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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Description
Zoom on the Kärcher K4 Power Control
The Kärcher K4 Power Control is a 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
- gentle cleaning for sensitive surfaces, and wide coverage cleaning with low pressure
- applying detergents and cleaning agents, and rinsing off surfaces
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, its axial cam pump delivers a pressure of 1900 PSI (roughly 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, resulting in the Kärcher K4 Power Control's cleaning power of 1965 Cleaning Units.
The K4 Power Control is easily activated by an ON/OFF switch, offering convenient operation. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
Designed for on-the-go use, the Kärcher K4 Power Control offers a portable design and approximate dimensions of D15.8 x W12 x H23.1 in to facilitate easy movement. The telescopic handle further eases storage and offers a convenient pulling height, allowing effortless transportation.
Weighing in at a mere 28.7 lbs, this unit is designed for effortless portability and convenience. Its lightweight construction is partially attributed to its plastic frame. Adding to its lightweight construction, two 6.6" solid wheels are included, simplifying mobility and transport.
Main Features
The Kärcher K4 Power Control's package includes a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose and a detergent injection feature, with a more detailed description below.
- Soap injection: Detergent supply is ensured by Karcher's Plug 'n' Clean system. The washer has an adjustable detergent injection system that allows the user to manually select the detergent dilution ratio. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in "MIX" mode.
- Pressure hose: The included high-pressure hose can be neatly stored on the unit when not in use, utilizing a set of convenient hooks for convenient organization.
- 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.
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: Besides the usual owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and documentation to get you promptly started, the Kärcher K4 Power Control comes with power cord, spray gun, pressure hose, wand, garden hose adapter 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.
- Featuring 1900 PSI, the Kärcher K4 Power Control achieves a lower pressure value compared to competing electric pressure washers within the $300-400 price category. For those prioritizing maximum water stream power, consider the Westinghouse WPX3400e, boasting 3400 PSI, as a standout performer in this price range.
- At 1.5 GPM, this washer falls into the average range for water volume among devices in the price range noted above. If being able to rinse away debris as efficiently as possible is your priority, one of the products with the highest GPM in this price range is the Greenworks GPW2702A, with 2.3 GPM.
- Boasting 1965 Cleaning Units , the K4 Power Control places on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of cleaning power compared to other electric devices in this price range. If you are after the highest overall cleaning power, the BE P2314EN with its 3910 Cleaning Units is one of the products that can achieve the highest cleaning efficiency in this price range.
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.
