Karcher is the world’s leading pressure washer manufacturer which produced a new sleek look for some of their most popular pressure washers in 2017.
But did you ever wonder which of their products is better for your specific needs?
In the following article, we compare the best 5 Karcher pressure washers and we reveal what makes them so popular.
Our short buying guide will explain how to interpret a pressure washer’s product description, and how to find the right model for your household.
“Karcher Makes a Difference”
Why Buy a Karcher Pressure Washer?
Before we start explaining which Karcher product is better than the other, maybe it would be better to explain why it’s good to choose Karcher in the first place.
Karcher is a German company founded in 1935 that’s world renowned for their cleaning equipment, especially high-pressure cleaners, window vacuum cleaners, wash water treatment, and floor care equipment.
The company is so renowned for their cleaning products, that in some countries the word “Karcher” is used colloquially as a synonym for cleaning using a high-pressure washer, used for cleaning cars, etc. The company was the first to invent a hot water high-pressure washer in 1950.
What makes Karcher pressure washers so good?
First of all, Karcher produces more than 40 pressure washer variations, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Second, their products have different specifications, so you will be able to find anything from 100 bar (1,500 PSI) to 275 bar (4,000 PSI) and that’s when you’re not including their professional grade units!
Another great thing about Karcher is that they always invest in new technologies to stay ahead of their competition. They filed for more than 500 new patents in 2013 alone.
Now that we talked a little about the company, let’s see which are the best Karcher pressure washers in 2017.
Top 5 Karcher Pressure Washers In 2017
For this guide we have decided to focus on the ever popular Karcher K2 compact and the new look premium range.
The Karcher K2 Compact is one of the, if not THE, best selling pressure washer on the market while the premium range is Karchers new pressure washer range.
| Model Name | Max Pressure (Bars) | Max Flow Rate (L/H) | Max Surface Cleaning (M/H) | Hose Length (Meters) | Motor Power (Watts) | Motor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K2 Compact | 110 | 360 | 20 | 4 | 1400 | Air Cooled |
| K2 Full Control | 110 | 360 | 20 | 6 | 1400 | Air Cooled |
| K4 Full Control | 130 | 420 | 30 | 6 | 1800 | Water Cooled |
| K5 Full Control | 145 | 500 | 40 | 8 | 2100 | Water Cooled |
| K7 Full COntrol | 160 | 600 | 60 | 10 | 3000 | Water Cooled |
K2 Compact 
Check Out The Latest K2 Compact Price on Amazon
Size And Portability
The Compact version of the K2 is small and lightweight. The unit’s ergonomic design will allow you to manipulate it with ease. The design will also help with saving storage space. You can store all the accessories on the machine.
Lances And Accessories
This pressure washer model comes with a lance, a Dirtblaster, and a Patio Cleaner accessory. Using this accessory will make cleaning even surfaces like patios, decks, and paving easier. The Patio Cleaner uses two rotating flat jet nozzles for an increased cleaning power without splashing. The T150 Patio cleaner is capable of washing flat surfaces over 5 times faster than other lances.
Detergent Application
The K2 Compact uses a suction tube for the detergent application. The pressure washer will draw the detergent from a container as long as the unit is drawing water at low pressure.
- Bar Pressure – The K2 Compact works at a maximum pressure of 110 bars
- Waterflow – This pressure washer creates a flow rate of up to 360L/h. The maximum water feed temperature is 40 degrees Celsius
- Wattage – The K2 Compact uses a 1,400 Watt air cooled motor
- Hose Length – This model comes with a 4m high-pressure hose
- Surface Cleaned – This unit is capable of cleaning up to 20㎡/h
We think that the K2 Compact is perfect for washing cars amongst its many other uses.
Read Our Karcher K2 Compact Review Here
K2 Full Control Premium 
Click Here To See Latest K2 Premium Price on Amazon
Size And Portability
This pressure washer is still small, but it has more features than the K2 Compact model. Unlike the Compact, this model comes with a telescopic handle and is supported by wheels.
These features allow you to manipulate the pressure washer with ease, and you won’t have to lift it to move it around any longer. You can just push or pull it where you want, set it upright and start cleaning.
Lances And Accessories
Another great addition is the Vario lance. You can choose from 4 different settings with a simple twist of the lance.
The lowest power setting is used for the detergent application. The second power setting produces a wider spray which is perfect for washing sensible materials, such as wood or soft plastic. The third power setting is considered of medium power and it can be used for most cleaning tasks, including washing your car.
