Kärcher K1700 - 1700 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
The Kärcher K1700 is an electric pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 1700 PSI and flow of 1.2 GPM. (Read full specs)
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Description
The K1700 was developed to offer high cleaning performance and unparalleled ease of use. This electric pressure washer delivers 1700 PSI of TruPressure™, ensuring you get the highest level of cleaning power and driven by a reliable universal motor. It includes convenience features such as a unique on/off foot switch, a handy storage bin, large one-half gallon removable detergent tank and three spray nozzles (including a turbo nozzle for intense cleaning). It is perfect for tackling typical outdoor cleaning jobs.
Zoom on the Kärcher K1700
The Kärcher K1700 is a light duty pressure washer, and enables:
- overall cleaning of hard surfaces, washing vehicles, and prepping surfaces for painting
- applying detergent and cleaning solutions, and rinsing surfaces
- spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces, and removing stubborn stains
Its power characteristics and design, its main features and all its additional features are presented ahead.
Power
Powered by a 14-amp universal motor, its axial pump can deliver a pressure of 1700 PSI (around 28 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.2 GPM (CETA-certified values). With these values combined, the Kärcher K1700 boasts a cleaning power of 2040 Cleaning Units.
Kärcher made starting the motor of this electric pressure washer as easy as possible, since the K1700 gets easily started by stepping on an ON/OFF pedal. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included 35 ft GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
The Kärcher K1700's commitment to mobility is evident through its portable design and approximate dimensions of D17.3 x W16.5 x H33 in. The lightweight aluminum frame ensures easy transport and maneuverability, while its corrosion resistance guarantees long-term durability, even in outdoor settings. The handle adds to the K1700 convenience of transport.
This unit's low weight of 20.7 lbs ensures easy maneuverability, allowing you to tackle cleaning projects with minimal effort. Partly owing to its aluminum frame, it maintains its lightweight construction. Further enhancing its lightweight design, the unit features two 8" wheels, streamlining transportation and maneuverability.
Main Features
The Kärcher K1700 comes with a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose, 3 nozzles and a detergent injection feature, which are detailed below.
- Soap injection: A safe detergent storage is facilitated by a removable 0.5 gal tank. Due to the absence of a soap dilution feature, users of the Kärcher K1700 must ensure detergent is correctly diluted prior to use. Upon attaching a soap nozzle, the pressure washer seamlessly integrates the detergent into the water flow.
- Pressure hose: For easy organization, the included 20 ft high-pressure hose can be stored on the unit using a set of convenient hooks when it's not in use, ensuring a clutter-free workspace.
- Spray gun and wand: The included classic ergonomic spray gun and its wand can be easily stored in a front sheath.
- Nozzles: The following table provides information on the 3 included nozzles and their recommended surface uses.
15° | Soap | Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete, brick, masonry | |||
| Siding, gutters, house | |||
| Fencing, deck, patio | |||
| Lawn equipment, boat, RV |
Please be aware: The shapes of the depicted nozzles are for illustration purposes and may differ. Symbols utilized include a indicating 'Not recommended,' a for 'Suitable,' and an for 'Use with caution.'
Other Features
- Onboard storage: The Kärcher K1700 allows you to be always fully prepared, as it features a handy storage area, where nozzles and accessories can be stored.
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: Included with the Kärcher K1700 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, power cord, spray gun and wand.
Product Videos
The Kärcher K1700's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the Kärcher K1700 compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- With 1700 PSI, the Kärcher K1700 achieves a lower pressure when compared to similarly priced electric pressure washers within the $170-200 range. As for the device with the most powerful water stream, in this price range, one of the top products is the AR Blue Clean XM2400 with 2400 PSI.
- When compared to devices in the above-mentioned price range, this washer and its 1.2 GPM (gallons per minute), is on the lower end of the achievable water flow. If your priority is efficient debris removal, consider one of the products with the highest GPM in this price range, such as the Powerhorse Follow Me, boasting 1.9 GPM.
- At 2040 Cleaning Units (PSI X GPM), the K1700 ranks on the lower side of cleaning power among devices with similar pricing and fuel type. 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 Goodyear GYE22VT and its 3630 Cleaning Units.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other electric washers between 2000 and 2500 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K1700 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this pressure washer nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of cleaning power.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- ON/OFF pedal
- Portable
- Aluminum frame
- Onboard storage
- Could include more nozzles
- No detergent dilution mechanism
- Low PSI for the price
- Low GPM for the price
- Low CU for the price
Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Motor | 14-amp, universal |
| Pump | N-COR Axial |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI | 1700 |
| GPM | 1.2 |
| Cleaning Units | 2040 |
| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀8" |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | Approx. 17.3 x 16.5 x 33 in (D x W x H) |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Soap injection | Yes |
|---|---|
| Soap tank | 0.5 gal, removable |
| Soap dilution | No |
| Nozzles | 15°, Soap, Turbo |
| Quick connect nozzles | Yes |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 20 ft |
| Security | Trigger lock |
|---|---|
| Included accessories | Wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, 35 ft GFCI power cord, 3 nozzles |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Other model numbers | 1.106-109.0 |
| UPC | 886622019831 |
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 K1700 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 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.

