battery at a time. When the first battery is depleted, stop the machine and manually install the second charged battery.
How powerful is the RCA 20?
It provides a maximum pressure of 24 bar. It is designed for smaller mobile cleaning jobs rather than large-scale patio and driveway restoration.
Which spray settings are available?
The 4-in-1 nozzle provides fan, rotary, narrow-jet and low-pressure watering modes.
Can it clean a bicycle?
Yes. Use the fan setting and maintain a suitable distance. Avoid directing concentrated spray at bearings, motors, displays, contacts and other sensitive components.
Can it wash a car?
It is useful for pre-rinsing, wheels, steps and targeted mobile cleaning. Use the fan jet on paintwork and avoid concentrated spray around seals, sensors, cameras, tyres and electrical parts.
Can it clean a patio?
It can rinse loose dirt from a small patio area, but it is not designed to deep-clean a large or heavily soiled patio. A conventional or larger cordless pressure washer will complete that work more efficiently.
Is the water container included?
Yes. The kit includes a portable container capable of holding up to approximately 20 litres.
Can detergent be used?
Yes. A detergent spray set is included. Use only an appropriate cleaning product and follow its safety, dilution and surface instructions.
Can the batteries be used in other STIHL tools?
Yes. The AS 2 batteries work with compatible products in the STIHL AS System. They are not compatible with STIHL AK or AP System equipment.
Why buy the STIHL RCA 20 from Masseys?
Masseys is a STIHL dealer and garden-machinery retailer based in Woodville, Swadlincote. Our team can help you decide whether the compact RCA 20 or a larger electric or cordless washer is best suited to your cleaning jobs.
- Genuine UK STIHL machinery
- Complete two-battery kit
- Manufacturer warranty support
- Genuine AS 2 batteries and chargers available
- Advice from an experienced garden-machinery retailer
- Online ordering and UK delivery
- Local collection from Woodville
- Long-term product and workshop support
Our garden-machinery servicing and repair workshop supports customers across Swadlincote, Burton upon Trent, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and surrounding areas.
For advice about the RCA 20 or alternative pressure washers, please contact Masseys or visit our store at 129 Swadlincote Road, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 8DA.
