Kärcher K4 Power Control - 1900 PSI 1.5 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
The Kärcher K4 Power Control is an electric pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 1900 PSI and flow of 1.5 GPM. (Read full specs)
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| Highest Price $312.70 Lowest Price $219.99 Current Price $312.70 |
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Description
Zoom on the Kärcher K4 Power Control
The Kärcher K4 Power Control is a light to medium duty pressure washer, that provides its users with an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and enables:
- pinpoint spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces, accessing high areas, and successfully removing stubborn stains
- delicate surface cleaning, andbroad area cleaning with reduced pressure
- utilizing cleaning solutions, and rinsing surfaces clean
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
With a 13-amp induction motor powering it, the axial cam pump of this unit is capable of achieving a pressure of 1900 PSI (approximately 32 times greater than that of a standard garden hose) and a flow rate of up to 1.5 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 1500 PSI and the flow rate is 1.31 GPM. Corresponding to these values is a cleaning power of 1965 Cleaning Units.
The K4 Power Control starts up effortlessly with a quick press of an ON/OFF switch, ensuring ease of use. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
The Kärcher K4 Power Control's commitment to mobility is evident through its portable design and approximate dimensions of D15.8 x W12 x H23.1 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 28.7 lbs, this unit is a portable powerhouse for all your cleaning needs. Its lightweight construction is partially attributed to its plastic frame. Further enhancing its lightweight design, the unit features two 6.6" solid wheels, streamlining transportation and maneuverability.
Main Features
Along with the Kärcher K4 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 supply is ensured by Karcher's Plug 'n' Clean system. The device has an adjustable detergent injection system which allows you to manually select the detergent dilution ratio. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in "MIX" mode.
- Pressure hose: For easy organization, the included 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.
Plug 'n' Clean System
The practical Plug 'n' Clean system allows you to change the detergent in one quick and easy step, and to always see the filling level at a glance.
It removes the need for a proper soap tank, as you just have to plug your chosen Karcher detergent upside down in the unit's dedicated chamber.
6 Plug 'n' Clean detergents are available: Ultra Foam Cleaner, Plastic Cleaner, Wood Cleaner, Stone & Facade Cleaner, Car Shampoo, and Universal Cleaner.
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 K4 Power Control also comes with pressure hose, power cord, spray gun, garden hose adapter, wand and DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt).
The Kärcher K4 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 K4 Power Control compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- Among electric-powered pressure washers priced between $300 and $400, the Kärcher K4 Power Control with 1900 PSI achieves a lower pressure. If your priority is the highest possible power of the water stream, in this price range, we suggest checking out the Westinghouse WPX3400e, which reaches up to 3400 PSI.
- As this washer can produce a flow of water of 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute), it is average in terms of water volume for the above-mentioned price range. If maximum rinsing efficiency is your top priority, one of the devices with the highest water flow in the same price range is the Greenworks GPW2702A, with a GPM of 2.3.
- At 1965 Cleaning Units, the K4 Power Control ranks on the lower side of cleaning power among devices with similar pricing and fuel type. If you consider the highest overall cleaning power as a really important factor, the BE P2314EN and its 3910 Cleaning Units has one of the highest cleaning efficiency of all the similarly priced 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 K4 Power Control is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its cleaning power range, purchasing it could most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Induction motor
- Portable
- Power Control gun
- Decent GPM for the price
- On the expensive side
- The Plug 'n' Clean system is not the most eco-friendly
- Low PSI for the price
- Low CU for the price
Do you own the Kärcher K4 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 |
| PSI (max/rated) | 1900/1500 |
| GPM (max/rated) | 1.5/1.31 |
| Cleaning Units | 1965 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀6.6", solid |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | Approx. 15.8 x 12 x 23.1 in (D x W x H) |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Soap injection | Yes |
|---|---|
| Soap tank | Plug 'n' Clean |
| Soap dilution | Adjustable |
| Nozzles | Adjustable wand (VPS) |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| 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 | 1.324-045.0 |
| UPC | 886622044116 |
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 K4 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.
