Further down the page, you'll find some explanations regarding the key similarities and differences between the Kärcher K1700 and the Sun Joe SPX3000.
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 K1700 | Sun Joe SPX3000 |
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Power Comparison
- Fuel: Both units are electric pressure washers.
- Engine & Pump: The Kärcher K1700 and the Sun Joe SPX3000 both use an axial-type pump to put water under pressure. The former's pump is manufactured by N-COR. The Kärcher K1700's pump is powered by a 14-amp motor, while the Sun Joe SPX3000 uses a 14.5-amp motor. Both motors are of the Universal type.
The following charts are provided to show you at a glance how the main specs of the Karcher K1700 compare to the Sun Joe SPX3000.
- Pressure: With a maximum reachable pressure of 2030 PSI, the Sun Joe SPX3000 provides a much higher force to blast off dirt and grime than the 1700 PSI of the Kärcher K1700.
- Water Flow: When operating at low pressure, the Sun Joe SPX3000 can generate a much higher maximum volume of water than the Kärcher K1700. It can deliver up to 1.76 GPM (gallons per minute), whereas the Kärcher K1700 offers a maximum water flow of 1.2 GPM. The former should thus allow you to rinse away dirt and debris with significantly better efficiency and speed.
- Cleaning Power: With its 2040 C.U., the Kärcher K1700 offers a higher overall cleaning efficiency than the Sun Joe SPX3000 and its 1798 C.U.
Design Comparison
- Design: With their compact design, both units are constructed with a strong focus on portability in mind.
- Weight: At 20.7 lbs, the K1700 is somewhat lighter than the 23.4 lbs of the SPX3000.
- Maneuverability: Both products benefit from a set of wheels, which greatly contributes to their maneuverability. 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 that, the Sun Joe SPX3000 has an advantage over the Kärcher K1700. The latter offers a single soap tank, whereas the former benefits from a dual soap tank system that lets you easily store and use 2 different cleaning solutions.
- Trigger Gun & Wand: Each of these 2 units comes with a fairly standard ergonomic trigger gun and a classic wand.
- Nozzles: Both pressure washers come with 15° and soap nozzles, but the nozzle similarities stop here. The Kärcher K1700 adds a turbo nozzle, while the Sun Joe SPX3000's set includes 0°, 25°, and 40° nozzles.
- Reach: Both products include a 20 ft high-pressure hose. Therefore, neither of them will, out of the box, allow for a higher freedom of movement around the unit. As both units feature a 35 ft power cord, their maximum allowable placement from an electrical outlet is the same.
- Storage: The K1700 and SPX3000 both offer onboard storage that allows you to neatly keep the accessories you need at hand. Both washers feature a set of hooks to help you neatly store their high pressure hoses when not in use.
- Accessories: In addition to the usual set of included accessories, the Sun Joe SPX3000 also comes with a garden hose adapter.
TL;DR
| Kärcher K1700 | Sun Joe SPX3000 |
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The review does not address the tendency for all upright electric pressure washers to fall over and break the (usually) plastic hose fittings. The little footie in the front is not enough. The lay-out of the Karcher here looks like a big improvement. I have a very nice Karcher upright model after the front foot was added and the foot itself broke off right away. Then I had to stock hand-fulls of the fittings. Now I strap the washer to an actual hand truck just to keep it upright. My next pressure washer will have four wheels or metal hose fittings.