Kärcher K3 Power Control - 1800 PSI 1.45 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
The Kärcher K3 Power Control is an electric pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 1800 PSI and flow of 1.45 GPM. (Read full specs)
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Northern Tool | Price history for the Kärcher K3 Power Control |
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| Highest Price $179.98 Lowest Price $99.99 Current Price $175.99 |
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Description
Zoom on the Kärcher K3 Power Control
In summary, the Kärcher K3 Power Control is a light duty pressure washer, that offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and also:
- focused spot cleaning on hard, unpainted surfaces, accessing high spots, and efficiently eliminating stubborn stains
- delicate surface cleaning, andbroad area cleaning with reduced pressure
- applying detergents or chemicals, and rinsing surfaces afterward
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
Using a 13-amp induction motor, its axial cam pump delivers a pressure of up to 1800 PSI (roughly 30 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 K3 Power Control 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 GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
Prioritizing ease of transportation, the Kärcher K3 Power Control incorporates a portable design and approximate dimensions of D11 x W11.7 x H26.7 in. The telescopic handle further eases storage and offers a convenient pulling height, allowing effortless transportation.
With its lightweight construction, tipping the scales at only 12.1 lbs, this unit is a portable powerhouse for all your cleaning needs. The use of an plastic frame helps maintain its lightweight build. Adding to its lightweight construction, two solid wheels are included, simplifying mobility and transport.
Main Features
The Kärcher K3 Power Control comes with a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose and a detergent injection feature, which are detailed below.
- Soap injection: Detergent is stored in a removable tank. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in "MIX" mode.
- Pressure hose: For easy organization, the included 25 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: A side hook enables you to easily store the included Power Control 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.
Power Control Gun
The Power Control trigger gun and its pressure display
Karcher's Power Control trigger gun gives you an instant reading on your current pressure setting.
It features indicators that illuminate to show you which of the 4 settings the Vario Power Spray wand is currently set.
The four settings are "MIX", "SOFT", "MEDIUM", and "HARD".
Home & Garden Mobile App
Kärcher's Home & Garden Mobile App
Kärcher Home & Garden app is available for Android (opens in a new tab) and iOS (opens in a new tab) devices. Even though this unit does not have Bluetooth connectivity, the app promises to turn you into a cleaning expert, by offering you access to Kärcher's extensive cleaning knowledge. It will enable you to:
- Get step-by-step help on installation and initial startup
- Consult its built-in advisor for instructions to achieve the best cleaning result in model scenarios (e.g. cleaning your bike)
- Read tips & tricks on how to get the most out of your washer
- Browse FAQ items and detailed troubleshooting guides
- Easily connect to the Kärcher service center to order accessories, detergents, etc.
Other Features
Some of the included accessories
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: On top of an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and the usual documentation to get you swiftly started, the Kärcher K3 Power Control also comes with power cord, pressure hose, garden hose adapter, spray gun, DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt) and wand.
The Kärcher K3 Power Control's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the Kärcher K3 Power Control compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- Featuring 1800 PSI, the Kärcher K3 Power Control achieves a lower pressure value compared to competing electric pressure washers within the $170-200 price category. For those prioritizing maximum water stream power, consider the Sun Joe SPX7000-MAX, boasting 2200 PSI, as a standout performer in this price range.
- Boasting a water flow of up to 1.45 GPM, this washer occupies the higher ranks of the price range mentioned above, ensuring a substantial water volume. When it comes to efficiently rinsing away debris, one standout option within this price range is the Powerhorse Follow Me, delivering an impressive 1.9 GPM.
- At 1798 Cleaning Units, the K3 Power Control 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 Kärcher K3 Horizontal FJ and its 2610 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 K3 Power Control 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
- Induction motor
- Portable
- Power Control gun
- High GPM for the price
- Low PSI for the price
- Low CU for the price
Do you own the Kärcher K3 Power Control and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Motor | 13-amp, induction |
| Pump | Axial Cam |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI (max/rated) | 1800/1450 |
| GPM (max/rated) | 1.45/1.24 |
| Cleaning Units | 1798 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, solid |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs |
| Dimensions | Approx. 11 x 11.7 x 26.7 in (D x W x H) |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Soap injection | Yes |
|---|---|
| Soap tank | Removable |
| Nozzles | Adjustable wand (VPS) |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 25 ft |
| Security | Trigger lock |
|---|---|
| Included accessories | VPS wand, Power Control spray gun, high pressure hose, dirt blaster, garden hose adapter, GFCI power cord |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Other model numbers | 1.676-109.0 |
| UPC | 886622044178 |
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 K3 Power Control 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.
