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:
- focused spot cleaning on hard, unpainted surfaces, accessing high spots, and efficiently eliminating stubborn stains
- gentle cleaning of delicate surfaces, and low pressure cleaning of larger areas
- utilizing cleaning solutions, and rinsing surfaces clean
Its power characteristics and design, its main features and all its additional features are presented ahead.
Power
The Kärcher K1
Its axial cam pump, which utilizes a 12.5-amp universal motor, may deliver a pressure of up to 1700 PSI (almost 28 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.45 GPM. 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. Corresponding to these values is a cleaning power of 1798 Cleaning Units.
The K1 gets going swiftly with a simple ON/OFF switch, making startup hassle-free. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included 35 ft GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
With its portable design and approximate dimensions of D7.4 x W8.1 x H17.5 in, the Kärcher K1 priotirizes mobility one of its key features. The handle adds to the K1 convenience of transport.
At just 9.8 lbs, this unit is incredibly lightweight, ensuring hassle-free mobility wherever you need it. Its lightweight construction is partially attributed to its plastic frame.
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: Detergent is fed in through a siphon hose, since the device lacks a soap tank. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in low pressure mode.
- Pressure hose: The unit comes with an easy-to-connect 10 ft high-pressure hose. However, it doesn't feature any proper storage solution for it (no reel, strap or hook).
- Spray gun and wand: The included classic ergonomic spray gun and its VPS wand can be easily 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 wand, spray gun, pressure hose, power cord and garden hose adapter.
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, boasting 1700 PSI, achieves a lower pressure compared to other electric pressure washers in the $80-110 price bracket. As for the device with the most powerful water stream, in this price range, one of the top products is the Westinghouse ePX3050 with 2100 PSI.
- With a water flow rate of 1.45 GPM, this washer is average in water volume compared to others in the aforementioned price range. If your priority is efficient debris removal, consider one of the products with the highest GPM in this price range, such as the Westinghouse ePX3030, boasting 1.76 GPM.
- With a cleaning power of 1798 Cleaning Units, the K1 falls on the lower end compared to similarly priced electric devices. In case you are looking for the highest overall cleaning power, in this price range, one of the current champions is the Westinghouse ePX3030 and its 2160 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.