The last power setting produces a narrow spray ideal for harder surfaces, like pavement, concrete, or brick. Small icons on the lance at as both power setting indicators and guides, as every icon has a small picture showing the surface you should use the jet on.
In addition to the T150 Patio Cleaner the Compact comes with, this model also comes with a car cleaning kit. The kit is made out of a soft wash brush, a foam nozzle, and a car shampoo.
Detergent Application
Unlike the K2 Compact, this model uses an integrated detergent tank. You can easily fill the tank with detergent for a better cleaning performance.
- Bar Pressure – Like the K2 Compact, this pressure washer works at a maximum pressure of 110 bars
- Waterflow – This pressure washer creates a waterflow of up to 360L/h. The maximum water feed temperature is 80 degrees C
- Wattage – The K2 Premium uses an air cooled 1,400 Watt motor
- Hose Length – This model comes with a 6m high-pressure hose
- Surface Cleaned – This unit is capable of cleaning up to 20㎡/h
Click Here to Read Our K2 Full Control Review
K4 Full Control Premium 
Check Out The Latest Karcher K4 Full Control Price on Amazon
Size And Portability
The K4 Premium is slightly larger than the K2 models, but what it loses in size, it makes up in performance. Just like the K2 Premium, this model comes on wheels and has a telescopic handle for increased portability. However, this model uses an aluminium handle, whereas the K2 uses a plastic one.
Lances And Accessories
Just like the K2 Premium, this model also comes with a Vario lance and a Dirtblaster one.
The difference between these two models is that the K4 also comes with a full control spray gun. This gun will indicate the power setting used by the Vario lance, so you will always be able to check it easily. The small pictures on the LED display also act as a pressure guide, so you will be able to select the right spray for every surface.
This unit also comes with an improved version of the Patio Cleaner named T350 that can also be used on vertical surfaces, and a 1L three-in-one detergent.
Detergent Application
One of the improvements you’ll see in this model is the Plug n Clean detergent system. Unlike the previous models which used a suction tube or a detergent tank, this model uses an even simpler method.
There’s a hole on the top of the pressure washer when the unit is standing in the parking position. This will allow you to put a shampoo or detergent container straight into the washer. Once the container is depleted, you will be able to change it with ease.
- New Feature – Another new feature is the integrated hose reel. This reel will allow you to store the pressure hose neatly after every use.
- Bar Pressure – This pressure washer works at a maximum pressure of 130 bars, which is slightly higher than the one used by previous models.
- Waterflow – The K4 Premium produces a maximum flow rate of 420L/hr. The maximum water feed temperature is 80 degrees C.
- Wattage – This model uses a 1,800 Watts water cooled motor.
- Hose Length – The K4 Premium comes with a 6m high-pressure hose.
- Surface Cleaned – This unit is capable of cleaning up to 30㎡/h
Click Here To Read Our Full Karcher K4 Full Control Review
K5 Full Control Premium 
Check Amazon For The Latest K5 Full Control Premium Price
Size And Portability
The K5 Premium is slightly larger than the previous models, but it is still very portable. This model comes with a telescopic handle and high impact wheels, so you will be able to push or pull it around wherever you need.
Lances And Accessories
Unlike the previous models, this pressure washer doesn’t come with separate lances. It uses a 3-in-1 Multijet lance instead. This lance will act as a detergent applicator, dirt blaster, and Vario lance. You can switch between the different lance modes by simply turning it. The full control trigger gun will allow you to change the detergent flow and water pressure using simple +/- symbols on the LCD touch display.
This model also comes with the T350 surface cleaner which will clean larger surfaces faster. You can use this accessory on vertical surfaces, as well. You will also receive 1L of three-in-one detergent.
Detergent Application
Just like the K4 model, this one also uses the Plug n Clean detergent system. And just like it predecessor, it also features an integrated hose reel on the back for a more convenient storage.
- Bar Pressure – This pressure washer works at a maximum pressure of 145 Bars, which is higher than the ones used by the previous models.
- Waterflow – The K5 is capable of producing a maximum flow rate of 500L/h. The maximum water feed temperature is 80 degrees C.
- Wattage – This model uses a water cooled 2,100 Watt motor.
- Hose Length – The K5 comes with an 8m high-pressure hose.
