Kärcher K5 FC - 2000 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
The Kärcher K5 FC is an electric pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 2000 PSI and flow of 1.2 GPM. (Read full specs)
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Description
The K 5 FC bridges the gap between consumer convenience and professional-grade power, making it the ideal choice for large estates, long driveways, and expansive multi-story homes. The heavy-duty aluminum pump is built for longevity, offering the durability needed for extended cleaning sessions while staying cool and efficient.
Zoom on the Kärcher K5 FC
In a nutshell, the Kärcher K5 FC is a light duty pressure washer, which not only offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, but that also allows:
- delicate surface cleaning, andbroad area cleaning with reduced pressure
- applying detergents and cleaning agents, and rinsing off surfaces
- spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces, and removing stubborn stains
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
Using a 13-amp universal motor, its aluminum axial cam pump delivers a pressure of up to 2000 PSI (roughly 33 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.2 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). When these values are taken together, they yield a cleaning power of 2400 Cleaning Units.
The K5 FC initiates operation effortlessly with a straightforward ON/OFF switch. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included 35 ft GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
Featuring a portable design and approximate dimensions of D11.7 x W13.6 x H33.4 in, the Kärcher K5 FC underscores its dedication to mobility. The handle adds to the K5 FC convenience of transport.
With its lightweight construction, tipping the scales at only 13.6 lbs, this unit is a portable powerhouse for all your cleaning needs. Its plastic frame plays a role in ensuring its lightweight profile. In addition to its lightweight build, the inclusion of two 2.4" solid wheels ensures easy mobility and handling.
Main Features
The Kärcher K5 FC's package includes a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose, 4 nozzles and a detergent injection feature, with a more detailed description below.
- Soap injection: While not equipped with a soap tank, the device maintains detergent supply through a siphon hose. Attachment of a soap nozzle prompts the pressure washer to automatically introduce and blend the detergent with the water. For additional convenience and versatility, the K5 FC also comes with a foam cannon.
- Pressure hose: For easy organization, the included 25 ft 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: The included classic ergonomic spray gun and its wand can be easily stored in a side hook.
- Nozzles: Refer to the table below for details on the 4 included nozzles and their recommended surface applications.
25° | 40° | Soap | Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete, brick, masonry | ||||
| Siding, gutters, house | ||||
| Fencing, deck, patio | ||||
| Lawn equipment, boat, RV |
Kindly note: The shapes of the nozzles depicted above are for illustrative purposes and may vary. Symbols indicate suitability, with a signifying 'Not recommended,' a for 'Suitable,' and an for 'Use with caution.'
Other Features
- Onboard storage: The Kärcher K5 FC features a handy storage area, which allows you to neatly store nozzles and accessories and be always prepared by having everything needed at hand.
- 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 K5 FC comes with wand, pressure hose, foam cannon (to add cleaning solutions to the water), power cord, garden hose adapter and spray gun.
The Kärcher K5 FC's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the Kärcher K5 FC compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- With its 2000 PSI max pressure output, the Kärcher K5 FC is in the expected pressure range, for electric units in the $170-200 price range. If the highest possible power of the water stream is your priority, one of the champions in this price range is the AR Blue Clean XP22500 with 2500 PSI.
- As this washer can produce a flow of water of 1.2 GPM (gallons per minute), it is typical in terms of water volume for the above-mentioned price range. 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 AR Blue Clean XM2400, with 1.9 GPM.
- The 2400 Cleaning Units (PSI X GPM), of the K5 FC sit at a typical, in reference to other electric units of similar price. When considering the importance of superior cleaning power, the Goodyear GYE22VT stands out with its 3630 Cleaning Units, boasting one of the highest cleaning efficiencies among similarly priced units.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other electric washers between 2000 and 2500 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K5 FC 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
- Portable
- Good range of nozzles included
- Additional foam cannon included
- Onboard storage
- Decent PSI for the price
- Decent GPM for the price
- Decent CU for the price
- No soap tank
Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Motor | 13-amp, universal |
| Pump | Axial Cam |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI | 2000 |
| GPM | 1.2 |
| Cleaning Units | 2400 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Pump material | Aluminum |
| Handling | Portable |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀2.4", solid |
| Weight | 13.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | Approx. 11.7 x 13.6 x 33.4 in (D x W x H) |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Soap injection | Via siphon hose |
|---|---|
| Nozzles | 25°, 40°, Soap, Turbo |
| Quick connect nozzles | Yes |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 25 ft |
| Security | Trigger lock |
|---|---|
| Included accessories | Wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, foam cannon, garden hose adapter, 35 ft GFCI power cord, 4 nozzles |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Other model numbers | 1.610-500.0 |
| UPC | 886622061137 |
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 K5 FC 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.


