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)
eBay | Price history for the Kärcher K3 Power Control | |
|---|---|
| Latest updates:
Since: May 3, 2022 |
|
Page Content
Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI (max/rated) | 1800/1450 |
| GPM (max/rated) | 1.45/1.24 |
| Cleaning Units | 1798 |
| Motor | 13 amp, induction |
| Pump | Axial Cam |
| Other model numbers | 1.676-109.0 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Soap injection | Yes |
| Soap tank | Removable |
| Nozzles | N/A |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 25 ft |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | Approx. 11 x 11.7 x 26.7 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.1 lbs |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, solid |
| Included accessories | VPS wand, Power Control spray gun, high pressure hose, dirt blaster, garden hose adapter, GFCI power cord |
| Security | Trigger lock |
| Warranty | 2 years |
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 K3 Power Control
The Kärcher K3 Power Control, a light duty pressure washer, gives its user an all-around versatile cleaning experience, topped off by the following features:
- spot cleaning of hard, paintless surfaces and reaching far-away areas
- cleaning of painted or delicate surfaces
- applying 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
Powered by a 13 amp induction motor, its axial cam pump can deliver a pressure of 1800 PSI (around 30 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.45 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). These are maximum values that can only be reached in specific conditions. Under typical load, working pressure is 1450 PSI and rated flow is 1.24 GPM. Combined, these values mean that the Kärcher K3 Power Control has a cleaning power of 1798 Cleaning Units.
As it is an electric pressure washer, the motor of the K3 Power Control gets easily started by a simple ON/OFF switch. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
With its portable design and approximate dimensions of D11 x W11.7 x H26.7 in, the Kärcher K3 Power Control makes mobility one of its core strengths. The telescopic handle further eases storage and offers a convenient pulling height, allowing effortless transportation.
With a weight of only 12.1 lbs, the unit is very easy to carry around. Its plastic frame certainly plays a key role in this light weight. As if this lightweight wasn't enough, the device also features two solid wheels to further improve its ease of use and of transport.
Main Features
Along with the Kärcher K3 Power Control itself, the package also includes a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose and a detergent injection feature, which are discussed in further detail below.
- Soap injection: Detergent storage is ensured by a removable tank. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in "MIX" mode.
- Pressure hose: The included 25 ft high-pressure hose can be neatly stored on the unit when idle thanks to a set of convenient hooks.
- Spray gun and wand: The included Power Control spray gun and its VPS wand can be easily stored in a side hook. 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 on which of the 4 settings the Vario Power Spray wand is 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 claims 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 the built-in advisor to get instructions on getting the best cleaning result for your bike, for example
- Read tips & tricks on how to get the most out of your washer
- Go through 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: Included with the Kärcher K3 Power Control 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 DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt), garden hose adapter, pressure hose, spray gun, wand and power cord.
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.
- The Karcher K3 Power Control with its 1800 PSI achieves a lower pressure value, compared to other electric pressure washers in the $255-300 price range. If your priority is the highest possible power of the water stream, in this price range, we suggest checking out the Ryobi RY142711, which reaches up to 2700 PSI.
- In the aforementioned price range, the GPM (gallons per minute) of this washer, which can reach 1.45, can be considered in the average. If maximum rinsing efficiency is your top priority, one of the devices with the highest water flow in the same price range is the Sun Joe SPX3550, with a GPM of 1.8.
- With 1798 Cleaning Units, the K3 Power Control is on the low end when compared to other similarly priced electric devices. 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 Ryobi RY142711 and its 2970 Cleaning Units.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, 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
- Decent GPM for the price
- Low PSI 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 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.
