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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Acme Tools | Price history for the Kärcher K4 Power Control |
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| Highest Price $269.97 Lowest Price $247.49 Current Price $249.99 |
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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 | Yes |
| Soap tank | Plug 'n' Clean |
| Soap dilution | Adjustable |
| Nozzles | N/A |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| 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 |
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.
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:
- precise spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces, reaching elevated areas, and effectively removing stubborn stains
- mild cleaning for delicate surfaces, and low-pressure cleaning for broader areas
- applying detergent and cleaning solutions, and rinsing 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
Powered by a 13-amp induction motor, its axial cam pump can generate a forceful pressure of 1900 PSI (roughly 32 times 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. When these values are taken together, they yield a cleaning power of 1965 Cleaning Units.
With its electric design, 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. This owes partly to its plastic frame, contributing to its lightweight design. Complementing its lightweight frame, two 6.6" solid wheels are integrated, facilitating effortless transportation.
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 detergent dilution ratio can be manually selected, using the unit's adjustable detergent injection system. 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: 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
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 DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt), power cord, pressure hose, wand, spray gun 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.
- The Kärcher K4 Power Control, boasting 1900 PSI, achieves a lower pressure compared to other electric pressure washers in the $195-255 price bracket. In case you are looking for a device with the highest possible power of its water stream, one of the top achievers in this price range is the Craftsman CMEPW2800 with a PSI of 2800.
- With a water flow rate of up to 1.5 GPM, this washer ranks at the higher end of the price range mentioned above, offering a substantial volume of water. If you’re after the highest rinsing efficiency, one of the units with the highest water flow in the current price range is the Westinghouse WPX2700e, that can deliver up to 1.76 GPM.
- The K4 Power Control's Cleaning Units, 1965 CU, fall into the lower end when compared to electric devices of similar price. If prioritizing the highest overall cleaning power, the Craftsman CMEPW2800 with its 3080 Cleaning Units may stand out for its exceptional cleaning efficiency among 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 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
- 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.
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.
