Kärcher K1 - 1700 PSI 1.45 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
The Kärcher K1 is an electric pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 1700 PSI and flow of 1.45 GPM. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Kärcher K1
The Kärcher K1, a light duty pressure washer, gives its user an all-around versatile cleaning experience, topped off by the following features:
- targeted spot cleaning for hard, unpainted surfaces, reaching elevated areas, and thoroughly removing stubborn stains
- gentle cleaning for sensitive surfaces, and wide coverage cleaning with low pressure
- applying detergents and cleaning agents, and rinsing off surfaces
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics and design, its main features and all the additional features it has to offer.
Power
The Kärcher K1
Using a 12.5-amp universal motor, its axial cam pump delivers a pressure of up to 1700 PSI (roughly 28 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.45 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). While these PSI and GPM values represent the maximum capabilities of the washer under specific conditions, it's important to note that under typical usage, the working pressure is 1450 PSI and the flow rate is 1.24 GPM. When these values are taken together, they yield a cleaning power of 1798 Cleaning Units.
The K1 is easily activated by an ON/OFF switch, offering convenient operation. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included 35 ft GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
Prioritizing ease of transportation, the Kärcher K1 incorporates a portable design and approximate dimensions of D7.4 x W8.1 x H17.5 in. The handle adds to the K1 convenience of transport.
This unit's low weight of 9.8 lbs ensures easy maneuverability, allowing you to tackle cleaning projects with minimal effort. Thanks in part to its plastic frame, it remains lightweight.
Main Features
The Kärcher K1 comes with a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose and a detergent injection feature, which are detailed below.
- Soap injection: While the device doesn't feature a soap tank, detergent supply is ensured by a siphon hose. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in low pressure mode.
- Pressure hose: Included with the unit is a 10 ft high-pressure hose, which effortlessly connects to the unit for quick setup. However, it doesn't feature any proper storage solution for it (no reel, strap or hook).
- Spray gun and wand: Both the classic ergonomic spray gun and its VPS wand may be conveniently stored in a dedicated slot. The Vario Power Spray (VPS) wand allows you to conveniently switch from low to high pressure, and everything between, while you clean. Simply twist the end for infinitely variable pressure adjustment.
Other Features
The Kärcher K1
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: Included with the Kärcher K1 are also the owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and some basic documentation to get you promptly started, along with several accessories, such as pressure hose, spray gun, power cord, garden hose adapter and wand.
The Kärcher K1's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the Kärcher K1 compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The Kärcher K1, a device which can produce up to 1700 PSI, is on the lower end of the pressure spectrum, among the electric pressure washers in the $50-110 price range. If the highest possible power of the water stream is your priority, one of the champions in this price range is the Westinghouse ePX3100v with 2100 PSI.
- At 1.45 GPM, this washer falls into the average range for water volume among devices in the price range noted above. If rinsing away debris most efficiently is your priority, one of the devices with the highest GPM in this price range is the Westinghouse ePX3030, which can reach up to 1.76 GPM.
- Amongst similarly priced electric devices, the 1798 Cleaning Units of the K1 rank as low. When it comes to the highest overall cleaning power in the current price range, one of the products at the very top currently is the Pulsar PWE1600 and its 2560 Cleaning Units.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other electric washers between 1500 and 2000 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K1 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget pressure washer.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Portable
- Decent GPM for the price
- No soap tank
- No pressure hose storage
- Low PSI for the price
- Low CU for the price
Do you own the Kärcher K1 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Motor | 12.5-amp, universal |
| Pump | N-Cor Axial Cam |
| Water | Cold |
| PSI (max/rated) | 1700/1450 |
| GPM (max/rated) | 1.45/1.24 |
| Cleaning Units | 1798 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Wheels | No |
| Weight | 9.8 lbs |
| Dimensions | Approx. 7.4 x 8.1 x 17.5 in (D x W x H) |
| Hose storage | None |
| Soap injection | Via siphon hose |
|---|---|
| Nozzles | Adjustable wand (VPS) |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 10 ft |
| Security | Trigger lock |
|---|---|
| Included accessories | VPS wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, garden hose adapter, 35 ft GFCI power cord |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Other model numbers | 1.600-027.0 |
| UPC | 886622055990 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About Kärcher
Founded in 1935 by Alfred Kärcher, this family-owned business is headquartered in Winnenden, Germany. Credited with developing Europe's first hot water high-pressure washer in 1950, the company continues to pride itself on ingenuity and innovative thinking for new solutions in the cleaning industry. Kärcher also insists on being a socially- and ecologically-sustainable company. The popularity of the brand can be seen by the fact that the name Kärcher has in some European countries become a colloquial term used synonymously with pressure washers.
Warranty Information
The Kärcher K1 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the unit.
For more information about the warranty of Kärcher pressure washers, please consult Kärcher's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-537-4129.