- Surface Cleaned – This unit is capable of cleaning up to 40㎡/h
Click Here To Read Our Full K5 Full Control Review
Kärcher K7 Full Control Premium 
Check Out The Latest K7 Full Control Price On Amazon Here
Size And Portability
The K7 model is roughly the same size as the K5, so it’s larger than the other models. Just like the K5, this model also comes with a telescopic handle and high impact wheels for increased portability.
Lances And Accessories
Similar to the previous model, the K7 uses the same 3-in-1 Multi jet lance. You will be able to change between the types of sprays with ease, and you will adjust the water pressure and detergent flow using the buttons on the touch control’s LCD display.
Unlike the previous models, the K7 comes with a T450 surface cleaner. This accessory is more powerful than the Patio cleaner or the previous T350 model, so you will be able to use to clean larger surfaces quicker. You can also use the T450 to clean vertical surfaces. The T450 model is superior to the T350 because it features a power nozzle for cleaning edges and corners. You will also receive 1L of detergent.
Detergent Application
The K7 model also uses the Plug n Clean detergent system, and it also has an integrated hose reel on its back for easier storage.
- Bar Pressure – This model works at a maximum pressure of 160 Bars, which is the highest pressure used by Karcher washers.
- Waterflow – The K7 is capable of producing a flow rate of up to 600L/h. The maximum water feed temperature is 80 degrees C.
- Wattage – This model uses a 3,000 Watt water cooled motor.
- Hose Length – The K7 comes with a 10m high-pressure hose.
- Surface Cleaned – This unit is capable of cleaning up to 60㎡/h
Read Our Full K7 Full Control Pressure Washer Review Here
Karcher Pressure Washer – Buying Guide
Now that you know some of the technical specifications of the best Karcher pressure washers, let’s see how you can find the right model for your specific needs.
How Do You Plan To Use It? 
You surely thought of using the pressure washer for a specific task. That’s why you started looking for one in the first place. Now you have to think about all the other tasks you might use the pressure washer for to determine which is the right model for your needs. Keep in mind that it’s better to have more power and lower it for certain tasks than to waste your time trying to clean certain surfaces.
Having More Pressure. Does It Really Matter?
As you could see from the table we included in this article and the product’s specifications, each generation of Kercher pressure washer has a different maximum working water pressure.
The pressure difference might not seem much when you look at it. The K2 models produce 110 Bars, the K4 130 Bars, the K5 145 Bars, and the K7 160 Bars. You can see there’s a significant difference between the K7 and the K2 models, but to fully understand what the difference means, you have to understand how large this pressure difference really is.
The pressure around you while you’re reading this article is ~ 1 Bar (unless you’re reading it while you’re deep sea diving, in which case Kudos for you). This is the amount of external force that’s exercised on you. You do not feel this pressure because it’s all around you. However, if you get into a swimming pool and you swim straight downward for 10.06 meters, the pressure around you will be 2 Bars. You will feel this pressure pushing against your chest, against your eardrums, etc. For every ~ 10m of depth, the pressure rises by 1 Bar.
Now that you understand what it takes to produce a 1 Bar pressure, you can understand that a difference of 15 – 20 Bars is actually more than you previously imagined. But how does this pressure difference translate to pressure washers?
Well, it’s rather pretty simple. When you use the K2 pressure washers, you’ll have no problems cleaning wood frames, bicycles, cars, or even cleaning around the house. You will encounter some problems if you want to clean your driveway, or to remove the stains from weathered surfaces. Keep in mind that it won’t necessarily be impossible to do so, but it will take longer. 
When you use the K4 pressure washer, the extra 20 Bars will allow you to clean your driveway or your car easier and quicker. They will also allow you to clean weathered surfaces, but the cleaning process will be slower.
The K5 pressure washer produces a maximum of 145 Bars. This water pressure is already too high to use on your car, so you should turn down the pressure when doing it. However, the extra 15 Bars it has over the K4 model will allow you to clean weathered surfaces with ease. You will be able to remove moss from walls or other surfaces, and you will be able to clean your patio without breaking a sweat.
When it comes to cleaning power, the K7 is the masterpiece. It’s capable of producing 160 Bars, 15 more than the K5, and 50 more than the K2. This pressure difference will allow you to clean everything around your house. The water pressure is so high, you will be able to remove chewing gum stains from your driveway or from the pavement. This pressure washer will also be able to remove tougher stains, like those you would encounter during the spring when you’re cleaning your empty pool.
