Further down the page, you'll find some explanations regarding the key similarities and differences between the Kärcher K4 and the Kärcher K2 Compact.
But before checking out explanations regarding their power, design, and features here's a table that summarizes the main pros of each of these 2 pressure washers:
| Kärcher K4 | Kärcher K2 Compact |
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Power Comparison
- Fuel: Both units are electric pressure washers.
- Engine & Pump: The Kärcher K4 and the Kärcher K2 Compact both use an axial-type pump to put water under pressure. These 2 pumps are manufactured by N-COR. In either case, the pump is powered by a 13-amp motor. However, the Kärcher K4 has the advantage of featuring an induction motor which is more energy-efficient, quiet and durable than the universal motor of the Kärcher K2 Compact.
The following charts are provided to show you at a glance how the main specs of the Karcher K4 compare to the Karcher K2 Compact.
- Pressure: With a maximum reachable pressure of 1900 PSI, the Kärcher K4 provides a much higher force to blast off dirt and grime than the 1600 PSI of the Kärcher K2 Compact.
- Water Flow: When operating at low pressure, the K4 can generate a much higher maximum volume of water than the K2 Compact. It can deliver up to 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute), whereas the K2 Compact offers a maximum water flow of 1.25 GPM. The former should thus allow you to rinse away dirt and debris with significantly better efficiency and speed.
- Cleaning Power: With its 2850 C.U., the Kärcher K4 offers a much higher overall cleaning efficiency than the K2 Compact and its 2000 C.U.
Design Comparison
- Design: With their compact design, both units are constructed with a strong focus on portability in mind.
- Weight: Weighing 14.5 lbs, the K2 Compact is far lighter than the 26.5 lbs of the K4.
- Maneuverability: Because the K4 has a set of wheels, it is easier to move once on the ground than the K2 Compact, which lacks wheels. Both offer a handle, which improves your grip when you wish to move them.
Feature Comparison
- Soap Addition: Both washers allow for the addition of chemical detergent solutions to the water. For the K2 Compact, this is achieved via a siphon hose, whereas the K4 uses an onboard detergent tank.
- Trigger Gun & Wand: Each of these 2 units comes with a fairly standard ergonomic trigger gun and a VPS wand.
- Nozzles: Neither of these 2 pressure washers come with nozzles. This is due to the fact that their aforementioned wands remove the need for any.
- Reach: With its included 25 ft high-pressure hose, the Kärcher K4 will allow you, out of the box, to move farther away from the unit than the Kärcher K2 Compact and its 20 ft high pressure hose. As both units feature a 35 ft power cord, their maximum allowable placement from an electrical outlet is the same.
- Storage: In contrast to the K4, which offers convenient onboard storage to keep your accessories at hand, the K2 Compact does not have such a feature. While the K2 Compact doesn't offer any convenient way to store its pressure hose, the K4 provides a handy set of hooks.
- Accessories: In addition to the usual set of included accessories, the Kärcher K4 also comes with dirt blaster and detergent tank.
TL;DR
| Kärcher K4 | Kärcher K2 Compact |
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