The Kärcher K4 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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Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI | 1900 |
| GPM | 1.5 |
| Cleaning Units | 2850 |
| Motor | 13 amp, induction |
| Pump | N-COR Axial |
| Other model numbers | 1.603-152.0 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Soap injection | Yes |
| Soap tank | Removable |
| Soap dilution | Adjustable |
| Nozzles | N/A |
| Quick connect nozzles | No |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 25 ft |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | Approx. 12 x 15.6 x 34.3 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 26.5 lbs |
| Wheels | 2 wheels |
| Included accessories | VPS wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, dirt blaster, detergent tank, 35 ft GFCI power cord |
| Security | Trigger lock |
| Warranty | 1 year |
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
In summary, the Kärcher K4 is a light to medium duty pressure washer, that offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and also:
- spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces or high reach areas
- cleaning of painted and fragile surfaces
- application of 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
With a 13 amp induction motor, its axial 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 (CETA-certified values), resulting in the Kärcher K4's cleaning power of 2850 Cleaning Units.
Since it is an electric pressure washer, the motor of the K4 is started simply by an ON/OFF switch. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included 35 ft GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
With its portable design and approximate dimensions of D12 x W15.6 x H34.3 in, the Kärcher K4 makes mobility one of its core strengths. The handle adds to the K4 convenience of transport.
The unit can be very easily carried around, as it weighs just 26.5 lbs. Among other factors, the plastic frame plays a role in this light weight. As if this lightweight wasn't enough, the device also features two wheels to further improve its ease of use and of transport.
Main Features
The Kärcher K4'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 is stored in a removable tank. The detergent dilution ratio can be manually selected, using a dial. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in low pressure mode.
- Pressure hose: A neat storage for the included 25 ft high-pressure hose is facilitated by a set of convenient hooks.
- Spray gun and wand: Both the classic ergonomic 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.
Other Features
Some of the included accessories
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: The Kärcher K4 comes with an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and some basic documentation to get you quickly started. On top of that, you also get power cord, DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt), wand, detergent tank, spray gun and pressure hose.
The Kärcher K4'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 compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The Karcher K4, a device which can produce up to 1900 PSI, is on the lower end of the pressure spectrum, among the electric pressure washers in the $195-255 price range. If your priority is the highest possible power of the water stream, in this price range, we suggest checking out the Sun Joe SPX4600, which reaches up to 3000 PSI.
- With a maximum GPM of 1.5 (gallons per minute), this washer belongs to the top in terms of water flow, in its respective price range. If you’re after the highest rinsing efficiency, one of the units with the highest water flow in the current price range is the Realm BY02-BIMK, that can deliver up to 1.75 GPM.
- With the K4's 2850 Cleaning Units (PSI x GPM), its cleaning efficiency range may be considered average, compared to electric units of similar price. 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 Realm BY02-BIMK and its 4550 Cleaning Units.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other electric washers between 2500 and 3000 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K4 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
- Detergent dilution mechanism
- High GPM for the price
- Decent CU for the price
- Low PSI 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 is covered under a warranty for up to 1 year. 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 contact the Kärcher Customer Support: 1-800-537-4129.