Pressure Pumps Used By Karcher
Now, we have to mention the different pressure pumps used by Karcher because they’re also a very important factor in the pressure washer’s durability and effectiveness. Don’t worry, we won’t get into technical boring stuff, we’ll just explain the basics.
Karcher uses two types of pressure pumps, both of them built out of a corrosion-free material.
Axial Cam Pump – This type of pressure pump is small and compact. It runs at engine speed which is usually a bad thing because it’s harder to cool, and so it has a shorter lifespan. This pump has an average lifespan of 600 – 800 hours. This is the type of pressure pump used by the K2 models.
Triplex Plunger Pump – This type of pressure pump is very efficient. It has a working efficiency of nearly 90%. This pump has a lower operating speed, so it’s easier to cool and has a longer lifespan. Its lifespan can be up to ten times longer than the axial pumps. This is used by the other models.
What’s The Difference Between A Water Cooled And An Air Cooled Motor?
As you could see from the products’ description, Karcher uses two types of motors for their pressure washers.
- Air Cooled Motor – This type of motor uses small fans to cool itself. The fans are attached to the engine and move the heat from the engine outside the washer. This is an efficient way of motor cooling, but it’s not good for longer use.
- Water Cooled Motor – This type of motor uses a combination of antifreeze or cooling agent and water to maintain the working temperature. This mixture moves around the motor constantly, cooling it. After absorbing some heat, the mixture goes in the radiator, cools off, and starts over.
The main difference between air cooled motors and water cooled ones is their efficiency. Water cooled motors are more efficient, so you will be able to use the pressure washer for a longer time without risking overheating.
Karcher Accessories. They Make A Difference
As you could see from the reviews, these pressure washers come with different accessories. You might be wondering, is the difference between them important? Can’t you use all of them for the same purpose?
Well, you can use all the following attachments for the same purpose, like cleaning your patio. But every attachment will complete the task differently.
- T 150 – This is the Patio Cleaner supplied with the K2 models. The Patio Cleaner uses 2 rotating high-pressure nozzles to clean flat areas without splashing. This is an efficient accessory, and it will save you a lot of time.
- T 350 – This is the Patio Cleaner model supplied with the K4 and K5 models. Unlike the T150, this model has two handles on its top, so you will be able to lift it and use it on vertical surfaces like garage doors, walls, stone fences, etc.
- T 450 – This is the Patio Cleaner supplied with the K7 model. Unlike the previous models, this one doesn’t have a round design, its front being slightly elongated. This will make the Patio Cleaner fit in corners. Two pedals on the top of the cleaner will allow you to turn the rotating nozzles on or off. Unlike the previous Patio Cleaner models, the T 450 can be used on horizontal, vertical, and uneven surfaces, as well.
There are many more types of Karcher accessories available and these include brushes, lances, nozzles, hoses, detergents and even wheels.
Click Here To View Full Range of Karcher Accessories on Amazon
Karcher Pressure Washer Warranty
The great thing about Karcher is that they really stand behind their Karcher pressure washers. This is evident by the great warranties that they give with each pressure washer.
Many pressure washer companies only offer 1 or 2 year warranties. Karcher on the other hand start their warranties for a period of 2 years and offer warranties of up to 5 years. Talk about buying with confidence!
Click here to read about each models warranty period.
Information about defective pressure washers or damaged detergents and chemicals upon delivery is also shown in the link above.
You can register your Karcher pressure washer here.
Short Karcher k4, K5 and K7 Full Control Video
Here is a short video showing the features of the Karcher K4, K5 and K7 Full Control pressure washers.
Conclusion
Karcher is the world’s leading pressure washer manufacturer. They produce some of the best products available on the market in 2017. We’re confident that after reading our short reviews and comprehensive buying guide on Karcher pressure washers, you will be able to find the right model for your specific needs.
Karcher Contact Information
Karcher can be contacted as follows:
Karcher UK
Kärcher UK Ltd
Kärcher House
Brookhill Way
Banbury
OX16 3ED
General enquires: 01295 752 000
Professional sales support: 01295 752 082
H&G helpline: 01295 752 200
Email: enquires@karcher.co.uk
Karcher Ireland
Kärcher Ltd. (Ireland)
Unit 4 EP Mooney Business Park
Walkinstown Avenue
Dublin 12
All enquires: 01 409 7777
Email: info@ie.karcher.com
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