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)
Page Content
Features and Specifications
Fuel | Electric |
---|---|
Handling | Portable |
Water | Cold |
PSI (max/rated) | 1900/1500 |
GPM (max/rated) | 1.5/1.31 |
Cleaning Units | 1965 |
Motor | 13 amp, induction |
Pump | Axial Cam |
Other model numbers | 1.324-045.0 |
Frame | Plastic |
---|---|
Soap injection | No |
Soap tank | Plug 'n' Clean |
Nozzles | N/A |
Onboard storage | No |
Hose storage | None |
Dimensions (D x W x H) | Approx. 15.8 x 12 x 23.1 in |
---|---|
Weight | 28.7 lbs |
Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀6.6", 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 |
UPC | 886622044116 |
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 K4 Power Control
The Kärcher K4 Power Control, a light to medium duty pressure washer, gives its user an all-around versatile cleaning experience, topped off by the following features:
- focused spot cleaning on hard, unpainted surfaces, accessing high spots, and efficiently eliminating stubborn stains
- delicate surface cleaning, andbroad area cleaning with reduced pressure
Ahead are presented its power characteristics and design, its main features and any other additional features.
Power
Powered by a 13-amp induction motor, its axial cam pump can deliver a pressure of 1900 PSI (around 32 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow 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. With these values combined, the Kärcher K4 Power Control boasts a cleaning power of 1965 Cleaning Units.
Being an electric unit, the K4 Power Control easily starts up with the press of an ON/OFF switch, providing seamless operation. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
Featuring a portable design and approximate dimensions of D15.8 x W12 x H23.1 in, the Kärcher K4 Power Control underscores its dedication to mobility. The telescopic handle further eases storage and offers a convenient pulling height, allowing effortless transportation.
This unit's low weight of 28.7 lbs ensures easy maneuverability, allowing you to tackle cleaning projects with minimal effort. Its lightweight construction is partially attributed to its plastic frame. Enhancing its already lightweight design, the unit boasts two 6.6" solid wheels, making transportation effortless.
Main Features
The Kärcher K4 Power Control comes with a spray gun, a wand and a pressure hose, which are detailed below.
- Pressure hose: This washer comes with an easy-to-connect high-pressure hose. But, there is no proper storage solution designed for it (no reel, strap or hook).
- Spray gun and wand: Both the Power Control spray gun and its VPS wand may be conveniently 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.
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
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 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
- 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, DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt), spray gun, wand and garden hose adapter.
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.
- Featuring 1900 PSI, the Kärcher K4 Power Control achieves a lower pressure value compared to competing electric pressure washers within the $195-255 price category. If the highest possible power of the water stream is your priority, one of the champions in this price range is the Westinghouse WPX2700e with 2700 PSI.
- At 1.5 GPM, this washer places at the top tier of the above-mentioned price range, delivering a significant amount of water. In case you are looking for a device which can most efficiently rinse away debris in the current price range, the Westinghouse WPX2700e has the highest GPM of 1.76.
- Amongst similarly priced electric devices, the 1965 Cleaning Units of the K4 Power Control rank as low. If you consider the highest overall cleaning power as a really important factor, the Pulsar PWE2019 and its 3200 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
- High GPM for the price
- On the expensive side
- No soap injection feature
- No pressure hose storage
- The Plug 'n' Clean system is not the most eco-friendly
- 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 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.