The Kärcher K2 Compact is an electric pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 1600 PSI and flow of 1.25 GPM. (Read full specs)
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Since: June 3, 2023 |
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Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI | 1600 |
| GPM | 1.25 |
| Cleaning Units | 2000 |
| Motor | 13 amp, universal |
| Pump | N-COR Axial |
| Other model numbers | 1.602-114.0 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Soap injection | Via siphon hose |
| Soap dilution | No |
| Nozzles | N/A |
| Onboard storage | No |
| Hose | 20 ft |
| Hose storage | None |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | Approx. 7.7 x 11 x 19.6 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14.5 lbs |
| Wheels | No |
| Included accessories | VPS wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, soap hose, 35 ft GFCI power cord |
| Security | Trigger lock |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 886622015284 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
Description
Zoom on the Kärcher K2 Compact
In a nutshell, the Kärcher K2 Compact is a light duty pressure washer, which not only offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, but that also allows:
- spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces and high-reach cleaning
- cleaning of painted or delicate surfaces
- application of detergent and cleaning solutions
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 K2 Compact
With a 13 amp universal motor, its axial pump delivers a pressure of 1600 PSI (roughly 27 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.25 GPM (CETA-certified values), resulting in the Kärcher K2 Compact's cleaning power of 2000 Cleaning Units.
Being an electric pressure washer, the Kärcher K2 Compact's motor can be easily started by a convenient ON/OFF switch. 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 D7.7 x W11 x H19.6 in, the Kärcher K2 Compact makes mobility one of its core strengths. The handle adds to the K2 Compact convenience of transport.
Standing at only 14.5 lbs, this model can be carried around very easily. It is lightweight, partly thanks to its plastic frame. This light weight compensates for the fact that the K2 Compact doesn't have any wheels, as it's not something necessary.
Main Features
The Kärcher K2 Compact 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. However, since the Kärcher K2 Compact does not feature a soap dilution mechanism, you'll have to make sure your detergent is correctly diluted before use. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in low pressure mode.
- Pressure hose: This washer comes with an easy-to-connect 20 ft high-pressure hose. But, there is no proper storage solution designed for it (no reel, strap or hook).
- Spray gun and wand: A set of notches enables you to easily store the included classic ergonomic spray gun and its VPS wand. 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
Some of the included accessories
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: Included with the Kärcher K2 Compact 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 spray gun, soap hose, wand, pressure hose and power cord.
Product Video
The Kärcher K2 Compact's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the Kärcher K2 Compact compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The Kärcher K2 Compact, which can achieve a PSI of up to 1600, falls behind the other electric pressure washers in the $150 to $180 price range. If your priority is the highest possible power of the water stream, in this price range, we suggest checking out the Westinghouse ePX3500, which reaches up to 2500 PSI.
- When compared to devices in the above-mentioned price range, this washer and its 1.25 GPM (gallons per minute), is on the lower end of the achievable water flow. If rinsing away debris most efficiently is your priority, one of the devices with the highest GPM in this price range is the Sun Joe SPX2690-MAX, which can reach up to 1.8 GPM.
- The K2 Compact has 2000 Cleaning Units (PSI X GPM), which can be considered low in comparison to other electric devices of this price. 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 AR Blue Clean AR390SS and its 2800 Cleaning Units.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other electric washers between 2000 and 2500 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K2 Compact 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
- Portable
- No soap tank
- No detergent dilution mechanism
- No pressure hose storage
- Low PSI for the price
- Low GPM for the price
- Low CU for the price
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 K2 Compact 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.
